What is LED light therapy?

LED light therapy uses specific LED wavelengths to deliver controlled light energy to the skin. LEDs are not lasers. They do not ablate, peel, puncture or “burn off” tissue. The aim is to support natural skin processes that influence the way your skin looks and behaves over time — including tone, clarity, comfort, and visible signs of ageing.

In clinics, LED is commonly used as part of a skin health programme and is often paired with other technologies. At home, LED typically comes in the form of a flexible LED face mask that can be used regularly without downtime. That “regular use” point is important: at-home LED is about consistency and cumulative benefit, not dramatic overnight change.

Once you understand how LED wavelengths behave — and how to judge the “dose” you’re actually receiving — choosing the right routine becomes far simpler.

How LED light therapy works (photobiomodulation simplified)

The scientific term you’ll see is photobiomodulation. In plain English: certain LED wavelengths can be absorbed by components inside skin cells (often described as “chromophores”). When the right wavelengths reach the right tissues at an appropriate dose, cells can respond in a way that supports healthier-looking skin.

One of the most discussed targets is the mitochondria — the part of the cell involved in energy production. Some LED wavelengths are associated with interactions that may support cellular energy pathways (you’ll sometimes see references to cytochrome c oxidase in more technical literature). You don’t need to memorise the biology; the practical takeaway is simpler:

If you’d like the deeper science version, our dedicated explainer is here: How does LED light therapy work? The science behind the glow.

LED wavelengths explained (and why they matter)

Not all masks are equal, even if they all claim “red light therapy” or “LED rejuvenation”. The most important first step is knowing which LED wavelengths a device actually delivers, because different wavelengths are associated with different skin goals and different depth profiles.

Blue LED wavelengths (commonly used for blemishes)

Blue LED wavelengths are widely used for blemish-prone skin. In real-world routines, blue light is often selected when you want to support clearer-looking skin and reduce the appearance of active breakouts. Blue is also commonly paired with red LED wavelengths because blemish-prone skin often benefits from a routine that supports both clarity and overall skin comfort.

If acne is your primary goal, you’ll get more detail here: Best LED face mask for acne.

Yellow LED wavelengths (commonly used for redness and uneven tone)

Yellow LED wavelengths are often used when skin looks uneven, reactive, or persistently “not settled”. Many people choose yellow when they’re focused on visible redness, blotchiness, or tone that looks inconsistent in different lighting. Yellow can also be helpful in routines aiming for a brighter, more even-looking complexion — particularly when you want results without using harsh actives.

Red LED wavelengths (commonly used for fine lines and firmness support)

Red LED wavelengths are the headline act for most people searching LED for wrinkles or red light therapy for face. Red light is widely associated with supporting the look of smoother skin, improving the appearance of firmness over time, and helping skin look healthier and more radiant with consistent use. If your goal is visible signs of ageing (fine lines, loss of bounce, dullness), red is typically central to the routine.

850nm infrared LED wavelengths (near-infrared coverage)

850nm infrared LED wavelengths sit beyond visible red light and are commonly included in higher-coverage masks. People often search this as infrared light therapy skin because near-infrared is associated with deeper support and a “more complete” wavelength range. In practical terms, near-infrared is often included to broaden the treatment profile — especially for routines focused on firmness and overall skin quality.

1072nm deep near-infrared LED wavelengths (deep NIR coverage)

1072nm deep near-infrared LED wavelengths are less common in consumer masks. When included, they expand the overall near-infrared range and contribute to broader technical coverage. It’s not about complexity — it’s about having a mask that covers multiple zones of interest with one consistent routine.

What LED light therapy is used for

LED light therapy is used for a range of skin goals, but the most reliable outcomes come when you match the routine to the concern and give it enough time. Here’s how to think about the main use-cases.

Fine lines & wrinkles

When people search LED for wrinkles, they’re typically looking for a gentle, non-invasive way to support smoother-looking skin. Red and near-infrared LED wavelengths are commonly chosen for this goal. With regular sessions, many users notice skin looks more refined, particularly in areas that show fine lines such as around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.

Firmness & collagen support

Firmness is not a one-week project. Skin structure changes slowly, and visible improvements usually appear after consistent use across multiple weeks. Red and near-infrared LED wavelengths are often used in routines aimed at supporting firmness and a more “supported” look through the cheeks and jawline. The key is realistic expectation: LED supports gradual improvement and maintenance, especially when combined with good skincare and (for many people) occasional clinic-led treatments.

Acne & blemishes

For blemish-prone skin, blue LED wavelengths are widely used, often alongside red. The goal is to support clearer-looking skin and reduce the appearance of breakouts with consistent sessions. If acne is your main concern, this guide is the most relevant: Best LED face mask for acne.

Redness & uneven tone

Skin that looks red, reactive, or uneven often benefits from routines that prioritise calm and consistency. Yellow and red LED wavelengths are commonly used for this. Many people find that when they simplify their routine and use LED consistently, their complexion looks more even and “settled” across different lighting conditions.

Does LED light therapy really work?

“Does LED light therapy work?” is the right question — and the fairest answer is that LED is one of the most established non-invasive technologies used in both clinic and home skincare, but outcomes depend on dose, LED wavelengths, and consistency.

