Best Practices for Effective LED Light Therapy at Home
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘put your best face forward’. Turns out, it even looks better in the right light. And when it comes to skincare, LED light therapy might be the glow-up tool you didn’t know you needed. All you might need is to sit back, pop on a mask, and let the light do its thing, supporting your skin’s natural processes to help brighten and improve your skin over time.
Once reserved for fancy clinics, LED light therapy has made its way into our homes, and not just as a gimmick. Whether you’re after clearer skin, a smoother texture, or just a few moments of peace in your day, this non-invasive treatment can deliver real results without the clinic prices or time-consuming appointments. And did we mention that this is completely safe to use at home when you follow a few simple best practices?
And no, you don’t need to be a skinfluencer to figure it out. All you need is the right device, a clean face, and a solid understanding of the basics. That’s where this guide comes in: simple, practical, and full of tips to help you make the most of your at-home LED light therapy.
Let’s get glowing.
Overview:
1. What is LED Light Therapy?
2. Benefits of LED Light Therapy
3. Best Practices to Perform LED Light Therapy at Home
4. Finding the Right LED Light Therapy Device for You
5. Who Should Avoid LED Light Therapy?
6. Final Thoughts
What is LED Light Therapy?
LED (light-emitting diode) light therapy works by using different wavelengths of light to stimulate your skin’s natural processes, in turn addressing a range of skin concerns. Think of it as a non-invasive, soothing treatment that targets everything from acne to signs of ageing, using nothing but light. No needles, no harsh chemicals. Each wavelength (or colour) of light has specific benefits. What happens is that these light, depending on their colour or depth of penetration, reaches different layers of the skin–without breaking the surface–to help deliver effective, skin-supporting results.
Once the light reaches the skin, it’s absorbed by skin cells and triggers a series of biological processes. These include increased ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, which fuels cellular activity and supports repair and regeneration. This boost in cellular energy helps stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing, leading to clearer, firmer, and more youthful skin over time.
Benefits of LED Light Therapy
Now that we know how LED light therapy helps energise our skin cells and kickstart natural repair processes, let’s look at what that actually means for your skin. From calming breakouts to softening fine lines, the benefits go well beyond a temporary glow.
Here's what your skin could thank you for:
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Red LED Light and near-infrared (NIR) support collagen production, helping to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and inflammation. It has also been shown to stimulate hair follicles, making it an alternative option for those seeking hair regrowth solutions.
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Blue LED light helps kill acne causing bacteria on the skin’s surface and within pores, making it effective for targeting breakouts and preventing new ones from forming.
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Yellow LED light is often used to soothe sensitive skin and reduce redness.
- Green LED light is linked to reducing pigmentation and brightening overall skin tone.
Each wavelength plays a different role, so some LED devices combine multiple colours for a more customised treatment experience. To dive deeper into what each colour does, check out our full guide on LED light colours and the benefits.
Best Practices to Perform LED Light Therapy at Home
We already established that LED light therapy is a safe and non-invasive way to help achieve your skin goals in the comfort of your own space. But to get the most out of your sessions, following a few innovative practices makes all the difference in achieving the best results.
Before your session
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Consult with your doctor. As with any skincare treatment, it’s best to seek medical advice and get the go-ahead before performing at-home LED light therapy. Consider whether you’re taking any medications or have underlying health conditions. When it comes to your skin, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
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Stay hydrated. Well-hydrated skin and body respond better to treatment and recover faster. We’re not just talking about using serums; make sure you’re drinking enough water, too.
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Start with clean skin. Gently cleanse the area you want to treat or your entire face. This helps the light penetrate better and keeps your device clean.
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Read your device’s instructions. Each LED light therapy device is slightly different, so it’s essential to follow the specific usage guidelines, particularly regarding duration, distance, and safety features.
During your session
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Protect your eyes. Wear protective goggles if needed. While most at-home devices are designed to be safe, using protective eyewear will keep your eyes protected, especially if you have sensitive eyes or the device doesn’t have a built-in eye shield.
