Light-emitting diode (LED) light therapy is a cosmetic and medical treatment that uses LED wavelengths to treat various skin conditions, such as acne and psoriasis.
You can get this therapy at a dermatologist’s office or use an at-home product such as a mask or wand.
“Home devices can offer convenience and may be beneficial for mild concerns or ongoing maintenance,” said Danilo C. Del Campo, MD, a dermatologist from Chicago.
“However, professional-grade devices in a medical setting are more powerful and can produce faster, more noticeable results,” he added.
Are There Different Types of LED Light Therapy?
LED light therapy uses skin-safe, low-level light in different wavelengths and colors such as amber, blue, red, and green. Near infra-red light is the most deeply absorbed wavelength, so it can boost collagen production, improve absorption of skin care products, improve elasticity, speed up wound healing, and soothe cystic acne, says Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD, a dermatologist from Texas.
Different wavelengths serve different purposes, says Del Campo.
“For example, blue light may help reduce acne-causing bacteria, while red and near-infrared light may help stimulate collagen production and reduce inflammation,” Del Campo adds.
Blue light is often used to affect the surface of your skin, while other colors go deeper.
Multiple types of LED light may be used together for some treatments.
The technology has evolved since it was first developed, he adds. “Earlier devices were limited and less targeted, while modern platforms allow precise delivery with improved efficacy. Research in this space has grown significantly, and the therapeutic benefits continue to expand,” says Del Campo.
Benefits of LED Light Therapy
LED lights have been available since the 1960s, but have only been used in the past few years to treat the skin. Different wavelengths enter the skin at different depths, making this therapy useful to treat a variety of skin conditions, including:
Acne.Blue light is often used to treat acne. Studies show that blue light can kill the bacteria responsible for acne. It can also lower the amount of oil your glands make. This stops the hair follicle from becoming clogged and causing acne.
Red light is also typically used in combination with blue light to help ease inflammation and redness.
Aging. Red light stimulates skin cells called fibroblasts. These help make collagen, which is an important part of skin recovery. Some studies have found that red LED light therapy tightens skin, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, and makes skin smoother and softer.
Photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid and LED light can also fade fine lines and make the skin softer.
Wound healing. Red LED light boosts collagen, which is important for healing wounds. People who have had surgery for skin resurfacing have also had red LED light therapy after the procedure. Studies show that this form of light therapy lowers redness, swelling, and bruising and speeds up the healing process.
Hair loss. Red LED light therapy can help boost hair growth for those with male- or female-pattern hair loss.
Psoriasis. Red and near-infrared LED light therapy can help lessen redness and inflammation in psoriasis. One study showed that these light therapies also lowered psoriasis pimples and plaques, or red, itchy, scaly sores.
Skin cancers. Photodynamic therapy has been performed using both red and green LED lights to treat skin cancers. After the medication is applied to the skin, red and green lights have been used to treat Bowen’s disease, and red light has been used to treat basal cell carcinoma lesions.
Studies have shown that the red LED light is typically better than the green one in treating Bowen’s disease and removing basal cell carcinoma lesions.
Generally, LED light therapy is safe when it’s used alone without sensitizing medications or creams. LED lights don’t damage the skin or skin tissues.
Is LED Light Therapy Effective?
Studies show that LED light therapy can help with some skin conditions and issues. Regular treatments are key if you want to see improvements.
Light therapy devices at your doctor’s office may be more powerful than at-home products.
In clinical settings, people typically begin with sessions two to three times per week depending on the skin concern, says Del Campo. Houshmand says sessions can last 10 minutes.
Acne and rosacea protocols may differ slightly from those targeting aging or hair thinning, says Del Campo.
“Home devices can be used more frequently due to lower intensity, but the key to success is consistency over time,” Del Campo adds.
At-home masks usually stay on for 20-30 minutes two to three times per week, while handheld at-home devices can be used 10-20 minutes over the course of five sessions, says Houshmand.
What Is the Procedure for LED Light Therapy?
First, you should think about what you want to achieve with light therapy, as it’s not useful for all skin issues. Ask your doctor about trying it, whether you plan to seek professional light therapy or use an at-home device.
What Are the Steps for Your LED Light Therapy Journey?
It is important to ask your dermatologist about light therapy to make sure it will work for you.
How to prepare for LED light therapy
If you’re using a home unit, follow the directions. Generally, you’ll need a clean face before you start. If you receive light therapy at a spa or dermatologist’s office, they may perform treatments before applying the light. Most importantly, make sure you have proper eye protection.
What should you do during LED light therapy?
Once you’re ready to start, make sure your eye protection goggles are on.
