Calming the skin
Red and near-infrared wavelengths are commonly used where the objective is to support normal recovery and a calmer-looking complexion.
Facials · Light Therapy · South Kensington
LED Light Therapy Facial
A gentle, non-invasive light treatment used to support calmer, healthier-looking skin — either as a standalone session or alongside selected facials, peels and skin treatments.
LED therapy uses specific wavelengths of visible and near-infrared light in a process known as photobiomodulation. Different wavelengths interact with skin in different ways, so treatment is selected according to your skin and treatment plan.
What it is
Light as a skin treatment
LED stands for light-emitting diode. During treatment, the skin is exposed to selected wavelengths of low-intensity light. Unlike laser or IPL, LED does not deliberately create heat injury or remove the surface of the skin.
Instead, particular wavelengths interact with cellular chromophores and biological pathways — a process commonly described as photobiomodulation.
It is a gentle treatment and is often incorporated into skin programmes where the objective is to support recovery, calm the appearance of the skin or complement another procedure.
See LED Light Therapy at Santi
A short look at LED Light Therapy in our South Kensington clinic.
What can LED light therapy help with?
LED is best thought of as a supportive skin treatment rather than a dramatic resurfacing procedure.
Blemish-prone skin
Blue light can be incorporated into plans for selected acne-prone skin because acne-associated bacteria contain light-sensitive porphyrins.
Post-treatment support
LED may be incorporated after selected facials or peels where a gentle, non-ablative light treatment is appropriate.
Skin maintenance
Some clients use LED as a low-downtime component of a wider skin-maintenance programme.
Redness-prone skin
Depending on the cause of redness and the individual skin, selected wavelengths may be incorporated into a calming treatment plan.
Before an event
Because standalone LED does not normally require recovery time, it can be useful when stronger exfoliating or resurfacing treatments would be poorly timed.
Why different colours of light are used
Colour is really shorthand for wavelength. Different wavelengths penetrate tissue differently and interact with different biological targets.
Red light
Red wavelengths are widely used in photobiomodulation and may support cellular processes involved in normal repair and inflammatory balance.
Near-infrared
Near-infrared light is invisible to the eye and penetrates more deeply than visible red light. It is frequently combined with red light in restorative protocols.
Blue light
Blue wavelengths interact with naturally occurring porphyrins produced by acne-associated Cutibacterium acnes. This is the basis for their use in selected blemish-prone skin programmes.
Green light
Green wavelengths are offered by some LED systems for complexion-focused protocols. Evidence is less established than for red, near-infrared and blue light, so we regard green light as a supportive rather than primary modality.
One colour is not automatically “better”.
The appropriate wavelength depends on the objective, device
parameters and individual skin rather than simply choosing a
colour from a menu.
The science
What is photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation describes biological responses produced when specific wavelengths of light are absorbed by cellular components. Red and near-infrared wavelengths have been studied particularly for their interaction with mitochondrial and signalling pathways.
These processes may influence cellular energy metabolism and downstream pathways involved in tissue repair and inflammatory signalling.
This does not mean that a single LED session rebuilds collagen or produces the effects of a resurfacing laser. LED is a much gentler modality, and any skin-quality benefit tends to be gradual and is generally best considered in the context of repeated treatment or a broader skin plan.
How does blue LED relate to acne?
The principle
Certain acne-associated bacteria produce compounds called porphyrins. Blue wavelengths can excite these molecules, producing reactive oxygen species that can affect the bacteria.
This is the biological basis for using blue-light treatment in selected acne-prone skin.
What it doesn't mean
Blue LED is not a universal treatment for every type of acne and does not replace medical assessment where acne is persistent, severe or scarring.
It may instead form one part of a wider skin programme.
What happens during an LED session?
Skin review
We consider your current skin, treatment history, medication and what you would like the session to achieve.
Cleanse
Make-up and surface skincare are removed so that the skin is clean before light exposure.
LED exposure
The selected LED wavelength or combination is applied for the appropriate treatment period, with eye protection where required.
Finish
The skin may be finished with simple skincare selected according to your treatment and time of day.
Two ways to use LED at Santi
Standalone LED
A 30-minute appointment centred on light therapy. This is useful for clients wanting a gentle, low-downtime treatment or following a short course recommended for a particular skin objective.
