LED light therapy has seen a huge influx of providers over the past two decades. I first heard about this treatment in the United States in 2003 when they coined the term LLED or low-level laser emission devices. Essentially this treatment uses very tightly controlled light emission diodes (not actually a laser), in specific wavelengths, namely blue & red.

Omnilux was probably the first company to produce light emitting diodes in the respective wavelength range. This was then followed by Galderma’s Aktalite, thereafter with Lutronic’s Healite. Kleresca ‘biophotonic’ treatment is essentially two wavelengths of blue light, combined with a porphyrin, AKA photodynamic therapy.

As this treatment is not controlled in Australia, it has been commercialised by many beauty & cosmetic clinics. A specific laser licence is not required (at the time of writing) to purchase this device. Without doubt, LLED has therapeutic value, however the true indications have been diluted considerably with commercial, rather than clinical outcomes in mind.

I employ LED light therapy in three main roles-

Firstly, for adjunctive management of acne whereby medications are contraindicated. The most frequently encountered scenario is in pregnancy. In this context the aim is to reduce both lesion count & also promote wound healing, hence why I may choose two wavelengths, namely blue & red. The peak porphyrin action spectrum is in the 420+nm over the 630+ nm spectrum, however research in Korea has shown that combined wavelengths equates to better outcomes. This makes sense as blue light penetrates superficially, whilst red penetrates deeply. Additionally, the longer wavelengths play a larger role in collagen remodelling (an important aspect of wound healing, especially in mitigation of acne scars).

Secondly, LED is employed to activate porphyrins or more specifically aminolevulinic acid or methyl-ALA. This is of course, photodynamic therapy. In the United States we use Luvan, activation is via the blue light spectrum, in Australia & Europe, most dermatologists employ red light, mostly in the 630-633 nm spectrum. Pros & cons for each wavelength. Blue hurts a lot less (superficial penetration), red goes deeper- hurts more . PDT is also used to treat conditions like acne & rosacea (less so for the later). In the context of acne, the trade name is Kleresca. Does it work? Yes, however there are far more cost-effective ways to treat acne, namely with simple blue & or red LED therapy. Recalcitrant cases can be managed with ALA. This treatment is not new, as it has been used for over 20 years by dermatologists. It has just been commercialized.

Third role of LED/LLED phototherapy is for wound healing. The optimal wavelength is the yellow light at 830 nm, however the 630+ has some evidence. LEDs modulate the cellular responses, reduce inflammation, improves circulation, stimulates collagen & speeds up wound healing. LLED can speed up surgical, laser, & deep peel dermal wounding.