Difference LED light therapy vs. traditional skin treatments.

LED Light Therapy vs. Traditional Skin Treatments: Which Works Better for Your Skin?

In the rapidly evolving world of skin care, there are numerous treatment options to achieve healthy, glowing skin. Two popular categories are LED light therapy and traditional skin treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and manual facials. But what exactly are the differences? And when should you choose one over the other?

In this comprehensive guide we compare the effects, advantages, disadvantages and results of both forms of treatment – ​​with scientific substantiation.

🔬 What is LED light therapy?

LED light therapy (Light Emitting Diode Therapy) uses different wavelengths of light to stimulate skin cells. Each color (e.g. red, blue, green, yellow, purple) has a specific effect:

• Red : stimulates collagen production and reduces wrinkles
• Blue : Kills acne-causing bacteria
• Green : reduces pigment spots
• Yellow : stimulates lymphatic drainage and improves cell renewal
• Purple : combines anti-acne and anti-aging effects

The treatment is non-invasive, painless and requires no recovery time.

Scientific basis:
A study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2018) shows that red and blue light provide significant improvement in acne vulgaris, while red light is also effective in reducing fine lines and improving skin texture.

🧴 What are traditional skin treatments?

Traditional treatments include:

• Chemical peels (e.g. glycolic acid, salicylic acid): accelerate cell renewal through controlled exfoliation
• Microdermabrasion : mechanically removes dead skin cells
• Manual facial treatments : cleansing, extraction, massage and care with creams/serums
• Microneedling : small needles stimulate wound healing and collagen production

These treatments vary in intensity and may require a short recovery time depending on the method.

Scientific basis:
According to a study in Dermatologic Surgery (2016), microneedling significantly improves skin texture in people with acne scars and fine lines. Peels are effective against pigment spots, but increase the risk of irritation.

⚖️ LED Light Therapy vs. Traditional Treatments – The Comparison

Feature	LED light therapy	Traditional treatments
Invasiveness	Non-invasive	Variable (some mildly invasive)
Recovery time	No downtime	Sometimes redness, flaking
Objectives	Acne, skin aging, pigmentation, inflammation	Remove dead skin cells, stimulate collagen, skin renewal
Treatment comfort	Painless, relaxing	Sometimes painful or sensitive
Cost per session	Average €30 - €80	€60 - €150 depending on the technique
Long term effect	Gradual, cumulative	Fast results, sometimes more intensive recovery
Home application	Possibly with certified LED masks	Usually only by professionals
Risk of side effects	Very low when used correctly	Possible (burning, irritation, infection)

✅ Benefits of LED Light Therapy

1. No damage or irritation to the skin barrier
2. Painless and relaxing
3. Suitable for all skin types – including sensitive skin
4. Cumulative effect – visible results with regular application
5. Safe for home use (with certified devices)
6. Multifunctional – different colours treat multiple skin problems at once
7. Perfect to combine with other therapies , such as serums and microneedling

⚠️ When is it better to opt for traditional treatments?

While LED light therapy is safe and effective, traditional treatments may sometimes be more appropriate for:

• Severe acne scars (microneedling or deep peels)
• Persistent hyperpigmentation or melasma (supervised chemical peels)
• Impurities requiring extraction
• The desire for faster results in the short term

A combination of both forms of treatment – ​​for example LED light therapy after a peeling or microneedling – often produces the best results. LED light soothes the skin after intensive treatments and promotes faster recovery.

📌 Conclusion: Which is better?

There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer. LED light therapy offers a safe, painless, and long-lasting solution to common skin concerns, while traditional treatments can be more powerful for specific targets or acute skin conditions.

👉 For sensitive skin or a preventive approach, LED light is the best choice.
👉 For quick improvement in scars, pigmentation or large pores, it is better to start with a professional peeling or microneedling.

The combination of both often provides the most balanced skin improvement.

🔖 Recommended treatment plan

Optimal skin improvement schedule (example):

• Week 1: Microneedling + LED red light (for recovery)
• Week 2: LED blue light 3x per week
• Week 3: Chemical peel (light) + LED yellow light
• Week 4: LED purple light 2x per week

Always consult a skin professional for personal treatment advice