LED light therapy has been popping up everywhere lately – from high-end spas and dermatologist offices to at-home face masks and handheld gadgets. But what’s all the buzz about? Can shining coloured lights on your skin really help with acne, wrinkles, or even sore muscles? NMTBP breaks it down in simple terms

What Is LED Light Therapy?

LED stands for light-emitting diode. These tiny bulbs give off different colours of light, and each colour has a different effect on your skin and body. Unlike tanning beds, LED lights don’t use harmful UV rays, so they won’t damage your skin or cause sunburn. Instead, they work gently to kick-start your cells into repairing and refreshing themselves

How the Different Colours Work

Think of LED therapy as a rainbow of skin benefits:

• Red light: Helps boost collagen, smooth fine lines, and make skin look firmer and fresher
• Blue light: Fights acne by targeting the bacteria that cause breakouts
• Green light: Calms redness and helps fade dark spots or uneven skin tone
• Near-infrared light: Goes deeper to soothe sore muscles and reduce stiffness

Why People Love It

Here are some of the top reasons people swear by LED light therapy:

✨ Glowing, younger-looking skin – Red light can give your skin that plump, healthy glow over time
✨ Clearer complexion – Blue light helps cut down on pimples and breakouts without harsh creams
✨ Even skin tone – Green light may help fade sunspots or patches of redness
✨ Pain relief – Athletes and fitness fans use near-infrared light for faster recovery after workouts
✨ Stress-free and painless – It feels like lying under a warm glow, not like a treatment

Is It Safe?

In general, LED light therapy is safe. The procedure is non-invasive and does not cause burning or pain. However, experts caution that the long-term effects of these devices remain unknown, so caveat emptor

Short-term side effects are rare. When they do occur, they may include:

• inflammation
• rashes
• skin redness
• tenderness

You shouldn’t use LED therapy if you take certain medications, such as isotretinoin (Accutane), for acne or use topical treatments that cause sensitivity to sunlight

If you have a skin condition should speak to a dermatologist before using LED light therapy

At-Home vs. In-Clinic Treatments

• In-clinic sessions: Stronger devices, quicker results, but pricier. A typical seesion will cost you £50 – £150. Before booking treatment:

  • Ask about package pricing—many clinics offer discounts for multiple treatments

  • Check whether the provider is a dermatology clinic, med spa, or beauty centre – prices can vary widely

  • Consider your treatment frequency; frequent sessions may justify an at-home device in the long run

  • Always inquire about what’s included in the treatment (e.g. cleansing, masks, or serums) and ensure the technology is medical-grade or dermatologist-approved

• At-home gadgets: More affordable and convenient, but you’ll need to be consistent to see changes. There are several on the market, with market leaders being CurrentBody (£399), FAQ (£575) and the new kid on the block, Shark CyroGlow (£300), which adds cryotherapy (cooling) to the colours. There are many much cheapre masks, but…you get what you pay for

Quick FAQ

⭐ How long does it take to see results?
Most people notice small changes in their skin after 4–6 weeks of consistent use. Patience pays off!

⭐ Can I use LED light therapy every day?
Yes, most at-home devices are safe for daily use, but 3–5 times per week is usually enough

⭐ How long is a session?
At-home treatments usually take 10–20 minutes per session. Professional sessions may be slightly longer

⭐ Does it hurt?
Not at all—it feels gentle and relaxing, more like sitting under a warm lamp

⭐ Can it replace my skincare products?
No, think of it as a boost to your routine. You’ll still want to use good cleansers, moisturisers, and sunscreen

The bottom line is that LED light therapy appears to be safe, relaxing, and can help improve your skin and wellbeing if you stick with it