How LED Light Therapy Works
Discover how red and near-infrared light stimulate cellular energy, boost collagen production, and reduce inflammation for healthier, more youthful skin.
Light That Optimises Your Cells
The science of photobiomodulation: how specific wavelengths energise your cells at the mitochondrial level.
Light Absorption
Red and near-infrared light penetrate your skin and are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), a key protein within the mitochondria—the energy factories of your cells.
ATP Production Boost
When CCO absorbs light energy, it accelerates the electron transport chain, dramatically increasing ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production—your cells' energy currency.
Cellular Cascade
Elevated ATP activates signalling pathways that enhance collagen and elastin production, reduce inflammation, and promote overall skin rejuvenation.
Science-Backed Benefits of Different Wavelengths
Each wavelength penetrates to a different depth and triggers specific cellular responses. Our technology is supported by extensive peer-reviewed research.
Blue Light: 415-480nm
Blue light therapy operates at the skin's surface, delivering powerful antibacterial effects. Clinical research has demonstrated its effectiveness in treating acne without the side effects of topical or oral medications.
Proven Benefits:
- Eliminates acne-causing bacteria: Activates porphyrins within P. acnes bacteria, creating reactive oxygen species that destroy them without chemicals
- Regulates sebum production: Helps control excess oil that leads to clogged pores
- Calms inflammation: Reduces redness and swelling around breakouts
Scientific References
Phototherapy with blue (415 nm) and red (660 nm) light in the treatment of acne vulgaris
Papageorgiou P, Katsambas A, Chu A. Br J Dermatol. 2000; 142(5): 973–978.
View Study →Eradication of Propionibacterium acnes by its endogenic porphyrins after illumination with high-intensity blue light
Ashkenazi H, Malik Z, Harth Y, Nitzan Y. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2003; 35(1): 17–24.
View Study →Clinical and histological effect of home-use blue-red LED phototherapy for acne vulgaris
Kwon HH et al. Br J Dermatol. 2013; 168(5): 1088–1094.
View Study →
Red Light: 630-660nm
Red light photobiomodulation energises mitochondria at the dermal level (2-3mm depth), triggering increased ATP production that powers collagen synthesis and cellular repair. This is the cornerstone of LED anti-ageing therapy.
Proven Benefits:
- Stimulates collagen and elastin: Activates fibroblasts to produce new structural proteins
- Smooths fine lines and wrinkles: Clinical studies show up to 36% reduction in wrinkle depth
- Reduces inflammation: Activates anti-inflammatory pathways for calmer skin
- Enhances skin renewal: Improves tone and restores a healthy, natural glow
Scientific References
Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring
Avci P, Gupta A, Sadasivam M, et al. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2013; 32(1): 41-52.
View Study →Efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, and collagen density increase
Wunsch A, Matuschka K. Photomed Laser Surg. 2014; 32(2): 93-100.
View Study →Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation
Hamblin MR. AIMS Biophysics. 2017; 4(3): 337-361.
View Study →
Near-Infrared: 830-880nm
Near-infrared (NIR) light penetrates significantly deeper than red light—reaching 5-10mm into the dermis and underlying tissues. This deep penetration enables profound effects on skin structure, inflammation, and cellular regeneration.
Proven Benefits:
- Boosts collagen production: Stimulates deeper collagen networks for firmer skin
- Activates hair follicles: Promotes thicker, healthier hair growth
- Reduces deep inflammation: Accelerates healing and tissue repair
- Supports tissue regeneration: Enhances overall skin rejuvenation
Scientific References
Noninvasive red and near-infrared wavelength-induced photobiomodulation: promoting impaired cutaneous wound healing
Yadav A, Gupta A. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2017; 33(1): 4-13.
View Study →NIR light-assisted phototherapies for bone-related diseases and bone tissue regeneration: A systematic review
Wan Z, Zhang P, Lv L, Zhou Y. Theranostics. 2020; 10(25): 11837-11861.
View Study →
Proven Benefits of LED Light Therapy
Comprehensive skin rejuvenation backed by decades of clinical research.
