Light-based therapies are the go-to solution for many people looking to solve skin conditions. It has grown to become an effective and non-invasive skincare option at home. With light therapy, you can solve issues like age lines, skin health, and inflammation.
Studies show that around 90% of patients who use red light therapy can see visible improvements within weeks of use. [Source: aad.org]
Light, especially red or infrared, penetrates the skin to speed up collagen production. This process boosts cellular repair.
This is what helps you get youthful skin and reduce wrinkles.
Now, you can find light therapy devices at home making this the ultimate solution to solving skin issues and pain.
So let’s tell you how you achieve visible results with non-invasive treatments like light therapy in the perfect way!
Understanding Light-Based Treatments for Skin Health
What Are Light-Based Treatments?
Light-based treatments use specific wavelengths of light to heal various skin issues. Each type of light be it red, blue, or laser have benefits unique to them.
- Red light reaches the deep layers of the skin to increase collagen production, cellular repair, and blood circulation.
- Blue light primarily treats surface-level issues like acne, breakouts, and inflammation.
- Laser treatments, on the other, like intense pulsed light (IPL) and fractional lasers, use concentrated beams of light to treat hyperpigmentation, scars, and wrinkles.
Unlike LED-based therapies, lasers use heat to remove damaged skin cells through professional sessions.
How Does Light Interact with Skin Cells?
Light-based treatments kickstart cellular functions in our skin in different ways.
- Improve Mitochondrial Activity: When red light penetrates the skin, it reaches mitochondria and boosts the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This process generates more energy that helps repair our skin
- Anti-Inflammation: Both red and blue light wavelengths can be used to reduce inflammation. Blue light works on the skin’s surface to kill bacteria that cause acne. Red light, on the other hand, can reduce redness and inflammation.
- Cell Regeneration: Light therapy can also improve cell turnover, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the effects of stress on the skin. With time your skin regenerates to give better tone and texture.
Different Types of Light-Based TreatmentsDescribed
Red Light Therapy (RLT)
RLT is used to rejuvenate skin by reducing signs of aging.
Wavelengths in the 630–660 nm range penetrate the skin to boost collagen production.
This improves skin elasticity, firmness, and texture. Other than this RLT can also be used to treat skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema.
You can find many devices professionally and to use at home for Red light therapy.
Blue Light Therapy
Blue light therapy is less intense and can be used to treat treat acne and manage oily skin.
Its wavelength between 400 and 490 nm can kill bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) that cause acne. By destroying these bacteria, blue light reduces acne breakouts and inflammation.
Blue light therapy can also regulate sebaceous gland activity.
By reducing excessive oil production, your skin is no longer clogged, a prime reason for breakouts. You can get at-home face masks or professional devices at clinics for blue light therapy.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are generally more intense than LED light therapies.
They are primarily done professionally and can be used to address specific skin concerns by promoting collagen production.
There are three main types of laser treatments:
- Ablative Lasers: These lasers remove the outer layers of skin to promote skin growth. They are great at removing deep wrinkles, scars, and sun damage.
- Non-Ablative Lasers: Non-ablative lasers target deeper skin layers without removing the surface layer. This can be useful for getting rid of fine lines, pigmentation, and mild wrinkles.
- Fractional Lasers: Fractional lasers treat only a fraction of the skin’s surface. These create tiny columns of thermal damage that stimulate the skin’s natural healing process. This can also be used to treat wrinkles and age lines.
How Do Light-Based Treatments Produce Visible Results?
Cellular Regeneration and Collagen Production
Boosting Collagen for Skin Firmness
Collagen is a protein that gives our skin its structure and elasticity. This diminishes with age leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Through red light therapy (RLT) and certain laser treatments, you can increase collagen production which makes the skin more firm with time. Similar to RLT, non-ablative and fractional lasers work on similar principles but use heat to boost collagen.
Accelerating Skin Cell Renewal
Light-based treatments speed up the natural process of skin cell turnover. Red light therapy pushes the body to replace old, damaged cells faster with fresh, healthy cells. This is particularly beneficial for removing scars, sun damage, and other problems on the skin surface.
Pigmentation and Tone Improvement
Lightening Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation
In many cases, light therapy can target melanin which gives our skin its color. By controlling melanin you effectively reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Laser treatments can also be used to break down melanin clusters and remove dark spots but are a far stronger alternative to red light therapy.
Evening Out Skin Tone
Red light therapy can help maintain skin tone through its regenerative effects. During therapy, your skin will produce new cells even out skin texture and tone.
