Light Therapy is a very popular modality in the wellness and spa industry! 🌟 It’s the number one device that a lot of practitioners use, because of its versatile super powers 💥 to be utilized for many different concerns, not only for the face, but also the entire body!
Historically speaking Light Therapy has been used throughout time in many difference cultures and regions.
Sunlight was used to treat diseases for thousands of years
Niels Ryberg Finsen - Danish scientist won The Nobel Prize in 1903 for treatment of diseases (lupus vulgaris) using phototherapy
Endre Mester - Hungarian physician - first demonstration of "photobiostimulation"
Numerous studies and applications since then
What is LED Therapy?
Light Emitting Diode (LED) phototherapy is the application of light energy to tissue to obtain therapeutic benefits. The energy is used to improve cellular performance. Phototherapy is known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties and has a variety of applications across many medical fields. Research has shown that phototherapy can: increase circulation, accelerate tissue repair, kill acne bacteria, decrease inflammation, improve skin tone, texture and clarity, reduce ease muscle and joint pain, stiffness, spasm and arthritis.
The skin benefits of different colors of LED light have been identified through a broad array of studies. The most often cited study is the Whelan study, published in 2001 by NASA’s Marshall
Space Flight Center, which found that LED light helped speed up wound healing.
If you’re a huge research and science nerd like me 🤓 👩🔬🔬 you can totally check out this article that has more detailed information on NASA’s discovery on LED Light Therapy’s effect on the human body, when they were originally intending research on its effects with plants. 🌱
Now….not all LED Light Therapy devices are created equally, as with many things. I did so much research to find the best device that is professional grade, but also non-invasive. It wasn’t until the skin show in Dallas where I found my love. 😍😘 …. The Celluma *singing*
I’ve had my eye on this pretty little panel for years.. I MEAN YEARS!! And here’s why 👇
#1 and ONLY ONE… is the credentials.. Credentials-are-a-MUST!
This ensures the device has been reviewed for both efficacy and safety by the appropriate regulatory authorities. Also has a FDA Clearance. Meaning 100% backed up by science. No device catastrophes happening here during services. 👍 Celluma‘s engineering is IMPECCABLE! They use specific wavelengths of light energy to improve cellular health by accelerating the repair and replenishment of compromised tissue cells for enhanced results.
This is why I 🫶 the Celluma device! Pst.. there is a pretty cool video at the end of this page. 😉
Wavelengths and LED Colors
♥️ Red light is most often used for general skin improvement and to reduce the visible
signs of aging.
💙 Blue light has been shown to destroy acne bacteria.
❤️ Infrared light may have beneficial effects on the skin’s natural supply of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for maintaining skin firmness and resilience. A series of regular treatments will provide the best results.
*SIDEBAR* Some of you may have seen some wavelengths of light energy, including the use of green light and yellow to treat hyperpigmentation. The fact is that very little has been published on scientific evidence that the use of these wavelengths in photobiomodulation (PBM).
Some Cells Affected by Light Therapy
Fibroblast Cells: (red, a little IR). Produces collagen and elastin fibers in connective tissue.
Keratinocytes: (both red and IR equally). Provides structural strength to the skin, hair and nails. Responsible for skin clarity, tone and texture.
Mast Cells: (red, near IR). Essential for inflammatory reactions.
Neutrophil Cells: (leukocytes): (little red, mostly IR). Are the first line of defense in the inflammatory process. Adequate numbers are important to protect the body from infection.
Macrophage Cells: (leukocytes): (red and IR). Play a vital role in activating specific immune responses.
C. acnes bacteria: (blue) causes bacteria to destroy itself.
Who Can Benefit from LED Therapy?
LED therapy will benefit most people, although there are some medical conditions or other situations in which it is not advisable.
Who’s not a good candidate for Light Therapy?
Sensitivity to light - epilepsy (pulsing), migraines brought on by bright light
Use of photosensitizing drugs
Suspicious lesions or skin cancer - refer to physician
Guest who are being treated for any type of serious health condition or who are pregnant should seek the approval of their personal physician before undergoing new treatment of any kind
LED Therapy vs Laser Therapy?
Laser:
High-powered and collimated (rays are parallel and focused)
Functions by cutting, coagulating, ablating, and/or vaporizing tissue
LED:
Lower energy and non-collimated (rays are diffused and unfocused)
Functions by triggering a photo-biochemical cellular response
How Should I Prepare for Treatment?
No special preparation is necessary. 😉 Simply arrive to your appointment on time, relax, and enjoy the treatment. If you normally wear makeup, you can choose to come to the appointment with a clean face or let your skin care professional remove it for you prior to the treatment. Glasses will need to be removed, but contact lenses can be left in.
What Can I Expect During the Treatment?
Your skin care professional will cleanse your skin and may also apply a serum or other facial products to enhance the benefits of your session, depending on your goals and the range of treatments offered.
The LED device will be positioned on your skin or up to a few inches away. Your eyes will be covered so that the light does not bother you. Relax and rest while the glow of the LEDs bathes your skin.
Typically, no sensation is felt. Some people feel a slight tingling, or see flashes in their vision temporarily as a result of having a light source close to their face. Keeping your eyes closed and covered during the treatment will help avoid this.
Will I feel anything?
No, there is little or no sensation, our Celluma Light Therapy Device helps tissue heal naturally from the inside out. Afterwards you should feel rejuvenation and experience less pain.
LED Therapy can be add-on to any services, likeee:
Face wax (brow, lip, chin, cheek, sideburns). Helps reduce redness and inflammation associated with procedure.
Body Wax (back, torso, underarms, Brazilian and bikini). Help ease any active ingrown and reduce redness and inflammation associate with procedure.
Any of our facial services - ESPECIALLY OUR ADVANCED FACIAL SERVICES
Shirodhara (Ayurvedic Hair & Scalp Treatment). Low-level light therapy is a proven, effective and safe treatment for hair loss, aging skin and a variety of pain conditions. LED red light therapy devices have been cleared for treatment of male and female pattern hair loss. It helps to proliferate hair follicle size and prevent catagen hair development (the end of the active growth of a hair).