LED phototherapy at home – benefits and applications – ZENT Dental Care

Phototherapy is much more than just cosmetic skin beautification. This scientifically proven method uses light of specific wavelengths to treat dermatological diseases, improve mood, and even support recovery after heart attacks or strokes. Did you know that face phototherapy can help not only in fighting wrinkles but also in alleviating symptoms of psoriasis or seasonal depression?

Today you no longer have to visit specialized clinics to benefit from light therapy. Modern home devices, especially LED face masks, allow you to achieve results comparable to salon treatments – in the comfort of your own home. But how to choose the right equipment among hundreds of available options?

Photobiomodulation – what is it?

Photobiomodulation is a process in which light of specific colors (wavelengths) delivers energy to your cells, enabling them to work more efficiently [1]. Cells renew faster, remove toxins better, and produce substances responsible for youthful skin appearance more intensively.

In practice, photobiomodulation means that you can effectively treat skin problems, improve mood, and support wound healing – all with the help of properly selected light.

Applications of home LED phototherapy

Dermatology and skin care

Home LED devices are most often used in the treatment of:

acne – blue light eliminates bacteria Propionibacterium acnes responsible for acne [2],
psoriasis and atopic dermatitis – a combination of red and infrared light soothes inflammation [3],
discolorations and scars – yellow light improves microcirculation and evens out skin tone [3].

An additional advantage of light therapy is slowing down skin aging – red light stimulates collagen production, improves elasticity, and reduces wrinkles [4].

Impact on well-being and mood

Light therapy can support the fight against seasonal depression, but the most effective is bright blue light (around 468 nm) used in the morning [5]. Some advanced LED face masks, like ZENT® DermaLight™ with blue light 440–485 nm, may have an additional positive effect on mood, although their main purpose remains treating skin problems.

Supporting healing and regeneration

Infrared penetrates deepest into tissues, accelerating wound healing, reducing inflammation, and promoting regeneration after injuries. That is why LED phototherapy is also used in rehabilitation and sports medicine [6].

Types of devices for home phototherapy

Full-face LED masks

This is the most popular solution for people seeking comprehensive care. The best models, like ZENT® DermaLight™, offer four types of light (red, blue, yellow, infrared) in one device, allowing versatile use for various skin problems.

Stationary LED panels

Larger devices intended for illuminating the whole body. Effective in treating extensive skin lesions but less practical for daily use.

Spot devices

Small, portable LED lamps for precise action on specific areas, designed for treating localized lesions or scars.

Effects and waiting time for results from using LED phototherapy

Regular facial phototherapy sessions(3-4 times a week for 15-20 minutes) bring first effects after 2-3 weeks. Significant improvement in skin texture, reduction of wrinkles and inflammations occurs after 8-12 weeks of systematic use [7]. Remember that efeffects build up over time, and regular use is key to achieving optimal results.

What to look for when choosing a home device?

Light spectrum and wavelength precision

Wavelength accuracy is key. Check if the manufacturer provides specific values or narrow therapeutic ranges (e.g., 440–485 nm for blue, 625–740 nm for red), not general, broad ranges. Precisely selected spectrum guarantees a therapeutic effect confirmed in clinical studies.

User safety

Look for devices with:

CE certification and IP67 waterproof rating,
built-in eye protection (especially important in LED face masks),
automatic shut-off after a set time,
temperature control preventing overheating.

Comfort and lightness of use

The device's weight is crucial for user comfort. Heavy masks (over 200 g) cause discomfort after just a few minutes of a session. The latest models use lightweight medical materials and thoughtful design. For example ZENT® DermaLight™ weighs only 93 grams thanks to its medical silicone construction.

Equally important is the distance of the diodes from the skin. Devices that adhere directly to the face can cause localized overheating or uneven lighting. Better solutions are 3D designs, like the LightFloat™ technology in ZENT® DermaLight™, which keep light sources at an optimal distance from the skin (1.5 cm).

At-home LED phototherapy is an investment in health and beauty for years to come. When choosing a device, opt for precisely selected wavelengths, a safe design, and proven certifications. Phototherapy it's not just a cosmetic tool – it's a medical treatment that can support the treatment of dermatological problems, improve mood, and accelerate regeneration. Consistency in use is more important than the device's price, so choose a model you'll enjoy using every day.

FAQ – most frequently asked questions

Is LED phototherapy at home as effective as treatments in a clinic?

Yes, provided you choose a device with appropriate parameters. Professional home masks offer light intensity comparable to clinic equipment, and regular use at home can be even more effective than occasional clinic visits.

Which LED light is best for skin aging?

Red light (630-670 nm) and infrared (850 nm) most effectively stimulate collagen production. The combination of both wavelengths gives the best anti-aging effects – that’s why it’s worth choosing LED face masks offering a full spectrum.

Can I combine LED phototherapy with other treatments?

Yes, light therapy perfectly complements daily care. It can be used before applying serums or masks. Just avoid simultaneous use with strong acids or retinoids.

How long can one LED device be used?

The lifetime of LED diodes can range from about 27,000 to 50,000 hours of operation, but the actual durability depends on product quality, usage and maintenance conditions, and operating temperature [8]. With regular use (4 sessions per week of 20 minutes each), a good quality device can operate smoothly for over 20 years, although the LED brightness gradually decreases over time.

PRZYPISY

[1] de Freitas, L. F., & Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Proposed mechanisms of photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, 22(3), 7000417.

[2] Lodi, G., et al. (2025). Blue Light Therapy in Dermatological Practice: A Review. Cosmetics, 2(4), 112-128.

[3] Yu, Y., et al. (2023). A prospective randomized half-body study: 308 nm LED light vs. 308 nm excimer laser for localized psoriasis. Frontiers in Medicine, 10, 1184267.

[4] Hong, J. Y., et al. (2022). Irradiation with 590-nm yellow light-emitting diode light attenuates oxidative stress and modulates UVB-induced change of dermal fibroblasts. Experimental Dermatology, 31(8), 1203-1215.

[5] Wirz-Justice, A. (2017). Seasonality in affective disorders. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 258, 244-249.

[6] Padoin, S., et al. (2020). Phototherapy Improves Muscle Recovery and Does Not Impair Repeated Bout Effect in Plyometric Exercise. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(11), 3133-3140.

[7] Wunsch, A., & Matuschka, K. (2014). A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 32(2), 93-100.

[8] Hegedűs, J., et al. (2020). Lifetime Modelling Issues of Power Light Emitting Diodes. Energies, 13(15), 3924.