Red light therapy has enjoyed a recent spike in popularity due to its efficacy as a multi-faceted and versatile skin corrective treatment.
Treatments with LED light therapy machines are both natural and completely non-invasive, however this in no way diminishes its powerful anti-ageing and regenerative capabilities. Read on to discover the healing power of red light and what it can do for your skin!
Space age origins
LED and the practical application of light therapy for use on the body originated back in the 1980s when Nasa first began experimenting with LED. Nasa scientists were exploring different ways to photosynthesis plants to be able to grow them in space. During their work, they accidently discovered that LED (otherwise known as light emitting diodes) could be used to heal the human body also!
The word about LED and its healing properties continued to grow and in the 1990s, the US Navy Seals began to further explore its possible medical applications for the body. Before long, it was discovered that LED could heal wounds faster by regenerating damaged tissue. Depending on the colour of the light and the wavelength used, it was discovered that the different colours each trigger a corresponding and unique cellular response within the body, thus assisting the skin’s natural healing and rejuvenation process.
Since then, LED has gained immense traction over the past several years as both a wellness practice and an increasingly popular skin treatment due to its versatility and effectiveness at treating a multitude of different skin conditions.
LED machines use specific wavelengths, with the various colours triggering different and unique healing reactions within the body. Red LED is probably the most well-known, in part due to its wide versatility and scope. For starters, red light can address tired and dull-looking skin as well as working to reduce the severity of wrinkles, including dynamic lines and expression lines.
Red light also stimulates blood flow and circulation, enhances cellular communication, and increases lymphatic flow and ATP production. Responsible for delivering energy to parts of the body, ATP is an organic compound that plays a vital role in assisting the skin regenerate itself. In addition, red light also reduces the enzyme that is responsible for breaking down collagen.
As we get older and gravity takes its toll, our bodies’ collagen and elastin production rate slow right down, meaning we produce less and less often. This leads to an increase in fine lines, volume loss, and lax, saggy skin. Thankfully, red light treatments work to combat this by helping to boost collagen production levels within the body. In order to do this, red light specifically targets cells known as fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are responsible for collagen production and by encouraging them to produce more collagen, skin is refreshed, plumped, and rejuvenated.
LED light therapy is safe for all skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
Whilst LED therapy can be used as a standalone treatment, it can be layered with other facials or treatments as well. It can also be used as an add-on service to treat and fast-track skin’s healing post laser, IPL or peel treatments, or as part of a layer facial.
Convenient and safe
LED light therapy is safe for all skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin. LED light-based therapy is pain-free, non-invasive and requires no post-treatment recovery or downtime, making it an attractive solution for those looking to treat their skin concerns.
One of the many benefits of LED red light therapy is that unlike other forms of light-based treatments, LED machines do not contain ultraviolet rays – making it completely safe and suitable for regular use. Speak to your practitioner if you happen to be on medication that can increase your skin’s sensitivity to light, but otherwise it is a safe option for all skin types.
In terms of price, a single red light LED treatment can be between $50-150, depending on where you are located and if it’s combined with any other treatments or services. Sessions are usually 20-30 minutes long and your treatment provider may recommend a course of several treatments, dependant on what your unique skin goals are. Red light can be used on the face and neck as well as other parts of the body such as back, décolleté, and hands.
This article was brought to you in partnership with beauty suppliers, The Global Beauty Group. To find out more about professional LED light therapy machines or to find a treatment specialist in your area, please visit their website theglobalbeautygroup.com.au.
