LED Facial Treatment: Before, During & After Results

Understanding LED Facial Treatments and What to Expect

LED light therapy for skin rejuvenation has surged in popularity in recent years for its ability to treat various signs of aging, acne, inflammation and more. But what exactly happens during an LED facial treatment? What can you expect both during the procedure and in terms of results afterward? Let’s explore the before, during and after details surrounding this innovative skin therapy.

How LED Facial Treatments Work

LED stands for light emitting diode. During a facial, an LED panel emits targeted wavelengths of light energy which skin cells absorb. This stimulates cellular reactions to renew collagen, reduce inflammation and destroy acne bacteria. It also improves circulation and oxygenation. Many consider LED gentle enough for frequent treatments, but consult a dermatologist, especially when addressing medical conditions.

The Benefits of Opting for LED Facials

Some advantages that LED facial treatments offer over other options include:

• Non-invasive and typically no downtime
• Often more affordable than laser resurfacing treatments
• Research shows positive results for an array of skin issues
• Suitable for most skin types and tones
• Cumulative benefits with a series of treatments

Before Your LED Facial Treatment: What to Expect

Skin Analysis and Expectation Setting

Reputable technicians will first assess your skin, discuss goals, review medical history and set appropriate expectations regarding results. This will determine treatment intensity settings and wavelengths customized to your unique needs.

Eye Protection

Although LED light penetrates skin surface layers without damaging deeper tissues, technicians should provide protective eyewear to shield eyes from light emission during treatment.

Possible Skin Preparation

Your technician may cleanse and tone treatment areas to remove any makeup, oils or debris that could interfere with light penetration. For severe acne, a glycolic peel beforehand may help LED reach deeper into pores.

During the LED Facial Session: The Step-by-Step Process

Positioning

Technicians will position you comfortably, often reclining while they hover the LED panel a set distance from treatment areas like face, neck and shoulders. Sessions typically last 20-30 minutes.

Light Emission

Different skin goals call for tailored wavelengths, so your LED device may emit blue light for acne treatment or red light for anti-aging. You’ll keep protective eyewear on as the technician slowly moves the panel across treatment zones.

Heat and Light Sensations

You may feel gentle warmth from LED lights. Although unlikely with correct eyewear and controlled machine parameters, let technicians know if any irritation or discomfort arises.

Numbing Creams or Gels

If pre-treating irritated skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, topical anesthetics may reduce discomfort during active flares. Discuss options with your technician beforehand.

Soothing, Clarifying Serums or Moisturizers

Following LED exposure, technicians may apply specialized serums, oils or moisturizers to nourish skin and prolong treatment effects.

What to Expect After Your LED Facial Treatment

Immediate Glow and Hydration

Right after an LED session many notice brighter, smoother, more even and visibly hydrated complexion from stimulated blood flow and circulation.

Slight Erythema

Some temporary redness is normal and fades quickly. Applying a soothing cream afterward helps skin rebalance.

Dryness, Tightness, Flaking

As old cells slough off and collagen rebuilds in following days, temporary dryness or tightness can occur before epithelium regenerates.

Breakouts and Purging

Those using LED to combat acne may experience a purge as impurities rise from pores. This subsides as light therapy clears and repairs skin.

LED Facial Before and After Results Across Various Skin Issues

Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Boosting collagen production over a series of treatments plumps up crepe-thin skin and fills wrinkles from within to appear less noticeable.

Skin Texture and Tone

LED light energizes fibroblast activity for smoother, refreshed and more even skintone by improving skin cell turnover and regeneration.

Sun Damage

Red and near infrared wavelengths spur repair of UV damaged skin cells, addressing dark spots, rough patches and tone.

Scarring

By activating both fibroblasts to rebuild dermal collagen matrix and new skin cell growth, LED therapy can diminish scar thickness and discoloration over time.

Large Pores

LED’s collagen stimulation effect helps shrink enlarged pores. Blue wavelengths also kill acne bacteria to keep pores clear of excess oils and sebum that expand them.

Acne and Breakouts

Blue and violet LED wavelengths destroy p. acnes bacteria responsible for inflammatory lesions while calming inflammation and promoting faster healing.

Rosacea

Red and infrared wavelengths reduce visible capillaries, inflammation and redness associated with rosacea for less irritated, reactive skin.

Maximizing LED Facial Treatment Effectiveness

Consistency and Patience Are Key

While some results appear quickly, the cumulative benefits of multiple LED sessions a few weeks apart lasts longer. Consistency over months is ideal depending on severity of skin issues.

Professional Protocols and Parameters

Although handheld LED devices are available for at-home use, professional equipment with calibrated wavelengths and product pairings lead to best outcomes long-term.

Healthy Skin Care Routines

Implementing a simplified regimen of antioxidant serums, gentle exfoliation and broad spectrum SPF between LED sessions enhances and maintains treatment results.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Fueling skin internally with diet rich in vitamins and minerals and minimizing unhealthy habits helps skin optimize LED light therapy progress.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.