19 Feb Why LED is one of the most underrated skincare treatments

LED light therapy is the treatment I wish more people understood. It looks almost too gentle to do anything, you simply lie back under some coloured light, and yet the science behind it is seriously impressive. I use it constantly, both on its own and to boost recovery after other treatments, and I think it’s one of the most underrated things we offer. Let me tell you why.

How LED actually works

LED stands for light emitting diode. The treatment uses specific wavelengths of light to communicate with your skin cells, prompting natural repair and regeneration. Unlike a laser, there’s no heat and no damage to the surface. The technology was originally developed by NASA in the 1980s to help astronauts heal wounds, which tells you it’s far from a gimmick.

The science behind each colour

• Red light (630 to 700nm) stimulates collagen and elastin. One study found it can increase collagen density by up to 31 percent after ten treatments.
• Blue light (400 to 470nm) is antibacterial and targets acne, shown to reduce inflammatory breakouts by more than 70 percent after four weeks.
• Green light (515 to 525nm) helps even skin tone and soften pigmentation.
• Yellow light (570 to 590nm) calms redness and sensitivity.
• Near-infrared (700nm and beyond) reaches deeper to support healing and reduce inflammation.

Why professional LED beats an at-home mask

Home devices can be lovely, but medical-grade systems deliver far more precise wavelengths and higher intensity, which is what produces lasting results. Consistency matters too: clients having LED twice a week for four weeks showed a 50 percent improvement in skin tone and hydration.

How we use it, and who it suits

We use LED beautifully alongside enzyme therapy, peels and microneedling to calm the skin and speed recovery. It’s ideal if your skin is inflamed after a treatment, sensitive or reactive, acne-prone or dehydrated. There’s no UV, no burning and no downtime, though proper eye protection is always essential, especially with blue light.

Curious whether LED is right for your skin? See our LED facial or book online.