It sounds like science fiction—using light to heal your skin. But the biological process behind it is as grounded in science as photosynthesis in plants.
You've seen the eerie glowing masks on Instagram. But what is actually happening underneath that silicone shell? We break down the simple science of photobiomodulation and what you can realistically expect from your at-home sessions.
Think of your skin cells like tiny batteries. Over time—due to age, stress, pollution, and UV damage—these batteries start to run low on charge. They become sluggish, struggling to repair damage or produce collagen efficiently.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) therapy works by delivering safe, concentrated wavelengths of light safely into the skin. Your cells possess specific receptors that absorb this light energy and convert it into cellular fuel (officially known as ATP).
The result? Supercharged cells that function like their younger selves. They repair damage faster, calm inflammation, and—crucially for anti-ageing—ramp up collagen production.
Not all light is created equal. The "color" of the light is determined by its wavelength, measured in nanometers (nm). Different wavelengths penetrate to different depths, hitting different targets.
Stays on the surface. Kills acne-causing bacteria.
Reaches the dermis. Stimulates collagen & energetic repair.
Goes deepest. Reduces inflammation & heals wounds.
Most high-quality at-home masks, like the ones in our Best LED Masks guide, combine Red and Near-Infrared light because they offer the most comprehensive anti-ageing benefits.
At-home devices are "low level light therapy." They are gentle, non-invasive, and cumulative. Here is where they shine (pun intended):
If you go to the gym once, you won't get abs. LED therapy works the same way. It is a cumulative treatment.
One session might give you a temporary flush of circulation, but the real structural changes—new collagen, healed tissue—take time. We recommend committing to 3-5 sessions per week for at least 8 weeks before judging the results.