LED Device Contraindications

Several skincare ingredients can cause photosensitivity, making your skin more susceptible to damage from light-emitting diode (LED) light treatments and natural sunlight. Exposure to light after using these ingredients can lead to sunburn, hyperpigmentation, or other adverse effects. 

We recommend you check your skincare labels, medication brochure for advice on this. If you are unsure whether the skincare or medication you are using causes photosensitivity, we recommend you check with your product supplier, prescriber or with a medical professional. We do not recommend the use of LED with prescribed skincare without consent from your practitioner. 

Here are some common photosensitising ingredients:

NB: This list is not exhaustive, and individual reactions can vary.

 

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs):

Glycolic acid

Lactic acid

Citric acid

Malic acid

Tartaric acid

 

Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs):

Salicylic acid

 

Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene):

Retinol

Tretinoin (Retin-A)

Adapalene

Tazarotene

Isotretinoin (oral medication)

Benzoyl peroxide

Certain antibiotics:

Roaccutane (Isotretinoin)

Tetracycline

Doxycycline

Ciprofloxacin

Ofloxacin

St. John's Wort

 

Certain essential oils:

Bergamot oil

Lemon oil

Lime oil

Grapefruit oil

Orange oil

Chemical sunscreens:

Avobenzone

Octocrylene

Octinoxate

Oxybenzone

Homosalate

 

Other substances known to cause photosensitivity:

Coal tar derivatives: Used in some psoriasis and dandruff treatments

Sulfonamides: Some medications containing sulfonamides

Phenothiazine medications: Used in some antipsychotic and anti-anxiety medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Some NSAIDs may increase photosensitivity

 

Certain topical and oral retinoids used for acne and anti-aging:

Acitretin

Alitretinoin

Hydroquinone 

 

Quinolone antibiotics:

Ciprofloxacin

Levofloxacin

 

Diuretics (thiazide diuretics): Some medications used for hypertension and edema

 

How to conduct a photosensitivity test?

Step 1: Check the list of contraindications to ensure you are not using any skincare which cause photosensitivity or taking any medications (oral or topical) which cause photosensitivity reactions.

Step 2: Ensure your skin is clean and dry.

Step 3: Place your LED product in contact with the skin. Ideally inner thigh, arm or back of hand.

Step 4: Turn your device on and complete a full treatment. 

NB: If you have more than one treatment mode on your device you will need to carry out multiple sensitivity tests, one for each mode.

Step 5: Please note if at any time you experience heat or discomfort stop your treatment immediately.

Step 6: After 24 hours, if there are no reactions, carry out the treatment protocol indicated for your device.

Step 7: If you experience any reactions please contact our customer support team HERE.