How to Treat Your Acne Using Light Therapy (No Creams, No Gels)

IN THIS ARTICLE:

01 How Does LED Light Therapy Work?
02 Does Blue LED Light Therapy Treat Acne?
03 Is LED Light Therapy Safe And Effective?
04 Try These Project E Beauty LED Light Devices

There is no overnight cure for acne. What makes this condition more frustrating is the fact that new treatments often require a trial period of 28 to 30 days as the skin renews itself. That’s a month of religiously applying creams, gels, and other products that will go to waste if the treatment doesn’t work for you.

Blue LED light therapy is an effective treatment method that can flawlessly fit into your skincare regimen. It can help improve the look and feel of acne-prone skin when used for up to 20 minutes per session, in as little as two to three weeks. No more topical applications, just a portable device that won’t sting or make your skin peel as you await results.

By using various wavelength colors to target specific skin issues, LED light therapy can control breakouts, soothe inflammation, reduce redness and minimize pore size. While in-clinic treatments may be more powerful, blue LED light therapy offers a great way to improve skin health from the comfort of your home at your own time.

How Does LED Light Therapy Work?

The use of colored LED light as a method of treatment has been around since the early 1990s. This technology was first introduced in the hospital setting as a medication to help alleviate pain and accelerate wound healing. Fast forward to this day, LED light therapy has become more accessible to people in either in-clinic or at-home procedures.

What is LED light therapy?

DEFINITION

LED light therapy is the use of UV-free, non-heating LED bulbs to treat a variety of skin conditions. The light energy that penetrates the skin activates photoreceptors which then triggers natural cellular processes such as collagen production, healing, and regeneration.

LED light therapy devices are equipped with LED bulbs that emit light energy in different wavelengths. The different colors in most devices are the wavelengths of light that are capable of transforming the skin at the cellular level. Similar to photosynthesis in plants, photoreceptors in skin cells absorb light energy which serves as their fuel for natural processes.

The two most powerful wavelengths are red and blue. Red is known as the anti-aging light that penetrates the dermis to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The acne-fighting blue light is suitable for irritated and inflamed skin caused by mild to moderate acne. Depending on the device, other visible light colors may include green, yellow, purple, cyan, and white, also with their own therapeutic benefits.

Does Blue LED Light Therapy Treat Acne?

Blue light, in particular, is very effective for mild to moderate acne. This wavelength acts on the hair follicle, eliminating acne-causing bacteria to prevent the formation of new pimples. While doing this, blue light also signals the sebaceous glands to control oil production. This action helps rid the pores of excess oil - which gives off the shrinking effect.

While acne heals, exposure to blue light also helps calm down inflammation and redness. It soothes the skin, does not sting, or cause any uncomfortable sensation. Blue LED light therapy is a great addition to your acne-fighting routine as it works well with other skincare products giving you the best results with no side effects.

Anti-inflammatory properties make blue light a safe and effective treatment for other inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema. It can also help relieve itchy skin.

Is LED Light Therapy Safe And Effective?

Before purchasing your first LED light therapy device, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of having one and undergoing the actual treatment. The first question that should be on your list: is it safe?

LED light therapy enthusiasts can attest to not feeling any type of discomfort after therapy sessions. Unlike other in-clinic skincare treatments that can leave you feeling a bit disoriented and may require a period of rest, non-invasive light therapy is a lunchtime procedure that allows you to go back into your normal routine right away.

You can also cross out potential long-term skin damage as the bulbs used for all types of light therapy devices are all UV-free and non-heating. To further give you peace of mind, a 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology confirms that phototherapy using an LED device displays an excellent safety profile.

What about its effectiveness? NASA first took interest in red LED light due to its healing properties. High-intensity red and near-infrared LED bulbs accelerated healing by boosting the production of growth-factor proteins such as collagen and elastin. Today, the same technology is still being used in cosmetic applications.

Try These Project E Beauty LED Light Devices

Portable LED light therapy devices can easily fit into any type of skincare routine. To help you begin your LED light therapy journey, here are various anti-acne and anti-aging devices from the leading beauty brand Project E Beauty.

Effective acne-fighting and more: Photon Skin Rejuvenation Face & Neck Mask

What it does: This face and neck mask pairing offers seven LED light colors. Experience the anti-blemish properties of blue light, the anti-aging effects of red light, the inflammatory effects of cyan, brightening yellow, purple for improved circulation, and white for relaxation.

Pick this: painless, non-invasive, no downtime, fully wireless, portable, comes with a dedicated neck panel, 99 (face) + 40 (neck) LED bulbs

Takes care of: blemish and acne-prone skin, skin showing signs of aging (wrinkles, fine lines, droopy/saggy skin), dull and dry skin - choose a wavelength color depending on your skin type and skin concerns

The comfiest skin rejuvenation experience: LED Light Therapy Mask - Silicone

What it does: This ultra-comfortable LED light therapy mask comes with 2 visible light colors: blue and red. Blue light helps treat acne-prone skin and has a calming and soothing effect on inflamed skin. Red light helps speed up skin cell regeneration and enhance collagen production for better anti-aging effects.

Pick me: flexible silicone material, snug fit, easy one-button operation, portable and ultralight design, equipped with 66 LED bulbs

Takes care of: blemish and acne-prone skin, skin showing signs of aging (wrinkles, fine lines, droopy/saggy skin), sun-damaged skin, dry and rough skin

Goodbye zits and blemishes: LumaGlow | Blue LED Light Therapy

What it does: Blue light eliminates acne-causing bacteria. This handheld LED light therapy device can treat mild to moderate acne, regulate oil control, and calm down inflammation and irritation caused by acne and blemishes.

Pick me: FDA-cleared device for safety and effectiveness, painless, non-invasive, no downtime, fully wireless, portable, for use on the face and body, with 2 operating modes: continuous and pulsating, with 44 LED bulbs

Takes care of: mild to moderate acne, blemishes, oily skin, inflamed and irritated skin, sensitive skin types, large pores

Transformation in the palm of your hand: Lumamask LED Light Therapy

What it does: Elevate your skincare game with this 7-color LED light mask that’s very easy to use. It’s an all-in-one facial rejuvenation mask that targets common skin concerns in the most convenient way. Choose from red, blue, green, cyan, yellow, purple, and white mix.

Pick me: convenient design that covers the entire face for maximum benefits, wireless operation, with built-in goggles, one-touch control, ultralight, with 36 LED bulbs

Takes care of: blemish and acne-prone skin, oily skin, large pores, skin showing signs of aging (wrinkles, fine lines, droopy/saggy skin), dull and dry skin - choose a light color for your skin’s needs

written by Charlotte Rycroft