There are a lot of LED devices going around, and they’re super popular, but are they actually worth it?
And first of all, does red LED even work for skin?
The answer is a resounding “yes” as long as it’s the right wavelength, and it’s potent enough.
What is a wavelength?
When we say “wavelengths,” we’re talking about the electromagnetic spectrum which can range from UV and gamma rays to radio waves that can be miles long. But, within this electromagnetic spectrum, there’s also visible light. And on one end of that visible light spectrum, is red light. This is the LED people are using in their skincare and haircare devices.
And yes, there is actually medical science showing that it works. Red LED is specifically 620 to 750 nanometers. Nanometers are used to measurewavelengths of light and distances between atoms in molecules (NIH). And when it comes to visible light, the sweet spot for treating acne seems to be around the 655 to 660 range.
When the right wavelength of red LED penetrates the skin, it can decrease inflammation, boost collagen, and it can even help with hair regrowth if it's strong enough.
This is one of Cassandra’s favorite Red LED products from Dr. Dennis Gross. They’ve actually done studies on how their LED penetrates.
Dr. Dennis Gross Full Face Mask: hands free, multiple colors, and very powerful
If you want an LED device, you might notice that many of these are very expensive. So, you may want to go for something that is less expensive like the Solawave versus the Dr. Dennis gross.
Does it make sense to just save money? Are all LED devices the same?
Well, there’s nuance to this. Before you choose an LED device, you have to know what you’re trying to treat. If you have concerns with collagen production, fine lines, wrinkles, and elasticity, you’ll want to go for red LED light.
On the other hand, blue light helps with acne, and it is completely different. When we look at the electromagnetic spectrum, specifically the visible light portion, red LED is just one type. It's closer to infrared waves, and the blue LED is actually on the completely opposite side. It's closer to ultraviolet light.
Photocred: Color chart
Photocred: Electromagnetic spectrum science
So, if you have acne and you’re looking to kill bacteria, you need to look for blue light. But, for now, we’re talking about red lights.
Are red LED devices worth it?
A lot of people go for the smaller options because they think it will save them more in the long run. But, the small ones such as the Solawave only target a specific area. Most LED products need to be used for 10 to 20 minutes in order to see results.
But, when using the Solawave, you’re not using it for 10 to 20 minutes on every single spot of your face. So, it’s better to get something that treats the entire face rather than just one spot.
Optimizer Voyage Tri-light Glasses for Bright Eyes
For example, this provides LED treatment just around the eyes. But, at the same time, this specifically focuses on an entire area. Likewise, it allows the LED to work for the required amount of time.
But to Cassandra, the Dr. Dennis Gross masks produce the best results, but it is on the costly side.
So, what if you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars? Cassandra completely agrees. There are full-face options that are much cheaper as well.
Budget Version: Dermabeam Pro (full face, covers lips too, powerful and hands-free)
You can get this off of Amazon, and it protects the eyes. This isn’t as comfortable as the Dr. Dennis Gross one though. However, this is still a fantastic option, especially for the price.
Solawave handheld LED: NOT good for full face, best for spot treating and travel
Cassandra loves this for travel, and it works well with the eye cream. This made her burn scar disappear in 45 days. So, for someone who has minor blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles, this would be perfect for spot-treating those areas.