WHY LED IS A MUST HAVE TREATMENT FOR ALL SKIN CONDITIONS
Light therapy (LED) has evolved in leaps and bounds over recent years due to it’s profound effects on skin and body conditions. What’s even more attractive about this wonderful therapy is that it is suitable and safe for almost every person, as well as being affordable and enjoyable for the client. So what is LED all about?
NASA had this same question when it commissioned a company called QDI to conduct research on red light therapy in 1993. After it was proven that the technology could activate plant growth in space, contracts were awarded to investigate the medical application of light-emitting diodes (LEDs)—with a special focus on how LED energy transfers to human cells.
The research demonstrated the effective health benefits of a specific wavelength of red light: 660 nanometers (nm). What began as a way to limit the bone and muscle loss of astronauts has led to hundreds of peer-reviewed clinical studies documenting a wide variety of benefits. Even the FDA has approved light therapy for the treatment of joint pain and arthritis, reduction of wrinkles, and many other conditions. So how does it work?
Natural sunlight is a combination of the entire visible light spectrum (400-700 nm) as well as ultraviolet (UV; 300-400 nm) and infrared (700-1000 nm) light. Most people are well aware of the potential dangers of too much sunlight due to damaging UV rays. However, the body has specific positive responses to light in the 600-900 nm wavelength range, also called the “therapeutic window”.
This light energy can pass through human tissue much easier than other wavelengths. Specifically, light in the mid-600 nm and mid-800 nm range has been shown to provide optimal biological responses. This energy is absorbed by the body and stimulates adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the mode of chemical energy transportation at the cellular level.
Some of the documented benefits of light therapy include:
– Improved skin tone and complexion
– Stimulated production of collagen and elastin
– Enhanced muscle recovery and athletic performance
– Reduced joint pain, inflammation, and arthritis
– Improved appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and stretch marks
– Reduced acne, rosacea, and eczema
– Increased circulation
– Faster healing of wounds and injuries
Unlike many other types of treatments, light therapy is completely safe, non-invasive, uses no chemicals, and has no harmful side effects. It is a very relaxing experience that is proven to be a revolutionary treatment in numerous medical specialties due to its many applications and benefits.
At Botanique we have a variety of red, blue and infrared light therapy devices which can be used to treat a wide variety of skin and body issues. Ask us today about how light therapy can be incorporated into your facial and massage treatments!
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About the author: Lisa Randall is a qualified skin therapist/esthetician, cosmetic tattooist, yoga teacher and remedial massage therapist. She is also a nutritional counsellor with a particular interest in food as it relates to skin. Lisa has owned and operated Botanique Skin Wellness Spa since 2010 and also offers yoga classes throughout the local community and online.