For the more detailed evidence-focused breakdown, use our supporting page: Do LED face masks really work? The study that proves they do.

Why power output (irradiance) matters — mW/cm² explained clearly

Irradiance is the single most misunderstood LED spec. You’ll see it written as mW/cm² (milliwatts per square centimetre). In simple terms, irradiance tells you how much light power is reaching a given area of skin.

What mW/cm² actually tells you

Imagine two masks both claim “red light therapy for face”. If Mask A delivers a much higher usable irradiance to the skin than Mask B, Mask A can deliver a more meaningful light dose within the same session time — even if both masks list similar LED wavelengths.

Why “more LEDs” doesn’t automatically mean better

Some devices list a large number of LEDs, but the real-world result depends on how those LEDs are driven, how evenly they cover the face, and how much light is actually delivered to the skin at the correct distance. Comfort and fit matter too: if the mask doesn’t sit well, you can lose consistent exposure around the jawline, nose, or under-eye area.

LED dose: the simple way to think about it

The “dose” of LED is influenced by intensity (irradiance) and time. A device that delivers strong, even irradiance can often deliver an effective dose without forcing long, inconvenient sessions. That matters because the best routine is the one you’ll actually follow.

If you want to compare devices in a structured way, these pages go deeper:

• Best LED face masks comparison
• Glow vs CurrentBody comparison

At-home vs clinic LED (support clinics, don’t replace)

Clinic LED and at-home LED are different tools for different jobs. Clinics can deliver more intensive, practitioner-led programmes and often integrate LED with other treatments. At-home LED masks are designed for regular use, making them ideal for maintenance and long-term consistency.

This approach matters for Pure Tone as a brand: our at-home products are designed to bring professional technology into the home, while our professional systems support clinics who want deeper treatment programmes and structured protocols.

How long results take (a realistic timeline)

LED results are usually gradual — and that’s a good thing. Gentle, non-invasive change tends to be sustainable when it’s built through consistency. Your skin also works on biological timelines: hydration can change quickly, but visible firming and fine line improvements typically take longer.

Week 1–2: comfort and “settled skin”

Many people notice their skin looks calmer, less reactive, and more even. This is often where “LED face mask benefits” feel most immediate: makeup sits better, skin looks less tired, and overall tone looks more consistent across different lighting.

Week 3–6: visible refinement

This is when many users report clearer-looking skin (especially for blemish-prone routines), improved-looking texture, and more consistent brightness. If you’re pairing LED with a compatible serum, this is often when the routine starts to feel meaningfully supportive rather than “just another step”.

Week 8–12+: firmness and fine lines support

Support for fine lines and firmness tends to show more clearly after several weeks of consistent sessions. This is where routines built around red and near-infrared LED wavelengths often feel most worthwhile. It’s also where taking a monthly photo (same lighting, same angle) can help you see changes that day-to-day mirrors won’t show.

Safety & contraindications

LED light therapy is generally considered gentle and well tolerated when used as directed. However, any light-based routine should be approached responsibly, especially if you have medical considerations or your skin is easily sensitised.

Most people will never encounter issues, but it’s always better to be calm and sensible than to force a routine that doesn’t feel comfortable.

How to build an LED routine (simple, effective, repeatable)

LED works best when your routine is consistent and your steps are in the correct order. It doesn’t need to be complicated, and it shouldn’t feel like a chore. Here’s the structure we recommend for most people using at-home LED light therapy.

LED light therapy FAQs

1) Does LED light therapy for skin really work?

For many people, yes — when the routine is consistent and the device delivers a meaningful light dose. LED is not a “one session” treatment; it’s cumulative. The most reliable outcomes come from using the right LED wavelengths for your goal and sticking to a routine over 8–12 weeks. Many disappointments come from stopping too early or using an underpowered device. If you want the evidence-led breakdown with deeper context, use our supporting page: Do LED face masks really work?.

2) Which LED wavelengths are best for anti-ageing?

For visible signs of ageing (fine lines, dullness, reduced firmness), red and near-infrared LED wavelengths are most commonly used. Red is widely associated with supporting smoother-looking skin over time, while near-infrared is often included to broaden depth coverage. Many people prefer masks that include both red and near-infrared LED wavelengths so their routine supports firmness and overall skin quality without needing multiple devices.

3) Which LED wavelengths are best for acne?

Blue LED wavelengths are widely used for blemish-prone skin, often paired with red to support overall skin comfort. If acne is the main goal, it’s usually best to keep the rest of your routine calm and consistent (avoid over-exfoliating and avoid stacking too many strong actives). For a dedicated acne-focused guide, see: Best LED face mask for acne.

4) What does irradiance (mW/cm²) mean, and why does it matter?

Irradiance (mW/cm²) describes how much light power reaches a given area of skin. It matters because LED is dose-dependent: intensity and time work together. Two masks can list the same LED wavelengths but deliver very different real-world doses. In practice, a mask with stronger, even irradiance can deliver meaningful exposure in a sensible session time — which is one reason Pure Tone Glow’s stated 52 mW/cm² output is an important part of its positioning.