All too common among a slew of skin types is the issue of blemishes, which can stem from a compromised skin barrier, environmental aggressors, diet, hormones, and overproduction of sebaceous glands.
From cystic pimples to closed comedones, scarring, and redness, compromised complexions are constantly looking for efficacious solutions. For us, that solution is light, specifically LED.
Here, we reveal causes and cures and why LED light therapy is an ideal skin remedy.
BLEMISH ORIGINS
Even if you have the best skincare routine, acne can still wreak havoc on your complexion and a pesky pimple can arise at any time.
Blemishes and acne stems from a variety of issues—for instance, hormones. Androgens specifically, which are mostly responsible for increased oil production, tend to rise in adolescence, especially in women, and early adulthood.
Dead skin cells also lead to symptoms contributing to clogged pores. Diet, too, is an official cause and has a direct impact on your skin. Look out for high glycemic foods like starches, sugars, and dairy.
But acne skin doesn’t stop at a singular or even multiple pimples. It can lead to dark spots, pigmentation, and scarring. And for that, too, we recommend a daily dose of light.
LED AS A BLEMISH ANTIDOTE
Our BOOST LED device is the perfect treatment to tackle blemishes firsthand. The BOOST at-home mask is made up of Red 633nm and Near-Infrared 830nm wavelengths light, which penetrates deep into the skin. It encourages healing, regenerates the cells, and soothes an inflamed complexion. Post-treatment, skin often glows as soon as the mask is removed.
Meanwhile, you might have heard that blue light targets and balances blemish forming bacteria and Near-Infrared optimises overall skin health. But when using the BOOST LED Mask in tandem with our Cleanse and Recovery, it offers similar antimicrobial benefits to blue 415nm light treating acne, blemishes, excessively oily skin, blackheads, and whiteheads. That said, Blue light on its own does not contribute to rejuvenation or regeneration. If blemishes are not present or your blue light is outside of the 415nm range (for example, 460 or 480), it will not have an effect on the skin.
Red 633nm and Near-Infrared 830nm, on the other hand, will help manage and improve all areas of skin health. If blemishes are present, they work on reducing inflammation and speeding up healing time, reducing the potential of pigmentation and scarring.
TREATING BLEMISHES AT THE LIGHT SALON & AT HOME
If we are to treat blemishes with Blue LED, we recommend our clients zap bacteria with Blue 415nm in The Light Salon and have our clients calm and support their complexions with the BOOST Red 633nm and Near-Infrared 830nm at-home. When using blue light, it’s essential to protect the eyes. Plus, we don’t want to over-treat the skin because if overused, Blue light can darken present pigmentation, which is why we like to treat with Blue in a controlled, salon environment by a professional.
ACNE, BLEMISHES + MENTAL HEALTH
Acne and blemishes can also affect our mental health, sometimes leading to anxiety and depression. But LED light therapy has the ability to boost serotonin, our happy hormone (expect less stress and more energy) while strengthening the skin barrier (expect less acne, pigmentation, and inflammation).
To that end, three to five sessions a week will offer both skin benefits and stress relief. But feel free to increase your dosage when you need more support, and decrease when you mentally and physically feel good and require less.