LED Red Light Therapy

LED Red light therapy is a skin care treatment being offered as an alternative to physician-administered laser therapy. Most studies involving LED red light therapy revolve around the treatment of acne, rosacea, and of its ability to get rid of wrinkles. Studies suggest that concentrated red light is absorbed by the mitochondria in the cells and stimulates the generation of more collagen: the building block of skin structure.

LED Light therapy was first discovered by NASA astronauts as a way to grow plants in space. It has since been used for the treatment of certain psychiatric conditions and sleep disorders. LED Red light therapy in dermatology was investigated as doctors noticed an increasing amount of patients who were immune to the normal antibiotic treatments used to get rid of acne. The studies recently expanded to observe whether LED red light therapy can also be used to get rid of wrinkles.

Interaction of LED Red Light Therapy wavelenghts with the skin

How Is LED Red Light Therapy Administered?

LED Red light therapy treatments can be administered as both: professional skin care procedures in doctors’ offices and as at-home treatments. Some salons and spas have tanning beds that have been equipped with red lights for LED light therapy.

LED Red light therapy is a derivative of color light therapy, which involves shining red, blue, or violet light directly on a patient. Some treatments also involve the use of lights flashing at high frequency.

Are At-Home LED Light Therapy Devices Effective?

Devices that offer red light therapy at home can be purchased over-the-counter, but physicians warn patients that the devices may contain a small emitter that can only treat small areas of skin at any given time. Also, an at-home treatment requires that the patient sit still for long periods of time in order to achieve best results, making any large scale treatment a difficult, time consuming venture.

What Are the Risks of LED Red Light Therapy?

The FDA has indicated that there are not many side effects associated with the use of red light therapy. Physicians recommend that people who have photosensitivity use caution when undergoing red light therapy.

Before beginning red light treatment, make sure to talk with esthetician and disclose all prescription and over-the-counter medication you are taking.

The article above came from The Dermatology Review, a comprehensive resource on skin care products, cosmetic ingredients and beauty how to’s.  http://www.thedermreview.com/the-derm-review/