LED therapy: The science behind faster skin recovery

What does LED therapy actually do?

LED therapy stimulates your skin with specific light wavelengths. It activates natural cell metabolism without damaging the skin. Red light stimulates collagen production and reduces fine lines. Blue light has an antibacterial effect and is often used for acne.

The scientific term for this is photobiomodulation. Cells react to light of a specific wavelength by increasing their energy production. Specifically: light stimulates the mitochondria in skin cells to produce more ATP. ATP is your cell's energy fuel, similar to a phone battery. More ATP means cells recover faster, function better, and produce new proteins, including collagen, more efficiently. All of this without the need for controlled, superficial skin damage to initiate a regenerative healing response, as is the case with a peel, microneedling, or laser treatment.

If you combine LED with a peel, microneedling, or laser treatment, both techniques join forces: the treatment activates the natural healing process, while LED supports cellular energy production to make this recovery as efficient as possible.

The LightStim Elipsa operates at a wavelength of 635 nanometers, precisely within the range that research shows the strongest results for skin repair and collagen stimulation.

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Red, blue, and infrared: what's the difference?

Not every wavelength works the same way. The different light colors represent different wavelengths, each reaching a unique depth and stimulating different skin cells. In professional LED light therapy, red, blue, and infrared light are primarily used, each with a specific effect.

Red light (620–700 nm) penetrates into the dermis, the deeper skin layer where fibroblasts are active. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, improves blood circulation, and supports tissue repair. This makes red light particularly suitable for skin aging, dull skin, and recovery after more intensive treatments.

Blue light (415 nm) primarily works in the upper skin layers and has an antibacterial effect. It helps reduce the bacterium Cutibacterium acnes, which plays a significant role in acne, without damaging the skin. Additionally, it supports the regulation of sebum production.

Infrared light (830 nm) penetrates the deepest, reaching into the subcutaneous tissue. It supports the natural healing process, has a calming effect, and is widely used for sensitive skin, rosacea, and after more intensive skin treatments.

The LightStim Elipsa combines multiple wavelengths simultaneously using patented Multiwave technology, stimulating your skin on multiple levels at once.

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The sweet spot: why dosage makes all the difference

More light isn't always better. This might sound counter-intuitive, but it's one of the most well-established principles in LED literature: the efficacy of photobiomodulation follows a so-called hormesis curve.

Too little light yields no or minimal effect. Too much light diminishes the effect or can even be inhibitory. The sweet spot, the optimal dose, is the zone where cells are maximally stimulated without being overloaded.

This is precisely why professional equipment and protocols are important. The intensity (expressed in mW/cm²), the total light dose (J/cm²), the wavelength, and the treatment frequency together determine whether you are in that optimal zone. A home device typically offers insufficient control and consistency for this.

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Will I see immediate results?

Yes, and no. Immediately after the treatment, your skin will appear calmer, fresher, and with more glow. Redness after a treatment subsides more quickly, and the skin feels calmer. That's the immediate effect.

The cumulative effect, such as collagen production, structural skin improvement, and long-term calming of sensitivity, only becomes visible over time. Research shows that multiple sessions are needed for lasting results, similar to how muscle training works: one session has an effect, but a series of sessions builds a lasting effect. The best results are achieved when you regularly incorporate LED into your treatments.

What can you expect after the treatment?

LED therapy has no downtime. You can immediately apply makeup and resume your daily activities. As with any skin-enhancing treatment, we advise avoiding excessive sun exposure on the treated area for the first few days and using SPF daily. Not because LED makes the skin more sensitive to UV radiation, but because you've just invested in your skin's health, and UV radiation can unnecessarily disrupt the recovery process and the results achieved.

Complete your treatment

For €30, you can add a professional LED treatment that supports the recovery process and further optimizes the results of your treatment. No separate appointment, no extra recovery time – just a quick addition that gives your skin that little bit extra.