By Shannon Campbell.
When it comes to new cosmetic technologies, there are all kinds of treatments being introduced on the market. It’s hard enough to know if any of the treatments work. But what about safety?
In the past there have been some treatments, even non-invasive ones, that can cause damaging side effects if used improperly. So it’s understandable that you want to know whether a technology you’re considering is safe for use.
Light therapy is a cosmetic and medical treatment that is slowly becoming more common in medical spas and clinics around the world. But for those who aren't experienced with the technology, there are still many questions to be asked.
What Is Light Therapy, and What is it Used For?
Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, involves the use of LED (light-emitting diode) lights to treat skin problems such as acne, inflammation, aging, psoriasis, rosacea, and more. It is a subset of photodynamic therapy, which is often used to treat more serious medical issues.
In this treatment, varying wavelengths/spectrums of red and infrared light are emitted, and these light waves are absorbed by the skin. These light waves trigger natural intracellular reactions in the targeted areas, depending on what type of light is used.
Most treatments tend to utilize red and blue light (as they are perceived by the naked eye), but amber, green, and yellow light can also be used. Red light is used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, while blue light has typically been used to treat mild to moderate acne. Blue light has also been shown to have some antimicrobial effects and can be used to prevent break-outs.
Please keep in mind that light therapy is not used in the same way to treat SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), and sleep disorders. These forms of light treatment are different and should not be taken as interchangeable.
Is it Safe for Your Skin?
The consensus within both the medical and cosmetic communities is that light therapy is a very safe tool for skin rejuvenation. The effects of LED light therapy on hair and skin were explored in a 2018 study published in the scientific journal Lasers in Medical Science. They came to the conclusion that LED therapy “represents the emerging and safest tool for the treatment of many conditions such as skin inflammatory conditions, aging, and disorders linked to hair growth.”
LED light therapy treatment, technology, and even at-home devices are fully FDA-approved. Because LED lights for cosmetic use don’t contain UV light, they can be used safely and regularly on the skin. There are also reported to be few if any side effects of the treatment.
Final Thoughts
All evidence seems to point to LED light therapy as a safe, reliable, and effective treatment for acne, aging skin, and other skin-related conditions. You should note that the results of LED treatment are not permanent, and you should consult with your doctor or dermatologist for the best-combined results.
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line at-home skin treatment device, consider either the EvenSkyn® Cosmo or Lumo. Both devices utilize the latest light therapy to treat aging and acne respectively. Try the Cosmo to defend against wrinkles and sagging skin with a blue and red light combination, or the Lumo acne-killing blue light treatment.
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