Total Skin Solutions

You probably know that excessive exposure to the sun is dangerous for skin — or at least, you should! UV light causes environmental damage, fine lines, wrinkles, dryness and spots. Knowing this, you might be surprised to learn that a certain light therapy can actually be good for skin! Read on for more about LED therapy and how it works as an anti-aging method.

LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, use near-infrared light which penetrates and is absorbed by skin. While lasers produce heat, LEDs only produce light, which the skin turns into energy. This light energy then affects the mitochondria, responsible for powering cells. Plus, light allows cells to carry out chemical activities more quickly.

LED uses red and blue light to provide different benefits. Red light raises circulation, boosts collagen formation and promotes healing. Blue light destroys bacteria.

Skin problems that LED treats

• Few of us can honestly say that we are completely satisfied with our skin and no matter whom you ask, chances are they suffer some skin woe. The good news? LED treatments can improve many skin ailments:

• Collagen produced by red LED light plumps up wrinkles and fills out lines. It also firms and tones skin.

• Can you play connect-the-dots with your age spots? LED light may help lighten them.

• Irritated, dry, flaky skin will be eased with red LED light.

• Precancerous damage can be taken away using red light, says Dr. David Goldberg, who directs the Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey.

• If breakouts and blemishes are your concern, blue light is proving to be an effective way to treat acne.