LED Light Therapy for Face: Benefits, Results, and What to Expect
There's been a lot of talk lately about LED light therapy and its benefits, not just for skin but for overall health and longevity. More and more people are interested in bringing LED therapy into their homes, and we're getting questions constantly: Does it actually work? What's the difference between professional treatments and those LED face masks you see everywhere? Which color does what?
At JE'DERM skin atelier, LED light therapy is included in our Signature Bespoke Facial and many of our other treatments. We've been using it for years because it's completely non-invasive, requires zero downtime, and delivers real, science-backed results. But with so many at-home LED devices flooding the market, it's worth understanding what LED actually does and how professional treatments differ from what you can do on your own.
Let's break down everything you need to know about LED light therapy for your face.
What Is LED Light Therapy?
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, and LED light therapy (also called phototherapy) uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin at different depths. The wavelength determines the color, and each color targets different skin concerns.
Blue light has the shortest wavelength with the highest energy, which is why it works so effectively on the surface to kill acne bacteria. Red and infrared light have longer wavelengths with less energy but penetrate much deeper into the skin, reaching the dermis where collagen and elastin production happens.
This isn't new technology. NASA originally developed LED therapy for wound healing in space, and decades of research have proven its effectiveness for skin rejuvenation, acne treatment, and anti-aging. It's FDA-cleared, completely safe, and works by stimulating your skin's natural healing processes at a cellular level.
Unlike lasers, LED light therapy is gentle and non-invasive. There's no heat damage, no pain, and no downtime. You simply relax under the lights while they do the work.
Read more: LED Light Therapy Benefits for Skin Concerns
Benefits of LED light therapy for the face
LED light therapy is incredibly versatile. Depending on which color (or combination of colors) you use, it can address multiple skin conditions and concerns.
Colors of LED light therapy and their uses
Red Light Therapy
Red light is the most popular wavelength for anti-aging and overall skin health. It penetrates deep into the dermis, where collagen and elastin are produced, making it highly effective for long-term skin rejuvenation.
Red light works by activating mitochondria in fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen. This activation increases cellular energy production, which in turn boosts collagen synthesis and supports the skin's natural repair processes. Professional devices typically use wavelengths around 630-660nm for skin-level benefits and 810-850nm infrared for deeper tissue penetration.
Skin benefits:
Stimulates collagen protein and elastin production
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Improves skin texture and firmness
Promotes healing and circulation
Reduces inflammation
Fades acne scars over time
Enhances overall radiance
Overall health benefits: Red light therapy has also gained attention for benefits beyond skin. Research shows it may support cellular energy production, reduce inflammation throughout the body, improve recovery after exercise, and promote overall wellness and longevity. This is part of why so many people are incorporating red light into their daily routines at home.
Red light therapy is ideal if you're focused on anti-aging, preventing signs of aging, or supporting recovery after cosmetic procedures or more intensive facial treatments.
Blue Light Therapy
Blue light has the shortest wavelength and targets the surface layers of the skin. It's most effective for treating acne because it kills the bacteria that causes breakouts.
Benefits:
Kills P. acnes bacteria (the bacteria responsible for breakouts)
Reduces active breakouts and prevents new ones
Helps control oil production
Calms inflammation associated with acne
If you struggle with hormonal acne, occasional breakouts, or congested skin, blue light therapy can make a significant difference when used consistently. This is where you'll see some of the fastest visible results from LED.
Green Light Therapy
Green light works at a medium depth and is excellent for pigmentation and tone concerns.
Benefits:
Fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Evens out skin tone
Reduces redness
Calms irritated or reactive skin
Brightens overall complexion
Green light is a great choice if you're dealing with sun damage, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin tone.
Yellow (Amber) Light Therapy
Yellow or amber light is the most soothing option and works beautifully for sensitive or inflamed skin.
Benefits:
Reduces redness and irritation
Calms sensitive and reactive skin conditions
Supports lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness
Soothes inflammation
Improves circulation
Yellow light is perfect for treating rosacea, post-treatment sensitivity, or anyone with easily irritated skin.
Related: Judit and Eliana’s Top Skincare Tips for Winter
Professional LED vs. At-Home LED Devices
One of the most common questions we hear is: "Can I just buy an LED mask at home and get the same results?" The short answer is no, but at-home devices still have their place. Here's the difference:
Professional LED at JE'DERM
Much higher intensity and power: Professional devices deliver significantly more energy per treatment, which means faster and more dramatic results.
