Can I use a salicylic acid serum after LED treatment?
LED, also known as red light therapy, is currently on the rise, especially now that easy-to-use devices are available for home use, and everyone can benefit from intense and impressive results. Since LED therapy helps heal wounds, repair tissues, and fight inflammation, is it a good idea to use salicylic acid at the same time as the treatment? Or can the combination achieve incredible skin results?
Well, let’s learn more and explore whether you can use a salicylic acid serum after LED treatment.
Can I use salicylic acid with light therapy?
Yes, believe it or not! Salicylic acid and other beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are oil-soluble and can penetrate deep into the lower layers of the skin. They can target clogged pores and clear the buildup of excess sebum, bacteria, dirt, debris, and other impurities. They also have anti-inflammatory effects that loosen the bonds of dead skin cells to the skin’s surface. Combining salicylic acid or BHA with light therapy can be effective in fighting breakouts. Some people often find that salicylic acid is too strong for their skin, especially if they have a dry and sensitive skin type. Therefore, LED is the first choice for effectively treating skin blemishes without the drying effects of salicylic acid.
Can I use LED light after a chemical peel?
Of course you can, as many established salons offer the use of LED light after a chemical peel. The combination of the two is thought to result in a radiant, fresh complexion with little to no downtime.
Originally an idea developed by NASA and the Navy SEALs, LED light therapy uses blue and red light to promote muscle growth and allow superficial wounds on the skin to heal quickly. Since this method is completely painless and works so well, it was only a matter of time before the beauty industry took a liking to the idea, resulting in LED treatment devices being everywhere.
LED light therapy is an effective and non-invasive way to fight the signs of aging by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, which play an important role in giving skin a plump, hydrated appearance and youthful glow.
Although it sounds complicated, combining LED light therapy with a chemical peel is a safe and effective way to address the most common skin concerns, from hyperpigmentation, dark spots, early signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles to loss of skin elasticity.
Can I use LED light with retinol?
Yes, believe it or not, you can use LED light with retinol. I completely understand that this can be a bit daunting due to retinol’s reputation for being very effective for the skin. Although retinol comes with a set of instructions on how to introduce it into your daily routine and build skin tolerance, it is recommended to apply retinol to the skin after using LED light to minimize irritation or increased skin sensitivity.
For best results, wait until after your evening skincare routine is complete before doing your LED treatment session. Afterwards, wait about 10 minutes before applying your retinol product, then go to bed and let the vitamin A work its magic while you catch up on your beauty sleep.
I know it sounds simple, but it’s important to consult a doctor, dermatologist, or trained professional before trying any new formula or ingredient on your skin to avoid unnecessary irritation.
How often should you use red light therapy on your face?
This largely depends on the skin issue you want to treat, from combating uneven skin tone to minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to healing long-term sun damage. It is recommended to perform 3-5 sessions per week for 4 months, with each session lasting about 10-20 minutes, for best results and visible changes in your skin tone. There are a variety of advantages to using LED therapy, including the red light in the machine. Here are some of the main benefits you can expect:
Anti-aging – Red light can stimulate skin cells (also known as fibroblasts) and promote the production of collagen in the skin. It can help the skin repair damage and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. Over time, you will notice that your complexion looks smoother and firmer.
Wound healing – As mentioned above, red light helps stimulate the skin’s collagen. This is very effective for superficial wounds on the skin, and many studies have shown that signs of redness are reduced, swelling and inflammation subside, and bruises heal quickly.
You will find that the combination of red and blue light creates a powerful skin combination that can address a range of skin issues. Especially when there are signs of inflammation and redness.
Do LED lights help with acne scars?
Yes, they absolutely do! Acne scars occur when blemishes are squeezed or broken, causing a break in the skin’s surface. This minor trauma can develop into dark spots that only become more pigmented when exposed to the sun. Luckily, LED light therapy allows you to repair sun damage with regular treatments and daily use of an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Other acne scars, such as pit scars that cause uneven facial texture, can also be combated through collagen stimulation, resulting in a smoother, more even, and more radiant complexion.
Here are some tips for using salicylic acid serums with LED therapy, as well as more details on the benefits you’ll experience when using LED therapy. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, where you can find me if you have any questions or just want to discuss skin concerns!
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.