Everything You Need to Know About LED Light Therapy

Written By Danielle Cohen

If you’re looking to scare your roommates while simultaneously giving yourself a fancy skincare treatment, I cannot recommend LED light therapy enough. The often creepy, light-up face masks are more than just pointless Instagram fodder, they’re actually pretty damn legit. Let’s discuss.

What is LED light therapy?

LED, which stands for light-emitting diode, works by emitting infrared lights in different wavelengths, which have different skincare benefits. So, LED light therapy devices send light waves deep into the skin to trigger natural intracellular reactions, which vary depending on the type (color) of light.

The skin uses that light as a source of energy to fuel whatever activity that wavelength/color promotes (more on that later).

Interestingly enough, NASA originally developed LED light therapy for plant growth experiments on shuttle missions but later realized that it was actually making them look gorg.

In the 90s, Navy SEALS began using it to help heal wounds quickly and regenerate damaged muscle tissues. Since then, the treatment has been researched for various aesthetic-related situations.

Here’s what it can do:

  • Smooth fine lines and wrinkles

  • Reduce inflammation

  • Improve acne scars

  • Prevent breakouts (by killing acne-causing bacteria)

  • Promote circulation

  • Stimulate collagen production

  • Brighten skin

Okay, I’m interested. How do I use it?

There are two routes here: LED light home masks and LED light in-office machines. The in-office machines are stronger, but at-home systems totally work and I fully endorse them.

In both cases, the skin should be completely clean. From there, it’s as simple as placing the LED panel (or mask, wand, whatever) a few inches from your face and letting it work its magic for the next 15-20 minutes. Obviously some sort of eye protection is usually in place to protect eyes from the light.

That’s it! It’s so noninvasive and gentle that I might not believe in the benefits if the data weren’t so well-researched.

Dani, you do not shut up about staying away from the sun and light rays. Are you seriously supporting this?

Yes, I am. LEDs do not contain ultraviolet rays (AKA the bad ones), so they’re totally safe for regular use. The light doesn’t cause any burns or skin damage—at most, it might feel kind of warm.

I feel like I’m always seeing different colored lights. What’s that about?

Very astute! These different colors represent different wavelengths, which in turn create different responses from the skin. Here’s a quick guide.

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Cool. Who should be using light therapy? And when?

Light therapy is good for all skin types, so literally everyone can benefit from it. It’s actually incredibly effective for those with rosacea.

As to when they’re used, dermatologists suggest booking a minimum of six LED light treatments over time, though you can see results from the first session alone. They’re also incorporated during facials to calm any areas of inflammation.

If an important event is coming up, a dermatologist might have you come in every one to two weeks for treatments. If it's just for maintenance, once a month is usually perfectly fine.

For at-home treatments, go ham, use it as much or as little as you want! Since they’re not as dramatic as in-office treatments, you should be good as long as you’re following the manufacturer’s instruction

Is there any sort of aftercare?

Like I said, LED light therapy is noninvasive, so no recovery time is needed. Obviously stay away from the sun and wear SPF after, which you should be doing all the time anyway.

Okay, are there any downsides to this at all?

Some, but no major ones. While results are usually fantastic, they’re not permanent. Think of LED light therapy as a supplemental boost to your skincare routine, not as a cure-all or anything.

The other downside is that it’s not exactly cheap. Single in-office sessions can range from around $25 to $85 (and remember that you’re probably going to need a minimum of six sessions for real results).

Home devices run the gamut and can cost anywhere from $250 to $300+. While the results aren’t as dramatic as what you’d get from a professional, they can ultimately be the more cost effective option since you have the device for life (or until you lose it).

Any at-home device recommendations?

Surely! Let’s go from most to least expensive.

Anything else?

You know it, sista. Do I think LED light therapy is a necessary step? Absolutely not. Is it a nice addition to healthy skin practices, like wearing sunscreen and washing your face? Yes, definitely.

Are the Hannibal Lecter-esque light-up masks hilarious? Without a doubt. Hilarious, but, like I said, legit.

Danielle Cohen
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