Purple Light Therapy: Unlock The Surprising Skin Benefits Now
If you’re struggling with skin conditions or looking for more radiant skin generally, then LED light therapy may be the answer. Here we’re going to look at purple light therapy in particular.
Many of us seek some magical potion to rid our skin of persistent breakouts, and blemishes and improve skin tone.
I think guys have it easier than gals (although not always) – I see my wife constantly persuaded into some celebrity endorsement promising the answer to her skin woes, only to be let down after shelling out a tidy sum for the alleged holy cream.
I’m a believer in keeping it simple and going back to the O.G. in skincare i.e. tallow. Anyway, that’s a separate subject… here we’re talking about colored light as the skin savior.
And hey, it makes sense… these different color lights are what the sun emits. So, at the end of the day – or the middle of it – LED light therapy replaces what we would normally be exposed to if we weren’t cooped up indoors most of the day.
Each color has its unique benefits, so let’s look at the benefits of purple light therapy.
TL;DR
- Purple light therapy, combining red and blue light properties, can aid in skin rejuvenation, target acne-causing bacteria, and stimulate collagen production for healthier-looking skin.
- Purple light therapy has a dual-action benefit, effectively addressing both surface-level issues like acne and deeper skin concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, and enhancing cell regeneration.
- While generally safe and beneficial for all skin types, purple light therapy should be approached with caution for individuals with certain skin conditions or a history of skin cancer, and professional guidance is recommended.
Exploring the Spectrum: The Power of Purple Light Therapy
Purple light therapy is a game-changer in the realm of skin health. It’s a unique form of LED light therapy that combines blue and red light, offering a dual action for skin health.
The beauty of this therapy lies in the fusion of red and blue lights, each offering distinct benefits to your skin. Once you give green light therapy a try, you’ll see the amazing results it can provide.
The benefits of light therapy include:
- Red light stimulates collagen production, reducing wrinkles and giving your skin a smoother appearance.
- Blue light targets and destroys acne-causing bacteria, giving you a clearer complexion.
- When red and blue light combines, they form purple light therapy, a soothing treatment that fights acne and reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and dull skin.
Interestingly, the therapeutic effects of this therapy go beyond skin aesthetics. They delve into the core of skin health, promoting cell regeneration, and healing. This makes purple light therapy particularly effective in treating various skin concerns, including acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and dull skin.
The Fusion of Red and Blue Lights
The power of purple light therapy lies in the fusion of red and blue lights. This union inherits therapeutic properties from both lights, offering a dual-action effect on the skin.
While the red light stimulates collagen production, the blue light takes on the role of a superhero, fighting off acne-causing bacteria. This makes purple light therapy a formidable force against acne.
More importantly, this combination promotes cell regeneration, which is crucial for maintaining healthy and radiant skin. So, whenever you’re using a purple light therapy device, remember you’re harnessing the power of two lights in one treatment.
Targeting Acne and Pigment Stains
Purple light therapy works wonders in reducing acne and pigment stains. It directly targets and destroys the bacteria that cause acne breakouts, giving you a clearer complexion.
But that’s not all. This therapy goes above and beyond to reduce inflammation and visibility of acne-related scars. It’s like a two-in-one solution for your acne problems.
In addition to combating acne, purple light therapy also evens out skin tone and diminishes the appearance of age spots and hyperpigmentation.
This is possible due to the dual-action approach of this therapy, which effectively addresses acne-causing bacteria and hyperpigmentation issues simultaneously.
Promoting Cell Regeneration and Healing
Purple light therapy is not just about fighting acne and reducing pigmentation; it’s also about promoting cell regeneration and healing. This therapy stimulates the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell, facilitating the regeneration and repair of skin cells.
By increasing the function of fibroblasts, purple light therapy plays a critical role in tissue repair and the synthesis of collagen, which improves skin elasticity and aids in cell regeneration.
The therapy also boosts microcirculation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, and speeding up the healing process after damage or injury.
Consistent use of purple light therapy can lead to a reduced appearance of scars and lesser occurrence of breakouts, enhancing skin clarity and texture.
Over time, the cumulative effects of improved skin regeneration and healing contribute to a youthful, radiant appearance and overall improved skin health.
Delving into the Science: How Purple Light Affects Skin Cells
Now that we understand what purple light therapy is and its benefits, let’s delve deeper into the science behind it. What makes this therapy so effective for skin health is its ability to stimulate collagen production, promote cell regeneration, and accelerate the healing process. But how does it do that?
