LED light therapy at CoLaz clinics

LED light therapy uses specific wavelengths of visible and near-infrared light to trigger different responses in the skin. Red light at around 633nm penetrates the dermis and stimulates fibroblasts to produce more collagen, which is what gives the anti-ageing effect. Blue light at around 415nm targets the bacteria responsible for inflammatory acne, killing them on contact without damaging the surrounding skin. Near-infrared light at around 830nm goes deeper still, accelerating cellular repair and reducing inflammation. There is no heat, no UV and no damage to the skin barrier.

Red light is the all-rounder for ageing, fine lines, dullness and overall skin quality. Blue light is the targeted choice for active acne, oily congested skin and breakouts. Near-infrared is best for deeper healing, post-treatment recovery and inflammation. Many sessions combine two wavelengths, for example red and blue for hormonal acne in mature skin, or red and near-infrared for ageing skin with sensitivity. The right combination for you is confirmed at consultation.

LED is completely painless and there is no downtime at all. The skin feels mildly warm during the session but the light itself produces no heat damage. You can apply makeup straight afterwards, return to work immediately, exercise the same day and go in the sun (with normal SPF) without any restriction. This is the gentlest treatment on the CoLaz menu.

For visible results, a course of six to twelve sessions spaced one to two weeks apart is standard. Acne protocols often run for six to eight weekly sessions; anti-ageing protocols build over twelve sessions over twelve weeks. Many patients then book a single maintenance session every four to six weeks once the initial course is complete. LED is also often used as an add-on after a peel, microneedling or laser session to speed up recovery.

LED is one of the safest aesthetic treatments available and suits almost every skin type, including very sensitive and reactive skin. We do not treat patients with photosensitivity conditions such as lupus, patients on photosensitising medication (including some antibiotics and isotretinoin), patients with a history of skin cancer in the treatment area, or pregnant patients in the first trimester as a precaution. Medical history is reviewed at consultation and we adjust or decline treatment where appropriate.

Acne breakouts often calm visibly within two to three sessions as the blue light reduces the bacterial load. Anti-ageing results, smoother texture, fresher tone and improved firmness, build more gradually over a course of six to twelve sessions as new collagen develops. Most patients see the strongest results around the eighth to twelfth session and maintain them with a single session every four to six weeks.

A standalone twenty-minute LED session is £55. A course of three is £135 (working out at £45 per session) and a course of six is £210 (working out at £35 per session). The course of six is the most popular option because LED builds with cumulative sessions and the per-session cost drops significantly. LED can also be added to most other facial treatments as a finishing step, priced at consultation.