You probably know that excessive exposure to the sun is dangerous for skin — or at least, you should! UV light causes environmental damage, fine lines, wrinkles, dryness and spots. Knowing this, you might be surprised to learn that a certain light therapy can actually be good for skin! Read on for more about LED therapy and how it works.

How LED works

LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, use near-infrared light which penetrates and is absorbed by skin. While lasers produce heat, LEDs only produce light, which the skin turns into energy. This light energy then affects the mitochondria, responsible for powering cells. Plus, light allows cells to carry out chemical activities more quickly.

LED uses red and blue light to provide different benefits, says USA Weekend. Red light raises circulation, boosts collagen formation and promotes healing. Blue light destroys bacteria.

Skin problems that LED treats

Few of us can honestly say that we are completely satisfied with our skin and no matter whom you ask, chances are they suffer some skin woe. The good news? LED treatments can improve many skin ailments:

• Collagen produced by red LED light plumps up wrinkles and fills out lines. It also firms and tones skin.
• Can you play connect-the-dots with your age spots? LED light may help lighten them.
• Irritated, dry, flaky skin will be eased with red LED light.
• Precancerous damage can be taken away using red light, says Dr. David Goldberg, who directs the Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey.
• If breakouts and blemishes are your concern, blue light is proving to be an effective way to treat acne.

What can you expect?

LED therapy has many advantages:

• Pain. Because LED doesn't use heat or lasers, the treatment causes no pain. In contrast, laser resurfacing can cause irritation and inflammation.
• Time. Your schedule is probably jam-packed with career, family and other activities. LED can be performed in one minute, while treatments like Intense Pulsed Light can produce results in as little as half an hour.
• Price. Don't have big bucks to spend? LED is affordable, and usually costs between $60 and $150 a session.

Don't be impatient: results won't be seen immediately cautions Dr. Robert Weiss, dermatology professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Minimal improvements may be seen after a few sessions, with increased improvement after eight sessions.

And be realistic with your expectations. LED light won't make you look 40 years younger, but it can make a difference, revitalize and improve skin.

At-home version

Luckily, you can also enjoy safe and convenient LED light benefits at home. Try Baby Quasar Red after cleansing skin, focusing on one section of your face at a time. To treat skin damage and signs of aging, use this system twice a week for eight weeks. For those with acne, consider Baby Quasar Baby Blue. Also, don't forget sunscreen and serum for even more benefits. Some great choices:

• MD Formulations Total Protector 30 is a broad-spectrum sunscreen, defending you from sun damage and aging.
• SkinMedica Uplifting Eye Serum has antioxidants and botanicals to firm skin, minimize dark circles and treat lines.
• SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic support the skin, evens out skin tone and decreases the look of wrinkles with potent vitamins C, E and ferulic.

Step into the light with LED therapy for skin renewal!

See also:

Imaging Technology and Skin

Nanotechnology: Small Particles, Big Skin Changes