Acne meets its match with this innovative, market-leading LED light system
When it comes to treating acne, we’ve come a long way from gritty blemish scrubs and dubious overnight treatments (toothpaste, anyone?). Thankfully, it’s 2023 and we’ve got a much more effective and a way less abrasive arsenal at our disposal.
Whether you’ve been combating acne since adolescence or only recently dealing with the injustice of adult acne, the advice will be similar regardless of the clinic. A dermatologist or skin aesthetician will most likely emphasise the importance of a balanced diet and thorough cleansing, alongside curated at-home and professional treatments – the most common being LED light therapy.
Below, we enlighten you on how it works and the best type for treating acne specifically.
What is acne?
Acne (acne vulgaris) is one of the most common skin conditions affecting millions each year. While it doesn’t discriminate between males and females or ethnicities, it’s most prevalent in adolescents and young adults, with 85 percent of 16 to 18 year-olds affected. The underlying causes of acne vary. A combination of factors contribute to its formation, including hormones, genetics, environmental factors, stress, skincare, and diet. However, the root cause is an overproduction of sebum and clogged pores.
The lowdown on LED
LED is a treatment that uses varying wavelengths and colours of light to trigger skin changes at a molecular level. It’s often offered at a dermatologist’s office or in a skin clinic, which is the most powerful and effective option. LED masks for personal use are also increasingly popular but their efficacy is far less and slower.
What’s great about LED is it can be used as a standalone therapy or in conjunction with a wide variety of treatments. From an add-on to a basic facial to microneedling, it’s the perfect pairing.
When it comes to acne, blue light is the go-to and will supercharge the results of even the most detailed, blemish-fighting skincare regimes. Blue light specifically targets acne-causing bacteria in the skin.
The most advanced LED-based systems available, not just in New Zealand but the global market, is Healite II by Lutronic.
The innovative device is available in three different wavelengths—415nm, 633nm, and 830nm—in one expandable platform. The wavelength 415nm is your blue light option, ideal for treating active acne.
Heatlite II utilises low-level light therapy (LLLT) – a therapeutic version to enhance the body’s natural cellular recovery and healing times. It is a pain-free and a non-invasive treatment, which delivers concentrated energy deep into the tissue, affecting the body at a cellular level.