What Is The best LED Light Therapy For Rosacea?
Rosacea is a prevalent yet frequently misinterpreted skin disorder affecting millions of people globally typically starting between the ages of 30 and 50.
It is characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels, and occasionally acne-like bumps over the cheeks, nose, and chin, causing both physical and psychological distress.
If you are wondering what is the best LED light therapy for Rosacea, note that according to a research study and a real life example of Julie B. Campbell the best led light therapy for rosacea is a combination of red light and either blue or amber lights – depending on the type of rosacea.
I suggest going through the full article, to better understand Julie’s situation and further understand what the different LED wavelengths’ purpose is.
What is LED Light Therapy?
LED light therapy is a non-invasive, painless treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to treat various skin conditions and promote overall skin health.
It is a popular and effective treatment that has gained popularity in recent years due to its numerous benefits and minimal side effects.
LED light therapy works by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential proteins that give the skin its firmness and elasticity.
It also helps to reduce inflammation, which can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, and other skin imperfections.
In addition to its skin benefits, LED light therapy has also been shown to have therapeutic effects on other conditions, such as chronic pain and arthritis.
Wavelengths and Their Role in LED Light Therapy
There are different types of LED light therapy, each with its own specific wavelength and benefits. For example:
- Blue light therapy is commonly used to treat acne, as it helps to kill the bacteria that cause breakouts.
- Red light therapy, on the other hand, is used to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and tone.
- Infrared light therapy is used to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Here’s a table showing all the known LED colors, their corresponding wavelengths, their names, and their functions.
| LED Color | Wavelength | Name | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | 415nm | Blue light | Eradicates acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface while reducing redness and inflammation. |
| Red | 633nm | Red light | Boosts cell energy, accelerating cell repair, renewal, and increased skin hydration. |
| Near-infrared | 830nm | Near-infrared light | Targets deeper cells to stimulate the wound healing process, easing redness, irritation, and scarring. |
| Green | 532nm | Green light | When combined with near-infrared, it accelerates the reduction of hyperpigmentation from scarring and acne. |
| Yellow | 590nm | Yellow light | Combined with near-infrared, it expedites the reduction of facial redness on the cheeks, nose, and chin. |
| Purple | 415-633nm | Purple light | Increases cell regeneration and renewal, eliminates acne-causing bacteria, reduces facial inflammation, and reduces the appearance of acne-related scars. |
| Light Blue | 510nm | Light blue light | Soothing, helps with allergies, enhances cell energy. |
| White | N/A | White light | Accelerates active tissue metabolism, reduces fine lines, and sagging skin. |
Here’s an image showing how the various red light and near infrared light wavelength’s penetrate the skin.
What causes Rosacea in the first place anyway?
The exact cause of rosacea is still unknown, but there are several factors that are believed to contribute to its development. For example:
- Genetics: There is evidence to suggest that genetics play a role in the development of rosacea. People with a family history of the condition are more likely to develop it themselves. [1]
- Abnormalities in blood vessels: It is thought that abnormalities in the blood vessels of the face may contribute to the development of rosacea. These abnormalities may cause the blood vessels to dilate more easily, leading to redness and flushing. [2]
- Demodex mites: Demodex mites are tiny organisms that live on the skin of most people. However, in people with rosacea, it is believed that these mites may play a role in triggering an immune response that leads to inflammation and the development of rosacea symptoms. [3]
- Inflammation: Inflammation is a key component of rosacea. It is believed that an overactive immune system response to certain triggers, such as sunlight, heat, or certain foods, can lead to inflammation in the skin and the development of rosacea symptoms. [4]
- Environmental factors: Certain environmental factors, such as exposure to sunlight, extreme temperatures, wind, and certain chemicals, can trigger or worsen rosacea symptoms in some individuals. [4]
- Dysfunction of the skin barrier: The skin barrier is responsible for protecting the skin from external irritants and maintaining its moisture balance. In people with rosacea, there may be a dysfunction in the skin barrier, making the skin more susceptible to irritation and inflammation. [5]
Subtypes of Rosacea and Effective LED Therapy Devices
The journey to effectively treating rosacea begins with identifying its subtype. Here are the four subtypes of rosacea and the LED light therapy devices best suited to each:
- ETR (Erythematotelangiectatic) Rosacea: Characterized by prolonged flushing and persistent redness.
- Papulopustular Rosacea: Resembles acne but with a different distribution.
- Phymatous Rosacea: Presents as continuously growing oil glands, oily looking skin, and eventually, thickened skin tissue.
- Ocular Rosacea: Severe cases can lead to difficulty seeing and can cause real damage to the eye.
LED Light Therapy and Rosacea: What The Research Says
Apart what the internet says about LED Light therapy and Rosacea, I always like to check what the scientific community says about as specific condition as well.
Although there aren’t many scientific studies that prove that LED light therapy treats rosacea, there is a study published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports, on two patients with papulopustular rosacea, which the combined therapy of blue (480 nm) and red (650 nm) LED light showed effective results.
The study concluded that this treatment could represent an effective, safer, and well-tolerated approach for managing rosacea. [6]
There are many other research papers that show that Intense Pulsed Light therapy (IPL), Novel photopneumatic therapy and photodynamic therapy have resulted in positive results in. [7] [8] [9]
Although these therapies are not exactly what we call LED light therapy, they do use light to as “base” for their treatment.
Real-Life Experiences with LED Light Therapy
Julie B. Campbell, a freelance writer and book author, has been using LED light therapy for rosacea since June 2015. She documented her experience in a blog in TalkHealth forums.
She started with an all-red LED light therapy powerhead and tracked her progress for months.
She found that the morning after her first use, she noticed a difference in her skin which felt less “angry” and the burning sensation was less noticeable.
Over time, she found a 2-minute balance for her skin that provided optimal results and the itching and burning essentially disappeared.
She also tried different colors (wavelengths) of light therapy for skincare and found that each color offered unique benefits.
- Red Light Therapy: This therapy was beneficial for reducing the burning sensation, healing the acne-like bumps and preventing flare-ups.
- Amber Light Therapy: It was calming and eased redness but the spots started to return and while the amber light soothed flare-ups, it didn’t prevent them.
- Red and Amber Combined: Using both lights provided a balance of both healing and calming.
- Blue Light Therapy: It didn’t do anything for her rosacea but it did speed the healing of any occasional non-rosacea pimples.
- Green Light Therapy: This light therapy was used after the red light exposure and it helped to reduce the permanent redness on her face.
Overall, Julie found LED light therapy to be one of the most effective treatments for her rosacea.
Final Thoughts
While LED light therapy is a promising tool in the management of rosacea, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
LED light therapy should be used as part of a holistic approach that includes trigger avoidance, gentle and consistent skin care, and a nutritious diet that includes a healthy dose of antioxidants and ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
As for what is the best LED light for Rosacea, is undouptly red light therapy combines with either blue, yellow or green light therapies.
Have you got any experience with rosacea and LED light therapy? If yes, leave your review below. If you have any questions, leave them below and I’ll make sure to reply to each one of it.
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