By Kendall Farr, Licensed Esthetician, SPADA Skincare
If you are interested in the latest in skin care, you may have been reading a lot about the use of LED light, a buzzed about technology that enhances the level of care in esthetic treatments. If it sounds a little space age – well, it is. First developed for clinical use by NASA back in the nineties to help heal astronauts’ skin wounds, LED (Light Emitting Diodes) light therapy utilizes different wavelengths of infrared light to treat the skin. Unlike UV light which is associated with skin cancer and premature and accelerated aging, LED light is the visible spectrum of light which can have real benefits for the skin. Two decades of research have documented that harnessing the power of LED tech promotes collagen and elastin production (goodbye fine lines) and stimulates the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid production (hello, plumper skin). So, if you ‘ve wondered – is a facial with a light treatment worth it? In a word, yes. Here’s a breakdown:
What IS LED Light Exactly?
Light masks and medical grade light panels (we use both in our skin treatments) provide a non-invasive technology known as phototherapy which utilizes different colors of LED lights to target specific skin concerns. Each color of light has a unique wavelength which penetrates the skin at different depths to trigger specific cellular responses. It works like this: the longer the wavelength of light, the deeper the penetration into the skin. Your cells absorb the light emitted by the device triggering a range of biochemical reactions in the skin. Different colors of light have been studied for their skin-improving effects. Here are some key benefits:
Red Light/ Near Infrared Light
Red LED light therapy stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production in the skin. Collagen – the skin’s structural foundation, is a protein that plays a pivotal role in maintaining skin’s elasticity, firmness, and youthful appearance. As we age, the natural production of collagen in our bodies gradually diminishes. By stimulating collagen production, red light therapy can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and even scars. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation. Lowering inflammation can also have a calming effect for skin conditions like rosacea.
Blue Light
Utilized for its effectiveness in treating acne, blue light targets the bacteria responsible for causing acne (P.acnes bacteria). Interestingly, acne-causing bacteria emit a photosensitizer which makes them exceptionally sensitive to light and vulnerable to damage by targeted wavelengths. When exposed to blue light, acne bacteria produce less of the inflammatory chemicals that cause acne in the first place, ultimately reducing breakouts and inflammation.
More Benefits
Another benefit of light therapy is enhanced blood circulation in the skin. Improved circulation can promote a healthier complexion and contribute to better nutrient delivery to skin cells. Serums like Vitamin C, for example, benefit from a more effective delivery into the dermis layer of the skin. LED light therapy is safe for all skin colors and types and side effects like dryness are very uncommon.
LED / Light Therapy Treatment Options at SPADA
The Red Light Facial
After a deep cleanse, exfoliation, and facial massage, masking is applied in two stages: 10 minutes of a red-light mask to deeply penetrate the skin at the cellular level followed by a hydrating mask for deep barrier support. Light therapy is progressive and most effective if it is done consistently and often.
Try an Add-on of Red Light With Most G.M. Collin Treatments
Some recommendations: While LED/Red light compliments any of our treatment facials it is an ideal add-on to soothe mild inflammation after a Derm Renewal Peel Facial or a Dermaplane Facial. Additionally, it’s an effective way to boost the penetration of the L Ascorbic Acid in G.M. Collin’s Sea C Spa Facial.
Acne Facial:
The Acne Facial is recommended for those with active acne infection in need of extensive extractions. Deep cleansing, steam, and a salicylic acid peel is followed by up to 30 minutes of extractions to thoroughly address comedones and pore congestion. Masking is applied in two stages: A LED/ blue light mask is first applied to kill bacteria at the cellular level followed by a soothing clay or charcoal mask to further draw out any impurities.
HydraFacial Deluxe
During a HydraFacial Deluxe, a LightStim Light Therapy Panel delivers 16 minutes of rejuvenating, professional LED light therapy for cell stimulation to address wrinkles (red/amber) or acne ( blue/red). Light therapy amplifies the effectiveness of the patented sequence of solutions that exfoliate, peel, and provide deep hydration with a booster followed by a saturating hyaluronic acid and multi-peptide formulation that bathes the skin in lasting moisture.
LED light therapy is a therapeutic boost for skin function. Multi benefits with zero discomfort and no downtime. What could be better? Book a treatment here.