Acne Reduction and Pore Shrinking
Killing Acne-Causing Bacteria with Blue Light
Blue light therapy is great for treating acne as it can kill the bacteria that cause it. Blue light targets and destroys P. acnes to manage breakouts and prevent new ones from forming
Minimizing Pore Appearance
Laser treatments are particularly useful in reducing enlarged pores. Laser light can stimulate collagen in the dermis around each pore through heat to “tighten” the skin.
What to Expect in Terms of Visible Results and Timeline
Immediate Effects vs. Long-Term Results
Short-Term Outcomes
In many cases, you can see visible results within weeks of use. Red light therapy can temporarily reduce redness and give the skin a firmer look. Blue light therapy can reduce inflammation around active acne spots after a single session.
Cumulative Benefits Over Time
For the best results, you need to give time for results to show up. The general rule of thumb is to expect results from 4 to 6 weeks of regular use. For laser treatments, you may notice pigmentation fading after 4 to 8 sessions. You can see the best results within three months after completing the treatment.
Factors That Influence Treatment Results
Skin Type and Condition
Your skin type plays a big role in how fast you will see results. People with fair skin often see faster results when treating pigmentation. People with sensitive or acne-prone skin types may feel some sort of redness or dryness after sessions. On the other hand, people with existing skin conditions like psoriasis need to be patient as these do not go away that easily.
Treatment Consistency and Duration
Just like medicine, you need to let the treatment work its magic. The key to getting results is to follow a treatment regimen of a minimum of two to three sessions per week. Red light therapy may need to be an ongoing process for months until you can see results.
Safety and Side Effects of Light-Based Treatments
Common Side Effects and Precautions
Temporary Redness or Swelling
It’s common to notice mild redness or swelling after treatments. This is especially true for laser therapies or intense blue light sessions. This happens as the skin’s blood vessels dilate in response to the treatment. However, these go away within a few hours to a day. For quick relief, you can apply moisturizer post-treatment to reduce irritation.
Sensitivity to Sunlight Post-Treatment
In some cases, light therapy can temporarily increase skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Again, this is more prominent after laser treatments. As skin sensitivity increases the skin’s surface and underlying layers, are more prone to sun damage. Make sure you use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and wear protective clothing for a few days post-treatment.
Who Should You Avoid Light-Based Treatments?
People with certain skin types should stay away from light therapy especially those with active skin infections, severe eczema, or a recent sunburn. Also if you are photosensitive or are on medications that increase sensitivity to light stay away from these treatments. Some laser treatments may also not be ideal for those with darker skin tones. People with darker skin tones have a risk of hyperpigmentation.
Consult with a Dermatologist
As with any other type of treatment, it is best to consult with a doctor before trying light therapy. Although it is safe, you should not start a course without knowing what is best for you. A dermatologist will always tell you what you need to do, any special consideration for your skin type and the ideal.
Choosing the Right Light-Based Treatment for Your Skin Goals
Key Considerations for Different Skin Concerns
Here is a quick rundown of what types of therapy you may need according to the condition that needs to be treated.
- Anti-Aging and Skin Firmness: A combination of red light therapy and Laser Therapy can help create firmer and smoother skin.
- Acne and Oil Control: Blue light therapy is best for surface-level acne problems.
- Pigmentation and Tone: Laser therapy, specifically Intense Pulsed Light treatments can quickly target melanin in dark spots and break it down.
At-Home Devices vs. Professional Treatments
Differences in Power and Efficacy
If you take the professional route, you will find many high-powered devices that can be used to treat multiple problems. In-office devices can be very effective in solving scarring, pigmentation, and severe wrinkles. On the other hand, at-home devices are less powerful but can still get the job done over a longer period.
Best At-Home Light-Based Devices
Here are a few great products to consider if you want to buy a light therapy device at home.
- PlatinumLED BIO Series: These devices come in various sizes and can be used for targeted or full-body treatments
- PlatinumLED BIOMAX Series: The BIOMAX series brings five different wavelengths to the table making it a more versatile device overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see visible results from light-based treatments?
With proper form and routine, you can expect to see results within 4 to 8 weeks depending on the condition being treated.
Are light-based treatments safe for sensitive skin?
Although light-based treatments are generally safe, they may not be suitable for sensitive skin. Consult a doctor before use.
Can light-based treatments work for all skin tones?
Light-based treatments can work well across all skin tones with minor adjustments here and there.
Is there any downtime after light-based treatments?
LED-based treatments like red and blue light therapy do not have downtime. However, the case is the opposite for laser treatment.
How do I know which light-based treatment is best for me?
First consult a doctor to assess your skin type, after that, you can let the doctor decide which treatment will be the best one for you.
Get Ready To See Result With Time!
All forms of light-based treatments come as a blessing in the world of skincare. The fact that they are science-backed, solidifies their efficacy in the industry. For results what you need you need to know is the type of skin you have, the right therapy for your condition, and proper care after sessions!
