History of light therapy
Scientists discovered more than a century ago that light has therapeutic qualities for the skin.
Around 1900, light therapies had moved from the use of direct sunlight, called heliotherapy, to the use of artificial light sources for therapeutic purposes included treatment of skin diseases, wound healing, and tuberculosis.
In 1903, Niels Ryberg Finsen was awarded the Nobel Prize for his invention of light therapy for skin tuberculosis.
The powerful benefits of Low-Level Light therapy (LLLT) have been shown all over the world in over 50 years of independent research.
In 1990s NASA started to use light therapy to grow plants in space.
Soon, NASA discovered potential applications of LED light not only for plant health, but for the astronauts themselves. Living in low gravity, human cells don’t regenerate as quickly, and astronauts experience bone and muscle loss. So NASA turned to photo biomodulation therapy (PBMT).
Today, dermatologists and estheticians commonly use LED light therapy to treat a range of skin issues.
What is LED light therapy?
LED light therapy, known as phototherapy, is a treatment involving exposure to an artificial light source.
Light spectrum is the many different wavelengths of energy produced by a light source. Light is measured in nanometers (nm). Each nanometer represents a wavelength of light or band of light energy.
The visible light spectrum is the section of the spectrum, from 380nm to 740nm, that is visible to the human eye.
How does light therapy work?
Light therapy allows more oxygen to our skin cells in order for them to heal, grow, and replicate faster.
Each LED color has a different wavelength and a different interaction with our cells.
Red LED light therapy: Anti-Aging, promotes collagen production.
Red LED wavelength facial treatment helps significantly reduce fine lines and skin pigmentation caused by aging while rejuvenating your skin. The wavelengths penetrate the skin to restore collagen levels and keep the skin from sagging.
Yellow LED light therapy: Reduces redness and irritation.
Yellow LED facial treatment helps decrease the size of blood vessels under the surface of your skin.
This wavelength is ideal for healing skin conditions that cause redness such as discoloration, sunburn, and rosacea.
Blue LED light therapy: Anti-Acne, diminishes inflammation.
Blue light LED treatment is clinically proven to significantly reduce acne and inflammation.
What are the benefits of LED light therapy?
People with any skin type and color can use LED light therapy. LED light therapy doesn’t use ultraviolet (UV) light, so it doesn’t cause damage or burns to your skin.
LED light therapy helps treat a variety of skin concerns and conditions, including:
- Wrinkles
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Sun Damage
What are the risks of LED light therapy?
LED light therapies appear to be relatively safe, at least in the short term, says Dr. Buzney, assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School.
The FDA has approved some products for home use. LED skin devices don’t have a lot of power, so they’re unlikely to burn your skin. However, it is important to shield your eyes from the light while using them, says Dr. Buzney.
If you are looking to treat a medical condition using LED light therapy, always confirm the diagnosis first with a doctor, says Dr. Heller, an assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School.
“The long-term safety of these light therapies remains uncertain,” says Dr. Marissa Heller.
So, consider these unknowns when weighing the pros and cons of LED light therapy.
Meifuly Lightweight 7 Colors LED Light Mask
Buy on Amazon CAD$ 103.66
was CAD$ 109.68
Meifuly Lightweight Mask is designed with 7 Colors LED. It’s easy to use, choose the light color you need and use it for the recommended 10 – 20 minutes for each use, 2 – 3 times a week.
Why we like it?
- Vibration massage around the eyes
- Ultra lightweight, only 180g
- Easy Portability and very Confortable
Why we don’t like it?
- Cord length is short
- The noise due to vibration/massage a bit annoying
- No FDA cleared
Wangyy 3 Color LED Photon Electric Facial Mask
Buy on Amazon CAD$ 51.22
was CAD$ 95.77
Wangyy LED Photon Electric Facial Mask is designed with 3 Colors (Red, Blue & Orange) LED Technology.
Natural light waves improve the look of skin and helps rejuvenate it.
Why we like it?
- Ultra lightweight, only 70g
- Perfect for sensitive skin
Why we don’t like it?
- No FDA cleared
IeBilif Facial Skin Care Beauty Equipment
Buy on Amazon CAD$ 71.20
was CAD$ 88.99
IeBilif Device is designed with 7 Colors LED Facial Mask Technology.
LED photon treatment is a non-invasive pain skin treatment.
It helps to get a skin rejuvenation and it’s perfect for all skin types.
Why we like it?
- Reduce and prevent wrinkles
- Improve skin elasticity
Why we don’t like it?
- The remote control overheats
- The mask includes many useful accessories,so it might be a little heavy
- No FDA cleared
REZUM LED Smart Rainbow Led Mask Self Skin Care 5 Wave Length Mode
Buy on Amazon CAD$ 489.00
REZUM Smart Rainbow Facial Mask is designed with 5 Color LED technology.
Perfect for all skin types
Safety certification: R-R-RZ3-SmartLedMask
Why we like it?
- 5 light source modes
- Superior face fit
- Auto timer (10 minutes)
- Ultralight nose-resting method
Why we don’t like it?
- No FDA cleared
Renfio Face Mask Light Care for Facial Skin, Healthy Beauty Facial Daily Care Masks
Buy on Amazon CAD$ 142.00
Renfio Face Mask Light Care is designed as a spectrometer with seven functions to meet different kinds of your needs.
LED photon treatment is a non-invasive pain skin treatment.
Weight: 2.58 Kg
Why we like it?
- Easy to use, no risk of burning
- Comfortable and Painless
Why we don’t like it?
- No FDA cleared
Sources:
Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4126803/
Effect of NASA light-emitting diode irradiation on wound healing
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11776448
Phototherapy with Light Emitting Diodes
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5843358
What Is the Visible Light Spectrum?
https://www.thoughtco.com/the-visible-light-spectrum-2699036
Light-emitting diodes: A brief review and clinical experience.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4479368/
Red Light Therapy
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22114-red-light-therapy
What is collagen, and why do people use it?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262881
Effect of blue LED on the healing process of third-degree skin burns: Clinical and histological evaluation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30276489
Everything you need to know about inflammation
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423
Lasers and lights: How well do they treat acne? (n.d.).
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/lasers-lights
LED lights: Are they a cure for your skin woes?
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/led-lights-are-they-a-cure-for-your-skin-woes