Phototherapy

At Aesthetic Medicine Sydney, LED (Light Emitting Diode) phototherapy represents a gentle, non-invasive approach to skin rejuvenation that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity, reduce inflammation, and support natural healing processes. This evidence-based treatment harnesses the biological effects of light energy to address various dermatological concerns including acne, inflammation, wound healing, pigmentation, and signs of aging, without thermal damage, discomfort, or downtime.

LED phototherapy can be performed as a standalone treatment for maintenance and prevention or strategically incorporated as a complementary modality following more intensive procedures such as microneedling, laser treatments, or chemical peels to accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and optimize outcomes.

Treatment Applications

LED phototherapy may be recommended for:

  • Active acne and inflammatory skin conditions

  • Post-inflammatory erythema and redness

  • Fine lines, wrinkles, and skin aging concerns

  • Wound healing acceleration following aesthetic procedures

  • Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone

  • Rosacea and sensitive, reactive skin

  • Overall skin health optimization and cellular rejuvenation

  • Post-treatment recovery support and inflammation management


How LED Phototherapy Works

LED phototherapy at Aesthetic Medicine Sydney delivers specific wavelengths of light energy that are absorbed by cellular components, particularly mitochondria, triggering photobiomodulation—a process where light energy enhances cellular metabolism, ATP (energy) production, and various biological processes essential for skin health and repair.

Unlike lasers that generate heat and controlled injury, LED therapy works through gentle stimulation of natural cellular functions without damaging tissue. The light energy modulates inflammatory responses, increases circulation, stimulates collagen synthesis, enhances cellular turnover, and supports the skin's natural healing mechanisms through purely biological pathways.

Treatment involves exposure to LED panels positioned close to the skin for specified durations, allowing targeted wavelengths to penetrate tissue and exert their therapeutic effects. Multiple wavelengths may be used sequentially or in combination depending on treatment goals.

Understanding LED Wavelengths


  • Red light wavelengths penetrate deeply into the dermis, stimulating fibroblast activity and promoting collagen and elastin production. This wavelength is particularly effective for anti-aging applications, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture and firmness, accelerating wound healing, and reducing inflammation. Red light therapy supports cellular energy production (ATP synthesis) and enhances circulation, creating optimal conditions for tissue repair and rejuvenation.

  • Blue light wavelengths target superficial skin layers and are specifically absorbed by porphyrins produced by acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes). This antibacterial effect helps reduce active breakouts, prevent new acne formation, and minimize inflammation associated with acne vulgaris. Blue light therapy is particularly beneficial for patients with mild to moderate inflammatory acne seeking non-pharmaceutical treatment options.

  • Near-infrared wavelengths penetrate deepest into tissue, reaching subcutaneous layers to reduce inflammation, accelerate healing, and support cellular regeneration at the most fundamental level. This wavelength is excellent for post-procedure recovery, reducing swelling and discomfort, and promoting optimal healing outcomes following more intensive treatments.

  • Purple light wavelengths combine the benefits of both red and blue light spectrums, targeting bacteria on the skin’s surface while promoting gentle rejuvenation. This wavelength is particularly effective for managing acne-prone or inflamed skin, as it helps reduce Propionibacterium acnes activity and minimizes future breakouts. Purple light also supports wound healing, calms irritation, and promotes detoxification within the skin. By balancing oil production and improving overall clarity, purple light therapy leaves the complexion smoother, calmer, and more refined while maintaining cellular vitality and barrier integrity.

FAQ

  • LED phototherapy and laser treatments work through fundamentally different mechanisms. Lasers deliver high-intensity, focused light that creates controlled thermal injury to stimulate healing responses, requiring downtime and carrying risks of complications. LED therapy delivers low-level light energy that gently stimulates cellular functions without heat, injury, or side effects. LED treatments are significantly more subtle, requiring multiple sessions for cumulative benefits, while lasers provide more dramatic results in fewer treatments. LED is ideal for maintenance, sensitive skin, or as adjunctive therapy, while lasers address more significant concerns requiring tissue remodeling.

  • Yes, LED phototherapy is exceptionally safe and suitable for all Fitzpatrick skin types (I-VI) without risk of hyperpigmentation, thermal damage, or other complications associated with heat-based treatments. The non-thermal mechanism and gentle nature of LED therapy make it appropriate even for highly sensitive, reactive, or compromised skin that cannot tolerate more aggressive modalities. This universal safety profile makes LED an excellent option for maintenance, post-procedure care, and patients seeking gentle rejuvenation without downtime or risk.

  • No, LED phototherapy is completely painless and comfortable. Most patients describe the experience as relaxing, with only a gentle warmth sensation (if any) during treatment. There is no discomfort during or after treatment, making it an ideal option for patients seeking therapeutic benefits without the pain or recovery associated with more intensive procedures. The treatment is often described as a pleasant, spa-like experience that patients look forward to as part of their skincare routine.

  • Results timelines vary significantly based on your specific concern and treatment indication. Inflammatory conditions such as active acne may show noticeable improvement within 1-2 weeks of consistent treatment. Post-procedure healing acceleration may be evident within days. Anti-aging benefits including improved texture, tone, and firmness develop more gradually over 4-8 weeks of regular sessions. LED therapy provides subtle, cumulative improvements rather than dramatic transformation, requiring consistency and realistic expectations. Most patients notice optimal benefits after completing an initial series of 8-12 treatments performed 2-3 times weekly.

  • Treatment protocols are highly individualized based on your specific concerns and therapeutic goals. Most conditions benefit from an initial intensive phase of 8-12 treatments performed 2-3 times weekly to establish therapeutic response, followed by maintenance sessions (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) to sustain benefits. Active acne may require ongoing regular treatments throughout breakout-prone periods. Anti-aging maintenance typically involves weekly to monthly sessions depending on individual needs and preferences. Your practitioner will recommend an optimal treatment schedule during your consultation based on your condition severity and desired outcomes.

  • Yes, LED phototherapy is exceptionally complementary to other aesthetic modalities and is frequently incorporated into comprehensive treatment protocols. It is particularly beneficial immediately following microneedling, laser treatments, chemical peels, or invasive procedures to accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and optimize outcomes. LED can also be alternated with other treatments in ongoing maintenance protocols. The anti-inflammatory and healing-supportive properties of LED make it an ideal adjunctive therapy that enhances results and recovery from more intensive procedures without interfering with their mechanisms or increasing complication risks.

  • LED phototherapy is remarkably safe with virtually no side effects or contraindications for most individuals. The treatment is non-invasive, non-thermal, and does not damage tissue or trigger inflammatory responses. Extremely rare reactions might include mild eye strain if proper eye protection is not used, or very rarely, headaches in photosensitive individuals. Contraindications include active photosensitizing medications (certain antibiotics, retinoids), epilepsy triggered by light (photosensitive seizures), or specific eye conditions. Pregnancy is approached conservatively though no evidence suggests harm. At Aesthetic Medicine Sydney, we conduct thorough medical screening and provide appropriate eye protection to ensure completely safe treatment for all patients.

  • LED phototherapy provides temporary benefits that are maintained only with ongoing treatment. Unlike procedures that create lasting structural changes (such as laser resurfacing or dermal fillers), LED works by continuously supporting cellular function and skin health. When treatment is discontinued, benefits gradually diminish over weeks to months as skin returns to its baseline state. This is not a limitation but rather the nature of supportive, maintenance-based therapy. Long-term skin health optimization requires consistent treatment, similar to exercise or nutritional supplementation—benefits exist during active participation but require ongoing commitment for sustained results.