Continuum Studio - Massage, Skin Care & Spa Services in Chicago

Questions about LED Skin Therapy

What is a Photofacial?
The term "photofacial" can be confusing, because it is often misused. There are three prevalent types of light therapy used in photofacials today: LED (light emitting diodes) therapy, IPL (intense pulsed light), and Laser therapy. What these procedures have in common is that they all use forms of light (Greek = photo) to rejuvenate skin, without peeling.

Continuum Studio's Signature Photo-facial is a skincare service that incorporates LED photopulsation therapy, patented by Revitalight. The LED therapy portion of a photofacial usually lasts 10-20 minutes, depending on the type of light used.

Depending on the skin condition, our photofacial service can be combined with other skincare services, such as a chemical peel, for even more dramatic skin improvements. LED therapy treatments can also be done on their own.

How does LED light therapy improve my skin?
Continuum Studio believes that LED light therapy is the best alternative available for the improvement of all but the most severe skin conditions. There is no downtime, no redness and no pain associated with LED therapy. LED rejuvenation uses cold, broadband light to penetrate the skin’s surface, and does not rely on trauma to the skin to effect change. With LED therapy, you are not subject to the variables associated with wound healing from other light therapies.

Low-intensity red LED therapy energizes the skin's cells, similar to the way the sun energizes plants through photosynthesis. LED light waves penetrate skin to stimulate the fibroblasts, which produce collagen. By promoting collagen production, this therapy smoothes skin texture, improves firmness and resilience and increases moisture retention. The result is a reduction in the appearance of aging and sun damage, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and superficial hyper-pigmentation. Red light therapy is also great for treating rosacea.

For treatment of acne, blue LED therapy penetrates the skin to kill Porphyrin, the bacteria compound generated by P. acne, the known causative agent of acne. Porphyrin is photosensitive and reacts to blue light waves. Blue LED light therapy for acne is a great alternative for clients who do not respond well to antibiotic therapy or who develop problematic side effects.

For best results, a series of LED therapy treatments is strongly recommended, but the number and regularity of those sessions is dependent on the light being used and the skin concern being addressed.

A consent form and consultation is required prior to any service performed. These consultations can be done the same day as the treatment.

How are IPL and Laser therapies different from LED therapy?
All three of these therapies use light to help with skin rejuvenation. However, IPL and Laser therapies rely on thermal injury to the skin’s collagen, water or blood vessels to create changes in the skin's appearance. Unlike LED therapy, IPL and Lasers can cause a stinging sensation, redness, mild blistering or, in some cases, even bruising - for up to three days.

Laser therapy uses high-energy, narrowband beams of light to target skin concerns. There are two different types of laser therapy: non-ablative therapy is designed to stimulate collagen synthesis in the skin without damaging the outer layers; ablative laser therapy is used for facial resurfacing. As you would expect, laser therapy beams are very concentrated, like a laser pointer. Since the light is so much more concentrated, laser therapy tends to require longer sessions, which makes it more expensive. Many laser treatments require a topical anesthetic to reduce the pain experienced by the patient. In general, ablative laser therapy is more effective but requires a more involved procedure by a licensed dermatologist, more recovery time, more risks and more money than LED therapy.

IPL therapy emits different colored light over many wavelengths, allowing the light to penetrate to all levels of the skin. While IPL therapy does not damage the skin's surface (epidermis), it does rely on thermal injury to the dermis to stimulate collagen production. There can be stinging or pain involved (although less than with laser therapy), and redness can result after treatment.

If you are considering Laser or IPL therapy, make sure that a licensed practitioner (esthetician or dermatologist) that is well versed on the equipment performs your service.