LED therapy works by using specific wavelengths to trigger reactions, or (in science speak) photo-biochemical reactions within your cells. There are differences in the reactions that LED lights produce within the skin, and this depends on the wavelength (i.e. the colour) that’s being used.

LED was initially developed by NASA, with the sole purpose of growing plants in space. LED technology has since ‘orbited’ from space stations to our earthly homes, emitting specific wavelengths that penetrate the skin’s layers and get absorbed by certain skin cells (as plants do when they absorb light to grow). Let’s say you wanted to minimise the signs of ageing; red and near-infrared are the wavelengths you need to encourage collagen and elastin production in the fibroblast cells to see a reduction in your fine lines and wrinkles. Research reveals that LED therapy stimulates cellular repair and minimises inflammation—even destroying acne-causing bacteria and reducing oiliness.

In one word: Yes. In my line of work, I’ve seen incredible transformations from LED therapy, but not all LED devices are created equal. Some fail to deliver the exact wavelengths needed for stimulating cellular responses. When looking for a good home-use LED device, the amount of light emitted from the bulbs really does matter. No matter how specific the wavelength, if the light intensity isn’t strong enough then you just won’t get results.

Absolutely. LED is incredibly safe to use on almost all skin types and ages. And if there are any LED therapy dangers, they’d usually only happen if you have a photosensitivity disorder. It’s worth noting here that if you’re taking medication that increases your photosensitivity, you might experience some LED therapy side effects, such as burning or redness. A lot of my clients ask me whether they can use LED therapy after Botox or fillers. My advice is always to wait for about two to four weeks before using LED just to prevent any risk of migration or other complications. And if you’re coming out of surgery (whether for cosmetic purposes like a rhinoplasty, or a medical op) LED can be your recovery partner to handle the bruising and swelling. After a chemical peel however, because your skin is so incredibly delicate, it’s best to avoid LED for at least twenty-four hours.

All good things come to those who wait and who are consistent. The speed at which you’ll see results all depends on how often you use LED and how severe your skin concern is. Moderate acne, wrinkles and skin texture will always take longer to tackle than mild acne and fine lines—but you should start to see improvements in a matter of weeks. And if you’re impatient to see results, it’s worth combining your at home LED sessions with in-clinic appointments and a solid skincare routine. LED light and retinol go hand-in-hand (just not on the same day), along with antioxidants—these are all incredible at addressing the signs of ageing. For my acne-prone clients, I recommend regular blue, red and near-infrared light treatments with an anti-inflammatory focused skincare regimen. They’ll often see results in just a couple of weeks. When you add LED therapy into your skincare regime, you’re bound to see transformative results. There are only a few technologies on the market that do this, and that’s what makes LED stand out as one of the best ways to get great skin.