What is an LED Photofacial?
An LED photofacial is a very gentle light therapy treatment suitable for the face, neck, chest, back, or all of those areas. Many people who choose this type of photofacial are seeking an alternative to IPL that will provide them with a gentle, less expensive, more natural way to increase collagen, treat acne, and even out the complexion as a whole. This form of photofacial is found in many day spas and is also available in handheld devices that can be used at home, putting you in control of your treatments. An LED photofacial can:
- increase collagen production
- reduce the appearance of sun-induced freckles
- shrink areas of hyperpigmentation
- decrease the look of spider veins & broken capillaries
- fade liver spots
- pale age spots
- diminish fine lines & wrinkles
- ease sun damage
- control acne and blemishes
Benefits of an LED Photofacial
- no risk of burning or other unpleasant side effects
- no appointments to make, keep or endure
- no involved prep necessary before treatments
- zero down time after treatments
- one-time investment, you keep your lights
- you’re in control – treatments are self-administered according to your needs and schedule
- excellent value for your money since each light has many other healing and therapeutic uses for yourself and your family
How does an LED Photofacial Work?
Here’s how each of the different colors, or wavelengths of light, work to promote various different results in a photo facial.
Blue Light for Acne & Blemishes
Blue Light Therapy – (405 nm to 420 nm) Blue light in this wavelength range has proven to have highly powerful bacteria fighting properties. Moreover, this light can kill P. acnes, one of the primary acne causing bacteria, meaning that it can be a very effective treatment for mild to moderate acne conditions. Blue light photofacials can also help to stabilize oil glands, ease inflammation, and purify the skin.
Blue Light Therapy – (405 nm to 420 nm) Blue light in this wavelength range has proven to have highly powerful bacteria fighting properties. Moreover, this light can kill P. acnes, one of the primary Learn more about blue light for acne treatment.
Green Light for Hyperpigmentation, Freckles & Age Spots
- Green Light Therapy – (495 nm – 570 nm) Green light is absorbed by the melanin producing cells of the skin, slowing melanin production, and gradually breaking up excess melanin collections which are then reabsorbed by the body. Green light is known to have a highly calming effect on the skin. It can also brighten the complexion by helping to lighten areas of hyperpigmentation, freckles and age spots. At the same time, green light photo facials can soothe the skin’s surface with its anti-inflammatory properties.
Green Light Therapy – (495 nm – 570 nm) Green light is absorbed by the melanin producing cells of the skin, slowing melanin production, and gradually breaking up excess melanin collections which are then reabsorbed by the body. Green light is known to have a highly calming effect on the skin. It can also brighten the complexion by helping to lighten areas of hyperpigmentation, freckles and age spots. At the same time, green light photo facials can soothe the skin’s surface with its anti-inflammatory properties.Learn more about green light therapy.
Amber Light for Spider Veins & Red Spots
- Amber Light Therapy – (570 nm to 620 nm) Amber light is used for its reduction in inflammation, swelling, and redness on the face including broken capillaries and spider veins. It is often chosen for the treatment of sunburns and other types of burns, as well as conditions such as rosacea. Amber light therapy can help to bring vitality back to complexions that have become dull looking. It can bring back a more youthful “glow”.
Amber Light TherapyLearn more about amber light therapy.
Red & Infrared Light for Collagen Production & Elimination of Fine Lines & Wrinkles
- Red Light Therapy
–(620 nm to 700 nm) Red light has the unique ability to penetrate deeply into the skin, where it can stimulate collagen production, rejuvenate the face, encourage cellular repair, and boost the circulation to the face so that the complexion appears more youthful and vibrant. Red light photo facials are used for reducing scarring, wrinkles, deep lines, and evening out the skin tone.
Red Light TherapyLearn more about red light therapy.
- Infrared Light Therapy – Infrared energy achieves the deepest penetration of any wavelength in the visible spectrum, but it is invisible to the naked eye. It is used to replenish the epidermal and dermal cells, to battle the signs of aging, and to encourage healing.
Learn more about near infrared light therapy.
Are You a Candidate?
Yes, you are! There are no limitations on the candidacy for an LED photofacial. The main decision that you need to make is whether you would like to have your treatments at a day spa, or purchase your own affordable equipment to be able to administer your own treatments. Devices designed for home use allow you to choose which colors you would like to use, and good quality devices also travel well, meaning that you can bring them with you even when you won’t be at home.
Preparing for Your Treatments
To prepare for your treatments, simply cleanse the area with a non-medicated cleanser, and allow to dry. There are no restrictions as to sun exposure, and no creams or gels to apply.
The LED Photofacial Experience
An LED photofacial is a cool, painless, and relaxing experience. Moreover, there is no risk of burning, unlike IPL and laser. There is no stinging, burning, or discomfort associated with it at all. Here’s how a typical treatment would go:
- cleanse and dry the skin
- select the color according to the condition you want to treat
- with a hand-held device, sweep the light across 1/4 to 1/6 of your face for an average of 3 minutes.
- continue to the next section
- you’re done in about 12-24 minutes depending on the device you choose
After Each Treatment
As is the case before treatment, there is nothing to apply afterward. Moreover, there is no down time, so that makeup or other skin care products may be applied immediately, if you wish. In fact, there are some sources that say that light therapy actually increases the uptake and effectiveness of your other skin care products.
In the case of red light therapy, an optional topical antioxidant can be applied in order to help to achieve even better results.
Typical Treatment Course & Maintenance
The course of treatments will depend on the type and severity of the condition you are treating. For example, for the occasional breakout or blemish, a daily series of three or four treatments with blue light may be all that is needed. If your goal is to eliminate or reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, then you will need consistent, twice-weekly treatments for about three months to achieve the best results.
Treatments are usually done a minimum of twice weekly, and a maximum of once daily until the desired result is achieved. Then treatment frequency is reduced until your personal ideal maintenance schedule is determined.
Before You Buy
LED photofacial devices out there vary widely in power, quality, and support. It’s often hard to tell what you’re getting until you actually have it in your hands and try it out. For that reason, ensuring that the product you buy has a decent return policy can help to eliminate any risk. Reading customer reviews can also be a helpful way to know what you’re purchasing even before it arrives at your door.
