What is LED light therapy?

Phototherapy, from the Greek word meaning “treatment with light”, has been a therapeutic modality since the Ancient ages. Back then, the sun was used to treat a variety of skin and health disorders, and the Ancient Greeks termed it “heliotherapy”.

LED light therapy, or light-emitting diode therapy, is a skin rejuvenation treatment that exposes skin to different wavelengths of visible light to address a variety of skin conditions and boost overall radiance. The nonthermal, low-level light (LLL) penetrates skin without creating any trauma—unlike laser resurfacing, which relies on controlled microdamage to rejuvenate the skin.

The technology was first developed by NASA in the 1990s, when they worked on developing LEDs that lighting and conducting plant growth in space. While doing so, the researchers noted accelerated wound healing on the astronauts. This led to a pivotal publication “Effect of NASA light-emitting diode irradiation on wound healing” in 2001. Since then, cumulated studies show that it is effective for a number of applications either as a standalone treatment or as an add-on.

LED is also known as LLLT

The also called Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) by Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are the ultimate in non-invasive skin rejuvenation. Unlike lasers, LEDs are significantly have less safety issues, therefore have quickly become a useful and popular tool in the armamentarium of dermatologists, and aestheticians. They are much more than simple relaxing add-ons: they meet the rising demand for results-driven treatments without downtime, and they are clinically proven to be effective and safe for every face.

While the treatment can be performed on its own, it’s more frequently used in conjunction with other treatments or as one component of a facial treatment. LED treatments can be easily and safely combined with any advanced procedures - laser and chemical skin resurfacing, skin needling based upon their help aiding the recovery process by killing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and promoting the healing process.

How does LED work?

By targeting specific photoreceptors in the skin, LED induces a therapeutic photo response which boosts cell activity and communication, blood flow and tissue oxygenation, along with modulation of key cellular growth factors that trigger anti-aging + anti-inflammatory responses and stimulate wound-healing. Most notably LED is known for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties.

It can improve

acne
pigmentation
rosacea
diffuse redness
visible pores
dehydration
poor skin texture
fine lines + wrinkles
eczema and psoriasis

LED light treatments most commonly harness red light (often paired with invisible near-infrared light) or blue light, though you may encounter yellow light or green light therapy as well. Each wavelength penetrates skin at a different depth, and treatments can use more than one color.

What are the most effective wavelenghts?

LED light comes in a rainbow of colors, but all experts agree that red and/or blue LED treatments are the way to go. These colors are the most utilized, studied, and effective.

Red light has a wavelength of 620-750 hm (nanometers), while blue light has a shorter wavelength of 400-495 nm. This means that red light penetrates deeper into the skin, where it increases collagen production, helps repair damage, and decreases cytokines that cause inflammation. It's ideal for those looking for anti-aging effects-combating fine lines and wrinkles and boosting elasticity-as well as redness minimization. It's why LED light treatment for rosacea is a thing.

Blue light, on the other hand, works slightly more superficially. It kills the bacteria that's associated with acne, P. acnes. It also targets the sebaceous glands, reducing oil, and as such, this type of LED acne treatment is a great option for those with oily or blemish-prone skin.

Who's a good candidate for LED light therapy?

Everyone can benefit from LED considering it is safe on all skin types, can address so many skin conditions without creating damage.

Is LED light therapy safe?

LED light therapy is very safe for skin—it works without breaking the skin or transmitting enough heat to cause burns, avoiding any physical damage. It’s also free of UV radiation, so there’s no risk of tanning, sunburn, or skin cancer.

You should be provided safety goggles to wear during your in-clinic treatment though as LED cumulatively without eye protection might increase your risk of developing cataracts.

In 2019, the popular Neutrogena home-use face mask was recalled, due to concerns over eye safety—particularly, in the delivery of blue LED light. “Blue light is the highest energy portion of visible light and is not filtered out by the clear front of the eye [cornea], so these rays can reach the sensitive back portion of the eye [retina],” says Dr. David Samimi, a Los Angeles–based ophthalmologist and oculofacial plastic surgeon.

The flashing diodes of LED light therapy could also potentially trigger migraines or seizures, so it’s wise to avoid the treatment if you experience either of those conditions.

What are the pros and cons of LED light therapy?

Pros

LED light therapy is a very gentle treatment that doesn’t involve damaging the skin in any way.
It’s a pleasant, relaxing treatment and has absolutely no downtime.
The treatment is suitable for all skin types and tones with little risk of adverse effects.

Cons

The gentle treatment is no match for serious skin laxity. You’ll want a more powerful treatment (or plastic surgery) to tighten up loose, sagging skin.
It’s also not the best choice alone for concerns like uneven skin tone or bumpy texture, because it doesn’t exfoliate away outer layers or significantly encourage cell turnover.
To see results series of sessions needed.
It could potentially trigger migraines or seizures.

About results

Your skin may look more luminous immediately after treatment, but you’ll need more than one treatment to see optimal results. LED treatments are most beneficial when conducted in a series. Typically, six to eight treatments, done one to two times a week are recommended.

The cumulative results can lead to a very meaningful improvement, however, once you’ve completed a series, your results can last for six months to a year—at which point you’ll need to repeat the process in order to maintain them.