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LED Light Therapy
At-Home LED Light Therapy and Microcurrent for Smoother, Firmer-Looking Skin
LED light therapy shines specific colors of visible light onto the skin. Red light is used for the look of fine lines, firmness and radiance, and blue light is used for clearer-looking, blemish-prone skin. Skin Perfection carries one device in this category, the Derma Rescue LED Microcurrent, a handheld 3-in-1 system with red LED, blue LED and a titanium microcurrent head.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) describes red-light LED devices as producing "subtle to noticeable" results on the face, adds that it takes time to see them, and notes that not everyone does.
Is the Derma Rescue Right for You
Choose the Derma Rescue LED Microcurrent if you want one tool for three steps of an at-home facial: galvanic cleanse and nourish, microcurrent lift, then red or blue light. It is a good fit if you are consistent: plan on daily sessions for the first month, then 1 to 2 times a week, as the product directions state.
What Each Head Does
| Head | What it is (from the product page) | Best for | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titanium head: Cleanse and Nourish | Galvanic current, used with a water-based gel, then with your serum | Pre-cleanse and helping serum feel worked in | 4 minutes per mode |
| Titanium head: Lift | Low-level microcurrent, 99.5% titanium head | The look of firmer, lifted contours | 4 minutes |
| Blue LED: Clarify | Blue light, 405 to 420 nm | Clearer-looking, blemish-prone skin | 3 minutes x 6 face sections |
| Red LED: Sculpt | Red light, 630 to 660 nm | The look of fine lines, firmness and glow | 3 minutes x 6 face sections |
Price: $129.95 for the complete system with three interchangeable heads and a charging base.
What the Research Says
In a 2024 randomized, double-blind study, 70 people used either a home-use LED neck device or a sham device for 9 minutes a day, 5 times a week, for 60 sessions. A larger share of the LED group showed improved neck wrinkle scores at weeks 8, 12 and 16.
A smaller 2024 study of 11 people using a red and near-infrared device under the eyes for 6 weeks found high satisfaction with the look of lines, texture and dark circles, but the change in the photo-measured wrinkle score (20.05 to 19.72) was not statistically significant. The takeaway: results build slowly, and 8 to 12 weeks of regular use is a fair test. For more, read How to Use LED Light Therapy.
How to Use It in Your Routine
- Cleanse: titanium head on Cleanse with a water-based gel, 4 minutes, then rinse.
- Nourish: apply a generous layer of serum, then titanium head on Nourish, 4 minutes.
- Lift: keep the serum on, switch to Lift, 4 minutes, using upward motions.
- Light: on a clean, dry face, use blue, red or both, 3 minutes on each of six face sections.
A peptide serum pairs well with the Nourish and Lift steps; browse anti-aging serums. For the microcurrent steps in detail, see How to Use Microcurrent Facial, and if you use retinol, read Red Light Therapy and Retinol.
Safety: keep the LED heads away from the eyes and read the manual's precautions. The AAD advises talking with a dermatologist first if you have a light-sensitive condition or take medication that makes you sensitive to light, and notes that people with darker skin tones are more sensitive to visible light and may see darkening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do at-home LED devices really work?
They can improve the look of skin, but results are gradual and vary by person. In a 70-person randomized study, a home-use LED device improved neck wrinkle scores compared with a sham device over 60 sessions. The AAD describes results as subtle to noticeable.
How long does it take to see results from LED light therapy?
Plan on at least 8 to 12 weeks. In the home-use neck study, differences were measured from week 8 onward. Keep using it after that, since this is not a one-time fix.
How often should I use red light therapy at home?
Follow the device directions. For the Derma Rescue, that is daily sessions for the first month, then 1 to 2 times a week to maintain.
What is the difference between red and blue light?
Red light, here 630 to 660 nm, is used for the look of fine lines, firmness and glow. Blue light, here 405 to 420 nm, is used for clearer-looking, blemish-prone skin. You can use both in the same session, blue first, then red.
Is LED light therapy safe for your eyes?
Do not use the LED heads around the eyes or on the lids. If a device's directions call for protective eyewear, the AAD says to wear it every time, and sunglasses are not a substitute.
Should I apply serum before LED light therapy?
With the Derma Rescue, serum goes on for the Nourish and Lift steps, and the LED steps are done on a clean, dry face. Finish with your moisturizer after the light steps.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology. Red light therapy: Can it improve your skin?
- Park SO, Jang J, Park SH, et al. Efficacy and Safety of a Home-Use Light-Emitting Diode Neck Device for Improvement in Neck Wrinkles: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, sham device trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024.
- Wang JY, Kabakova M, Patel P, et al. Outstanding user reported satisfaction for light emitting diodes under-eye rejuvenation. Arch Dermatol Res. 2024;316(8).
- Wavelengths, session times and directions: Skin Perfection Derma Rescue product page.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
About the Author
Written by Kari Thomas, cosmetic formulator and founder of Skin Perfection.