A science paper published in 2014 explored the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) using novel polychromatic light sources vs red light for skin rejuvenation. The study investigates how non-thermal red and infrared light can improve skin appearance and stimulate collagen production, offering a gentler and more effective alternative to traditional skin rejuvenation methods like laser resurfacing or intense pulsed light (IPL). The study also compares red/infrared light therapy versus green, yellow and orange light therapy, in terms of skin rejuvenation (fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness and skin collagen content)…
How red/infrared light therapy fights skin and whole body inflammation
Red/infrared light therapy works by shining light on the body, where it’s absorbed by specific molecules called chromophores. One key chromophore is cytochrome c oxidase, found in the mitochondria—the powerhouses of cells that produce energy. When red (about 630nm) or infrared light (about 830nm) hits this molecule, it boosts energy production by increasing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cell’s energy currency. It also causes a small burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are molecules that can signal changes in the cell. Other chromophores include calcium ion channels, which might respond to blue or green light, and water molecules, which absorb infrared light. All these interactions lead to a chain reaction: ATP rises, ROS briefly spikes, and nitric oxide increases, all helping cells function better and reducing inflammation…
Can I have infrared / red light therapy treatment with makeup on?
Red and infrared light therapy (phototherapy) is very popular as an anti-ageing facial treatment, as it is generally very safe and instantly effective. The general rule is that makeup must be removed before phototherapy treatment. This is because makeup quite often contains ingredients which aim to reflect light back from the face, in order to create an effect of “radiance” and light on the skin. However, if they have a treatment during lunchtime, many women find it a hassle to remove...
Red light therapy: all you need to know
Infrared and red light therapy, often termed photobiomodulation and mostly applied via LEDs, is a non-invasive treatment that employs specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing and address a variety of health and aesthetic conditions. This innovative therapy has surged in popularity in the last decade, celebrated for its efficacy, safety, and adaptability. In this article, we will explore the scientific foundations of red and infrared LED light therapy, clarifying its mechanisms, its multiple health benefits and the practical considerations for its application…
An LED mask is typically 6 to 20 times weaker than the best professional LED device
LED light therapy (phototherapy / photobiomodulation) is used to treat a variety of aesthetic and health concerns, most commonly skin ageing, skin wounds/burning, diabetic wounds, psoriasis, hyperpigmentation, acne, seasonal affective disorder, sports injuries and back pain, among others - and to enhance the effectiveness of other treatments, such as radiofrequency or ultrasound. Red and infrared light wavelengths are used for all the above concerns, except from blue wavelength, which is used for acne and psoriasis. LED devices come in the shape of masks, panels and dome/canopy style...
Laser and red/infrared LED light therapy vs radiofrequency and cavitation for skin tightening and cellulite
Which is better for body skin tightening and cellulite: laser or radio frequency? Absolutely NOT laser. Laser is way too superficial and also pointless for skin tightening or cellulite. There are two types of lasers: strong, ablative, lasers aim to burn the surface of the skin to stimulate new epidermal growth. Cellulite, however, is found at the deepest layer of the skin (hypodermis), not the most superficial (epidermis), so ablative lasers do not work for cellulite at all…
Can infrared led light therapy enhance lymphatic drainage and fluid balance?
At its core, infrared light therapy employs light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to emit wavelengths typically ranging from 700 to 1,000 nanometers. Unlike the harsh ultraviolet rays that scorch the skin, infrared light penetrates deeper into tissues, reaching muscles, nerves, and even lymphatic structures. The mechanism hinges on stimulating mitochondria—the powerhouses of cells—to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that fuels cellular activity…
LED therapy unveiled: can red light therapy transform your skin?
The beauty world is abuzz with LED therapy, a treatment using light-emitting diodes to tackle skin woes, from acne to wrinkles. Once confined to NASA labs and dermatologists’ clinics, these devices are now available as at-home face masks, promising transformative results. This article explores this surge, spotlighting how photobiomodulation (PBM)—the process where light energy triggers cellular changes—has shifted from scientific curiosity to…
Red light therapy unveiled: miracle cure or overhyped trend?
