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: “Just like any other professional versus at-home device, a professional LED therapy service has a stronger wavelength of light and has more LED coverage, meaning it is able to target your entire face, neck, and chest,” says Akram. “At-home LED devices are great for use in between services, but you can only treat certain areas at a time, depending on the device.” And as Akram mentioned, the wavelength is typically much stronger on a professional tool—that’s why you’ll likely wear a pair of very chic eye goggles to protect your orbs. Rzaca agrees: “[With at-home devices] the light source may not reach the appropriate wavelength, which is crucial in LED light therapy treatment to be as effective.” Technically, you can find a high-quality handheld tool, but it’s important to do your research. We especially love the DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro from Dr. Dennis Gross, and Akram recommends the POLY Go, which has both a red and blue light option. As you can probably tell, these tools can get pretty expensive, so you might want to opt for a professional treatment first and make sure you love the results before you splurge. 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.
