A comprehensive beginner guide to the world of LED light therapy
Nothing has brought the Skinsmiths team more unadulterated joy recently than the experience of ripping open our at-home LED Facial Masks. And this is mainly because, in our decades of skincare experience and passion, beauty has boomed. You know that scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows when they’re in the Goblin-run bank vault and everything they touch multiplies into thousands? I feel this is a niche but apt metaphor for the beauty industry today, we are simultaneously thrilled but equally crushed by the sheer weight of treasures and products constantly flooding the market.
But, even though there are way more products available than there are faces available to wear them, ever so often a product or treatment comes along and it makes even the most jaded skincare fanatic stop and take note. And in the past five years, it’s difficult to think of one that’s had more of an impact on the world of beauty than LED light therapy. That’s because there truly is no one product that has a greater ability to elevate your bathroom cabinet and make you feel like you have your stuff together than investing in an at-home LED mask. Clear skin and full hearts can’t lose team.
But if you’ve yet to take the plunge into this futuristic metaverse of skincare, here’s a beginner's guide to everything LED. From what it is, to how it works, here’s everything you need to know about this decade's most impactful beauty trend.
What is LED light therapy?
Let’s start with the basics. LED stands for light-emitting diode, and the therapy works by exposing the skin to specific wavelengths of light to stimulate natural processes in the body. Interestingly, this revolutionary treatment was originally developed by NASA, shockingly not for skin care, but to help plants grow in space.
But, as tends to happen when it comes to new tech, over time, scientists discovered that the same technology could be used for non-invasive healing and rejuvenation for human skin. By emitting light at different wavelengths, LED therapy can penetrate the skin at varying depths, triggering biological reactions that address a host of skin issues.
How does LED light therapy benefit our skin?
Fighting ance and breakouts
Blue LED light is a game-changer for acne-prone skin. It works by targeting and eliminating acne-causing bacteria, helping to clear up existing breakouts as well as preventing future ones. Blue light also helps regulate oil production, which can contribute to a healthier, more balanced complexion. Over time, regular sessions can dramatically reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts, leaving your skin clearer and more resilient. For those who have suffered from acne for a long time, it’s hard to believe how much of a difference blue light can make, but you’ll have to trust us on this one - it really is the unicorn of acne treatments.
Boosts collagen
Red LED light is renowned for its anti-aging properties. By stimulating fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen and elastin production, it helps improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen is the protein that gives your skin its plump, youthful look, but as we age, its production sadly naturally declines which can lead to sagging and more wrinkles. Red light therapy supports the skin’s natural repair processes, helping to restore firmness and smoothness over time, while also just giving you an overall more youthful appearance.
Calms sensitive skin
For those with sensitive or irritated skin it can be pretty frustrated to be locked out a lot of the heavy-lifting treatments and products due to potential flareups. But the good news is that LED light therapy does not fall into this category, and actually the red light in particular can be extremely beneficial. These wavelengths have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe redness and calm conditions like rosacea or sunburn. By promoting the skin’s natural healing processes, LED light therapy can help restore balance and comfort to even the most delicate skin types.
Improves skin texture and tone
Skin texture and tone is one of those things that’s quite hard to describe but you know when you see someone with a great complexion if that makes sense. LED light therapy can help you become that person by boosting cellular turnover, it works to remove dull, dead skin cells and encourages the growth of fresh, healthy ones. This results in smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin.
At home LED devices
What was once limited to the four walls of professional skincare clinics and professional treatment rooms is now available at home, thanks to innovative devices like the Skinsmiths LED Facial Mask. The convenience of being able to treat your skin at home is a game-changer, particularly for those with busy schedules or limited access to a clinic. And while there is still absolutely a time and a place (AKA Caci Clinic) (more on that later) for your in-clinic treatments, an at-home device will work just as well if you’re consistent with using it.
The Skinsmiths mask combines red, near-infrared, and blue light settings, offering customisable options to tackle everything from dullness to acne. And using an at-home mask is super simple. Start with a clean face to ensure the light penetrates effectively. Skinsmiths’ Gentle Cream Cleanser is a great man for the job in our not-so-humble opinion. Once the face is clean and fresh, all you need to do is sit back, relax and let the mask do all the hard work for you. This comfortable lightweight design, adjustable straps, and built-in eye protection make it comfortable to wear while you watch TV, read a book, or even meditate. Depending on your setting of choice, each session takes around 10-20 minutes and for best results, as always, consistency is key. Try to use it three to four times a week for noticeable and jaw-dropping improvements.
In-clinic LED light therapy
While at-home devices like the Skinsmiths LED Facial Mask are highly effective, because they aren’t quite as powerful as professional treatments, they have not done away with the benefits of seeing a professional every once and a while. Think of it like exercising: working out at home is great, but sessions with a personal trainer at the gym tend to get you faster, more targeted results.
Combining at-home and in-clinic treatments
Particularly for those dealing with acne, a course of in-clinic LED treatments spaced three weeks apart can deliver transformative results. And while professional sessions offer a more intensive approach, combining them with at-home treatments can help maintain, prolong and enhance the results of your in-clinic treatments. Because acne tends to be a pervasive skin concern, this approach will help to kill the bacteria and keep them at bay, which prevents future breakouts and keeps your skin clear.
But LED light therapy is not only for acne sufferers, it’s also great for general dullness and anti-ageing treatment. While the blue light is the go-to for those struggling with breakouts, targeting acne-causing bacteria to prevent future flare-ups, the red light is perfect for those looking to enhance their skin. The near-infrared setting focuses on reducing inflammation and promoting healing, making it ideal for sensitive or stressed skin. With its easy to use remote control and pre-set settings, the mask makes professional-grade treatment accessible at home.
Follow up with your skincare
While the mask is a great tool for upping your skincare game, it doesn’t mean you can do away with it completely. And actually, if you want to make the most of your at-home LED device, following it up with a good skincare ritual is crucial. After each session, your skin is primed to absorb serums and moisturisers more effectively. Hydration is key, so consider using products like the Ultimate Renewal Serum to give your skin a hydrating boost. And of course, if you’re using your device in the morning, make sure to put your SPF on before leaving the house.
Beauty products and tools have always been, and will always be, more of an indulgence and an escape than anything else. But while a true escape from the endless woes of the world may be difficult to achieve, a little ten-minute timeout behind your LED mask is something that most of us can realistically entertain. And while we may not all be able to afford a ticket to colonise to Mars, we can indulge in a beauty product that will make us feel happy and confident. The good thing about the ever-evolving world of skincare is that, no matter what the future may hold, we are constantly given opportunities to evolve and redefine ourselves and our skin, and that’s pretty cool really.
