LED Light Therapy for Acne
Can LED light therapy really help my acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that affects up to 80% of adolescents and adults. It occurs when the hair follicles on the skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, resulting in pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. There are hundreds treatments that exist in today’s health market for acne but lots of them can be harsh to your skin and internal organs as well as having unwanted side effects. If you are looking for a safe, effective, alternative treatment, LED light therapy can be beneficial for more than just treating your acne.
How does LED light therapy work?
LED light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to target and kill the bacteria responsible for causing acne. During an LED light treatment, a device emitting specific wavelengths of light is placed over the face or affected area. The light is absorbed by the skin, which triggers a cellular response.
Here’s how led light therapy works to treat acne:
Blue light targets acne-causing bacteria: with a wavelength of 405-420 nm, blue light can penetrate the skin to a necessary depth of 1mm, killing bacteria.
Red light reduces inflammation: Red light has a wavelength of 620-750 nm and can penetrate the skin to a deeper depth of 3-5 mm. This assists in the reduction of inflammation in the skin tissues and can help with healing and minimizing the appearance of acne scars.
Near-infrared light promotes healing: Next, the near-infrared light (with a wavelength of 750-1000 nm) penetrates the skin to a depth of 5-10 mm, which promotes healing and further reduces inflammation.
Benefits of LED Light Therapy:
Specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular activity more effectively than alternative options
The light triggers a healing response that helps repair damaged cells and promote the growth of new skin cells
Highly effective in killing acne causing bacteria
Reduces inflammation and redness of the skin
Promotes healing with visible results in as few as 3 treatments
Stimulates collagen production improving overall appearance and texture of the skin
Is LED light therapy safe?
The short answer is, YES!
LED light therapy is typically safe for most people. It is a non-invasive treatment that does not use chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or heat, which can cause damage to the delicate tissues of the skin. LED light therapy is also painless and does not require any downtime, which makes it a convenient treatment option for those with busy schedules.
To note: People with certain skin conditions, such as rosacea or eczema, may experience an exacerbation of their symptoms after LED light therapy. In very severe cases of acne, LED light therapy may not be as effective.
It is always best to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before undergoing any type of skin treatment, including LED light therapy.
ABOUT SCOTTSDALE INTEGRATIVE ACUPUNCTURE + DR. SHELLEY O’DELL-BROCK, DAc, lac
Scottsdale Integrative Acupuncture was created to help clients look and feel their best, naturally. Owner, Dr. Shelley O’Dell-Brock, DAc, LAc, offers a holistic approach to stress reduction, pain management, and natural beauty. She uses ancient solutions for modern healing, empowering her patients to take charge of their own health. Offering cosmetic acupuncture, Gua Sha, and essential acupuncture, Scottsdale I.A. is Scottsdale’s preferred choice for natural healthcare. Your holistic health journey begins, and continues at Scottsdale Integrative Acupuncture.