All too common among a slew of skin types is the issue of blemishes, which can stem from a compromised skin barrier, environmental aggressors, diet, hormones, and overproduction of sebaceous glands.
From cystic pimples to closed comedones, scarring, and redness, compromised complexions are constantly looking for efficacious solutions. For us, that solution is light, specifically LED.
Here, we reveal causes and cures and why LED light therapy is an ideal skin remedy.
BLEMISH ORIGINS
Even if you have the best skincare routine, acne can still wreak havoc on your complexion and a pesky pimple can arise at any time.
Blemishes and acne stems from a variety of issues—for instance, hormones. Androgens specifically, which are mostly responsible for increased oil production, tend to rise in adolescence, especially in women, and early adulthood.
Dead skin cells also lead to symptoms contributing to clogged pores. Diet, too, is an official cause and has a direct impact on your skin. Look out for high glycemic foods like starches, sugars, and dairy.
But acne skin doesn’t stop at a singular or even multiple pimples. It can lead to dark spots, pigmentation, and scarring. And for that, too, we recommend a daily dose of light.
LED AS A BLEMISH ANTIDOTE
Our BOOST LED device is the perfect treatment to tackle blemishes firsthand. The BOOST at-home mask is made up of Red 633nm and Near-Infrared 830nm wavelengths light, which penetrate deep into the skin. It encourages healing, regenerates the cells, and soothes an inflamed complexion. Post-treatment, skin often glows as soon as the mask is removed.
Meanwhile, you might have heard that blue light targets and balances blemish-forming bacteria, while Near-Infrared 830nm optimises overall skin health. But when using the BOOST LED Mask in tandem with our Cleanse & Recovery Spray, it offers similar antimicrobial benefits to Blue 415nm light—helping to treat acne, blemishes, excessively oily skin, blackheads, and whiteheads.
That said, Blue light on its own doesn’t contribute to rejuvenation or regeneration. If blemishes aren’t present, or if your blue light is outside of the 415nm range (for example, 460nm or 480nm), it won’t have the same effect on the skin.
TREATING BLEMISHES AT THE LIGHT SALON & AT HOME
If we’re treating blemishes with Blue LED, we recommend zapping bacteria with Blue 415nm in The Light Salon and calming and supporting the complexion at home with the BOOST Red 633nm and Near-Infrared 830nm.
And while Blue LED is great for targeted in-salon treatments, it’s essential to protect the eyes. Plus, we don’t want to over-treat the skin—if overused, Blue light can darken existing pigmentation, which is why we like to treat with Blue LED in a controlled, professional setting, while supporting the skin with Red 633nm and Near-Infrared 830nm at home.
ACNE, BLEMISHES + MENTAL HEALTH
Acne and blemishes don’t just affect our skin - they can take a real toll on mental health too, sometimes leading to anxiety and low self-esteem. But here’s where LED light therapy comes in: not only does it help strengthen the skin barrier (think: fewer breakouts, reduced pigmentation, and less inflammation), but it’s also associated with boosting serotonin - our feel-good hormone. That means less stress, more energy, and a greater sense of balance.
For the best results, aim for three to five sessions a week to support both your skin and mind. But listen to your body - increase your LED use when you need extra support, and scale back when you’re feeling good. Your LED routine is just as much about self-care as it is about skincare.