30 minutes · £60
LED with another treatment
LED can also complement selected facials and skin treatments where it adds something useful to the treatment performed on the day.
The exact sequencing depends on the facial, peel or other procedure.
Treatments we commonly pair with LED
Santi Glow Facial
A useful combination when you want facial treatment followed by a gentle light-based finish.
Skin Peels
LED may be incorporated after selected superficial peels where it is appropriate for the skin and peel protocol.
Blemish programmes
Blue and red wavelengths may form part of a wider plan for selected blemish-prone skin rather than treating acne as a single-condition light prescription.
How many LED treatments are needed?
There is no single schedule that suits every reason for having LED.
One-off session
LED can be enjoyed as a standalone low-downtime treatment or incorporated into another facial appointment.
Short course
For some objectives, repeated sessions over several weeks may be more appropriate than an occasional isolated treatment.
Maintenance
Some clients continue LED periodically as part of a wider skin programme. The appropriate frequency depends on treatment goals and response.
Suitability & safety
Is LED suitable for everyone?
LED is generally a low-downtime treatment, but suitability still depends on medical history, medication and the skin condition being treated.
Please tell us if you:
- Have a known photosensitivity disorder
- Are taking medication associated with photosensitivity
- Have recently changed prescription medication
- Have an active skin condition or infection
- Are receiving medical treatment for acne or another skin disorder
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Eye protection
Appropriate eye protection is used according to the wavelength, device and treatment protocol.
If you have an eye condition or particular sensitivity to light, mention this before treatment.
Before and after LED
Before
There is usually little special preparation for standalone LED. Arriving without heavy make-up is helpful, although we can cleanse the skin at the clinic.
Please tell us about any medication or product that may increase light sensitivity.
After
Standalone LED normally requires no specific recovery period. You can usually return to normal daily activities immediately.
If LED forms part of a peel, laser or another facial procedure, follow the aftercare instructions for that treatment instead.
LED Light Therapy
£60
30-minute standalone treatment
Course of 6 · £300
A course may be appropriate where repeated sessions form part of a blemish, redness or skin-maintenance programme.
LED is also available alongside selected facials and treatments. We will advise whether it adds something useful to the treatment you are already having.
LED Light Therapy FAQs
Is LED light therapy painful?
LED does not deliberately create heat injury. Most people experience the session as gentle and relaxing, although the treatment can feel slightly warm depending on the device and wavelength.
Is there any downtime?
Standalone LED normally requires no downtime. If it is used after another treatment, redness or recovery is generally related to that underlying procedure rather than the LED itself.
Does red light build collagen?
Red and near-infrared photobiomodulation can influence cellular pathways associated with normal tissue repair and collagen biology. It should not, however, be presented as producing the same magnitude of collagen remodelling as treatments such as ablative laser or microneedling.
Does blue light kill acne bacteria?
Blue wavelengths interact with porphyrins produced by acne-associated Cutibacterium acnes. This can affect bacterial viability and is one reason blue light is used in selected blemish-prone skin programmes.
It is not a substitute for medical acne management where that is needed.
Can LED help redness?
Red and near-infrared wavelengths are often used in calming protocols. Whether LED is appropriate depends on the cause of the redness, so persistent or unexplained redness should be assessed rather than automatically treated with light.
Can I have LED after a peel?
Often, depending on the peel and the condition of the skin. We decide this as part of the treatment protocol rather than adding LED automatically.
Can LED be used on sensitive skin?
Frequently, but “sensitive skin” covers many different situations. Suitability, wavelength and exposure should therefore be tailored to the individual.
How often can I have LED?
Frequency depends on why it is being used. Some treatment plans use sessions more regularly for a limited period; others use LED occasionally alongside facials or as maintenance.
Continue your skin plan
Santi London · South Kensington
A gentle addition to your skin plan
LED can be used on its own or alongside selected facial treatments. The important question is not simply which colour of light to choose, but whether photobiomodulation adds something useful for your skin.
LED Light Therapy · 30 minutes · £60 · Course of 6 £300
Santi London · 33 Thurloe Street · South Kensington · London SW7 2LQ