Can You Use Salicylic Acid Serum After LED Therapy?
LED, also known as red light therapy, is having a moment, especially now that easy to use devices are available to use at home, everyone is benefiting from the intense and impressive results. With LED therapy treatment helping to heal wounds, repair tissue and combating inflammation is it a good idea to use salicylic acid with it? Or could teaming it together be the answer to unbelievable skin results?
Well, let’s find out more and investigate if you can use salicylic acid serum after LED therapy.
Can you use salicylic acid with light therapy?
Yes, you can believe it or not! Salicylic acid and other beta hydroxy acids (BHA) are oil soluble and are able to penetrate deep into the lower layers of the skin. They can target blocked pores and remove any build-up of excess sebum, bacteria, dirt, debris, and other impurities. They also work at reducing inflammation and loosen the bonds holding dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. Teaming salicylic acid or BHAs with light therapy will work effectively at combating breakouts. Some find that salicylic acid can often be too potent for their skin, especially if they have a skin type that is dry and prone to sensitivity. For this, LED is favoured to effectively treat blemishes, without the drying results of salicylic acid.
Can you use LED light after chemical peel?
You certainly can, using LED light after a chemical peel is actually something many established salons have to offer. It is thought that teaming the two together will result in a vibrant, fresh complexion with little to no downtime.
LED light therapy started as a brainchild of NASA and Navy Seals with blue and red light used to help boost muscle generation which results in any surface wounds on the skin healing rapidly. With this form of method being completely painless and deliver such outstanding results, it was only a matter of time before the beauty industry liked the idea which proceeded to the LED therapy machine you are familiar with begin to pop up all over.
LED light therapy is an effective and non-invasive approach to combatting signs of ageing by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin which both play an important role in keeping the skin looking plumped and hydrated with a youthful glow.
As complicated as it may sound, teaming LED light therapy with a chemical peel is a safe and impactful way to target most common skin concerns, from hyperpigmentation, dark spots, first signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles and loss of elasticity to the skin.
Can I use LED light with retinol?
Yes, believe it or not you can use LED light with retinol. I completely understand how this may feel a little daunting due to the reputation that retinol carries of being highly potent on the skin. While retinol does come with a list of instructions on how to introduce it into your routine and build the skin’s tolerance, it is suggested that applying retinol to the skin after you use LED light will, this will keep any irritation or increase in skin sensitivity to a minimum impact on the skin.
For optimal results wait to complete your evening skincare routine, followed by a LED therapy session. After this wait for about 10 minutes before you apply your retinol product then head off to bed allowing the form of vitamin A to work its magic whilst you catch up on your beauty sleep.
I understand that is may sound pretty straight forward, but it’s very important you consult with a doctor, dermatologist, or trained professional before trying any new formulas or ingredients on the skin, this will avoid any unwanted irritation.
How often use red light therapy on face?
This is very much dependant on the skin concerns you are wanting to address, from combating uneven skin tone, minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and healing long term sun damage. It is suggested that about 10–20-minute session 3-5 times a week over the course of 4 months will have the most impact and have a hugely notable difference to the complexion. There are several benefits when using LED therapy, partially the red light in the machine. Here are some of the main benefits you can expect,
Anti-ageing- the red light can stimulate the skin cells which is also known as fibroblasts, and these helps boost the collagen production of the skin. It can aid the skin to repair any damage and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines that occur on the skin. Over time you will find your complexion looks smoother and firmer to touch.
Heals wounds- as already mentioned, the red light helps stimulate the collagen of the skin. This highly effective for any surface wounds on the skin and many studies have shown any signs of redness are reduced, swelling and inflammation have calmed, and bruising is healed quickly.
You’ll find that teaming red light with blue makes a powerful skin duo that are able to combat an array of skin concerns, especially for any signs of inflammation and redness.
Do LEDS help acne scars?
Yes, it certainly does! Acne scarring occurs when blemishes are squeezed or popped forcing the skin surface to break, this small trauma will develop into a dark spot which will only become more pigmented with the sun exposure it has. Luckily, using LED light therapy you can repair any sun damage with regular sessions followed with a daily SPF of 30 and above. Other acne scars such as the pitted scarring that gives the face an uneven texture is also combatted thanks to the collagen stimulation resulting in a smoother, even, glowing complexion.
There you have some advice on how to use salicylic acid serum with LED therapy and a little more detail of the benefits you’ll experience when using LED therapy. Don’t forget to come and follow us on Instagram, and if you have any questions, or just fancy a chat about skin, you’ll find me there!
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.
