Words | Katie Pierce

Creating a healthy skincare routine is just as important as a healthy routine for eating, sleeping and exercise. Skincare has evolved over the years, with products targeting specific problems and skin types. One of the modern developments that has been transformational is light-emitting diode (LED) therapy. LED therapy can address various skin concerns, including acne.

LET’S TALK SKIN TYPES

Here are the most common skin types and their general characteristics to help you find out which category your skin falls under.

• Dry Skin: Dry skin produces fewer natural oils, which gives it that tight and rough feeling. These characteristics are caused by a wide range of internal and external factors, including cold and dry weather.
• Oily Skin: This skin type is quite the opposite of dry skin. Oily skin is characterised by an overproduction of sebum or oil, making the skin look shiny or greasy. Excess oil can also lead to acne flare-ups and blemishes when not taken care of properly.
• Combination Skin: Those with combination skin usually have oily skin around their T-zone and normal to dry skin on the rest of their face. Having combination skin means you may need to treat other areas with different products to ensure you’re giving the right nutrients to the parts that need them.
• Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin, then you may have a hard time finding the right treatment or products. Your skin has a very low tolerance for various products or ingredients. You will need to be more careful when testing out new products to avoid allergic reactions or skin discomfort.
• Normal Skin: If you have what experts call "normal" skin, then you’re quite lucky! It’s challenging to pinpoint the exact definition of what normal skin is—there are a lot of discussions among dermatologists about this. But in general, if your skin is neither too dry nor too oily and if your skin doesn’t react harshly to external factors, then you can consider your skin type to be normal.

If you have a better idea of your skin type, you’ll have a better idea of the products you need. It’s important to note, however, that acne can be present in various skin types (whether you have oily or dry skin) and can be caused by various factors. This is why you will need a product that can help address acne outbreaks. Enter: LED Light Therapy.

WHAT IS LED LIGHT THERAPY?

LED light therapy is a non-invasive skin treatment that helps address a wide range of skin problems like inflammation, the effects of ageing, and acne. LED light therapy has been used by dermatologists for years, but FDA-approved LED light therapy products are now becoming more accessible for home or personal use.

WHAT CAN LED LIGHT THERAPY DO FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN?

Over time, those who use LED light therapy products like the OLIVIEREWILSON LED Glow Mask will experience improvements in their skin’s overall health. More specifically, those with acne-prone skin can benefit from using LED light therapy’s effects, such as:

• Improvement of hyperpigmentation from acne marks
• Reduce skin inflammation and alleviates acne
• Brighten skin complexion
• Minimise enlarged pores which are commonly associated with breakouts
• Repair skin cells
• Promote hydration from the inside

Aside from acne-prone skin-friendly benefits, LED light therapy products that adhere to FDA and UKCA safety regulations offer numerous benefits. These include the softening of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen and elastin production. Additionally, medical-grade LED light therapy products also help stimulate cellular activity to address age spots and sun damage.

Reminder: Take Care of the Basics!

There’s no single magic potion for flawless skin. However, make sure you’ve ticked these simple items off your skin-care to-do list to maximise the effects of any product you use.

1. Don't have too much fun in the sun: While some studies show that moderate sun exposure could do some good for your physical and emotional well-being, it's important to note that too much can lead to skin damage. If you cannot avoid long-term sun exposure, make sure you're protecting your skin with a broad spectrum sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, or all of the above.
2. Have a good sleep routine: Having enough shut-eye allows your body to regenerate and boosts your overall mood.
3. Change your bedding and clean your skincare tools regularly. No matter how many products you use in your skincare routine, their effects can be undone when your pillowcase and sheets aren't disinfected.
4. Don't forget to drink water and incorporate foods that promote skin health into your daily meals. Supplement what you put on your skin with the type of food you put in your body. While doing so won't magically clear your skin overnight, it can, however, impact your skin's overall health over time.
5. Avoid touching your face. We can't say this enough. Touching your face, especially with hands that haven't been sanitised, can invite bacteria to your skin and potentially cause acne or other skin problems.
6. Find ways to manage your stress. We know it's easier said than done, but finding your own way to manage your stress can work wonders not just with your skin health but overall wellness.

Ensuring you have the basics covered as well as using the right products for your skin’s needs are crucial in keeping your skin healthy. If you’d like to know more about finding the right LED light therapy and other skin wellness products for you, visit the OLIVIEREWILSON website.