LED Light Therapy: Gentle Skin Rejuvenation and Treatment for Inflammatory Acne

6 days ago

3 min read

LED (Light Emitting Diode) light therapy restores and treats the skin using specific wavelengths of light, without high heat and without UV radiation, which makes it a gentle and safe procedure for almost every skin condition. Each LED color has a different wavelength and different properties, so it can be used for a range of skin concerns, from inflammatory acne to skin rejuvenation and reducing inflammation after other procedures. At Siam Dermatology, we use clinic-grade LED light under the supervision of a dermatologist to support your treatment and achieve the best possible results.

How does LED light treat the skin?

LED light works through the principle of photobiomodulation. The light is absorbed by the mitochondria inside skin cells, especially the enzyme Cytochrome C Oxidase. This stimulation causes cells to produce more ATP, the cell's main source of energy, which speeds up cell repair, increases collagen production, and reduces inflammation.

What does each LED color treat?

Red light (Red LED, 630–660 nm): Stimulates collagen, helping to reduce wrinkles and restore a fresher, brighter look to the skin.
Near-infrared light (Near-Infrared, 830 nm): Helps reduce inflammation and speeds wound healing, making it suitable as a supplement after other procedures.
Blue light (Blue LED, 415 nm): Kills the acne-causing bacteria Cutibacterium acnes (P. acnes) by stimulating porphyrins in the bacteria to produce free radicals that destroy them.
Yellow light (Yellow LED, 590 nm): Helps reduce redness and inflammation of the skin.

Research published in the journal Photomedicine and Laser Surgery supports the effectiveness of LED light in helping to treat inflammatory acne and improve skin condition.

LED light therapy procedure

LED light therapy is a simple and comfortable procedure. The doctor cleanses the face, has the patient lie down in a relaxed position with their eyes closed, then selects the light color suited to the skin concern and positions the LED panel above the face at an appropriate distance.

Duration: About 15–30 minutes per session
What it feels like: Painless. You may feel only a comfortable warmth.
Number of sessions: 8–12 sessions are recommended, 2–3 times per week, for the best results.

Benefits of LED light therapy

Painless: Suitable for people who are afraid of pain or have low pain tolerance.
No recovery time: You can return to your activities immediately afterward.
Suitable for all skin tones: Safe even for darker skin.
Can be combined with other treatments: For example, as a supplement after laser to help speed up skin recovery.

Aftercare following treatment

LED light does not damage the skin or cause wounds, so no special care is needed. However, you should apply moisturizer and sunscreen every day, drink enough water, and if you have had LED together with other procedures, avoid products with harsh ingredients on the skin for the first 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions about LED light

Does LED light really treat acne? Blue LED light at a wavelength of 415 nanometers helps kill the bacteria that cause inflammatory acne, particularly mild to moderate inflammatory acne, but it cannot fully replace acne medication. Doctors usually use it to support the main treatment.

How many sessions are needed to see results? For acne, results may begin to appear within the first 4–6 sessions, but completing 8–12 sessions is recommended for good results. For skin rejuvenation, results may appear sooner, within 3–4 sessions.

How does clinic LED differ from home devices? Clinic-grade devices have higher energy and more precise wavelengths, so they give better treatment results. Home devices may help nourish the skin to some extent, but they cannot treat skin conditions as well as clinic-grade devices.

Who should consult a doctor before LED light therapy? People taking medications that make the skin sensitive to light, people with autoimmune conditions such as lupus (SLE) with photosensitive skin, and pregnant women should always consult a doctor before treatment.

If you are interested in LED light therapy to rejuvenate your skin, treat acne, or support other treatments, you can consult a specialist dermatologist at Siam Dermatology to plan a treatment suited to your skin. Call +66 61 448 7000 or LINE @siamderm

Written by Dr. Patara Voravutinon, Dermatologist · Last reviewed July 16, 2026