Introduction: A Closer Look at LED Light Therapy and Skincare 

By now, you may be noticing LED masks appearing on your social media ads, and are beginning to grow curious about this groundbreaking advancement in skincare. But did you know this skincare hack has nearly extraterrestrial origins? In actuality, LED light therapy was originally discovered by NASA in the 1990’s in a study about plant growth in space shuttles! 

It was only later that scientists discovered the effects also helped people, and that LED light could improve wound healing and tissue growth. This led to LED light therapy being introduced as a medical and cosmetic treatment to address everything from tissue repair for injury to anti-aging. This transition from space research to cosmetic cure-all has everyone from dermatologists to skincare enthusiasts wondering what LED light therapy is really all about.. 

As the buzz grows louder around the amazing results of LED light therapy, more people are wanting to learn the science behind the hype. In this article, we will dive into LED light therapy, and dig deep into what it is, how it works, and what you can expect from at-home treatments using devices such as our own DermaGlow LED Mask.

What Is LED Therapy and How Does It Benefit Your Skin?

While the results of LED therapy might seem miraculous, LED therapy itself is simple to explain. LED therapy, or light-emitting diode therapy, is a treatment that uses precise wavelengths of light to go deep beneath the skin's surface. In skincare, LED light dives into skin to heal and renew your skin’s appearance. But what really makes LED therapy an innovation is how versatile it is in treating different skin concerns by harnessing the healing powers of the full color spectrum. Amazingly, different light spectrums, or colors, hold different healing effects! And because it’s non-invasive, LED therapy has become a sought-after solution across dermatologists' offices & medical spas. 

And with advancements in technology, there are now affordable options - like our DermaGlow - which people like you and I can use in the comfort of home! 

Illuminating the Science: How LED Therapy Transforms Skin Health

Some might call LED therapy miraculous with its ability to address everything from fine lines to acne scars. But what makes this single device so adaptable in treating such a wide variety of skin concerns? The secret lies within the science!

LED light therapy works wonders on the skin by harnessing the power of light to penetrate deep into the cells, a process known as photobiomodulation. This innovative technique stimulates the skin's cells, encouraging them to rejuvenate and repair themselves. By targeting specific layers of the skin with varying wavelengths, or visible colors or light, LED light therapy can promote collagen production, reduce inflammation, and destroy acne-causing bacteria, leading to skin health benefits including improved texture, tone, and overall appearance. In other words, as the light color changes, so too do the benefits you can expect! 

Scientific studies, such as those cited by the American Academy of Dermatology, have underscored the efficacy of LED therapy in skin rejuvenation and healing. Experts in dermatology and phototherapy emphasize that this non-invasive method enhances cellular metabolism and blood circulation, improving skin health without the painful side effects people have come to expect from many cosmetic skin treatments. The consensus among researchers is clear: LED light therapy represents a significant advancement in the pursuit of optimal skin health, offering a safe, effective, and scientifically backed treatment option for a variety of skin concerns.

So, Does LED Actually Work?: What the Studies and Testimonials Have to Say

On paper, LED light therapy appears as the philosopher's stone of skincare, promising to transform every skin issue it touches into gold. But when we look into the scientific research, what evidence is there to back up these claims?

Well, since its discovery, many peer-reviewed studies have been conducted testing the efficacy of LED light therapy in the realm of skincare. 

In 2023, researchers wanted to examine how red LED light affected women’s wrinkle depth, skin firmness, skin elasticity, pore size, and other markers of skin health. Following three months of bi-weekly LED light sessions, the clinical study found improvements in all measures of the womens’ skin quality, demonstrating red LED light as a clinically viable method to firm skin and reduce wrinkles. 

Other studies, particularly studies testing the effectiveness of blue LED light therapy, have shown that LED light therapy is effective in reducing the appearance of acne scars and relieving acne breakouts over time. While LED is a fairly recent discovery, the overall body of research surrounding LED light therapy collectively shows LED is a profoundly effective and safe skincare solution that can help address a diverse range of skin concerns.

How Safe is LED Light Therapy?

LED light therapy is as safe as it is convenient. According to the Healthline, The American Academy of Dermatologists, or AAD, have determined LED therapy to be a safe skincare treatment with minimal associated risks. 

And amazingly, unlike caustic chemical peels or microneedling, you can expect zero downtime following an LED treatment. In fact, any side effects from LED light therapy are very rare, and in clinical trials none were noted, making LED light therapy a very safe option for most people. 

It is worth noting that certain skin conditions and medications can interfere with the comfort and efficacy of LED therapy - so it’s always best to consult your professional if you have concerns. 

Concluding Thoughts: Embracing the Radiance of LED Therapy

Since leaving the space shuttle, LED light therapy has revolutionized the skincare industry with its ability to help people meet their skincare goals using the full spectrum of light, without the pain and downtime of other traditional skincare treatments. 

And with the availability of at-home devices, LED is now becoming a staple in people’s daily skincare routines. Backed by a solid foundation of research affirming its effectiveness and safety, LED therapy stands out not just in clinical studies but in the glowing testimonials of countless users who have witnessed its remarkable results firsthand. 

With its proven track record for healing skin on a cellular level, LED light therapy offers a promising option for anyone looking to elevate their skincare regimen. Whether you're battling specific skin issues or simply seeking a more radiant complexion, incorporating LED therapy could be the transformative step your skincare routine has been waiting for!

References

1. Whelan et al. (2001) detailing the transition of LED technology from space-based plant growth experiments to medical applications, including its efficacy in promoting wound healing and tissue growth https://epublications.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1249&context=dentistry_fac.  
2. Discusses the efficacy of LED therapy in skin rejuvenation, explaining how different wavelengths are used to target cellular components beneath the skin to improve its surface and structure: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14764170500370059.  
3. Article discussing the success of the dual-wavelength ADVATx laser system in a medical spa setting, emphasizing its safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness for various skin treatments: https://www.theaestheticguide.com/aesthetic-guide/medical-spa-success-dual-wavelength-laser-technology 
4. Source discussing how LED light therapy utilizes photobiomodulation to penetrate skin cells deeply and promote various skin health benefits: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1011134407000632?via%3Dihub.  
5. Peer-reviewed study detailing how red-light LED therapy improve skin quality of women over time: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/srt.13391. 
6. Article finding blue LED light therapy to be effective in reducing inflammatory acne lesions over time: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/14764172.2011.630081. 
7. Healthline article detailing basic facts and history surrounds LED light therapy and its use in cosmetic and dermatological settings: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/led-light-therapy#how-it-works.