- Start slow and build up. Begin with shorter sessions (about 10 to 15 minutes, or follow the device’s recommended duration), two to three times a week. Gradually increase the frequency as your skin adjusts and you start to see results.
During your session
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Moisturise your skin. After your LED light therapy session, lock in the benefits with a gentle, hydrating moisturiser or serum. One great option is the Peachaboo Hyaluronic Acid Serum, as this helps attract and retain moisture, keeping your skin plump, dewy, and supported as it heals and renews.
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Avoid harsh actives. Immediately after your session, skip exfoliants or strong actives, such as retinol, AHAs, BHAs, or any other exfoliating products. Using strong actives right after can cause irritation or disrupt the healing process LED light therapy aims to support. Stick to calming, hydrating products post-treatment to maximise the benefits.
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Be consistent. For best results, stick to a routine. 2 to 3 sessions a week is a common starting point.
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Listen to your skin. If you notice any irritation, take a break and reassess your settings, frequency, or skincare routine.
Finding the Right LED Light Therapy Device for You
Not all LED light devices are built the same, and that’s actually a good thing. Depending on your skin (or scalp!) goals, there are different tools to help you get the most out of your at-home treatment.
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If your focus is facial skin concerns like acne, fine lines, or dullness, an at home LED light therapy face mask is a great hands-free option that covers your entire face evenly.
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The Peachaboo Glo Aurora Silicone LED Light Therapy Mask is an easy-to-wear and lightweight option for daily use. For added benefits, such as deeper penetration and support for inflammation. It features near-infrared (NIR) technology for a more intensive treatment.
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For targeting larger or multiple areas of the body (such as the back, chest, or legs), an LED light therapy panel provides more surface area and flexibility.
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Need to address smaller or tricky-to-reach spots? A wand-style LED light therapy device allows for more targeted treatment and precision.
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The PrimeGlow IPL Photofacial Spot Treatment combines LED and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technologies to fade unwanted pigmentation, boost collagen production, and rejuvenate tired and dull skin.
- Looking to explore hair regrowth? An LED cap or helmet is designed to stimulate hair follicles on the scalp, encouraging growth with consistent use.
- The VolumeMax Hair Growth Helmet provides comprehensive scalp coverage, while the Reboot TravelMax Red LED Light Therapy Laser Cap offers a more portable (and stylish) way to treat thinning hair on the go.
With numerous options available, the key is selecting the one that aligns with your needs and incorporating it into your consistent self-care routine.
Who Should Avoid LED Light Therapy?
While LED light therapy is safe for most people, there are a few exceptions. If any of the following apply to you, it’s best to consult with your doctor before trying it out.
- Pregnancy: If you’re expecting, it’s a good idea to avoid LED light therapy unless approved by your healthcare provider.
- Photosensitivity or Light Sensitivity: If you’re sensitive to light due to medication or other medical conditions, LED therapy may not be suitable for you.
- Active Skin Conditions: If you have active skin conditions, such as eczema, rosacea, or open wounds, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist before starting LED light therapy.
- Certain Medications: Some medications can make your skin more sensitive, so it’s best to double-check with your doctor if you’re on any photosensitive medications.
Final Thoughts
Skin feeling a little off-colour? LED light therapy at home might be the refresh button your routine’s been waiting for.
From everything we’ve covered here, we can conclude that one of the biggest benefits of LED light therapy is that it’s non-invasive but high-impact. And while it works beneath the surface, the results show up on top. We know that beauty is skin deep, but a little light on the surface doesn’t hurt. With consistent use and the right wavelength, you’re helping your skin do what it already knows how to do, just better and faster.
Just remember: always follow best practices, be consistent, and have fun watching your skin glow!
And if you’re new to LED light therapy and want to know more about Dr. Pen’s LED light therapy collection, reach out to our expert customer support team.
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