Everything To Know About LED Light Therapy Facials, From Top Estheticians

Actually, what you're seeing is LED light technology, and LED lights do not contain any UV rays. In fact, many estheticians incorporate these hi-tech devices into facials to help smooth fine lines, fade hyperpigmentation, and even combat acne. How so, you ask? Here, we tapped the experts for everything you need to know about LED light therapy facials, whether you opt for a professional or at-home treatment. 

And according to master esthetician Sarah Akram, a professional might incorporate LED light therapy at any point during a facial; typically, though, they'll use it after cleansing and exfoliating the skin, so the LED can penetrate deeper into the dermis. After the treatment, they'll finish up with serums and moisturizer. 

Additionally, different colored lights may have different targeted benefits. The most common hues you'll see are red, blue, green, and yellow (or amber), and they represent different wavelengths that enter the skin at different depths—which means they can help treat different skin concerns:

Great news! Any skin type can benefit from an LED facial, considering there are a number of ways to target various concerns. You might want to select a color based on your specific skin care goals (i.e., aging skin might want to go with red; acne-prone skin might want to opt for blue), but even if you're just looking for enhanced skin quality and extra brightness, it's a worthy addition to any facial. If you're pregnant, experts just recommend speaking with your doctor before jumping right into the treatment. 

There's also zero downtime involved (unlike with, say, microneedling), so you can happily resume whatever activities you have on your roster. Just remember to prioritize proper sun care post-treatment—like with any facial, it's important to keep your freshly cleansed, delicate skin protected from harsh UV rays. On a similar note: "I would advise to refrain from any aggressive exfoliant products or sun exposure prior to LED light therapy skin treatment," says esthetician Aneta Zuraw, co-founder of Atelier Beauté. 

If you do use an at-home device, make sure to follow the instructions very carefully: Generally, Zuraw advises placing the device panel within 1 inch of the face, but certain manufacturers may have different protocols. "All programs, distance, and time vary per skin condition and device used," she says. 

LED light therapy is a common addition to many types of facial services since the technology works quite well alongside a host of treatments. Depending on the color and wavelength, the benefits abound—think improved skin texture, fewer fine lines, and bright, rejuvenated skin. Not to mention, LED technology may have full-body benefits as well—but you can read all about that here.