February 17, 2021
LED (Light Emitting Diode) therapy has revolutionized the skincare and wellness industry, offering a non-invasive, scientifically-backed approach to achieving healthier, more youthful skin and addressing various health conditions. Understanding how this innovative technology works can help you make informed decisions about incorporating LED therapy into your health and skincare routine.
We are not just made of biochemical matter. We are charged energy beings, constantly interacting with the environment. Light plays a crucial role in this natural process. Comprehensive new research has unearthed a full new understanding of how our cells function optimally. Food is not the only way we obtain energy; light also charges us.
Science now shows your body operates like a battery. Certain wavelengths of sunlight power it, and your general health is determined by your ability to receive and maintain a charge. This is what light therapy is about. Light at certain wavelengths is scientifically proven to interact with the body in beneficial ways.
LED therapy has fascinating origins that trace back to NASA's space program. Originally developed for plant growth experiments during shuttle missions in the 1980s and 1990s, researchers discovered that specific wavelengths of light had remarkable healing properties for human tissue. This accidental discovery has since evolved into one of the most effective non-invasive treatments available today, now used under the umbrella term Photobiomodulation (PBM).
LED therapy works through a process called photobiomodulation (PBM), where specific wavelengths of light penetrate the skin at various depths to stimulate natural cellular processes. Unlike harsh laser treatments, LED therapy uses gentle, low-level light within the visible spectrum that doesn't damage the skin's surface.
When LED light is applied to the skin, it penetrates through multiple layers:
Surface Level (Epidermis): The outermost layer where initial light absorption beginsDeeper Layer (Dermis): Where most therapeutic effects occur, reaching fibroblast cells responsible for collagen productionSubcutaneous Layer: The deepest penetration point where cellular repair processes are activated
Electric charge is a fundamental property of the body. The surfaces in our bodies — such as membranes, proteins, and DNA — are all charged, negatively or positively, depending on whether they lose or gain electrons.
At the core of your body's power to heal itself are sub-cellular organelles called mitochondria. The number of mitochondria in a cell varies widely by organism, tissue, and cell type and are concentrated in organs with high energy demands such as the brain, heart, liver, skin, and muscles.
This is because mitochondria generate most of the body's chemical energy supply via ATP (adenosine triphosphate). They also regulate various other tasks, such as signaling, cellular differentiation, and maintaining control of the cell cycle and cell growth. This is why they are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell.
Approximately 70% of our body weight and 99% of our bodies' molecules are made of water, and this water is in a charged state. Recent research by Prof Gerald Pollock of the University of Washington has shown that water adjacent to a cell or mitochondrial membrane is structured water, creating a separation of charge that functions as the positive and negative poles of a battery.
Red light therapy is the most extensively studied form of LED treatment. Red light wavelengths ranging from 630–680nm boost the formation of collagen and elastin and assist in cell communication. It penetrates superficially and can be used for skin conditions.
Red light works by:
The result is smoother, firmer skin with reduced appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Near-Infrared wavelengths ranging from 750–850nm stimulate healing, increase mitochondrial function, and improve blood flow and tissue oxygenation. They penetrate deeper into the body and offer:
Blue light targets different skin concerns by:
At the cellular level, LED therapy triggers several important biological processes:
ATP Production: Light energy is converted into cellular energy (ATP), giving cells more power to perform repair and regeneration functions.
Protein Synthesis: Increased production of essential proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin that maintain skin structure and elasticity.
Gene Expression: LED light can influence the expression of genes involved in healing, anti-inflammatory responses, and cellular protection.
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Modulation: Helps balance free radical activity, reducing oxidative stress that leads to premature aging.
Red light therapy works on multiple levels in the body - molecular, calcium, cellular, and tissue - and affects multiple bodily systems:
The fascia is a complex web of sensitive and highly interconnected connective tissue beneath the skin. It's primarily made from hydrated collagen-protein chains in a triple helix formation surrounded by water, with a capacity to generate an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress (piezoelectric). The therapeutic effect of red light energy can be carried through the fascia network to other parts of the body where it is needed.