All color options available: At JE'DERM, we use professional-grade LED lights with all five colors (red, blue, green, yellow, and infrared), as well as an oxygen dome that combines four LED colors with oxygen therapy. The oxygen helps push nutrients deeper into the skin while the LED works, amplifying your results.
Customizable protocols: We assess your skin each visit and choose the right color (or combination of colors) based on your current concerns.
Integrated with comprehensive treatments: LED is included in our Signature Bespoke Facial and many of our other treatments like dermaplaning, microcurrent, and COOLJET Plasma, making it part of a complete approach rather than a standalone service.
Delivered by trained professionals: We know which wavelengths to use, how long to treat, and how to combine LED with other modalities for optimal results.
At-Home LED Devices
Lower intensity: These devices are less powerful by design, which makes them safer for unsupervised use but also means slower results.
Limited color options: Most at-home devices focus primarily on red and infrared light, with some offering blue. You'll rarely find green or amber light in consumer devices, which means you're missing out on the full range of benefits professional LED can offer.
Convenient for maintenance: At-home devices are great for maintaining results and supporting your skin's health as part of your regular skincare routine.
Requires consistency: To see benefits, you need to use at-home LED at least 4 to 5 times per week for 10 to 20 minutes. Consistency is absolutely key.
We don't sell at-home LED devices at JE'DERM, but we believe in practicing what we preach. We both use MitoRed light panels at home 4 to 5 times a week for 10 minutes as part of our own wellness and skincare routines. We've also seen impressive results from clients using Omnilux, CurrentBody and HigherDOSE devices, which have solid clinical research and data backing their effectiveness.
What we love about MitoRed and all the other masks is that they include infrared wavelengths in addition to red light, which means you're getting deeper tissue benefits beyond just surface skin improvement. We have no affiliation with either brand, but we're happy to share what works.
Bottom line: Professional LED gives you powerful, targeted results with access to the full color spectrum. At-home devices help you maintain those results between visits. Think of it like going to the gym with a trainer versus working out at home. Both are valuable, but one delivers faster progress.
Related: Cool Jet Plasma Treatment for Skin Rejuvenation and Tightening
Treatment timeline and LED light therapy results
Acne and Active Breakouts
LED light therapy shows some of the most noticeable results when treating acne. Many clients see fewer breakouts and calmer skin within 2 to 3 sessions. Blue light kills acne-causing bacteria quickly, which is why the improvement can be so dramatic in a short time. Consistent treatment helps keep breakouts under control long-term.
Anti-Aging and Overall Skin Health
For anti-aging benefits like fine lines, wrinkles, and improved texture, LED works more gradually. You're not going to wake up after one session with dramatically different skin. Instead, the benefits build over time with consistent use.
At JE'DERM, LED is included in our Signature Bespoke Facial and many of our other treatments like dermaplaning, microcurrent, and COOLJET Plasma. When you come in regularly (every 4 to 8 weeks) for your monthly maintenance facials, LED becomes part of your ongoing skin health routine. Over months, you'll notice your skin ages more slowly, stays more even-toned, and maintains better texture and resilience. The results are cumulative rather than immediate, but they're powerful.
If you're using an at-home device, the same principle applies. Consistency is key. Use it 4 to 5 times per week, and over time, you'll see your skin stay healthier, brighter, and more youthful.
As with all skincare, consistency is key
LED light therapy isn't a one-and-done treatment. To maintain your results, consistency matters, both with professional treatments and at-home use. The clients who see the most dramatic, long-lasting results are the ones who make LED part of their regular routine, whether that's through monthly facials or daily at-home sessions.
Related: The Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Treatments You Need to Try
Post-Treatment Skincare Recommendations
After LED light therapy, your skin is primed and receptive. Here's how to maximize your results:
Hydrate: Use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to support your skin barrier. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides work beautifully post-LED.
Protect with SPF: Always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen. While LED doesn't make your skin photosensitive, sun protection is essential for maintaining results and preventing new damage.
Continue your regular routine: LED doesn't require you to avoid any products or actives. You can continue using your retinol, exfoliants, and other skincare as usual.
Stay consistent at home: If you have an at-home LED device, use it four to five times per week to maintain and enhance your professional results.
Enhance your skincare and support your skin’s health with the team at JE’DERM!
At JE'DERM skin atelier, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all facials. Every treatment is customized to your skin's current needs, and LED is just one of the many tools we use to help you achieve your goals.
In fact, we include LED light therapy in almost every treatment we offer because we truly believe in its benefits for skin health and rejuvenation. Come and experience one of our treatments and let's create a plan that works for you.