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Can You Overdo LED Light Therapy?
The good news is that you can’t really overdo LED light therapy. However, there are recommendations on how often you should use your LED mask for best results.
In recent years, LED light therapy has created a real buzz among aestheticians, dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts.
Fortunately, the hype is warranted — LED light therapy has consistently proven to be effective and safe, with those receiving it enjoying plump, glowing and rejuvenated skin after completing a course of treatment.
With such reviews, we understand the impulse to wear that LED mask all day everyday.
But can you overdo LED light therapy?
Good news — the short answer is that you can’t really overdo LED light therapy. However, there are recommendations on how often you should use your LED mask for best results.
Below, we unpack why you can’t overdo LED light therapy.
WHAT IS LED LIGHT THERAPY?
First, let’s recap the basics of LED light therapy. Light-Emitting Diode (LED) therapy is a non-invasive, pain-free treatment that uses light to address skin concerns. There is a range of different LED light wavelengths, each of which correlates with a different colour and penetrates the skin at varying depths. LED light therapy is used to treat a range of skin conditions, including
- Rosacea
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Wrinkles
- Sun damage
- Hair loss
Essentially, LED wavelengths enter the skin’s layers and stimulate the skin’s natural healing mechanisms.
LED light causes an increase in collagen production, which smooths the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and age spots, and helps to alleviate the symptoms of oil-related skin conditions.
CAN YOU OVERDO LED LIGHT THERAPY?
Some skin treatments — like vitamin A, chemical peels and laser therapy — are dangerous when overused.
For example, excessive use of vitamin A can cause coarse hair, dry skin, cracked lips and partial hair loss.
But light therapy doesn’t incur the same risk. You can’t overdo LED light therapy.
In fact, it responds well to multiple weekly uses.
LED light therapy is proven to be a very safe treatment. Unlike many other skincare treatments, LED light therapy is suitable for all skin types and colours. It doesn’t contain UV light and therefore does not burn the skin.
It’s safe to use regularly; regular use is even encouraged to achieve best results.
Red light therapy, in particular, responds well to multiple weekly uses and does not harm the skin. What it will do is stimulate cellular repair and increase blood flow in the skin.
Blue light therapy also works best when used frequently. It kills off acne-causing bacteria and reduces activity in oil-secreting glands, helping to tackle oily skin.
While overuse isn’t going to cause burns or serious skin damage, if you’re using an at-home LED device, be sure to follow the instructions for use. It’s also important to keep your eyes properly protected during each treatment session.
There is one caveat to be aware of. If you’re using Accutane or you have an active rash, you’ll need to check with your doctor before using LED light treatment. Exposure to LED may have adverse effects in these scenarios.
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU USE LED LIGHT THERAPY?
LED light therapy is a cumulative treatment, so you’ll need to undergo sessions regularly to reap real rewards.
Generally, at least three to five sessions for a period of four to five weeks will yield excellent results.
The length of each session will depend on the product you’re using. Some LED light treatments require 20 minutes of daily use, while others require just five.
It’s also important to note that cramming in one big LED session won’t work.
While it might be tempting to keep your mask on for an hour-long session today so you can skip your session tomorrow, this actually won’t increase its effectiveness — it’ll have the opposite effect.
LED light therapy is designed to be used for short bursts daily over several weeks, so stick to this method for best results.
One of the major benefits of LED light therapy is you won’t have to navigate three to five weekly sessions at the aesthetician. At-home LED light therapy devices are very effective and allow you the flexibility of completing your treatment at home.
You’ll also maximise cost-per-use this way. While the cost may seem steep upfront, you’ll be able to use your mask daily for as long as you like, which proves more economically-effective in the long run.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE LED LIGHT THERAPY AT HOME?
So, you’ve picked up your LED light therapy device and you’re wondering, how often can I do LED light therapy at home?
We recommend using your LED light therapy device at least three to five times a week for best results. While you can now enjoy the convenience of undergoing an incredible skin treatment in the comfort of your own living room, it’s important to check in with your doctor before using any new skincare products.
This is especially important if you have a diagnosed skin condition. Let your doctor know which product you’re looking to buy and they’ll be able to give you the all clear or steer you to a more suitable treatment.
CAN YOU OVERDO LED LIGHT THERAPY? NOT REALLY, BUT LISTEN
LED light therapy is making waves in the skincare space and for good reason. It’s convenient, effective and suitable for all skin types.
It has an exceptional safety profile. In fact, you can’t overdo LED light therapy. Overuse won’t cause burning or damage to the skin, but it won’t fast-track your results, either.
Generally, LED light therapy works best when used at least three to five times a week over a four to five week period. Each device will vary, so be sure to follow the instructions closely for best results.
Gemma Watts
Beauty Expert
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