LED Light Therapy Melbourne

What is LED Light Therapy?

LED is an acronym for light emitting diode. These are very small semiconductors that emit light when a current is passed through them using an LED device. LEDs were originally developed for plant growth experiments but in the past few years, specialised therapeutic LEDs that have extra luminescence emitted through a very specific wavelength band have been used for the purpose of skin rejuvenation.

Unlike laser or IPL, LED light therapy (or LED phototherapy) is non-invasive and non-thermal, and hence requires no recovery time after treatments. LED light therapy involves the use of continuous light rather than pulses of light, and it does not use UV rays.

Different wavelengths of LED can be used to target various skin conditions from pigmentation, redness, skin laxity and general skin ageing concerns. Each wavelength will penetrate a different depth and have a different effect on the skin. If you suffer from persistent acne, rosacea or signs of ageing you may wish to inquire about LED light therapy.

LED light therapy should be differentiated from photodynamic therapy. Although both use LED light on the skin, photodynamic therapy requires pre-treatment of the skin with aminolevulenic acid (ALA) and this significantly changes the light reaction in the skin. Photodynamic therapy has significant recovery periods, unlike LED light therapy which requires no downtime.

 

What is LED Light Therapy used for and how does LED light therapy work?

LED light therapy is used for a multitude of skin conditions. LED light therapy works by using the properties of a certain wavelength of light to induce changes in the skin to treat a particular condition. There is no heat energy or tissue damage induced by this process.

Types of LED Light Therapy

At the Victorian Cosmetic Institute, we utilise two LED wavelengths, namely 415 nanometers (blue LED light) and 620 nanometers (red LED light). Each wavelength has a particular property and depth of penetration.

Red and blue light LED light therapy can be used synergistically to treat active acne, the blue light helping to reduce bacteria counts and the red lights helping to heal the skin. Both blue and red LED lights have no side effects on the skin and require no recovery period.

Blue LED light therapy

Blue LED light therapy is often used alongside chemical peels to help treat acne. It works by calming the oil glands in the skin and reducing their activity. Additionally, it also helps target acne causing bacteria by triggering a reaction that damages and destroys them, improving skin clarity and reducing inflammation. By targeting the metabolic product of these bacteria, porphyrins, an oxygen free radical is produced from these porphyrins which destroys the acne causing bacteria.

Red LED light therapy

Red LED light can be used for skin rejuvenation, reducing inflammation, and supporting healing; for example, after laser treatments. The red LED wavelength (620 nm) triggers mild inflammation in targeted cells, which initiates an immune response that promotes cell regeneration. This process helps rejuvenate the skin and aids in healing. Red LED therapy may also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production in the outer layer of the skin. Additionally, it can be used after laser or chemical peel treatments to support and accelerate the healing process.

Benefits

LED light therapy is able to treat a variety of skin conditions. The benefits include:

  • Non-invasive treatment that triggers the skin’s natural processes, inducing fast healing.
  • Targets acne bacteria through the use of the blue light.
  • Reduces skin redness and inflammation.
  • Quick, painless treatments and no recovery time.

 

Risks and side effects of LED Light Therapy

LED light therapy has very few risks and side effects. However, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and take precautions. Possible side effects include pain, tenderness, rashes, redness, and inflammation. In some cases, eye strain, headaches or insomnia may occur. If you have a history of skin cancer or are currently taking Accutane you should not undergo LED light therapy.

How much does LED light therapy cost?

Pricing for LED light therapy varies depending on whether it is performed as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other services at our clinic. When combined with another treatment, LED light therapy may be included in the overall cost or offered as an optional add-on at a reduced rate, depending on the treatment type.

A written quote outlining your treatment options and pricing will be provided during your initial consultation. Consultation fees can be viewed on our website.

LED Light Therapy with Hyaluronic Delivery Mask

Hyaluronic Delivery Masks are a super hydrating treatment suitable for most skin types. They are cooling, soothing and with intense hydration the mask calms and nourishes dry and dehydrated skin. The mask has a soothing anti-inflammatory effect.

Blemished and ablated skins are not to be treated with this mask.

Key ingredients of the mask are:

  • Hyaluronic Acid: super hydrating, found naturally in our skin and production declines with ageing.
  • Arbutin: extracted from the bearberry plant in the genus Arctostaphylos. It inhibits tyrosinase and thus prevents the formation of melanin. Arbutin is therefore used as a skin-brightening agent
  • Hydrolized Glycosaminoglycans: An ingredient that increases the elasticity and pliability of the skin. Widely used in skin care products and cosmetics because of their ability to bind with water efficiently and increase depth hydration, improving the elasticity and firmness of the skin
  • Glycyrrhizic Acid:  is a widely used anti-inflammatory agent isolated from the licorice root.

