At-home LED’s vs. In-Clinic LED’s - How do they compare and which is better?
We totally get it — who wouldn’t want to enjoy the benefits of LED light therapy from the comfort of their couch or even while lying in bed? But the real question is: does that sleek LED mask your favourite influencer swears by actually deliver results?
What we do know is that LED light (when done right) certainly can reduce inflammation, redness, acne and increase the skins hydration and overall rejuvenation.
In this blog, we’re diving deep into the world of LED light therapy, unpacking the truth behind in-clinic vs. at-home LED devices, and sharing everything you need to know before making the investment.
Where did LED light come from? How has it been studied?
Early studies of light therapy was conducted by Danish physician Niels Ryberg Finsen in the late 19th Century, who used light therapy to treat diseases such as lupus vulgaris (a skin conditions caused by tuberculosis). He discovered that certain wavelengths of light, particularly ultraviolet, had healing properties and could stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
Later in the 1990’s, NASA researchers used these studies by Finsen and experimented with LED light and its effect on plant growth in space. With multiple studies being conducted it was confirmed that specific wavelengths of light like red, blue and near-infrared do in fact stimulate collagen, reduce inflammation and bacteria. This then paved way for its use in anti-aging and acne treatment in aesthetic practices like Simply Skin & Laser Clinic.
How does LED light work with the skin?
LED light therapy has become incredibly popular — and for good reason. It’s a non-invasive, pain-free treatment with zero downtime that delivers real, visible results for a wide range of skin concerns. From calming inflammation and reducing redness to stimulating collagen production and targeting acne-causing bacteria, LED is a powerhouse for skin health.
Different lights are used for different purposes. See below how clinically proven LED light can benefit the skin;
Yellow (Near Infrared) - goes deeper into the skin to reduce inflammation, promote healing and strengthen the skin barrier.
Blue - targets the bacteria cells that cause acne within the skin causing cellular death to encourage clearer skin
Red - penetrates the skin at a cellular level to stimulate collagen production, increase circulation, and accelerate healing.
What are the benefits of LED?
Different wavelengths, energy output and intensities can alter the affect of LED on the skin but summed up below are some of the benefits you can expect from LED light;
Blue light targets acne-causing bacteria, helping to clear breakouts and prevent future ones
Improves overall skin texture and smooths out fine lines
Promotes faster skin healing and repair
Boosts the effectiveness of skincare products by enhancing absorption
Safe and suitable for all skin types
Visibly reduces wrinkles and softens their appearance over time
Helps calm inflammation and soothe redness
Completely non-invasive and pain-free
A great add-on to other advanced skin treatments for enhanced results
Supports collagen and elastin production for firmer, more youthful skin
Can assist in fading dark spots and help correct uneven skin tone
Brightens dull skin and promotes a more even, radiant complexion
The Difference
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Our LED vs. At-Home LED |
The Difference | Our LED vs. At-Home LED |
The main differences:
Power output
Energy delivery
Wavelength options
Power Output
When comparing in-clinic LED vs. At-Home LED, it’s important to know that our revolutionary Heallite II is much more powerful than the at-home version. The high power output from in clinic LED allows the light to penetrate deeper into the skin, stimulating better results in a shorter time.
Typically speaking, the at home version of LED light produces a lower power output, typically ranging from 30-65mw/cm2, whereas in-clinic our LED light uses higher power output, often in the range of 40mw/cm2 to 150mw/cm2, translating to more intense light exposure.
Energy Delivery
Another key difference lies in the number and quality of light-emitting bulbs built into the LED device.
In-clinic LED‘S are equipped with a higher concentration of powerful bulbs that deliver consistent, clinically proven wavelengths deep enough to reach the layers of skin where real change happens.
On the other hand, while at-home masks may use similar wavelengths, they often lack the energy output and depth of penetration needed to achieve the same results.
Wavelength Option
LED masks used at home and in-clinic can vary significantly in the wavelengths they offer and this plays a vital role in achieving visible results.
Scientific studies have shown that blue LED light at 415nm, used at 40mw/cm² for 10–20 minutes over a four-week period, can greatly reduce mild to moderate facial acne.
Other research supports that combining LED light wavelengths can effectively target concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, wound healing, inflammation and so much more.
When you opt for in-clinic LED treatments, a trained dermal therapist will assess your skin and tailor the treatment accordingly— whereas at-home LED’s do not have this option as they offer a single wavelength.
Summed up
Higher Power Output: In-clinic LED devices like the Heallite II deliver much stronger light energy allowing deeper penetration into the skin for faster, more effective results.
More Light-Emitting Bulbs: In-clinic LED’s contain a higher number of powerful bulbs, ensuring even light distribution and maximum skin coverage.
Use of various wavelengths: In-clinic treatments use multiple, scientifically backed wavelengths to target a range of skin concerns such as acne, fine lines, inflammation, and healing.
Tailored Treatments: A qualified skin therapist customises each session to suit your individual skin needs, something at-home devices cannot offer.
Time and Frequency: At-home LED masks need to be used more often and for longer periods to achieve similar results—requiring a much bigger time commitment. This may be feasible for some who have additional time in their day.
Fewer Sessions Needed: Thanks to the strength and precision of in-clinic LED, you often need fewer treatments to see visible, lasting improvements.
LED at Simply Skin & Laser Clinic
At Simply Skin & Laser Clinic, we use an advanced medical-grade LED that offers a range of clinically proven wavelengths, ensuring your treatment is comprehensive and results-driven. We have trained dermal therapists who are able to offer you LED as a stand alone treatment or combine with other treatment modalities for better skin outcomes.