Light therapy or phototherapy is a non-invasive therapy that consists of exposure to specific wavelengths of overhead light using very bright, full-spectrum light or Light Emitting Diode (hence the name, LED light therapy).
Light therapy stimulates the sensitive cells of your body to accelerate rejuvenation and urgent repair of the skin. It inadvertently helps repair skin suffering damage from sun exposure, cystic acne, rosacea, dermatitis, inflammatory conditions, and scars, among other conditions, to restore your skin’s radiance. Light therapy treatment results are dependent on the wavelength of the light, the color of the light, and the area to being treated.
Benefits of light therapy treatment
The rejuvenation and repair capabilities of this therapy were incorporated into skincare to stimulate the production of collagen. Through collagen production, light therapy enables the skin to heal from scars, acne, and to eliminate wrinkles, birthmarks, and other skin conditions.
By restoring the skin’s good looks, light therapy increases self-confidence and self-esteem.
At Lumiskins, we offer various LED colors as they have different benefits to our body cells. Example;
- Red lights are used for stimulating cell growth;
- Blue lights, for brutally killing acne-causing bacteria;
- And green lights to clear hyperpigmentation spots.
Procedure for Light Therapy
On your scheduled appointment, a cosmetologist will critically examine you and schedule you for the light therapy procedure.
Before the procedure, the area to be treated is cleansed using alcohol and or acetone to degrease the skin. A photosensitizer liquid or cream is then applied indiscriminately to the said area.
After the used medication has dried, you’ll merely wait for 30-60 minutes for incubation time.
You are then exposed to the luminous source where each light therapy treatment takes about 20 minutes, depending on the results you’re looking to achieve, skin pigmentation, and the anatomical site.
These critical adjustments on specific individualized incubation times and period times are made by the capable physicians present. The treated area is then washed off, and sunscreen is applied.
Some patients may complain of sensations of warmth, tingling, heat, or burning. This is normal, and a fan will be availed to help cool off during the treatment. Instructions will be provided for home care as you leave.
Light therapy with blue light
In the skin are oil glands that lubricate our skin and hair to prevent the skin from drying up. Blue light therapy treats the oil glands as they can sometimes overreact by inevitably producing more oil, leading to acne and oily skin. Managing them makes them less active, which means fewer acne breakouts. This therapy has also been proven to eliminate acne-causing bacteria and radically improve the healing of third-degree burns.
Sometimes blue and red light is used in conjuncture to:
- Help treat acne
- Decrease scarring
- Promote anti-inflammatory effects.
Light therapy with the red light
Red light therapy works by radically enhancing the rejuvenating function of mitochondria, thereby increasing cell energy, inevitably leading to more cell rejuvenation and repair. This treatment stimulates collagen proteins that make the skin look smoother, plumper, and produce a rosier glow reducing the appearance of fine lines and premature wrinkles. Red LED light is also thought to reduce severe inflammation while improving blood circulation on the skin.
Light therapy with infrared light
Infrared light therapy works by stimulating the skin to rejuvenate. This therapy helps reduce the deep lines and wrinkles on your skin and promotes the growth of collagen, making your skin look smooth, plump, and glowing.
Light therapy with the green light
Darker areas of the skin characterize unwanted pigment problems (brown spots or freckles) and hyperpigmentation. This is a result of the overproduction of pigment (melanin) in the sensitive skin. Green light therapy irreversibly inhibits excess production of melanin and breaks up the melanin cluster on the skin to greatly reduce the discoloration. This results in a beautifully even skin tone. Green light therapy also sterilizes the skin and increases cell growth leaving you with silky, healthy, and luminous skin.
Light therapy treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Even though light therapy ensures treatments for some harsh conditions, it is incorrectly considered a cosmetic procedure. Currently, some insurance plans cover the light therapy procedures, but with the numerous changes made in insurance plans, it is advisable to contact your insurance carrier to confirm your eligibility.
Even with insurance cover, there are increased charges above the routine office visit fees depending on the area to be treated, the number of critical treatments, and the type of personal insurance you have.
However, without insurance, the cost for each session depends on the size and condition of the area being treated.
After scheduling an appointment, a dermatologist will first examine you to tell whether you are an ideal candidate for the treatment. He/She will also inform you of the type of light you will use, what to expect, and the number of treatments you may need. You will be advised to avoid using retinol and other skincare products that thin your skin, tanning bed, and prolonged exposure to the sun.
The light therapy procedure will be scheduled a few days to two weeks after the appointment with the dermatologist.
One patient is always different from the other. Most patients report mild dryness and tight feeling on their skin is relieved by applying topical emollients or Vaseline.
An extremely minute percentage of patients, however, merely complain of suffering significant pain, exaggerated sunburn, and overall discomfort. If this happens, the doctor may prescribe some pain medication.
Although light therapy treatment is a minor procedure that most patients tolerate easily, it comes with some possible minor risks and complications. Since a light-sensitive reaction is expected, not every patient gets a sunburn reaction. Some do not even get the redness or discoloration of the skin.
There are, however, possible complications that come from a light therapy treatment, including; skin discoloration, telangiectasia, pain, infection, blisters, prolonged sun sensitivity, an allergic reaction, and eye swelling.