When used in combination with the LED lights the skin warms under the glow of the light and is even more receptive to absorbing the amazing ingredients that the mask has to offer. The results are boosted by the anti-inflammatory and healing properties of the LED light.

What is the difference between laser/IPL treatments and LED Light Therapy?

Laser or IPL LED phototherapy
Involves thermal energy and heating of the skin LED phototherapy does not involve any heating of the skin.
Pulses of light energy Continuous light energy
Causes a specific injury to the skin to induce a certain wound healing response to initiate a change and improvement in the skin Improves skin by stimulating the skin cells metabolism without causing injury
Usually requires a period of recovery No recovery required

 

Preparing for LED Light Therapy?

You should prepare your skin for the treatment by performing your regular skincare routine. Remove all the dirt and excess oil from your face using a cleanser, and then rehydrate with a toner. There is no need for any extra preparation.

How many treatments are required?

The number of LED light therapy sessions needed depends on the concern being treated and whether it is being used alone or as part of a broader treatment plan.

For acne treatment, clinical studies suggest that attending sessions twice a week for eight weeks, followed by once a week for four weeks, can help reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation, ultimately minimising active breakouts. Red and blue LED light may be alternated between sessions for optimal benefit.

When red LED light is used for skin rejuvenation, treatments may be spaced one to four weeks apart. Results tend to improve with continued sessions, making this a beneficial addition to an ongoing skin maintenance regimen.

For post-laser recovery, the number of red LED sessions varies depending on the intensity of the laser treatment. For milder procedures, a single session immediately afterward may be sufficient. However, for more intensive treatments, such as carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, LED light therapy may be performed daily for several days to support healing and comfort.

LED Therapy Before and After

LED lights for Rosacea

This patient visited our clinic with concerns about severe facial redness and breakouts that are often associated with Rosacea. We kept her treatment simple, incorporating Red LED Light Therapy with a Hyaluronic Acid Mask. The results have far surpassed the expectations of the patient with her skin maintaining reduced redness in its appearance and resolution to the breakouts of pustules associated with the Rosacea.

rosacea with led light therapy

All procedures carry a risk of side effects and potential complications. The outcome of each procedure cannot be guaranteed, and individual results may vary. A consultation with one of our practitioners is required prior to any procedure to assess suitability for treatment. Patient consent has been obtained to display images.

Using LED lights for acne breakouts

This patient presented to the Victorian Cosmetic Institute with concerns about her skin breaking out. She had tried many different treatments and products prior to coming to our clinic. She was placed on a skin care treatment plan of Synergie Biocleanse and Priority B serum. The patient also has LED light therapy treatments to target the acne bacteria. These are her before and after images following her 8th LED light therapy treatment.

All procedures carry a risk of side effects and potential complications. The outcome of each procedure cannot be guaranteed, and individual results may vary. A consultation with one of our practitioners is required prior to any procedure to assess suitability for treatment. Patient consent has been obtained to display images.

FAQ’s

Which LED therapy should I choose?

The type of LED light therapy that you will need will depend on your skin concerns. You can book in a consultation with a member of our medical team to discuss which treatment best suits you.

How long does LED therapy take?

Each session lasts for about 20 minutes and the amount of sessions you will need will depend on the kind of treatment you are receiving. If you are receiving treatment for acne, you will need to attend sessions one-two times a week for up to 12 weeks. If you are receiving treatment for the purpose of skin rejuvenation, your treatments will be further apart but may need to continue until you see results.

Does LED light therapy treat existing scars?

It does not treat old or existing scars. It can help fresh wounds heal, but older scars may require a different scarring treatment.

Is there any downtime with LED light therapy?

No, there is no recovery period for LED light therapy.

What is the difference between red and blue LED light therapy?

Red and blue light LEDs have different wavelengths and are used to target different areas of the skin. Red light therapy is recommended for skin rejuvenation, healing and inflammation, while blue light therapy is often used in combination with red light therapy to treat acne.

Can LED light therapy be used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles?

Yes, LED light therapy can be used for fine lines and wrinkles as it helps to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin.

Why choose Victorian Cosmetic Institute as your provider of LED light therapy?

Our practitioners have many years of experience in light based treatments, including LED light therapy. We use this treatment in combination with other treatments available at our clinic to provide you with a holistic approach for the treatment of various skin problems – including acne, wound healing and signs of ageing.

Our LED devices are of the highest quality, and provide measurable results.

Contact our team on 1300 863 824 to schedule your initial consultation and discover whether LED light therapy is suitable for you. Alternatively, you can find a suitable consultation time online, and one of our team members will contact you to finalise your appointment.

Last updated May 2025