Do LED treatments really work?

LED light therapy has become popular in many skincare routines and aesthetic treatments. At ENRICH, we frequently recommend it as an add-on to procedures like chemical peels, Fraxel, and needling to aid healing. 

But despite so much buzz surrounding this treatment, do LED light treatments truly deliver results?

What is LED Light treatment, and what does it do?

LED light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a non-invasive treatment that harnesses the power of light to address various skin concerns. At ENRICH, we call this diode for short. 

This device emits specific wavelengths of light, represented by different colours, that penetrate deep into the skin’s layers and trigger targeted cellular responses.

Red light stimulates a natural repair process within the skin. It encourages the production of collagen and elastin, the building blocks responsible for youthful skin. Over time, this improves tone, texture, and overall skin health.

Blue light targets acne-causing bacteria. Disrupting their growth and function helps combat breakouts and promote clearer skin.

Similar to red light, yellow light also promotes skin rejuvenation. It can help reduce redness and inflammation, giving the skin a brighter, more even tone.

In some procedures, all three wavelengths might be combined to address different skin concerns simultaneously.

Are there any studies on the effectiveness of LED? 

The idea behind LED therapy isn’t entirely new. Its origins can be traced back to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) research on wound healing and cell rejuvenation for astronauts in space.  Since those early investigations, numerous studies have explored the potential of LED treatments.

One is on tissue repair and wound healing. A study suggests that red light LED therapy effectively promotes skin graft healing due to its influence on Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) production and collagen fibre formation. TGF-β helps stimulate the growth of new cells and collagen production, essential for wound healing and maintaining healthy skin structure.

Another study found that twice-weekly red LED treatments for six weeks led to significant improvements in neck skin wrinkles compared to baseline. Over half of the participants reported “good improvement” in their neck skin texture after the treatment period.

LED therapy also holds promise for scar reduction by influencing the key cellular processes involved in scar formation, according to research. 

Normally, scarring occurs when specialised skin cells called fibroblasts go into overdrive. They multiply rapidly and produce excessive collagen, a protein that helps repair wounds but can also contribute to scar formation.

But, with the help of red LED therapy, a short-term increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) happens, prompting the fibroblasts to slow down their growth and collagen production.

In contrast, there’s mixed evidence for the effectiveness of home LED treatments. While some studies suggest that at-home LED therapy can be beneficial, research on its effectiveness compared to in-clinic treatments is still ongoing. This is mainly because home devices typically have lower light output than professional equipment. This might result in subtler effects or require longer treatment times to achieve desired results.

For a home-use device to be effective, research suggests combining it with an active ingredient (e.g. niacinamide). 

Experience LED light therapy at ENRICH

Curious to see if LED light therapy can be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine? At ENRICH, we use targeted light wavelengths to address your concerns, whether it’s wrinkles, breakouts, or overall rejuvenation. Schedule a consultation and see how LED light therapy can help you achieve your skincare goals.