Wrinkle Reduction & Anti-Ageing
While traditional skincare products work primarily on the surface, LED light therapy penetrates deep into the skin, activating cellular vitality at the source. Through photobiomodulation, light therapy stimulates collagen production—the essential protein responsible for skin firmness and elasticity.
By enhancing cellular energy and accelerating metabolic processes, LED therapy repairs ageing tissue naturally, smoothing fine lines from within. The treatment also improves nutrient absorption and strengthens the skin's defence against environmental damage.
Scientific References
Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring
Avci P et al. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2013; 32(1): 41-52.
View Study →LED phototherapy for skin rejuvenation: clinical, profilometric, histologic evaluations
Lee SY et al. J Photochem Photobiol B: Biology. 2007; 88(1): 51-67.
View Study →The Efficacy and Safety of 660 nm Light-Emitting Devices for Treating Wrinkles
Nam CH et al. Dermatol Surg. 2017; 43(3): 371-380.
View Study →Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation
Couturaud V et al. Skin Res Technol. 2023; 29(7): e13391.
View Study →Male facial rejuvenation using a combination 633, 830, and 1072 nm LED face mask
Mineroff J et al. Arch Dermatol Res. 2023; 315(9): 2605-2611.
View Study →Efficacy of red and near-infrared light in reduction of fine lines and collagen density increase
Wunsch A, Matuschka K. Photomed Laser Surg. 2014; 32(2): 93-100.
View Study →
Acne Treatment
Acne develops from a combination of excess sebum production, clogged pores, and bacterial infection. While antibiotics have been a common treatment, their widespread use has contributed to antibiotic resistance. LED light therapy offers an effective, non-invasive alternative.
Blue light (460nm) eliminates acne-causing P. acnes bacteria by activating their natural porphyrins, creating reactive oxygen species that destroy the bacteria without chemicals. Red light penetrates deeper, promoting skin repair, calming redness, and regulating the skin's immune response.
Scientific References
Blue and red light combination LED phototherapy for acne vulgaris
Lee SY et al. Lasers Surg Med. 2007; 39(2): 180-8.
View Study →Effect of Blue Light on Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review
Diogo MLG et al. Sensors (Basel). 2021; 21(20): 6943.
View Study →Randomized trial of three phototherapy methods for acne vulgaris
Liu LH et al. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2014; 30(5): 246-53.
View Study →Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy
Glass GE. Aesthet Surg J. 2021; 41(6): 723-738.
View Study →Blue-Light Therapy for Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Scott AM et al. Ann Fam Med. 2019; 17(6): 545-553.
View Study →
Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural defence against infection, injury, or irritation, but when excessive or prolonged, it can lead to chronic pain, tissue damage, and accelerated ageing.
Light therapy inhibits inflammation through multiple mechanisms: it reduces the release of pro-inflammatory factors, lowers cellular sensitivity to inflammatory stimuli, and helps clear harmful byproducts. This promotes a balanced healing process.
Since inflammation often stems from immune system imbalances, light therapy also regulates immune cell activity, preventing excessive or chronic inflammation. Its ability to restore immune balance makes it effective for both acute and long-term inflammatory conditions, providing a non-invasive, science-backed approach to healing and relief.
Scientific References
Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation
Hamblin MR. AIMS Biophys. 2017; 4(3): 337-361.
View Study →Infrared light therapy relieves TLR-4 dependent hyper-inflammation of the type induced by COVID-19
Aguida B, Pooam M, Ahmad M, Jourdan N. Commun Integr Biol. 2021 Sep 15; 14(1): 200-211.
View Study →Laser Light Therapy in Inflammatory, Musculoskeletal, and Autoimmune Disease
Wickenheisser VA, Zywot EM, Rabjohns EM, Lee HH, Lawrence DS, Tarrant TK. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2019 Jul 2; 19(8): 37.
View Study →Low level laser therapy: molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects
Greben AI, Eremin PS, Kostromina EY, Markov PA, Greben TN, Gilmutdinova IR, Konchugova TV. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult. 2023; 100(2): 61-68.
