LEDs or light emitting diodes are semiconductor devices that release light, of different wavelengths, when an electric current passes through. LED phototherapy is a non-invasive and non-thermal procedure, involving the use of LEDs for a range of medical and aesthetic uses.
LED therapy has been employed to treat a multitude of skin conditions, such as acne vulgaris, psoriasis, keratosis, precancerous tissue and healing of wounds. It is also a popular method for skin rejuvenation, and is widely used by practicing dermatologists. LED phototherapy can be used as a stand-alone therapy or it can be combined with other therapies like peels and micro-needling to combat a variety of skin conditions.
Each wavelength of light penetrates a specific depth of skin tissue, and hence different wavelengths of lights can be used to treat different conditions. Wavelengths of light with therapeutic applications include red (633 nm) and blue (415 nm). The blue is especially helpful in the treatment of acne, whereas the red light is used in skin rejuvenation procedures. Other lights of interest include purple light, which acts as a powerful anti-acne and anti-aging agent; whereas, yellow light has been observed to stimulate lymphatic circulation, and green light to control hyperpigmentation.