Well, it all starts with the absorption of purple light by the skin cells, which stimulates collagen production.
This not only improves the smoothness of your skin but also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is mainly due to the red light component within the purple light therapy, which encourages skin’s collagen production.
Another significant benefit of purple light therapy is that it helps to revert cells to a more stem cell-like state, enhancing skin cell regeneration and renewal. This is all thanks to the regression of DNA telomeres triggered by purple light therapy.
Furthermore, the integration of purple light therapy with infrared light facilitates increased cellular energy and regeneration, thereby promoting deeper skin healing and improved cellular health.
Stimulating Collagen Production for Youthful Skin
One of the main benefits of purple light therapy is its ability to stimulate collagen production. Collagen, as you may know, is a protein that helps keep your skin firm and youthful.
The wavelength of purple light is absorbed by skin cells, leading to an increase in collagen production. And it’s the red light component within purple light therapy that plays a crucial role in encouraging this collagen production.
The result? Enhanced skin firmness and youthfulness, and reduced wrinkles and fine lines. Now, who wouldn’t want that?
Accelerating the Healing Process
Another impressive benefit of purple light therapy is its ability to accelerate the healing process. This therapy has anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate skin redness and swelling, making it particularly effective in reducing facial inflammation.
Additionally, the red and near-infrared light frequencies within purple light therapy stimulate cellular activity to promote skin healing and rejuvenation.
So, if you’re dealing with acne-related scarring, purple light therapy might just be the solution you need.
Enhancing Blood Flow and Lymphatic Drainage
Purple light therapy isn’t just about skin health; it’s also about overall wellness. The red light component of this therapy enhances blood flow and stimulates cellular energy production.
This improvement in skin tone following purple light therapy suggests a beneficial effect on both blood flow and lymphatic drainage.
In simpler terms, purple light therapy not only improves your skin health but also contributes to your overall well-being.
Comparing LED Light Therapy Colors: Where Does Purple Stand?
We’ve talked a lot about the benefits of purple light therapy, but how does it compare to other colors in the light therapy spectrum?
Well, it all comes down to wavelengths. Longer wavelengths, like red and near-infrared, penetrate the skin more effectively than the shorter wavelengths found in blue, green, and yellow light.
LED facial masks typically offer a variety of light treatment options such as:
- Red light
- Yellow light
- Green light
- Blue light
- Cyan light
- Purple light
- Orange light
Each color offers unique benefits, but purple light therapy holds a special place due to its dual-action effect on the skin.
Purple vs. Red Light Therapy
When compared to red light therapy, purple light therapy holds its own. Both therapies stimulate elastin and collagen production, which are key in anti-aging and reducing wrinkles.
However, purple light therapy combines anti-inflammatory benefits similar to those of red light therapy with the added advantage of targeting acne, attributed to the blue light in its spectrum.
So while red light therapy is great for its anti-aging benefits, orange light therapy and purple light therapy provide the bonus of acne reduction.
Purple vs. Blue Light Therapy
Now let’s compare purple light therapy to blue light therapy. Both therapies involve wavelengths ranging from 400 to 495 nanometers, known for their superficial impact on the skin due to limited penetration depth.
But here’s where purple light therapy stands out. While blue light therapy provides powerful antibacterial properties and is effective for people with clogged pores, purple light therapy offers the added benefit of reducing fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to the red light component.
Purple Light’s Niche in the Spectrum
So where does purple light therapy fit in the spectrum? Well, it has carved a unique niche for itself. This therapy has a soothing and calming effect on the skin, making it particularly beneficial for sensitive skin and conditions accompanied by redness and inflammation.
The anti-inflammatory properties of purple light therapy significantly contribute to reducing skin redness and swelling, making it particularly effective for such cases.
Practical Guide: Incorporating Purple Light Therapy into Your Routine
Now that we’ve explored the benefits and science behind purple light therapy, let’s talk about how you can incorporate it into your daily skincare routine. It’s simpler than you might think. All it takes is a few steps, from choosing the right LED face mask to creating a consistent treatment schedule.
Choosing the Right LED Face Mask
The first step in incorporating purple light therapy into your routine is choosing the right LED face mask. When choosing a device, ensure it offers adjustable wavelength settings and fits comfortably on your face.
You’ll want to select an FDA-cleared, professional-grade LED device for safety and effectiveness. Some options:
Remember, the key to effective purple light therapy is targeting the specific wavelength of around 405nm (nanometers).
