LED Light Therapy is a non-invasive skin treatment that targets the signs of ageing, acne problems and overall skin rejuvenation. While this has been around since the 1960s, it’s been getting more popular as of late.
In this article, you’ll learn more about what LED Light Therapy is all about, including its benefits and possible side effects, as well as other information if this skin treatment is right for you.
How did LED Light Therapy come about?
Way back when, NASA - yes, the US government agency responsible for the science and technology of space exploration - developed LED lights for plant growth outside planet Earth. However, healthcare professionals also saw the benefits of these products in healing wounds and tissue growth. Scientists further developed this into what we know as LED Light Therapy today.
What are the benefits of LED Light Therapy?
There are three kinds of LED light: red, blue and yellow. Red LED light reduces the signs of ageing as it targets skin cells that promote collagen production.
On the other hand, blue LED light targets oil glands and acne-causing bacteria on the skin to reduce the overproduction of sebum and improve acne problems.
Yellow LED light targets overall healing, so it’s perfect for after treatment for laser and injectables procedures as it speeds up recovery time.
So in this case, LED Light Therapy treats several skin concerns and conditions, including dermatitis, eczema and rosacea.
It’s also one of the safest skin treatments on the market, as it does not cause burns, and can be used regularly.
Are there any side effects?
Like any skin treatment, LED Light Therapy has a few side effects to take note of. They can cause mild reactions to the skin, so you might see a bit of redness immediately after but it tends to settle very quickly. Always discuss your plans with your GP so that you can prepare early.
Who Shouldn’t Use LED Light Therapy?
While LED Light Therapy is a safe and effective treatment, there are certain conditions where we may advise against it. If any of the following apply to you, our team will assess whether LED is suitable or recommend an alternative treatment:
- Suspicious lesions
- Malignant tumors
- Light sensitivity
- Epilepsy
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Lupus)
- Metabolic disorders (e.g., Porphyria – a severe light-induced allergy)
- Use of photo-sensitizing drugs (such as certain antibiotics, acne medications, or St. John’s Wort)
- Active cold sores
Your safety is our top priority at Laser Clinics United Kingdom. If you have concerns about whether LED Light Therapy is right for you, our team is happy to discuss your individual needs and guide you toward the best treatment options.
When should you use LED Light Therapy?
LED Light Therapy is ideal for those looking to reduce visible signs of aging, enhance skin health, and boost skin regeneration.
People experiencing acne, psoriasis, and rosacea can turn to LED Light Therapy to manage their symptoms.
Can I do LED Light Therapy every day?
So you’re hooked on the glow that LED Light Therapy gives, but can you use it every single day?
The good news is that LED Light Therapy is generally safe for daily use since it’s a gentle, non-invasive treatment that doesn’t damage the skin, even with frequent sessions. But to give your skin cells time to utilise the energy from the light, it is recommended to leave 48-72 hours between sessions.
For optimal therapeutic effects, we suggest using Blue LED Light for approximately 22.13 minutes per session, while Yellow LED Light is most effective at around 13.30 minutes per session. Use LED Light Therapy 2-3 times a week.
As always, listen to your skin and adjust the frequency if you notice any irritation or sensitivity.
How long does LED Light Therapy take to work?
All good things take time and the same goes for LED Light Therapy. A dramatic transformation overnight may be unrealistic, but gradual improvements are definitely in the cards.
Most people start noticing a subtle glow after just a few sessions. But to really see the effects, you’ll typically need a course of treatments over several weeks.
The exact timeline depends on the specific skin concern you’re targeting:
- Acne: Blue LED light is particularly effective for targeting acne because it works at the outermost layer of the skin, where it destroys acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation. Inflammation and breakouts can start to diminish within a few weeks, with more significant improvements appearing after a full course of treatments. By keeping the skin’s surface clear and minimising bacteria, Blue LED helps prevent future breakouts.
- Fine lines and wrinkles: Noticeable smoothing and plumping can take several weeks or even months of regular sessions. Yellow LED Light is particularly effective for fine lines and wrinkles as it penetrates deeper into the skin and reaches the layers where collagen and elastin production occur. Stimulating these proteins helps improve skin firmness and elasticity and gradually reduce the appearance of wrinkles over time.
- Skin healing: If you’re using LED Light Therapy to help with wound healing or post-treatment recovery, you might see faster results, with improvements noticeable within days or weeks.
Everyone’s skin is different, so the timeline for visible results varies. Our LED Light Therapists at Laser Clinics United Kingdom can give you a better idea of what to expect based on your individual needs and goals. So hang in there and keep up with your sessions!
How can you tell if it’s working?
For acne, expect less redness and breakouts within weeks. Fine lines and wrinkles may soften over several months, while skin healing can show faster results, sometimes within days.
Can you overdo LED Light Therapy?
No, you can’t "overdo" LED Light Therapy. It’s a gentle, non-invasive treatment that doesn’t harm the skin, even with frequent use. However, for optimal results, it's best to space sessions 48-72 hours apart. This allows the skin cells time to absorb and utilize the energy effectively, ensuring the treatment works as intended.
That said, using LED light therapy every single day won’t necessarily speed up your results. While consistency is key, the skin needs time to respond to the light stimulation, produce collagen, and repair itself. Sticking to a recommended schedule (typically 2-3 times per week) ensures you’re maximizing the benefits without unnecessary sessions.
Does LED Light Therapy cause purging?
The treatment itself doesn’t directly cause purging, which is when your skin breaks out temporarily as it adjusts to new products or treatments.
However, the blue light used in LED Light Therapy can sometimes speed up the skin’s natural shedding process. This may lead to existing pimples surfacing more quickly, giving the illusion of a breakout.
In most cases, this is temporary and shouldn’t last longer than a few weeks. In fact, it’s a good sign your skin is responding well to the treatment and clearing out congestion.
If you’re worried about acne breakouts during your LED Light Therapy sessions, our Therapists can offer advice and skincare product recommendations for managing your skin during the adjustment phase.
We tailor-fit our treatments that stimulate dermal blood flow and faster healing, giving you a fresh and rejuvenated look.
Is Microneedling / Skin Needling better than LED Light Therapy?
Think of Microneedling / Skin Needling and LED Light Therapy as complementary treatments that offer unique benefits for skin rejuvenation and repair.
Microneedling involves creating tiny puncture wounds in the skin to trigger your body’s natural healing response, subsequently boosting collagen and elastin production for firmer, smoother skin. It delivers faster and more dramatic results and can be used on various body areas, including the face, neck, chest, hands, stomach, and more.
On the other hand, LED Light Therapy is completely non-invasive, using specific wavelengths of light to target rejuvenation, acne, inflammation, and collagen production without any downtime. It may take longer to show results but it’s great for post-treatment recovery as it helps to reduce redness, calm the skin, and improve healing after Microneedling / Skin Needling.
The choice ultimately depends on your skin goals, concerns, and lifestyle. Whether you’re after faster results with Microneedling / Skin Needling or a gentle, no-downtime option like LED we’ll guide you through the best approach for your skin.
At Laser Clinics United Kingdom, you will be in the care of our highly-skilled and well-trained team of Therapists who use the latest in LED Light Therapy technology to deliver the best results based on your skin goals. So if you’re thinking of trying out this treatment, book an appointment today.
