Pulsed light therapy is used to encourage skin cell growth and improve skin appearance. When the light is applied to the skin, the light penetrates into the deepest skin layers while leaving the skin's top layers undisturbed. When the light hits the skin, this helps to repair broken blood vessels and age spots.
History
Intense pulsed light therapy is a variation on laser treatments for the skin that was created to utilize an beam of broad-spectrum light, instead of a focused-spectrum light that is used with laser skin treatments. This therapy was invented by Dr. Patrick Bitters Jr., who discovered the benefits of intense pulsed light when applied to the skin.
Function
LED light therapy and pulsed light therapy can be performed as separate functions. However, when they are performed together, a person can experience significant skin rejuvenation benefits. LED (or light-emitting diode) therapy uses a highly concentrated narrow-band light to stimulate the skin's collagen production. This helps the skin to appear smooth. The pulsed light treatments are helpful in reducing the appearance of age spots and sun damage while also stimulating collagen production.
Time Frame
Each treatment lasts from 30 to 45 minutes. The number of treatments required to see results from pulsed LED light therapy depends upon the reason the skin is being treated. For example, in the treatment of wrinkles, three to five sessions may be required. However, a person who is hoping to experience skin-smoothing benefits may require only one treatment to see results.
Effects
According to a 2006 study published in the Journal of Drugs and Dermatology by Dr. David Goldberg, et al., LED treatments may help skin cells grow 150 to 200 percent more quickly than average skin cell growth. LED therapy also has been shown to reduce wrinkling and improve skin softness and smoothness.
Considerations
While LED light therapy portion of the skin treatment is not painful, the pulsed light therapy can cause some discomfort during treatment. Often it has been likened to feeling like a rubber band's snap against the skin. Because the treatment may make the skin more sensitive to the sun, wear a sunscreen following treatment to protect your skin from burning.
Cost
Because the light therapy treatments use cutting-edge technology, the treatments can be costly. In 2010, prices ranged from $300 to $600 per treatment. Because several treatments may be needed to experience results, they can represent a serious investment on the part of the person purchasing the therapy.
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