What Age Should We Start LED Light Therapy?
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- 01 What is LED Light Therapy?
- 02 Am I Too Young for LED Light Therapy?
- 03 Can Teens Use Blue Light Therapy For Acne?
- 04 The Takeaway
4-minute read
How young is too young for skincare? The rise of a new micro-generation cynically labeled ‘Sephora Kids’ has led to much talk on the topic. ‘Sephora Kids’ are skincare-obsessed tweens and pre-teens, born most likely from unfettered access to social media beauty influencers and skincare trends. Sounds harmless, right? Not when some kids as young as 8 have built expensive beauty routines with harsh ingredients designed for much older skin.
Opinions on when to start a skincare routine vary, but one thing is for sure: anti-aging skincare is neither necessary nor appropriate for teens. But what about LED light therapy? Hailed as a natural, non-invasive, and safe skin treatment, could it still pose a risk to younger skin?
What is LED Light Therapy?
LED light therapy, including red light therapy, is a technique using specific light wavelengths to trigger cellular responses in the skin and improve overall skin health, as well as targeting specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation. The most popular LED light therapy devices are LED facemasks, wands, and full-body mats. Red light therapy boosts collagen production for visibly firmer and smoother skin, blue light therapy clears and prevents acne by targeting acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin, and also regulates oil production, green light therapy treats hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone by inhibiting melanin production, the pigment responsible for dark spots. For more on LED light therapy colors and their applications, click here.
Am I Too Young for LED Light Therapy?
If you are a teen or pre-teen eager to jump on the red light therapy bandwagon, then the answer is probably yes. As we described, anti-aging skincare has no place in a teenager's routine. Collagen stores are not in decline, and fine lines and wrinkles are not at risk of appearing at any moment. If you are interested in red light therapy for anti-aging, the early 20s is a good place to start, as collagen begins to slowly decline from the age of 20. After the age of 20, the dermal layer produces 1% less collagen per year - so boosting collagen production from your early 20s helps to replenish lost collagen stores and maintain skin elasticity.
Can Teens Use Blue Light Therapy For Acne?
The approach for blue light therapy is a little different. As blue light targets breakouts directly, it is not a stretch to assume it is a suitable treatment for teens, 85% of whom experience acne at some point. Although acne can start as early as 11 years old, if you are under 18 and considering blue light therapy as a treatment option, this should always be done under the supervision of a dermatologist or other medical professional. This is to ensure that blue light is compatible with your overall treatment plan. Similar to how retinol and other vitamin A derivatives are generally not recommended for young skin, they can still be used as a blemish treatment for teens in specific cases under professional medical guidance.
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The Takeaway
Teens and pre-teens interested in red light therapy as an approach to ‘anti-aging’ should steer clear of the treatment until at least their early 20s. Anti-aging skincare, even ‘preventative’, is not required until your early to mid 20s, at which point the skin aging process accelerates. If you are suffering from breakouts and are considering blue light therapy as part of a wider treatment plan, this should be done under medical supervision if you are under 18. LED light therapy, as well as skincare topicals such as retinol, vitamin C, and AHAs, are powerful skincare ingredients, but introducing them too soon can cause lasting skin damage by disrupting the skin’s precious barrier. Unless you are dealing with acne, a gentle cleanser, moisturizer (without actives), and SPF are all your skincare routine requires.
Project E Beauty
Supporting Your Skin Transition
written by Sophie Flair
