The science of light: How LED therapy supports skin health

Your skin health matters. But knowing where to start when you have a skin condition can be challenging. According to The British Skin Foundation, roughly 60% of adults in the UK live with or have had a skin condition. This can, for some people, affect confidence and self-esteem.

If you’re navigating the road to better skin, considering the science behind the products and tools you use could help. We spoke to Tom Pellereau, CEO at STYLPRO about the ways that a scientifically-driven approach to skincare can make a difference. Here, he explains how LED light therapy can help with a range of skin conditions including acne and inflammation.

I’m the CEO of STYLIDEAS, but really, I’m just an inventor who loves solving problems. I’m all about making beauty easier, better, and actually effective. The beauty industry is full of big claims, and as an engineer, I like to cut through the noise and focus on what really works. Plus, I can’t help but question price tags. Some brands charge extra just for a fancy box, but we believe in making the product itself the absolute best it can be.

Let’s be honest, acne finds all of us at some point. Some get away with the occasional breakout, while others have a much tougher time, whether they’re teens, young adults, or even going through hormonal changes later in life. It’s not just a “teen problem,” even though that’s the stereotype.

From what we’ve learned through research and chatting with medical professionals, acne is usually down to bacteria and inflammation. Of course, hormones, oily skin, and other factors play a role too, but that’s why so many acne treatments focus on reducing bacteria. It’s often at the root of the problem.

Think of it like this. Certain colours of light can trigger different reactions in the skin. When we were designing our LED mask, we worked with experts, read a mountain of research papers, and made sure we used the best wavelengths for real results.

The key players are blue, red, and near-infrared light. Blue light, especially at 415nm, is known for tackling bacteria that contribute to acne. Red light at 633nm helps skin function at its best, boosting collagen and improving its health. Near-infrared light goes deeper into the skin and is well known for reducing inflammation. Some clinics even use it for wound healing, but for us, it’s all about calming redness and irritation.

Blue light is fantastic for targeting acne-related bacteria, which is why it’s widely used in skincare. Near-infrared light is great for soothing inflammation, which can help spots look less angry. Some competitor products throw in red light for acne too, but based on expert insight and research, we’re more cautious about that. It’s great for general skin health, but not always the best choice for active breakouts. If acne is severe, it’s always best to speak to a medical professional before trying light therapy.

Yes, LED light therapy is considered very safe. Of course, if someone has a medical condition, they should always check with a doctor first. But as a beauty treatment, it’s low-risk and easy to use.

If you’re using near-infrared light, you might see some reduction in redness, as it’s often used after professional skin treatments for that reason. But a week is still quite short for noticeable changes.

This is when things start getting interesting. Our own testing, combined with existing research, suggests that one month is usually when people start seeing more visible benefits, especially with blue light, as it takes time to reduce bacteria levels. Anti-ageing effects might start showing up, but because skin renewal takes a while, the best results are yet to come.

When used consistently, blue light can help manage bacteria levels over the long term, which may help keep breakouts at bay. For anti-ageing, this is where things get really noticeable, as the skin has had time to go through multiple renewal cycles.

We recommend daily use. That’s what aligns with research on how LED therapy is most effective. Some people might benefit from using it more often, but that’s something they’d need to consider based on their own skin concerns.

Yes, but it’s easy. Just make sure your skin is clean and dry before use for the best results.

It’s really all about blue and near-infrared light. Some beauty gadgets throw in extra colours for fun, but blue light is the one that’s been extensively studied for acne. Near-infrared light is also fantastic for calming the skin. Red light, while amazing for general skin health, isn’t always the best choice for acne unless used very carefully.

The STYLPRO Wavelength LED Mask is a game-changer. We designed it to perform just as well as masks that cost over £300 but at a more affordable price. It uses the most well-researched wavelengths for anti-ageing, acne management, and reducing skin inflammation.

Then there’s the STYLPRO Fabulous Firmer Neck & Face Smoother, which combines red and blue light, heat, and Electrical Muscle Stimulation to help firm the skin around the neck.

For under-eye care, we have the STYLPRO Bags Be Gone Heated Eye Wand Massager, which uses red light and heat to reduce puffiness and refresh tired eyes.

This summer, we’re launching the STYLPRO Root Renew, which harnesses red light for healthier, fuller-looking hair. And if you’re a fan of blue and near-infrared light, we're also launching the STYLRPO Mini LED Wand.

At STYLPRO, we love pushing the boundaries of beauty technology. We believe high-quality beauty solutions don’t need to be extortionate, and we can achieve this through clever design and innovation. By focusing on what truly matters and stripping away frivolous costs, we make cutting-edge beauty tech more accessible to everyone. If there’s a beauty problem, we’re already working on a way to solve it.

We’re @stylpro_uk on TikTok, Instagram, X, and Facebook. We love hearing from our customers and seeing how our products fit into their routines.