LED therapy is a safe and non-invasive method supporting the treatment of acne, which uses light energy of a specific wavelength to biologically stimulate the skin. Depending on the type of light used (blue, red, or infrared), it can have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and regulatory effects. The treatment is completely painless, does not cause peeling or irritation, making it ideal both as a standalone therapy and as a complement to other dermatological, cosmetic, or laser treatments.
When is LED therapy recommended?
LED therapy is recommended for:
- active acne lesions (papules, pustules, comedones),
- inflammatory skin conditions with redness and swelling,
- rosacea and hormonal acne,
- irritated skin after peels, microneedling, or laser treatments,
- as part of maintenance care and recurrence prevention.
The treatment can be performed on all skin types, including very sensitive and vascular skin.
Effects of LED therapy in acne treatment
LED therapy directly affects skin cells, stimulating their regeneration and balancing inflammatory reactions. For acne-prone skin, the effects include:
- reducing the quantity and intensity of inflammatory lesions,
- inhibiting the proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes bacteria,
- reducing redness and calming the skin,
- regulating sebaceous gland activity,
- accelerating the healing of micro-damages and improving skin immunity.
After a few sessions, the skin becomes clearer, calmer, and more responsive to home care.
Quick guide - which light for acne?
- Blue light (around 415 nm) ⟶ strong antibacterial action - destroys bacteria responsible for acne, reduces inflammation, and lessens the number of lesions.
- Red light (around 630 nm) ⟶ anti-inflammatory and regenerative action - supports healing, reduces redness, and soothes irritations.
- Infrared light (around 830 nm) ⟶ stimulates repair processes in deeper skin layers - recommended for acne scar treatment.
In therapy, a combination of blue and red light is most commonly used, depending on the skin condition.
How to enhance LED therapy effectiveness?
LED therapy perfectly complements and enhances the effects of other anti-acne treatments:
-
After superficial peels (e.g., azelaic acid, almond acid, salicylic acid, Sesderma, Dermaquest)
→ LED can be performed directly after the treatment, while still on the treatment chair
→ The skin is actively stimulated, and LED supports repair processes and reduces the risk of irritations
- After medium-depth peels (e.g., The Perfect Peel, TCA)
→ LED is performed after 5 days, when the peeling phase is over, and the skin is no longer actively irritated
→ Why: LED soothes irritations, reduces redness, and supports the anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties of acids
→ Applying LED too early with strong peeling could disrupt the natural regeneration process and trigger skin hyperreactivity
- After Intraceuticals oxygen infusions (Clarity, Vitamin C)
→ When: the same day or 1-2 days after the infusion
→ Why: enhances the penetration of active ingredients and accelerates calming of inflammatory conditions
- After hydrodermabrasion (Hydrafacial, Alma Dermaclear)
→ When: directly after cleansing
→ Why: reduces the risk of skin overreaction and acts antibacterially
- After laser treatments (ClearSkin PRO, iPixel, MaxG, LuxV)
→ When: 24-48 hours after the laser treatment
→ Why: shortens recovery time, reduces redness, and supports healing processes
- After manual cleansing
→ When: immediately after cleansing
→ Why: reduces redness, has antibacterial effects, and accelerates skin regeneration
Why do patients choose LED therapy?
It is a painless, relaxing procedure that requires no downtime and can be used daily in a treatment regimen. Patients notice significant calming of the skin, reduction in inflammatory lesions, and overall improvement in skin condition. The treatment is entirely safe, even with long-term use - hence it is willingly chosen by individuals with chronic acne, hormonal acne, and sensitive skin.