What is LED Light Therapy?
LED Light Therapy is a non-invasive, clinically proven treatment that uses targeted wavelengths of light to penetrate different layers of the skin, stimulating cellular repair, boosting collagen production, and improving overall skin health. It effectively treats concerns such as acne, inflammation, pigmentation, fine lines, and dullness—revealing clearer, calmer, and more radiant skin.
A key benefit of LED Light Therapy is its role in post-treatment recovery. After procedures like lasers, microneedling, or facials, LED light helps reduce redness, calm inflammation, accelerate healing, and enhance overall results—making it an essential add-on for faster recovery and better outcomes.
At SKIN111, LED Light Therapy is often integrated into customized treatment protocols, whether used as a standalone glow treatment or combined with advanced aesthetic procedures to maximize skin repair and rejuvenation—all with zero downtime and complete comfort.
How LED Light Therapy Works
LED light therapy provides a focused amount of light energy into various layers of the skin, dependent upon the wavelength of the light utilized. Different colors of light target various levels of the skin and trigger differing biological responses. Blue light affects the outermost layer of the skin. Yellow light penetrates further into the skin than blue light. Red light goes even further still, and near-IR light reaches the innermost layers. All these wavelengths of light stimulate the body's own mechanisms in the skin, e.g., collagen synthesis and bacteria killing, without damaging or burning your skin or requiring any post-treatment downtime.
Types of LED Light & Their Benefits
- LED face masks are designed for close-contact application, allowing consistent and uniform light penetration across the skin. They are typically used for targeted facial concerns such as acne, early aging, and dullness, and are commonly integrated into facials to enhance results and provide an instant glow.
- LED light stands or panels are more advanced, clinic-grade systems that deliver higher intensity and customizable wavelengths. These are used for deeper skin correction and are especially effective in post-procedure recovery, helping to reduce inflammation, speed up healing, and improve overall treatment outcomes.
- LED therapy mats are used for full-body applications, extending the benefits of light therapy beyond the face. They support skin healing, improve circulation, and aid in recovery after body treatments, while also enhancing overall skin health and rejuvenation at a larger scale.
Your practitioner may decide to utilize multiple colors during each session to more successfully treat your specific skin condition.
Key Benefits of LED Light Therapy
- LED face masks are designed to sit close to the skin, delivering uniform, targeted light exposure across the face.
- Best for: Acne, early signs of aging, dull skin, uneven tone
- How it works: The close proximity ensures consistent penetration of light wavelengths (commonly red, blue, and near-infrared), allowing precise treatment of facial concerns
- Why it's effective: Ideal as an add-on to facials or peels, enhancing product absorption and calming the skin immediately post-treatment
- Patient experience: Relaxing, pain-free, quick sessions with instant glow
- This is your go-to option for maintenance, glow, and targeted correction.
- LED panels or stands are medical-grade devices that deliver higher intensity and adjustable settings for deeper, more customizable treatments.
- Best for: Anti-aging, inflammation, post-laser recovery, pigmentation support
- How it works: Positioned at a controlled distance, these panels allow customized wavelength combinations and stronger output, reaching deeper skin layers
- Why it's effective: Widely used after procedures like lasers, RF, or microneedling to accelerate healing and reduce downtime
- Coverage: Full face or targeted zones (face, neck, décolletage)
- This is a results-driven, clinic-grade solution for patients needing visible correction and faster recovery.
- LED mats extend the benefits of light therapy beyond the face, offering full-body skin and tissue rejuvenation.
- Best for: Post-procedure recovery (body treatments), inflammation, body acne, overall skin health, wellness support
- How it works: The body is exposed to therapeutic wavelengths over a larger surface area, improving circulation, cellular repair, and skin healing
- Why it's effective: Especially beneficial after body contouring, slimming treatments, or for patients seeking systemic skin improvement and recovery
- Added benefit: Promotes relaxation and supports overall skin vitality
- This is ideal for holistic recovery and full-body glow enhancement.
Who is an Ideal Candidate?
LED light therapy is suitable for just about anyone, regardless of their skin type or color. There are, however, exceptions to consider. You would likely not make a good candidate for this procedure if you:
- Take medications that heighten your sensitivity to sunlight (i.e., Isotretinoin/lithium).
- Are at risk of developing skin cancer due to their past medical history.
- There is a family history of certain inherited eye problems.
Additionally, please keep in mind that LED light therapy does not treat acne cysts/black heads/white heads. If you are unsure as to whether this treatment would be beneficial for your particular skin concerns, scheduling a consultation with one of our Skin111 specialists will assist us in determining what course of treatment would be best suited for your individualized needs.
What to Expect During the Session
Prior to starting your treatment, your face must be clean & free of any makeup. At Skin111, there are times when you may receive additional preparations prior to receiving your LED treatment, such as a facial preceding the LED treatment. Protective eyewear will be provided during your treatment to protect your eyes from the intense lights.
You will lie on your back while your provider places the LED device directly over your face. The entire process is non-invasive and totally pain-free; you may feel a slight warmth from the lights, but no discomfort whatsoever. Most in-office treatments last approximately 20 minutes.
Following completion of your session, you will be able to resume your regular daily routine immediately. The only cautionary advice we can give you regarding your post-session is to limit direct sun exposure for a few days after treatment and to use increased amounts of sunscreen.
Treatment Duration & Recommended Sessions
Consistency is crucial when achieving visible results with LED light therapy. An average course of treatment using in-office procedures includes having one session per week for approximately 4 weeks, after which you will typically have maintenance sessions every 1 – 3 months, depending on your desired outcomes and how quickly your skin responds to the treatments.
Due to its much stronger setting compared to at-home products, in-office LED light therapy yields dramatically better results than at-home masks/devices. Although at-home devices/products can lead to noticeable improvements, they should never be relied upon solely to achieve comparable results to those experienced with in-office procedures. When using at-home products/devices, adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s guidelines and verify that it has received FDA clearance/approval.
LED Light Therapy FAQs
How many sessions do I need for results?
Typically, patients find success with a consecutive series of weekly in-office sessions for approximately a month to realize visible improvements. Maintenance sessions every 1-3 months help maintain your results long term.
Is LED light therapy safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, it is. LED light therapy does not employ UVA/B light and therefore does not harm the top layer of the skin; it can be used by nearly all skin types, including sensitive skin. Temporary redness/mild irritation may occur occasionally.
Can I go in the sun after my treatment?
Avoid indirect sunlight for several days after your session and apply extra sunscreen to protect your skin. Failure to do so can reduce the effectiveness of your treatment as a result of its increased sensitivity.