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

IN THIS ARTICLE:

Dealing with stubborn acne breakouts can be a real downer, even when you're faithfully applying all the anti-acne creams and gels. But guess what? The color associated with sadness can potentially free your complexion of bothersome pimples and blemishes.

If you're looking to level up your skincare game, Blue LED light therapy is a reliable treatment with real results. All you need is 20 minutes a few times a week to see amazing results in just two to three weeks. No more fussing with creams and gels that sting or make your skin peel!

When it comes to breakouts, inflammation, redness, and pore size, LED light therapy has your back. Now, while in-clinic treatments can be super effective, at-home blue LED light therapy is a great option to level up your skin health on your own terms.

1. What is LED light therapy?

DEFINITION

LED light therapy uses UV-free, non-heating LED bulbs to treat different skin conditions. The light energy penetrates your skin and activates photoreceptors, which kickstarts natural cellular processes like collagen production, healing, and regeneration.

LED light therapy devices are equipped with specialized LED bulbs that emit light energy in a range of different wavelengths. These varying colors represent specific wavelengths of light that have the incredible ability to transform your skin at a cellular level. How does blue LED light therapy work? Just like photosynthesis in plants, the photoreceptors in your skin cells absorb this light energy as fuel for natural processes.

Among the various wavelengths, the two most powerful ones are red and blue. The acne-fighting blue light is particularly effective in soothing irritated and inflamed skin caused by mild to moderate acne.

2. How Does Blue LED Light Therapy Treat Acne?

What are some of the blue LED Light therapy benefits? Blue light zeroes in on the hair follicles, zapping away acne-causing bacteria and preventing new pimples from ruining your complexion. It sends a gentle message to your sebaceous glands, keeping oil production in check and giving your pores a tighter, more refined look.

Blue light is not just an acne-fighting hero, it's also a master soother. It calms down redness and inflammation, leaving your skin feeling comfortable. No stinging or any discomfort. It works seamlessly with your other skincare products, delivering the best results without any pesky side effects.

Blue LED light therapy for acne? Blue LED light therapy for rosacea? Yes! Blue light is also an all-around champion for other inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea and eczema.

3. 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.

4. Must-Try Blue LED Light Therapy Devices

Say goodbye to acne blues with these portable LED light therapy devices that 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: LightAura Plus LED 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.

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: LightAura Flex LED Face 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.

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 Wand

What it does: Blue light eliminates acne-causing bacteria. This FDA-cleared 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.

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 7 LED Light Therapy Face Mask

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.

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