The treatment itself doesn't directly cause purging, which is when your skin breaks out temporarily as it adjusts to new products or treatments. However, the blue light used in LED Light Therapy can sometimes speed up the skin's natural shedding process.
Red light therapy distinguishes itself in several ways. Firstly, it targets the root causes of acne, including sebaceous gland activity and inflammation, by stimulating cellular health and collagen production. This approach not only helps in treating existing acne lesions but also in preventing future breakouts.
People with any skin type and color can use LED light therapy. LED light therapy doesn't use ultraviolet (UV) light, so it doesn't cause damage or burns to your skin.
The short answer is no, red light therapy does not cause acne. In fact, it's frequently used to treat acne by reducing inflammation, controlling oil production, and speeding up skin healing. However, in some cases, users might notice breakouts when they first begin red light therapy, and it's worth understanding why.
Answer: It depends on your goal. If acne reduction or collagen stimulation are your desired outcomes, multiple daily sessions won't hurt you, but they also won't help. Skin cells become fully saturated after one three-minute session and can't absorb any additional LED energy.
The treatment itself doesn't directly cause purging, which is when your skin breaks out temporarily as it adjusts to new products or treatments.
To this end, some potential risks of light therapy include premature aging of the skin and an increased possibility for skin cancer development later in life. Eye strain and temporary headaches caused by the light are also often reported, although these symptoms do not seem to indicate any permanent injury.
Phototherapy with visible light, specifically blue light, has been shown to improve skin condition in cases of acne and blemishes. It is further reported to control the condition before an outbreak occurs.
While it is safe to use an at-home LED Face mask every day, we recommend using it 3-5 times a week for great results. You shouldn't use it in the same routine as any peeling products, so you can use your days off to utilise these formulas.
For instance, applying a nourishing facial oil or serum before undergoing red light therapy can prep the skin, enhancing its receptivity to the light treatment. This pre-treatment can hydrate the skin deeply, making it more pliable and responsive, thereby amplifying the regenerative effects of the therapy.
According to the trials and studies available on red light therapy, red light is not harmful. Although it is not detrimental, most practitioners recommend at least eight-hour breaks between exposure. The cells in your body can only absorb so much light, so shining light for many hours does not increase effectiveness.
Appearance. The blemishes caused by purging are usually smaller, come to a head quicker and heal faster. Breakouts, however, can vary widely in appearance, including blackheads, whiteheads, deeper cystic spots or hormonal acne along the jawline. They might heal slowly and can range in size and severity.
Blue light therapy is the type of light commonly used to kill acne-causing bacteria. Specific wavelengths of blue light, typically in the range of 405 to 420 nanometers, are used to target and destroy the bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), which is a major contributor to acne.
Most people feel nothing at all, but rarely some may experience mild transient jaw aching, headache and/or nausea. Theoretically “die-off” reactions (temporary flu-like symptoms) are also possible. However to date, there have been no known serious side effects of photobiomodulation.
However, the blue light used in LED Light Therapy can sometimes speed up the skin's natural shedding process. This may lead to existing pimples surfacing more quickly, giving the illusion of a breakout. In most cases, this is temporary and shouldn't last longer than a few weeks.
Dr. Hoss shares that LED face masks are generally safe, but people with sensitivity to light should avoid them. She also recommends eye protection, especially with blue light, which may cause eye discomfort or damage.
Although side-effects are rare, they may happen, Dr. Sanan said. The light can damage your eyes, so it's important to wear protective goggles or to close your eyes when using hand-held devices, or to use masks with eye holes or eye shields, he said.
How long does purging skin last? It generally lasts around 4 weeks (an average skin cycle length) but it can last up to 8 weeks. If you're still breaking out more than usual after this period of time, consider what else you're using in your routine, as it may not be purging.
Breakouts after microneedling may occur due to skin purging, where clogged pores surface as the skin regenerates. The procedure also opens microchannels in the skin, making it more sensitive to bacteria, leading to temporary breakouts.
Purging is temporary, and it won't last forever – your skin needs to adjust to the new active ingredients in your regime. Keeping consistent will help you through this phase, as your skin will gradually adapt. A simple, stripped back skincare routine will also help your skin to acclimatise.
Red Light Therapy session duration
The general guideline for red light therapy sessions is 10-20 minutes, but there's room for flexibility since every body responds differently.
Skip harsh skincare products: Avoid using products with strong acids, retinoids, or other potentially irritating ingredients for at least 24-48 hours after treatment. Gentle cleansing only: Use a mild, non-irritating cleanser to remove any residue or dirt without stripping your skin of essential oils.