Light Emitting Diode (LED) therapy is a procedure known for having anti-inflammatory properties and providing a variety of applications across many medical fields. Research has shown that phototherapy can improve rosacea, dermatitis, certain inflammatory conditions, psoriasis, acne causing bacteria and hyperpigmentation. Research has also shown that light therapy can improve fine lines and wrinkles, repair and rebuild collagen and elastin, reduce the appearance of scars as wells as heal and calm the skin.
If you have problem areas that have been affected by sun damage, rosacea, dermatitis, certain inflammatory conditions, acne, psoriasis, and sensitive areas, these treatments may be an excellent treatment option. It’s also great at tackling wound healing, as well as scarring. Treatments can trigger your cells’ natural abilities to rejuvenate and heal the skin Treatments can be performed as a stand-alone treatment or paired with another procedure such microneedling, dermaplaning, facials, laser and radio-frequency treatments. LED, PDT does not treat cysts.
During an LED treatment, natural intracellular reactions are triggered when different wavelengths of infrared beams reach the skin.
Blue Light (423nm) - Helps kill the acne causing bacteria and reduces inflammation. Blue Light can also be used to activate photosensitizing agents, as a part of PDT Therapy. (See below)
Red Light (640nm) - The 'Healing' Light. Often used to promote circulation, combat wrinkles and increase collagen.
Yellow Light (590nm) - Improves circulation and helps prevent the production of melanin and freckles.
White Light (450nm) - Targets inflammation, accelerates tissue healing, and reduces scarring.
Purple Light (420) - Promotes cell regeneration, reduces inflammation. Decreases the telomeres of DNA in the cell to essentially bring it back to a stem cell-like (brand new) state, in order to divide and create new cells.
Cyan Light (520nm) - Beneficial for mild acne. Calms and soothes irritated skin, helps reduce the size of broken capillaries.
Orange Light (605nm) - Combination of red and yellow. Reduces skin redness and irritation, increases collagen production, reduces appearance of fine lines, stimulates circulation.
Photodynamic Light Therapy is a two-stage treatment that combines blue or red light with a topical photosensitizing agent, Tryptophan. The photosensitizer is activated by the light to treat acne and decrease the size of enlarged pores. Tryptophan is a naturally occurring amino acid and is combined with riboflavin (vitamin B2). The photosensitizer is effective at killing the acne causing bacteria and improving active acne lesions. Patients may experience minor redness which should resolve in 2 days. Sun exposure should be avoided for the first 24 hours. Semi-Monthly treatments may be required (3-5 sessions) until desired results are achieved. Annual maintenance is usually required. Treatments can be performed on all skin types. A minimum 50 SPF is required following treatment.