LED Phototherapy (Photobiomodulation)

LED phototherapy uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular processes in the skin without heat or UV exposure. At AE Derm the LED lamp delivers anti-aging photomodulation (photobiomodulation), photodynamic therapy adjunct, post-procedure wound healing acceleration, scar and stretch mark reduction, anti-inflammatory treatment for acne and cold sores, and scalp stimulation for hair growth. The treatment is painless, requires no recovery and can be combined with other procedures on the same day.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is the therapeutic use of low-level light to modulate cellular function without causing thermal damage. Unlike lasers, which deliver coherent, high-intensity energy for tissue ablation or coagulation, LED devices emit lower-intensity non-coherent light at specific wavelengths that are absorbed by chromophores in mitochondrial and cellular membranes, triggering biochemical cascades that influence energy production, inflammation, proliferation and repair. The primary cellular mechanism involves cytochrome c oxidase — the terminal enzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain — which absorbs red and near-infrared light, enhancing ATP synthesis and reducing oxidative stress. This increased cellular energy production and reduced reactive oxygen species accelerate the natural processes of repair and renewal. Blue wavelength LED (around 415 nm) has anti-bacterial action against Propionibacterium acnes, making it useful for inflammatory acne without antibiotics. Red (630–660 nm) penetrates to the dermis, stimulating fibroblast collagen synthesis and inflammation reduction. Near-infrared (830 nm) reaches deeper tissue, supporting healing after more invasive procedures. At AE Derm MUDr. Helena Závodská uses LED phototherapy across multiple clinical applications. For anti-aging, PBM sessions stimulate new collagen and elastin, improving skin firmness and radiance over a series of treatments — typically used as a stand-alone course or to complement laser or injectable sessions. For photodynamic therapy (PDT), a photosensitising agent is applied before the LED session, creating an amplified anti-acne or lesion-targeting effect. Post-operatively, LED exposure reduces inflammation and accelerates healing of treated skin, making it a common adjunct after laser resurfacing or chemical peels at AE Derm. For scalp treatment, LED phototherapy stimulates follicular activity and supports blood supply to hair roots, complementing the VITAL INJECTOR PRP protocol for alopecia. Sessions are entirely painless: the patient lies comfortably under the lamp for fifteen to twenty minutes. No recovery is needed — skin may appear flushed for an hour or two at most. The treatment is safe for all skin types and tones, with essentially no contraindications other than photosensitising medications (which are screened at the first session).