Did you know light is useful for much more than seeing in the dark? The power of light can be harnessed to relieve pain and help the body heal. In addition to treating different types of physical ailments such as sports injuries, back pain and arthritis, light can also be used to heal and improve the skin.

If you’re interested in improving your skin with light, there are a few things you should know beforehand. First, there are many different types of light therapy, and they aren’t all appropriate for every situation. Second, light therapy treatments can vary significantly by price. So if you’re on a budget like I am, you should know about the cost differences between treatments. Here’s what I learned about the top light therapy skin treatments and their different price points.

LED Light Therapy

LED light therapy is very popular. The technology was first used by NASA to experiment on plants during shuttle mission. Later, researchers discovered that the technology showed evidence of healing wounds.
Today, cosmetologists use LED light therapy to slow down the aging process. There is some evidence that the lights can help the skin regenerate itself. The therapy is also used to treat acne and minimize wrinkles.

Unlike other light therapy types, LED light therapy does not expose the skin to ultraviolet rays. That’s great news if you’re worried about skin cancer. However, you shouldn’t receive this type of therapy if you take Accutane or if you have a problem with recurring skin rashes.
One LED light therapy session typically costs anywhere between $25 and $85. It’s one of the more affordable light treatments. Most experts recommend that you receive one treatment per week for up to 4 weeks. If you purchase an LED light kit for at-home use, it can cost up to $250 or more.

IPL Treatments

Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, is frequently used to treat unwanted hair, wrinkles and age spots. IPL can also treat varicose veins and broken blood vessels. This treatment is similar to laser treatment in some ways, but it differs in others. One of the major differences between laser treatment and IPL is that IPL utilizes many different wavelengths of light, while laser therapy only uses one wavelength.

IPL has the ability to reach the second layer of your skin while leaving the outer layer unscathed. This helps prevent unwanted damage to the most visible layer of your skin. You should avoid tanning beds, chemical peels, direct sunlight and collagen injections at least two weeks prior to your IPL appointment.
The cost of IPL depends on the size of the treatment area, but typically ranges between $700 and $1,200. Most health insurance plans won’t cover the cost because it’s considered a cosmetic procedure.

Choose Your Treatment

Now that you know a little bit about light therapy and how it can help you fight premature aging, wrinkles and other skin conditions, what treatment option would you choose? LED light therapy works well and seems to be the most affordable option for most people, but PDT and IPL treatments may be best for your complicated or serious skincare needs.