LED Light Therapy Guide

Red light, blue light and near‑infrared explained — benefits, results timeline, and how to choose the right course in London.

Updated: 12 February 2026

LED light therapy (also called phototherapy) uses targeted wavelengths to support clearer‑looking, calmer skin and healthier‑looking tone. In our Marylebone clinic we use a medical‑grade system (Dermalux Tri‑Wave MD) so you get consistent energy delivery, professional protocols, and safe guidance.

If you want to book, see our LED Light Therapy London page for prices and appointment options, or contact us for a free consultation.

How LED light therapy works

LED light therapy (also called photobiomodulation) uses specific wavelengths of light to support your skin’s natural renewal processes. Unlike lasers or IPL, LEDs don’t heat or damage the skin. Instead, the light is absorbed by cells in the skin where it can help support healthier-looking function over time.

In clinic, we select a wavelength (or combination) based on your goal — for example, blue light for breakouts, red light for collagen support, and near‑infrared (NIR) for deeper comfort and recovery support. A typical session feels warm and relaxing. Most people read or switch off while the device runs.

 

Medical‑grade vs home LED masks

Home LED masks can be a nice maintenance tool, but professional, medical‑grade devices are built for consistent power output, accurate wavelengths, and full‑face coverage. That matters because LED results depend on delivering the right “dose” (irradiance x time) repeatedly across a course. In clinic, you also get protocol selection and progress checks so the plan stays aligned with your skin.

 

Red light therapy benefits

Red light is commonly used when the goal is to support smoother-looking skin, bounce and glow. It’s often chosen for:

• Fine lines and texture support (when used as a course)
• Post‑treatment calming after facials and gentle peels
• Dry, stressed or reactive skin (comfort support)

Because red light is non-invasive and gentle, it’s popular as a “no downtime” option — perfect if you want something you can do in a lunch break and go straight back to your day.

 

Blue light therapy for acne

Blue light is best known for supporting clearer-looking skin. It can help reduce the appearance of breakouts by targeting acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface.

Blue light sessions are usually short and can be combined with red light in the same appointment to support comfort and recovery. For clients who struggle with recurring breakouts, a structured course plus sensible homecare tends to give the most consistent results.

Tip: if breakouts are hormonal or very inflamed, LED can still help the appearance of the skin, but it may work best as part of a broader plan (routine, barrier repair, and sometimes medical advice from your GP or dermatologist).

 

Near‑infrared (NIR) light therapy

Near‑infrared (NIR) wavelengths penetrate deeper than visible red light. In clinic, NIR is often used to support a “recovery” style session — particularly if your skin feels sensitive, compromised or stressed. Many clients also enjoy NIR for general comfort support (for example, after travel, stress, or intense training).

NIR is commonly combined with red light in medical‑grade protocols because the two can complement each other: red for surface glow and texture support, and NIR for deeper comfort.

 

Results timeline and how many sessions you need

LED light therapy works best as a course. Some people notice their skin looks calmer and brighter after a single session, but for meaningful, lasting improvement you typically need repeated sessions over several weeks.

Typical course examples

• Glow / fine lines: 6–12 sessions, 1–2 times weekly
• Breakouts: 6–10 sessions, 1–2 times weekly
• Barrier support / sensitivity: 4–8 sessions, weekly

After your course, maintenance is simple: many clients book a top‑up session every 3–6 weeks to keep results steady.

 

Who LED light therapy is suitable for

LED light therapy is suitable for most skin types and tones because it doesn’t rely on heat or melanin targeting. It’s often chosen by people who want visible improvement but want to avoid downtime.

You may be a good candidate if you want to support:

• Clearer-looking skin and fewer breakouts
• More even-looking tone
• Fine lines and a healthier-looking glow
• Comfort for stressed, dry or reactive skin

When to avoid or delay: we’ll advise you if you’re taking medications that cause photosensitivity, have certain medical conditions, or if your skin is currently sunburnt or severely irritated. If you’re under medical care for a skin condition, we’re happy to coordinate around your plan — LED can be supportive, but it isn’t a medical treatment.

 

LED aftercare and what to avoid

One of the best things about LED is how easy it is: there’s typically no downtime and minimal restrictions. We still recommend a few simple rules to protect your results:

• SPF daily (especially if you’re also using acids/retinoids)
• Skip harsh actives for 24 hours if your skin feels sensitive
• Avoid heavy heat (very hot sauna/steam) for the rest of the day if you flush easily
• Hydrate and support your barrier with a gentle moisturiser

If you’re combining LED with another treatment (for example, a facial), we’ll tailor aftercare to your skin and exactly what we did that day.

 

What to expect at your appointment

Your appointment starts with a quick skin check and a few questions about your goals, routine and any products that might increase sensitivity (for example strong retinoids or certain prescription medications). We then cleanse the skin (or prepare the area) so the light can work without interference.

During treatment you’ll wear protective eyewear. The device is positioned at a set distance and runs a timed programme. You may feel gentle warmth, but it should not be painful. After the session we can apply a simple barrier-supporting moisturiser and SPF if you’re heading out.

Many clients combine LED with a facial, because LED can help calm the skin after extractions and support a more comfortable finish.

 

Our device: Dermalux Tri‑Wave MD

At 3D Lipo London we use the Dermalux Tri‑Wave MD medical-grade system. That means we can select clinically used wavelengths (red, blue and near‑infrared) and tailor the protocol to your goal — from breakout support to glow and comfort sessions.

Medical-grade LED is all about consistency: correct wavelength accuracy, stable output, and repeatable results over a course. We track your progress and adjust the protocol if your skin’s needs change across the weeks.

 

Can LED be combined with other treatments?

Yes — LED is one of the most “mix-and-match” treatments in aesthetics. It’s commonly paired with:

• HydrO2 facials for hydration and glow
• Gentle exfoliation or skin polishing (where appropriate)
• Body treatments such as skin tightening or wood therapy (LED is usually used for the face, but protocols can support other areas too)

If you’re doing more active skin treatments (like stronger peels), we’ll advise the best timing. Often LED is used immediately after to help the skin feel calmer.

Does LED light therapy really work?

LED light therapy has been widely adopted in professional settings because it’s gentle and can be repeated regularly. Results depend on consistent dosing and choosing the right wavelength for your goal. That’s why we recommend a course and why medical-grade protocols can outperform inconsistent home use.

It’s also worth setting expectations: LED supports improvement, but it’s not a substitute for medical care. If you have a diagnosed skin condition, LED may help the skin look calmer, but ongoing management should be guided by a medical professional.

 

How much does LED light therapy cost in London?

Pricing depends on whether you’re booking single sessions or a course (courses usually offer the best value). For our current pricing and packages, please see our prices page or contact us — we’ll recommend the most efficient plan based on your goal.

For many clients, the “best value” approach is to book a course for the first 4–8 weeks, then move to monthly maintenance sessions.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About LED Light Therapy

Clinic details (NAP)

Next step: ready to book? Visit our LED Light Therapy London page for packages, availability and what to expect on the day.