The short answer
- LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that shines specific wavelengths of light onto the skin.
- Red light is commonly used for skin that looks tired or dull, and blue light for skin prone to congestion.
- Research into LED is ongoing. It can help skin look clearer and brighter for some people, and results vary.
- Sessions are relaxing, with no heat or downtime, and LED is often paired with a facial.
LED light therapy in one paragraph
LED light therapy is a skin treatment that uses light-emitting diodes to shine particular colours of visible and near-infrared light onto the skin. Unlike laser hair removal, it does not heat or target hair follicles. It is gentle and non-invasive, and you simply lie back while a panel or mask sits close to your face. Many people book it on its own or as an add-on to another skin treatment.
How it works
Different colours of light have different wavelengths, and each reaches a slightly different depth in the skin. The idea behind LED is that skin cells respond to certain wavelengths, a process often called photobiomodulation. Researchers are still working to understand exactly how and how much, and studies vary in quality and results.
That is why we describe LED honestly. It is not a medical treatment and it is not a cure for skin conditions. Many people enjoy it as part of a regular skin routine, and it can help skin look clearer, calmer or brighter for some people.
It also helps to know what LED is not. It is not a tanning light and does not use UV. It does not heat the skin the way laser or IPL does, and it does not remove hair. Professional LED panels are generally more powerful than home devices, but both sit at the gentle end of skin treatments.
Red, blue and near-infrared light
The most common LED colours used in skin clinics are red, blue and near-infrared. Your therapist can explain which settings suit your skin goals.
- Red light: often used for skin that looks tired, dull or stressed, and for general skin health
- Blue light: often used for oily or congestion-prone skin
- Near-infrared light: reaches a little deeper and is often combined with red light
- Combination settings: some sessions use more than one colour
What a session is like, and how often to book
An LED session is simple and relaxing. Your skin is cleansed first, you wear eye protection or keep your eyes closed as directed, and the light panel is positioned over your face. There is no heat, no needles and no downtime, and many people find it a calm break in their day.
Because LED needs clean skin, it is commonly paired with a facial. Many clients book it after a Deluxe Deep Cleanse Facial or microdermabrasion. You can go straight back to your day afterwards.
LED is usually done as a series of sessions rather than a one-off, because any effect is gradual. Your therapist can suggest a frequency that fits your goals and your other treatments. Keep expectations realistic: LED is a supportive treatment, and a good daily routine with sunscreen still does most of the work. If you notice any irritation after a session, let your therapist know before your next one.
In-clinic LED vs home masks
Home LED masks have become popular, and they can be convenient, but clinic panels and home devices are not always comparable. Clinic panels usually cover a larger area and are used by a therapist who can pair the session with cleansing or exfoliation. Home masks vary widely in quality and output.
If you already use a home device, bring it up at your appointment. Your therapist can suggest how to fit it around your in-clinic treatments without overdoing it, and whether other treatments might suit your skin goals better.
Who should check first
Talk to us before booking if you are pregnant, have epilepsy or light sensitivity, take medication that makes skin sensitive to light, or have an eye condition. If you have a skin condition such as acne or rosacea, speak with your GP or dermatologist about medical treatment, and let us know so we can plan around it.
Find out more on our LED light therapy page. We are open 7 days, 9am to 9pm in Liverpool.
Questions
Does LED light therapy hurt?
No. LED sessions don’t involve heat or discomfort for most people. You simply relax under the light.
Is LED the same as laser?
No. Laser uses focused, intense light to heat a target such as a hair follicle. LED uses gentle, spread-out light at much lower energy.
Can I wear makeup after LED?
Usually, yes, as there is no downtime. If LED follows a facial or microdermabrasion, your therapist may suggest waiting.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Everyone’s skin and hair is different. If you have a medical condition, take medication or are pregnant, speak with our team and your healthcare professional before treatment.