View Study →The effect of red-to-near-infrared (R/NIR) irradiation on inflammatory processes
Walski T, Dąbrowska K, Drohomirecka A, et al. Int J Radiat Biol. 2019 Sep; 95(9): 1326-1336.
View Study →
Pigmentation
Hyperpigmentation—such as melasma, acne marks, and sunspots—occurs due to melanin buildup, metabolic imbalances, and poor circulation. When melanocytes overproduce pigment under oxidative stress, the skin struggles to maintain an even tone.
Tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanin production, plays a central role in pigmentation. Light therapy intervenes directly in this process: blue light disrupts melanocyte activity and inhibits tyrosinase, reducing melanin synthesis. Red light, by enhancing mitochondrial function, regulates melanocyte metabolism and prevents excessive pigment production.
Beyond slowing melanin formation, certain wavelengths activate the skin's autophagy process, helping cells clear excess pigment more efficiently. This accelerates the fading of dark spots and discoloration.
Scientific References
A prospective randomized comparative study on 60 Indian patients of melasma
Garg S, Vashisht KR, Makadia S. Cosmet Laser Ther. 2019 Aug; 21(5): 297-307.
View Study →Laser therapy in the treatment of melasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Lai D, Zhou S, Cheng S, Liu H, Cui Y. Lasers Med Sci. 2022 Jun; 37(4): 2099-2110.
View Study →590 nm LED Irradiation Improved Erythema through Inhibiting Angiogenesis and Ameliorated Pigmentation in Melasma
Dai X, Jin S, Xuan Y, et al. Cells. 2022 Dec 7; 11(24): 3949.
View Study →Light-emitting diode 585 nm photomodulation inhibiting melanin synthesis and inducing autophagy in human melanocytes
Chen L, Xu Z, Jiang M, et al. J Dermatol Sci. 2018 Jan; 89(1): 11-18.
View Study →Inhibitory effect of 660-nm LED on melanin synthesis in in vitro and in vivo
Oh CT, Kwon TR, Choi EJ, et al. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2017 Jan; 33(1): 49-57.
View Study →
Pain Relief
Pain is a common symptom of various health issues and a leading cause of medical visits. While traditional treatments like medications and nerve blocks have limitations, light therapy offers a proven, non-invasive, and affordable alternative with minimal side effects and high safety.
Light therapy alleviates pain by modulating neurotransmitter release, reducing pain signals, and lowering brain excitability. It also promotes the release of pain-relieving substances, offering mild but lasting relief. Furthermore, light therapy improves blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients more efficiently to the affected area, accelerating waste removal, and reducing inflammation-related pain.
This makes light therapy effective not only for acute injuries, such as sports-related or post-surgical pain, but also for chronic pain in joints and nerves. As a sustainable, healthy form of pain management, light therapy helps restore the body to its optimal state.
Scientific References
Low-intensity LASER and LED (photobiomodulation therapy) for pain control of the most common musculoskeletal conditions
DE Oliveira MF, Johnson DS, Demchak T, Tomazoni SS, Leal-Junior EC. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2022 Apr; 58(2): 282-289.
View Study →Low-Level Laser Therapy for Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Yeh SW, Hong CH, Shih MC, Tam KW, Huang YH, Kuan YC. Pain Physician. 2019 May; 22(3): 241-254.
View Study →Light-emitting diode phototherapy: pain relief and underlying mechanisms
Zhang WW, Wang XY, Chu YX, Wang YQ. Lasers Med Sci. 2022 Jul; 37(5): 2343-2352.
View Study →The efficacy of low-level laser therapy for shoulder tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Haslerud S, Magnussen LH, Joensen J, Lopes-Martins RA, Bjordal JM. Physiother Res Int. 2015 Jun; 20(2): 108-25.
View Study →The associations between diode laser (810 nm) therapy and chronic wound healing and pain relief
Tang D, Liu C, Chen X, Lv X, Yuan L, Xue D, Song H. Wound Repair Regen. 2023 Mar; 31(2): 227-232.
