LED Light Therapy Aftercare & Results Timeline Guide

What to do before and after treatment, when results usually show, and how to get the best outcome from your LED course in London.

Updated: 25 February 2026

This practical guide is for clients who want to know what to expect around treatment day — including preparation, aftercare, when results may appear, and how often to book sessions. If you are ready to book a session, visit our LED Light Therapy London page. If you want the full science and wavelength overview, see our LED Light Therapy Guide.

Before your LED appointment

LED light therapy is straightforward and usually requires very little preparation, but a few simple steps can help you get the most from your session. Arrive with clean skin where possible (especially if you are booking LED as a standalone treatment), and tell us about any recent changes to your skincare routine or medication.

• Tell us about active products: retinoids, strong exfoliating acids and prescription creams can increase sensitivity in some people.
• Let us know about any recent treatments: peels, microneedling, laser or intense exfoliation may affect timing.
• Mention photosensitivity: if you have a condition or medication that increases light sensitivity, we need to assess suitability first.
• Keep expectations realistic: LED is usually a course-based treatment, not a one-off miracle treatment.

If you’re unsure whether LED is the right starting point, our LED Light Therapy Guide explains which wavelengths are commonly used for acne, redness and skin rejuvenation.

What happens on the day

At the clinic we check your goals, review any contraindications, and choose the most appropriate protocol. For many clients, the treatment itself feels warm and relaxing. You will wear eye protection and the panel is positioned at the correct distance for the selected programme.

Most appointments are quick, making LED a convenient “lunch break” treatment. If LED is combined with another treatment (for example a facial), the total appointment time will be longer.

LED aftercare (same day + 24 hours)

One of the main reasons people love LED is that there is usually no downtime. You can typically return to normal activities straight away. That said, good aftercare helps your skin stay comfortable and supports the best cosmetic outcome.

Same day aftercare

• Use gentle skincare and avoid introducing new active products on the same day.
• SPF is still essential, especially if you also use acids or retinoids in your routine.
• Avoid unnecessary irritation such as aggressive exfoliation or scrubbing.
• Hydrate the skin with a simple moisturiser if your skin feels dry or warm.

First 24 hours

• Keep your routine simple and barrier-friendly.
• If you are prone to flushing, avoid very hot steam/sauna for the rest of the day.
• Follow any additional advice given if LED was combined with another treatment.

For treatment pricing and package options, see our prices page or the main LED treatment page.

LED results timeline

LED results vary by skin concern, the wavelength used, and consistency. Some clients notice a visible “glow” or calmer-looking skin after one session, but most meaningful improvements build over several appointments.

Typical pattern (general guide)

• After 1 session: skin may look fresher, brighter, and calmer.
• After 2–4 sessions: clients often report more even-looking tone and a steadier glow.
• After 4–8 sessions: more noticeable cumulative improvements in texture, clarity or redness support may appear.
• Maintenance phase: monthly or occasional top-up sessions help maintain results.

Results are usually strongest when LED is done as a course and supported by a consistent home routine.

How many sessions are usually needed?

This depends on your goal. A one-off session can be useful before an event for glow, but a course is usually recommended for acne-prone skin, visible redness support or longer-term rejuvenation goals.

• Glow / skin maintenance: 1 session before an event, then occasional top-ups.
• Breakout-prone skin: often a course of 6–10 sessions.
• Rejuvenation / texture support: often 6–12 sessions plus maintenance.
• Sensitive or stressed-looking skin: short weekly course then review.

Your plan should be tailored at consultation based on skin history, goals and budget.

Common mistakes that reduce results

• Stopping after one session and expecting long-term change.
• Inconsistent bookings (long gaps between treatments can slow progress).
• Overusing harsh skincare while trying to “speed up” results.
• Ignoring SPF when targeting tone and skin clarity.
• Choosing the wrong treatment goal — LED can support many concerns, but some issues need combination treatment.

If you’re unsure what LED can realistically improve, compare this page with our full LED Light Therapy Guide and then book a consultation via contact us.

Can LED be combined with other treatments?

Yes — LED is commonly combined with facials and skin treatments because it is gentle and can complement recovery. At 3D Lipo London it is often booked alongside our 3D HydrO2 Facial or used with selected skin rejuvenation plans. We’ll advise timing and aftercare based on the exact combination.

If your main goal is booking a treatment package, please use our LED Light Therapy London service page. If your main goal is understanding wavelengths and treatment science, use our LED Light Therapy Guide.

LED aftercare and results FAQs

Clinic details (NAP)

Related pages: LED Light Therapy London (booking + pricing) and LED Light Therapy Guide (how it works + wavelengths).