A Stanford Medicine Scope article, published on February 24, 2025, dives into the growing phenomenon of red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, which has captured attention in both medical clinics and home settings for its potential to improve skin, promote hair growth, and address various health issues. This therapy employs low-level red light wavelengths to penetrate the skin, aiming to stimulate cellular processes. Specifically, it targets fibroblasts - cells responsible for producing collagen - thus supporting skin rejuvenation and hair regrowth…
IPL vs LED red light therapy for facial skin redness
Superficial facial vascular lesions (facial redness, thread/spider veins) can be an aesthetic problem as well as a symptom of different skin diseases. Risk factors include Fitzpatrick skin types I, II and III, significant sun exposure, rosacea, alcohol consumption and smoking. Facial spider veins and related facial vascular lesions are treated with laser, IPL and LED phototherapy treatments. The first two (laser and IPL) are generally more effective but also can cause side effects, such pain, erythema/redness and less often oedema, blistering, hematoma, crusting, hyperpigmentation, scarring, keloid formation and infection…
Infrared light therapy for achilles tendinopathy
The most common treatment regime for achilles tendon injury involves eccentric exercises to effect fibre remodelling. However, low level light therapy (LED or laser), usually in the infrared range for improved penetration, is also used for soft tissue / sports injuries, such as tendinopathies, always in combination with exercise. The randomized controlled trial listed below investigated the clinical effectiveness of an eccentric exercise regime for achilles tendinopathy and evaluated the additional benefits of photobiomodulation (low level light therapy, LLLT) as an adjunct treatment. The study challenged the necessity of the intensive Alfredson protocol…
Can I use retinol before/after an LED mask?
Depending on the type of retinol you are using, it may be quite harsh/sensitising on your skin, especially when combined with light. So applying retinol before LED treatment is not recommended. In fact, light skin absorption is maximum when it is cleansed with nothing applied on it. You can always apply actives after treatment…
Can you overdo it with LED therapy?
LED light therapy, also known as low level light therapy (LLLT), is rightly acknowledged as a very, very safe type of treatment, with minimal and rare adverse reactions. Indeed, treatment with LED light can only go wrong if provided in a very, very stupid way. This is usually the case when extremely high intensity, extremely long treatment times or a combination of both is utilised. Luckily, most home and even professional devices on the market are not strong enough for this to easily occur but it is still possible…
Advanced LED light therapy treatments for back acne in London
Hyaluronic acid before red light therapy
A lot of LED mask companies suggest that you use a (usually very expensive) serum before having a red/infrared light therapy session with their mask. However, skin has to be as clean as possible before LED treatment, especially with an LED mask, which by definition - and for safety purposes - is of low-power. This is because the skin surface has to display the smallest reflection possible, in order to…
Advanced red light therapy treatments in London
Advanced blue, infrared and red light therapy treatments in London for anti-ageing, skin rejuvenation, acne, wound healing, skin firming, back pain, sports injuries, stress relief and deep relaxation at LipoTherapeia, in the heart of London. Two decades of experience, honest advice, personalised treatment, caring service. Book now!
How does infrared / red light therapy work?
Energy in every single cell of the human body is produced in specialised cell compartments called mitochondria. Mitochondria is where oxygen is utilised to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell. If mitochondria malfunction then the whole cell malfunctions and underperforms. On the skin, this can lead to aesthetic problems (dull, irritated, inflamed or unhealthy skin). In other organs and tissues this can lead to a poorer state of health, lower energy levels, slower recovery from injuries etc…
Red light therapy: is a 10-minute treatment sufficient?
Red and infrared LED light therapy (What does red light therapy do?) is highly effective and extremely safe for both cosmetic purposes and health conditions (back pain, musculoskeletal injuries, seasonal affective disorder, etc.). With a high-power LED unit, 10 minutes may suffice, though 20 minutes (and occasionally 30 minutes) would be preferable. A high-power device is one delivering approximately 60-200mW/cm². Anything exceeding 200mW/cm² for the body or 120mW/cm² for the face is unwise unless conducted in a professional environment with meticulously crafted protocols and for a briefer duration…
Does LED light help with nasolabial folds?
Red and infrared light therapy with an LED device can indeed help with anti-ageing, skin healing and rejuvenation, giving skin a healthy glow and helping prevent skin laxity and fine lines and light wrinkles. However, its effect is not strong enough to reduce nasolabial folds (smile lines), especially deep ones that have formed over…
Red light vs infrared light therapy: what are the differences?
Red light therapy (wavelengths of 620 to 750 nm) and near infrared light therapy (wavelengths of 800 to 2,500 nm) has become very popular the last few years for both aesthetic (anti-ageing, acne, hyperpigmentation, skin rejuvenation etc) and wellness (pain relief, sports injuries, back pain, seasonal affective disorder, burns, wound healing etc) applications. Many people wonder what is the main difference between red light and near infrared (NIR) light therapy and the answer is quite simple, as we will see below...