Creating a Consistent Treatment Schedule
Consistency is key when it comes to purple light therapy. To address persistent skin issues like acne or signs of aging, it’s recommended to have multiple purple light therapy treatments, typically starting with up to 10 sessions spaced a week apart.
After the initial treatment phase, maintenance therapy can be adjusted to bi-weekly or monthly sessions based on individual skin response and under the guidance of a skin specialist.
Complementing Treatments for Enhanced Results
You may see recommendations that to get the most out of your purple light therapy, consider complementing it with other treatments such as injectables, dermaplaning, hydrodermabrasion, and microneedling that are compatible with purple light therapy and can aid in recovery.
However, it’s important to note that enzyme or chemical peels should not be performed in conjunction with purple light therapy due to the risk of causing excessive heat on the skin.
I know little about these treatments so do your research before considering them. My approach to anything is whether it’s something our hunter-gatherer ancestors would have been exposed to.
Light therapy fits here as they would’ve been more exposed to the light from the sun than we do in our modern world, but I struggle to see where the treatments mentioned above could fit in.
Safety First: Precautions and Considerations
While purple light therapy has numerous benefits, it’s important to understand the safety precautions and considerations associated with it.
Generally, this therapy is safe for all skin colors as it is UV-free and doesn’t cause burns. However, there are certain situations where caution is advised.
Understanding Potential Side Effects
Although side effects from LED light therapy are generally uncommon, it’s still essential to be aware of them. When side effects do occur, they can include:
- Increased inflammation
- Redness
- Rashes
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Hives
Therefore, it’s important to observe your skin’s reaction after purple light therapy sessions and report any adverse effects to a healthcare professional.
Who Should Avoid Purple Light Therapy?
Certain individuals should avoid or use purple light therapy with caution. For instance, those with skin conditions such as lupus or porphyria, which can cause heightened sensitivity to light, should avoid this therapy.
Similarly, those with a history of skin cancer or current skin malignancies should not use purple light therapy without medical guidance.
Advanced Techniques: Combining Purple Light with Other Modalities
If you’re looking to take your skincare to the next level, consider combining purple light therapy with other advanced techniques. This can provide augmented skin health benefits and promote deeper healing.
Synergy with Microcurrent Technology
One such technique is microcurrent technology. This technology improves muscle tone beneath the skin. When combined with purple light therapy, it leads to improved skin elasticity and firmness.
So not only do you get the skin health benefits of purple light therapy, but you also enjoy the muscle toning effects of microcurrent technology.
Integrating Infrared Light for Deeper Healing
Another advanced technique is integrating infrared light with purple light therapy. This combination leverages the deeper penetrating ability of infrared rays to promote healing and provide relief from muscular or joint pain.
It also enhances the therapeutic effects of purple light therapy by reaching deeper layers of skin and tissue.
Many infrared saunas have built-in as standard, or options to add chromotherapy allowing you to take advantage of both infrared and LED light benefits together.
Conclusion: Purple Light Therapy
As we’ve seen, purple light therapy is a versatile skin treatment that combines the benefits of red and blue light therapy. Its dual-action effect on the skin makes it effective in treating acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and dull skin.
Moreover, its ability to stimulate collagen production, promote cell regeneration, and accelerate the healing process contributes to enhanced skin health.
Whether you’re dealing with persistent acne, signs of aging, or simply want to maintain a healthy, radiant complexion, purple light therapy could be just what you need.
Ultimately along with other light therapies including infrared, consistent use can be beneficial for various skin concerns and replaces what the sun would usually have provided when we were outdoors more than our ancestors.
And that’s it… have a healthy day!
FAQs
What is purple light therapy?
Purple light therapy is a form of LED light therapy that combines the benefits of blue and red light to promote overall skin health, encourage healing, and potentially improve the appearance of the skin, targeting issues such as acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness.
How does purple light therapy work?
Purple light therapy works by emitting a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting cell regeneration and healing.
Is purple light therapy safe?
Yes, purple light therapy is generally safe for all skin colors as it is UV-free and doesn’t cause burns, but individuals with certain skin conditions or a history of skin cancer should avoid or use it with caution.
How often should I use purple light therapy?
You should start with up to 10 sessions of purple light therapy, spaced a week apart, for the initial treatment phase. The frequency of maintenance therapy can then be adjusted based on your skin response.
Can I combine purple light therapy with other treatments?
Yes, it is possible to combine purple light therapy with other treatments such as microcurrent technology or infrared light to enhance skin health and facilitate deeper healing.
