This Beauty Tool Is The Best Thing I’ve Used In 10 Years!

If red light therapy is a new concept to you, prepare to be amazed! I’ve been using red light for years now, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most effective skin treatments I’ve ever used. It’s done ahhhmazing things for my skin, keeping away fine lines and not to mention the fact it’s my go-to for fading acne scars.

LED, aka Light Emitting Diode, is a computer chip in a glass-like case that emits therapeutic wavelengths of light energy. Discovered by NASA, who found it penetrated deep into tissues and stimulated cell growth for healing, it was originally created to heal wounds and surgery scars. Your skin cells effectively convert the light energy into the fuel that they need to work effectively.

We spoke to renowned esthetician, Joanna Czech, whose list of celeb clientele include Cate Blanchett, Vogue Editor Anna Wintour, Kate Winslet, and Uma Thurman. Not only is Joanna the Global Skincare Advisor for La Mer and founder of CzechList, she also knows everything there is to know about red light therapy. Joanna explains to us why she believes LED light therapy is the least invasive and most skin supportive treatment right now. Oh, and btw, it’s painless!

How exactly does LED light therapy work and what does it do?

It all depends on the color of the lights. The most popular is RED which penetrates 630 nanometers into the skin, which microscopically hits the bloodstream, increasing the elasticity of collagen fibers. Blue is antibacterial, so great for treating acne, and green is great for anti-redness and sensitivity. Yellow is used for draining, and purple for hyperpigmentation. You can notice results with one treatment when it is used in collaboration with ultrasound. The results last for 3 weeks because it simulates your ATP energy. A minimum of every three weeks will give the best results.

How is LED therapy different to laser therapy? 

Laser light is very concentrated and penetrates deeper, but it can be destructive to collagen fibers, has negative side effects and is invasive, whereas LED is not invasive and is healing. You need to do several LED treatments to get the effects of one laser treatment but in my opinion,  it is well worth it as I am a huge proponent of strengthening and supporting the skin.

How should you prep and get the most from LED light therapy?

A little microexfoliation or micro-needling will make the products penetrate a little deeper and use water-based serums or gels. No reactive products like retinol or AHAs should be used during the treatment; you need to be careful as the light pushes the product into the bloodstream… I only use clean, healing serums, although you could do alternating treatments with stronger reactive products, but not during. I do use other modalities like ultrasound, oxygenation and microcurrents with the treatment.

What’s the catch?

None! There are no age limitations (I have done it on acne-prone teenagers). It is the least invasive and really supports the skin better than anything… it is the most effective and least destructive treatment. There is no downtime, dehydration or other undesirable side effects.

Can you use light therapy at home?

You can use a mask at home for 20-30 minutes, two to three times per week. My favorite is the Deesse LED pro mask, a less expensive option I like the Lightstim Handlheld.

Have any of you guys tried LED light therapy? Let us know what you think of it in the comments below.