LED light therapy is a popular noninvasive skin treatment for acne, sun damage, wounds, and other skin problems.

People can choose to have LED light therapy at a dermatologist’s office or to use a device at home.

The treatment uses varying wavelengths of light to trigger the skin’s natural healing processes to repair the skin. Several treatments are necessary to see results.

In this article, we explore how LED light therapy works and who might be a good candidate. We also cover the possible side effects.

What is it?

Due to a lack of UV rays, it is safe to undergo LED therapy regularly.
LED stands for light-emitting diode. These lights have been in use since the 1960s, but people have only recently begun to use them as a skin treatment.

NASA originally developed LED lights for plant growth experiments in space.

However, since then, LEDs have shown promising results in wound healing and human tissue growth.

Different wavelengths of light in LED lights, including blue and red, penetrate the skin at different depths. This penetration may trigger biological processes that help the skin rejuvenate and heal.

Blue light
Experts believe that blue LED light reduces activity in the sebaceous glands, which are small oil-producing glands in the skin. This reduction in activity causes the glands to produce less oil, possibly improving acne symptoms.

Blue light may also kill a type of bacteria that contributes to acne by causing inflammation.

Animal research indicates that blue light can improve the healing of third degree burns.

Red light
Red LED light may improve scarring and signs of aging, such as wrinkles. It may do this by acting on fibroblasts, which are skin cells that are responsible for collagen production.

Collagen is a protein in the skin and other connective tissues. It plays a role in skin healing. The body produces less collagen as a person ages, which causes the skin to show signs of aging.

Red light also reduces skin inflammation.

Uses and benefits
LED light therapy can help treat a variety of skin problems, including:

acne
dermatitis
dull skin
eczema
psoriasis
rosacea
scarring
signs of aging, including wrinkles and age spots
sun damage
wound healing
other inflammatory skin conditions
One of the main benefits of LED light therapy is its safety record. According to research, LED light therapy has an excellent safety profile.

It does not contain UV rays, which can be harmful to the skin. Therefore, LED therapy is suitable for regular use.

Unlike chemical peels or laser therapy, LED light therapy does not cause burns. The treatment is also safe for all types and colors of skin.