Where do I get KO Light? Should I choose a clinic that explains the light type and how many visits are needed?

When choosing a place for LED light therapy like KO Light, the basic approach is to select the light type and application conditions matched to your concern, and choose based on whether they explain how many visits you'll need.[1]While research shows that red light and near-infrared light may help with skin rejuvenation and acne, the application conditions vary across studies.[2][1]Since this is not a treatment that produces results in one visit, the explanation of how to schedule your visits becomes a key comparison point.

First, what concern are you treating?

The first thing to decide is whether you're addressing fine lines and firmness, or acne. LED light therapy is used with red and near-infrared light for skin rejuvenation, acne, hair loss, and other concerns, and has been summarized as having a reasonable amount of research.[2].

For acne, blue light research is more common, appearing in about 60% of all cases.[3]In a report summarizing 35 studies and 1,185 cases, 92% of people experienced some reduction in acne.[3]However, there is said to be insufficient research directly comparing it to existing treatments.[3].

Why should I ask about light type and application conditions?

Light therapy is performed by setting conditions such as the color (wavelength) and intensity of the light and the duration of application.[1][4]In skin rejuvenation research, a challenge is that these conditions and treatment frequency vary significantly across studies.[1].

For example, in research on crow's feet wrinkles, red light at 630nm and near-infrared light at 850nm were used in combination.[5]A report on home-use devices shows that the light wavelengths used ranged from 440 to 1072nm, with red and near-infrared being most common.[6]Asking which light is used and how long it is applied will make it easier to compare with other clinics.

What timeframe should I expect for the number of visits and duration?

Plan on it being a treatment that continues over several weeks rather than ending in just a few visits. In crow's feet wrinkle research, participants used the device for 16 weeks, with differences from the sham device appearing from week 8 onward.[5].

In acne research, the average number of treatments was 22 sessions, with visible changes appearing after an average of 4 weeks.[3]It's reassuring to also confirm what level of change is expected with the proposed number of treatments.

How much is known from the research?

There is a reasonable body of research supporting that red light and near-infrared light are safe and effective methods.[2]On the other hand, measuring and reproducing effects using the same methodology is still difficult.[2].

Research on KO Light itself was not found this time, and the wrinkle research presented here examined home-use devices.[6][5]A report summarizing research on home-use LEDs also notes that the evidence is still inconsistent.[6]Common side effects from light therapy for acne were skin irritation and redness.[3].

What should I ask about when comparing clinics?

Asking the same questions and comparing answers is a straightforward approach. Try asking what concern is being addressed, which color of light is used, how long it is applied, how many visits are planned, and whether other treatments will be combined.

When acne or redness is ongoing, whether light alone is sufficient or if medication treatment should come first can be a deciding factor. Have your skin condition evaluated by a physician and consult about whether KO Light is right for you before deciding.