Your health care provider may recommend applying a photosensitive drug called 5-aminolevulinic acid before exposing your skin to the light. This helps the treatment work better.
In a professional setting, you’ll lie on your back while the health care professional hovers the device over your face. At home, you may wave a wand or device over your face or wear a mask to deliver the lighting. The treatment lasts about 20 minutes and generally doesn’t cause pain, though your skin may feel warm.
What should you do after LED light therapy?
When your light session is done, be sure to follow any instructions that came with the device. If you go to a spa or dermatologist’s office, they will advise you on how to care for your skin after the session.
Generally, you should avoid heavy sun exposure for a few days and apply sunscreen if you are in the sun.
What Are the Risks of Using LED Light Therapy?
While several medical studies note the benefits of LED light therapy for the skin, there isn’t enough research available yet to know for sure how well these treatments work.
LED light facials might be a better choice compared to other options, such as lasers, because they generally have fewer side effects. But they can cause mild reactions, such as:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Dryness
“When used appropriately, LED therapy is generally safe across most skin areas,” says Del Campo. “Because it is noninvasive and has minimal side effects, it has become a preferred option for patients who are looking for a low-risk adjunct to their routine.”
If your doctor uses photosensitizing drugs as part of your session, you might have burning and redness. Here are a few additional considerations.
- Home devices. At-home masks, wands, and other devices have been available for a few years, but these are not medical-grade products. They aren’t as strong, so while you have the benefit of not burning your skin, you likely won’t have the same effect you get from a professional treatment with your doctor.
- Certain medications, such as oral contraceptives, antibiotics, antidepressants, and antihistamines, can make your skin more sensitive to light or worsen sensitivity if you have a photosensitivity skin disorder, Houshmand noted.
- Eye safety. You should use eye protection while having LED light therapy. If you take certain medications, light therapy can make your eyes more sensitive to light. It can also cause eye damage to people who have other eye problems.
- Aging. Some research shows that blue light therapy may cause more aging by introducing free radicals that contribute to aging.
- Darker skin tones. If you have a darker skin tone, ask your dermatologist about using an LED light therapy device. You may be more sensitive to light compared to people with lighter skin tones. As a result, the therapy sessions may cause dark spots, the American Academy of Dermatology Association warns.
Can LED light therapy cause cancer?
The good thing about LED light therapy is that it doesn’t contain ultraviolet (UV) light, which is known to cause cancer.
In fact, red light can kill skin cancer cells when applied at a certain wavelength, along with a topical drug. Without the topical drug, red light cannot specifically destroy cancer cells.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association says that red light does not cause cancer. Clinicians aren’t sure about the long-term effects of red light on the skin or hair.
What Should I Know About At-Home LED Light Therapy?
A few tips if you’re thinking of using LED light therapy at home.
See a dermatologist first. Your doctor can tell you if LED light therapy is a good option for your skin and if it will deliver the results you want. They can also inform you about any precautions or let you know if you’re not a good candidate for the therapy.
Check the label. A lot of devices may say they’re “FDA-cleared” on the packaging, meaning the FDA considers them a low risk to the public. This doesn’t reflect whether the device is effective, only that it’s safe. “FDA-approved” or “FDA-certified” are other terms that may sound promising. But it doesn’t mean that it’s certified by the FDA — only that the agency has made them available for use.
Wear eye protection. Don’t wear sunglasses if the directions say to wear protective goggles, the American Academy of Dermatology Association warns.
What are the Contraindications for LED Light Therapy?
LED light therapy isn’t right if you:
- Take certain medications that make you more sensitive to sunlight, such as isotretinoin and lithium.
- Have a history of skin cancer and inherited eye diseases
Ask your doctor if you’re a good candidate for LED light therapy.
Takeaways
LED light therapy is an effective treatment for skin ailments such as acne, psoriasis, and wrinkles.
At-home devices and in-office professional devices can improve some skin conditions when used regularly, but ask your doctor before you get the treatment.
LED Light Therapy FAQs
Is it OK to use LED light therapy every day?
Some evidence suggests spacing out sessions by about 72 hours.
Does LED light therapy tighten skin?
It can boost collagen, which is linked to firmer skin.
How much does LED light therapy cost?
Prices vary depending on where you go or live, but a session can cost approximately $80. At-home devices range wildly, but tend to fall in the several-hundred-dollar range.
Does at-home LED light therapy work?
Studies show that LED light therapy can help with some skin conditions and issues, but not all. For instance, it’s good for firming up skin and easing psoriasis, but it’s not a good treatment for whiteheads or blackheads.
