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'It sounds like witchcraft' Is LED Therapy really worth it?
- Emma Gould
- Oct 31
- 4 min read
At Rosem Health, we’re fully committed to offering evidence-based rejuvenation treatments for our clients in West Bridgford - so when a recent article in The Guardian about LED Therapy landed on our radar, we thought it was time to unpack what light therapy can and cannot do for you.
Here’s a science-based walkthrough on how light therapy is supposed to work, what the evidence currently shows, how we apply it in-clinic (and why), and what you should ask before booking or buying a device at home.
What the Evidence Actually Shows (and Doesn’t)
What is promising:
Clinical studies suggest red/near-infrared light can improve skin texture, acne, fine lines and signs of ageing when applied under controlled conditions in a clinic. For example, the Stanford Medicine insight piece summarises that in human trials, participants achieved measurable collagen-boosting and visible skin improvements with certain device parameters. (Stanford Medicine)
The Cleveland Clinic notes that while the research is ongoing, red light therapy is emerging as a possible treatment for wrinkles, redness, acne scars and other signs of ageing, though it emphasises more studies are needed. (Cleveland Clinic)
LED therapy results at Rosem Health, West Bridgford:
Below are a few results using red and blue light therapy. These images were taken just a few days apart!
What is less clear or unproven:
Many consumer-grade devices don’t replicate the wavelength, power output, duration or proximity of clinic-grade equipment. The Guardian article notes that while red/blue LEDs may help certain conditions, “the evidence is there… although it’s not strong”. (The Guardian)
Claims that light therapy can significantly heal deep tissues (e.g., cartilage), treat joint degeneration, major muscle recovery, gum disease, or general systemic health are largely unsupported. For example, the Guardian reports that physiotherapists have largely moved away from deep-tissue laser claims due to insufficient evidence. (The Guardian)
For at-home devices: outcomes vary hugely; factors such as wavelength accuracy, device calibration, treatment duration, distance to skin, skin type, and consistency matter- many unknowns remain. (The Guardian)
Key take-homes for our audience:
If you’re looking to treat mild-to-moderate signs of skin ageing (fine lines, texture, early laxity) then light therapy can be a useful tool in a wider treatment plan.
It is not a miracle one-shot fix; results require consistency and support from other interventions (e.g., professional treatments, skincare, lifestyle).
Device or treatment parameters matter hugely: not all “LED masks” or “infrared saunas” are created equal.
Regulatory oversight for home devices is weaker than clinical devices - so safety, realistic expectations and provider guidance are essential.
How We Apply Light Therapy at Rosem Health (West Bridgford)
At Rosem Health, we integrate light-based modalities with clear clinical intent and patient-specific planning. Here’s our structured approach:
Conditions treated
Early signs of ageing: fine lines, loss of skin tone, texture irregularity.
Post-treatment support: assisting recovery after modalities like microneedling, chemical peels, laser.
(Where clinically indicated) mild redness or inflammation, as part of a broader treatment strategy.
What to expect
A full skin consultation and AR-based analysis (via our integrated Skin AR system) to assess baseline skin state, including collagen/texture metrics, and to determine whether light therapy is an appropriate adjunct.
Treatment using a medical-grade red/near-infrared LED device, under the guidance of our aesthetic team. We ensure correct wavelength, exposure time and skin preparation.
Typical protocol: multiple sessions (for example weekly or bi-weekly for 4–6 sessions) rather than a single visit, and alongside complementary treatments (e.g., microneedling, RF, peels) for optimal effect.
Post-treatment instructions: avoiding excessive heat, applying soothing skin care, and protecting skin from sun exposure (to support the treatment effect and minimise risk of pigmentation).
Use of our Skin AR tool post-treatment to track measurable change over time - in collagen density, texture improvement, redness reduction - to give you visible data, not just anecdotal effect.
Why we prioritise this approach
Because our target audience (women aged 45-65) often present with layered skin ageing (texture change, early laxity, pigmentation, previous sun damage), we find light therapy works best as a supplement, not in isolation.
We emphasise clinical credibility over trendy gadgetry: our goal is results you can see and measure, supported by science — not broad-brush claims of “miracle light cure”.
Safety first: we monitor skin response (e.g., pigmentation risk, sensitivity), use devices with appropriate certification, and integrate light therapy into a holistic plan (skin care, lifestyle, in-clinic treatments) rather than an “app at home and forget” approach.
FAQs: Questions You Should Ask (Before Booking or Buying Home Devices)
Does the device or treatment use medical-grade LEDs with known wavelength(s), and is the provider trained to use them?
Are there published clinical studies (peer-reviewed) for the specific wavelength and condition being treated?
What’s the session protocol (duration, distance to skin, shielding of eyes, number of sessions)?
Are measurable baseline and post-treatment assessments used (such as our Skin AR analysis) so you can see change?
Does the provider clearly explain that this is one tool within a wider treatment plan, not a standalone cure?
Final Word – What We Recommend
If you’re noticing early signs of ageing (skin texture, faint lines, mild laxity) and are open to a clinically-supervised light therapy plan, then yes – light therapy can have value as part of your rejuvenation programme at Rosem Health.
But if you’re expecting dramatic results from a single home device (or seeing claims of “reverse wrinkles overnight”), you should proceed with caution. The science supports benefit in the right context, but not broad-brush guarantees.
At Rosem Health, our promise: we’ll assess your skin, recommend the right modality (which may include red/near-infrared light) as part of a tailored plan, track measurable outcomes, and guide you through the process with a professional lens.
If you’d like to book a consultation to see whether light therapy (or one of our core / advanced treatments) is the right next step for your skin, we’d be delighted to welcome you at our West Bridgford clinic.
📞 Call us on 0330 043 3854 or email info@rosem.co.uk to book your free skin-analysis consultation.
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