Despite the current A-lister love for LED facials, the technology has actually been around since the 1960s, but it’s only in recent years that the beauty industry has clocked its skin healing abilities. Using the latest face-saving gadget , an LED therapy mask, these high-tech treatments use different wavelengths of coloured light to penetrate the skin at varying depths. Our skin absorbs the light produced and uses it to energise the cells to produce collagen, increase elasticity and accelerate healing amongst other things. Each different wavelength acts on different mechanisms within the cells, so it’s crucial that your treatment and choice of light is tailored specifically to you. With that in mind, we spoke to the experts at The Well At Clerkenwell to find out a little more about it – after all, if the Kardashian Klan, Jessica Alba and Jennifer Aniston swear by them, then we definitely want in. Get ready to step into the light…
By Georgia Day
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1 There's a light to suit every skin concern
With the longest rays on the visible light spectrum, red is the best choice when it comes to stimulating collagen production, while the slightly shorter green light helps reduce and even out hyperpigmentation caused by ageing and UV exposure. If you’ve ever suffered from acne you may be well versed in the benefits of blue light; these rays are the ones with potent anti-bacterial properties making them a good option to decongest and purify problem skin. If you suffer from eczema or you’ve had a procedure that’s caused inflammation, go for near infrared light therapy; with the longest wavelengths, these rays promote cellular healing at a deeper level. Even if you’re lucky enough not to suffer with any skin issues then don’t rule it out; many dermatologists advise LED as part of a maintenance programme to help get skin into an optimum state and allow topical products to work harder and more effectively.
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2 It's an easy way to keep your skin in check
Unlike some of the more aggressive thermal treatments like laser and IPL, the great news is that LED therapy is painless. Other than a slight tingling sensation and ‘a nice warmth which can feel relaxing’, says Rachael Collins at The Well at Clerkenwell London, most patients don’t feel a thing. Happily, short and sweet is the name of the game too and you can expect to be in and out within 20 minutes. ‘Our facials begin with a short skin consultation where we determine the client’s concerns and skin type’, says Rachael. ‘We then remove any makeup and place the LED over the face and set the appropriate wavelength. After the treatment we apply either a collagen serum or clarifying serum.’ Because LED can tackle such a broad range of skin conditions with ease, it’s suitable for almost everyone (with the exception of anyone particularly sensitive to light or those with conditions like epilepsy). Best of all, because it relies on a natural process there’s no downtime to consider, so it’s perfect for a little lunchtime rejuvenation.
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3 The results are instant, and long-lasting
The good news doesn’t stop there: ‘Straight after the treatment you can expect to see a nice all over glow’ says Rachael, while the real results will kick in after a few days. ‘Expect tighter pores, an even skin tone and colour, a fresher complexion and if treating for acne, less inflammation, redness, and minimized breakouts’ she says (we say, what are you waiting for?). Apart from steering clear of high strength topical AHAs or Vitamin A, which could irritate your skin, there are no specific rules to follow after your treatment and because of the low-intensity light source there’s no post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation to worry about either (unlike lasers). You can also book in for another treatment the same week if you want to, suggests Rachael. ‘If you’re treating a specific condition, we like you to have a course of 10 in which you come every day or every other day. Thereafter you can have a maintenance course of 2 or 3 a week.’ While the pampering aspect of looking after your skin with a regular facial can make you feel good, there’s science to back up the benefits of LED therapy. It’s known to boost both Vitamin D and Serotonin levels, making it a potent mood-booster as well as a skin saviour.
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4 Need-to-knows
- There’s no machine-to-skin contact during your treatment and most clinics will use panels of light as they cover a wider surface area
- If the clinic uses an LED mask it will sit just above your face and you'll have holes above your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Dozing off during your treatment is common: the warm light can feel seriously relaxing.
- There are at-home machines (and masks like Kourtney Kardashian uses) you can invest in, but those used in a professional environment will offer higher doses of light.