The Benefits of LED Light Therapy for Skin Health and Healing

LED light therapy has always been a big part of my treatments. Understanding how it works on the skin is essential to appreciating why it’s so effective. Scientifically, LEDs target the mitochondria – the “powerhouse” of the cell – by energising them and creating energy-rich compounds that drive fundamental cell functions. This process has been proven to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation in significantly shorter time frames compared to natural healing alone, making LED therapy the perfect addition to any treatment or skin wound management.

One of the key benefits of LED therapy is its ability to stimulate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP supports healthy skin cell function and boosts the production of collagen and elastin, both of which are crucial for maintaining youthful, resilient skin.

In my practice, I consider the use of LED in treatments an absolute must. Whether I’m preparing the skin to work at its full potential before a procedure, or calming inflammation afterwards, LED enhances results and supports better, faster healing. I also believe its benefits extend far beyond the cosmetic industry – LED should be more widely integrated into medical care. For example, after surgery it has the potential to cut healing times in half. During my studies at university, I researched the use of blue light on venous leg ulcers in elderly patients, and the results were remarkable. Patients achieved full wound closure in cases where traditional treatments such as dressings and antibiotics often fail – sometimes even preventing outcomes that could otherwise become fatal. (I’ll enclose my full paper at the end of this article.)

Back in the clinic, my philosophy is to always approach the skin from a health-first perspective. Any treatment – even a gentle exfoliation – causes a level of disruption or mild trauma to the skin. Cleansing alone can have this effect. That’s why it’s essential to then promote healing and rejuvenation. Healthy skin is the foundation; once that’s supported, everything else falls into place. LED therapy encourages cellular energy and recovery, helping the skin restore itself naturally. While we can’t stop the ageing process, we can absolutely work towards achieving long-term skin health.

One of the most common questions I’m asked is: “Do at-home LED devices really work?” And my honest answer is, usually not. While they may look the part with their coloured lights, most at-home devices aren’t worth the investment. They’re rarely medical-grade, are limited by safety regulations, and must be TGA-approved for home use. In other words, they’re designed to be “idiot-proof” – safe even if misused – but that also means they aren’t strong enough to create real change in the skin.

A simple clue is whether goggles are included. Proper eye protection is absolutely essential with LED, because wavelengths penetrate beyond the skin – they also reach the eye and can cause damage if not correctly blocked. Professionals who don’t provide goggles are giving away a major red flag in their education and training. Closing your eyes is not enough. Correct safety eyewear is required across all light- and laser-based treatments.

Where light wavelengths transmit into the eye. LED wavelengths consist of visible light 415nm (blue) and 633nm (red). IRA consists of near-infrared light at 830nm wavelength. As shown in the diagram, all wavelengths penetrate into the Retinal at the back of the eye.

The biggest difference between at-home and professional devices is strength and quality. Medical-grade LEDs cost thousands of dollars, and that price reflects their advanced technology, scientifically proven wavelengths, and clinical results. At-home devices simply can’t match that. So rather than wasting money on something ineffective, it’s far better to invest in professional treatments. With medical-grade technology, correct wavelengths, and a trained clinician tailoring energy flow to target the specific skin layer and concern, you’ll always get far superior results.

Want to know more about LED and wound healing? keep reading for more information on my findings with blue LED and leg ulcers.