Benefits of LED Light Therapy for the Skin Care Professional

posted on: July 7, 2026

Article by Maggie Staszcuk

LED light therapy has been around for decades, but its applications in the skin care industry have grown in recent years. Today, estheticians use professional LED devices to address concerns from acne and inflammation to photoaging and skin rejuvenation.

What is LED Light Therapy?

LED stands for light-emitting diode, which is essentially a very small light bulb that fits into an electrical circuit. The bulb is illuminated by the movement of electrons through a semiconductor without generating heat. As electrons move through the semiconductor material, or diode, photons of energy are released in the form of light.¹  Red LED light treatment

How Does LED Light Therapy Work?

Research has shown that when skin cells absorb photons of energy from the emitted light, there is an increase in adenosine triphosphate (the energy source of the cell that fuels cell metabolism and mitosis), an increase in collagen synthesis, and an increase in blood flow.² 

The LED was first invented in the 1960s but was not adopted for skin care purposes for 30 years. In the 1990s, NASA further developed LEDs to produce a very narrow spectrum of light that allowed for clinical applications,³ including aiding in cell regeneration and wound healing for astronauts in space.

Different colors of light penetrate the skin to various depths. Depending on how deeply they penetrate, LED lights are thought to have a variety of biological effects.⁴

LED Light Therapy Colors and Their Benefits

The colors used in estheticians’ LED light therapy treatments range through the visible spectrum, but most devices have variations in blue, red, and yellow.

Blue LED Light

Blue LED light is often used to treat acne and has been shown to have a positive effect in reducing Propionibacterium acnes, the acne-causing bacteria. Some research indicates blue light may also reduce the activity of sebaceous glands, resulting in less breakouts.

Red LED Light

Red LED light therapy is considered rejuvenating and healing. It has the deepest tissue penetration of the visible spectrum and has been shown to stimulate fibroblasts, leading to an increase in collagen production. Red LED light therapy is a good post-recovery treatment and could help reverse the signs of aging.⁵ 

Yellow (Amber) LED Light

Yellow or amber LED light therapy is often used for photoaging and post-laser treatment. It has been shown to reduce the intensity of erythema after fractional laser skin resurfacing.⁶

Choosing the Right Light Therapy Treatment

Treatment selection depends on the client’s skin concern, treatment goals, and the wavelength being used. While blue light is commonly selected for acne-prone skin, red light is often incorporated into rejuvenation treatments. Amber light may be used following more aggressive procedures to help minimize visible redness.

Clinical Considerations for Estheticians

Select the wavelength based on the client’s primary skin concern
Follow manufacturer treatment protocols
Incorporate LED therapy before or after complementary services when appropriate
Educate clients on expected treatment outcomes and recommended treatment frequency

Liability Insurance for LED Light Therapy

Offering LED light therapy and other advanced light-based treatments can expand your service menu, but it’s equally important to protect your practice.

ASCP members have access to optional insurance for laser and light energy services, including LED, IPL, and BBL, as well as coverage for other advanced esthetic modalities. Learn more about advanced esthetics insurance, eligibility, and available coverage options.

Notes

1. Tom Harris, Chris Pollette, and Wesley Fenlon, HowStu Works.com, “How Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) Work,” accessed October 2020, https://electronics. howstu works.com/led.htm#pt0.
2. Daniel R. Opel et al., “Light-Emitting Diodes: A Brief Review and Clinical Experience,” Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 8, no. 6 (June 2015): 36–44, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4479368/#__sec5title.
3. Ibid.
4. Harvard Health Publishing, “LED Lights: Are They a Cure for Your Skin Woes?” October 2019, accessed October 2020, www.health.harvard. edu/staying-healthy/led-lights-are-they-a-cure-for-your-skin-woes.
5. Harvard Health Publishing, “LED Lights: Are They a Cure for Your Skin Woes?”
6. Ibid.
7. Joel Gerson, Milady Standard Fundamentals Esthetics (Clifton Park: Cengage Learning, 2015).