LED, or light emitting diode therapy, is a skincare treatment that uses varying wavelengths of light, including red and blue. Unlike other types of light therapy, LEDs do not contain ultraviolet rays. Therefore, they’re safe for regular use. Office procedures take 20 minutes at a time. You’ll need to go back once a week for up to 10 weeks, then only once every few months.Using varying LED wavelengths, this skincare technique purportedly helps:

• treat acne
• reduce inflammation
• promote anti-aging effects

Red Light

Red infrared light is used for treating the epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin. When the light is applied to your skin, the epidermis absorbs it and then stimulates collagen proteins.

In theory, more collagen means that your skin will look smoother and fuller, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Red LED light is also thought to reduce inflammation while improving circulation, which can give you a healthier glow.

Blue Light

Blue LED light therapy, on the other hand, targets the sebaceous glands, which are also called oil glands. They’re located beneath your hair follicles.

Sebaceous glands are necessary for lubricating your skin and hair so that it doesn’t dry out. However, these glands can become overactive, leading to oily skin and acne.

The theory is that blue LED light therapy can target these oil glands and make them less active. In turn, you may see fewer acne breakouts. Blue light can also kill acne-causing bacteria beneath the skin, which can help treat severe acne pimples, including cysts and nodules.

Oftentimes, blue LED light is used in conjunction with red LED light to:

• help treat acne
• decrease scarring
• promote anti-inflammatory effects

LED light therapy is noninvasive, so no recovery time is required. You should be able to continue with your everyday activities once your treatment is over.