View Study →
Sleep and Depression
Sleep and mood are closely interconnected: chronic insomnia increases stress and depression risk, while poor mood disrupts sleep quality, creating a vicious cycle. Light therapy provides a natural, drug-free solution to improve both sleep and emotional well-being.
By regulating melatonin production, morning light exposure helps suppress melatonin during the day, promoting alertness and supporting a natural sleep-wake cycle. Additionally, light therapy boosts serotonin (5-HT), a neurotransmitter essential for mood regulation, with low levels often linked to depression. It also mimics natural light, making it particularly effective for alleviating seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Consistent sleep patterns and proper light exposure are fundamental to emotional health. When sleep or mood disturbances occur, targeted light therapy can offer significant benefits.
Scientific References
Light therapy in the treatment of patients with bipolar depression: A meta-analytic study
Tseng PT, Chen YW, Tu KY, et al. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2016 Jun; 26(6): 1037-47.
View Study →Light Therapy for Patients With Bipolar Depression: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Lam RW, Teng MY, Jung YE, et al. Can J Psychiatry. 2020 May; 65(5): 290-300.
View Study →The effects of light therapy on depression and sleep in women during pregnancy or the postpartum period
Li X, Fang L, Guan L, Zhang J, Zheng M, Zhu D. Brain Behav. 2023 Dec; 13(12): e3339.
View Study →The Effects of Light Therapy on Sleep, Depression, Neuropsychiatric Behaviors, and Cognition Among People Living With Dementia
Aini N, Chen R, Chu H, et al. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2024 Jun; 32(6): 681-706.
View Study →The effects of bright light therapy on depression and sleep disturbances in patients with Parkinson's disease
Lin F, Su Y, Weng Y, Lin X, Weng H, Cai G, Cai G. Sleep Med. 2021 Jul; 83: 280-289.
View Study →Effects of light therapy on sleep/wakefulness, daily rhythms, and the central orexin system in a diurnal rodent model of SAD
Costello A, Linning-Duffy K, Vandenbrook C, et al. J Affect Disord. 2023 Jul 1; 332: 299-308.
View Study →
Wound Healing & Skin Repair
Wound healing involves complex processes including inflammation control, cell proliferation, and tissue remodelling. LED light therapy accelerates this process by energising cells, stimulating new blood vessel formation, and improving circulation to ensure oxygen and nutrients reach damaged tissue.
Additionally, light therapy promotes collagen production—crucial for wound repair. Collagen strengthens the skin, enhances tissue integrity, and reduces scar formation. This makes LED therapy particularly valuable for post-procedure recovery and general skin healing.
Scientific References
Effects of low-power light therapy on wound healing: LASER x LED
Chaves MEDA et al. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. 2014; 89(4): 616-623.
View Study →Wound Phototherapy
Bolton LL. Wounds. 2020; 32(9): 262-264.
View Study →Red light-emitting diode therapy accelerates wound healing post-blepharoplasty
Trelles MA, Allones I. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2006; 8(1): 39-42.
View Study →Combined red, blue, and near-infrared LED photobiomodulation for wound healing
Soliman J et al. Lasers Med Sci. 2024; 39(1): 94.
View Study →Merged Red and NIR Light Sources for Photobiomodulation Therapy in Diabetic Wound Healing
Thien Tri T et al. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2025; 17(4): 5771-5783.
View Study →
What Determines Light Therapy Results?
Effective light therapy depends on three key factors working together. Understanding these principles helps you maximise your treatment outcomes.
The Light Therapy Equation
Results = Time × Wavelength × Irradiance
Wavelength
Different wavelengths penetrate to different depths. Choose based on your concern: anti-ageing, acne, or deep tissue healing.
Irradiance
Power per cm² (mW/cm²). Higher irradiance delivers more energy in less time. ICOLUX 2.0 provides 50-105 mW/cm².
Treatment Time
Dose = Time × Irradiance. Optimal: 10-70 J/cm² per session. Higher irradiance means shorter, equally effective sessions.
Light Source
LED beam angle ensures even coverage. Medical-grade chips deliver precise, consistent wavelengths every session.
