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Shining a Light on LED Therapy: How Light Heals the Body


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What is LED Therapy?


LED (light-emitting diode) therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate natural biological processes. Unlike UV light, which can damage skin, LEDs emit non-ionising light that is safe and healing.


  • It has been studied in depth since the 1990s, when NASA used red light to accelerate wound healing for astronauts in space.

  • Blue light has long been used in hospitals to treat newborn jaundice safely.

  • Today, LED is well established in dermatology, aesthetics, sports recovery, and even neurological research.


How Does LED Work?


When light penetrates the skin, it is absorbed by the mitochondria the “powerhouses” of our cells. This increases ATP production, giving cells more energy to repair, regenerate, and function optimally.


The depth of penetration depends on the wavelength:

  • 415 nm (Blue): Acts on the skin surface, destroying acne-causing bacteria.

  • 590 nm (Yellow/Amber): Reaches the mid-layers, calming redness, improving circulation, and evening skin tone.

  • 630–660 nm (Red): Stimulates collagen and elastin, accelerates healing, reduces inflammation.

  • 810–850 nm (Near Infrared): Penetrates deeper into muscle and joint tissue, easing pain, improving recovery.

  • 940–1040 nm (Near Infrared): Reaches the deepest tissues, with applications in musculoskeletal and neurological research.


Clinical Applications


  • Dermatology & Aesthetics: acne, rosacea, skin ageing, wound healing after procedures like microneedling or peels.

  • Pain & Musculoskeletal: arthritis, tendinopathy, delayed onset muscle soreness, recovery after injury.

  • Dentistry: improved healing after oral surgery, reduced inflammation.

  • Wellness: emerging evidence for sleep support, mood, and neurological conditions.


LED therapy is non-invasive, painless, and suitable for a wide range of patients.


Contraindications


Although LED therapy is extremely safe, there are some important contraindications and cautions:

Absolute contraindications:

• Active cancer in the treatment area (although there is emerging research on the benefits for oncology treatments)

• Direct irradiation of the eyes (without protection)

• Epilepsy / photosensitive seizures

• Pregnancy (precautionary due to limited data)

Relative contraindications:

• Photosensitising medications (e.g., tetracyclines, isotretinoin)

• Recent isotretinoin use (<6 months)

• Open wounds or active infection

• Lupus or porphyria


Why Light Matters


LED therapy is one of the most versatile, safe, and scientifically supported treatments available today. For clinicians, it offers an accessible, non-invasive tool to improve outcomes across skin health, recovery, and general well-

being.


Members’ Resources

Happy Injector Club members have exclusive access to example clinician-led protocols and consent forms to support safe and consistent LED treatment delivery.


Guest Expert article was guest written by Gemma Hornsby — owner of Essence Cumbria, supplier of professional LED devices and industry expert. Members can ask Gemma any LED-related questions directly inside the Inner Hub (members-only) space, where she also offers an exclusive members-only discount on LED devices.


References

  • Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys. 2017.

  • Avci P, Gupta A, Sadasivam M, et al. Low-level laser (light) therapy in skin. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2013.

  • Barolet D, Christiaens F, Hamblin MR. Infrared and skin. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2016.

  • Whelan HT, et al. Effect of NASA LED irradiation on wound healing. J Clin Laser Med Surg. 2001.

  • American Academy of Pediatrics. Management of Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn Infant. Pediatrics. 2004.

 
 
 

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