Red light therapy aids the circulatory system's functioning and increases the micro-circulation of blood, one of the most recognized and well-documented effects. Red light stimulates the formation of new capillaries carrying more oxygen to the body. Increased circulation allows for waste products to be carried away more effectively and triggers the body's own scavenging process for cleaning up degenerated cells.
The nervous system is a complex electrical system that collects, processes, and responds to energy input. Red light energy affects the nervous system in several crucial ways, and red light therapy is being explored as a promising drug-free therapy for nerve damage, including diabetic neuropathy.
Beaming red light onto cells creates a short, low-dose metabolic stress that builds up the cells' anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and natural defense systems through hormesis - safe, low-level exposure to stress that results in increased resistance to illness.
At the frontier of science, red light therapy shows huge promise in stimulating the growth of stem cells in the body. It has been shown to stimulate mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow to enhance their capacity to infiltrate the brain, with implications for healing degenerative conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease.
In humans, photobiomodulation is reportedly effective against various pain conditions, including mucositis, carpal tunnel syndrome, orthodontic pain, temporomandibular joint pain, neck pain, neuropathic pain from amputation, and menstrual cramps. Red light therapy significantly reduces the severity of pain hypersensitivity while improving sensorimotor function.
Red light therapy is used for the rapid and safe healing of wounds from burns, surgery incisions, scars, diabetic neuropathy, ulcers, and bedsores. Faster and better wound healing was one of NASA's original findings. Red and near-infrared light promote beneficial effects during all four phases of the wound-healing process by reducing inflammation, increasing oxygenation, and forming new blood vessels.
Red light therapy boosts immune defense by releasing nitric oxide and melatonin, which are involved in DNA repair and have powerful antimicrobial effects. Through hormesis, it primes the body to respond better to infections by engaging anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses.
Currently, the main treatment for inflammation is NSAID or steroid drugs, both of which have side effects. Red light therapy stimulates the body to activate its own healing mechanism, working by decreasing inflammatory cells, increasing fibroblast proliferation, stimulating angiogenesis, and activating the body's innate anti-inflammatory defenses.
Red light therapy supports muscle growth and repair by increasing ATP availability, allowing for better performance and faster recovery. Documented effects include enhanced muscle performance, reduced exercise-induced muscle damage, and improved recovery times.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects at least 5% of Americans, especially in winter months. More researchers and physicians have used natural light treatments like red light therapy to help with natural light deficiency and the winter blues in conjunction with other treatments.
LED therapy is remarkably comfortable and convenient:
For maximum effectiveness, LED therapy should be approached systematically:
Frequency: Most experts recommend 3-5 treatments per week initially, then 2-3 times weekly for maintenance
Duration: Treatment sessions typically last 10-20 minutes, depending on the device and treatment area
Consistency: Regular, consistent use is key to achieving and maintaining results
Combination Approach: Many users benefit from alternating between red and blue light treatments based on their skin concerns
Red light therapy systems can be found in many professional and clinical settings:
LED therapy is considered extremely safe for most people:
However, certain individuals should consult with healthcare providers before use:
As research continues, new applications and improved technologies are emerging:
To get the most from your LED treatments:
Prepare Your Skin: Start with clean, makeup-free skin for optimal light penetration
Be Patient: Allow time for cellular processes to work; results build gradually
Maintain Consistency: Regular treatments are more effective than sporadic intensive sessions
Support with Good Skincare: Combine LED therapy with quality cleansers, moisturizers, and sun protection
Track Your Progress: Take photos to document improvements over time
LED therapy represents a perfect marriage of cutting-edge science and practical health application. By harnessing specific wavelengths of light to stimulate natural cellular processes, this technology offers a safe, effective way to address multiple health and skin concerns without the risks and downtime associated with more invasive treatments.
Whether you're looking to reduce signs of aging, clear acne, manage pain, support wound healing, or simply maintain optimal health, understanding how LED therapy works empowers you to make informed decisions about your wellness routine. With consistent use and proper technique, LED therapy can become a valuable tool in achieving and maintaining the healthy, vibrant life you desire.
The science is clear: LED therapy works by giving your cells the energy and stimulation they need to function at their best. As this technology continues to evolve and improve, the future of non-invasive healthcare and skincare looks brighter than ever.
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