The glow-up is real — and we’re not just talking about highlighter. At this year’s International Beauty Show and International Esthetics, Cosmetics, & Spa Conference in New York, LED light therapy was a mega-watt topic.
TikTok and Instagram might have catapulted red light panels and futuristic face masks into the viral spotlight, but there’s way more going on beneath the surface — literally.
“LED therapy helps create healthy tissue. It gives your skin cells the energy they need to regenerate and repair," says Lightwave Therapy educator Kari Poling.
“Honestly, most people want it because they’ve heard it’s good for them. They’ve seen celebrities talking about it, but they don’t always know why it’s good.”
Red light, in particular, reaches deeper into the skin without the damaging effects of UV, helping stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and even out texture and tone. But here’s the kicker — not all LED devices are created equal.
“It’s all about dosage,” Poling emphasized. “You need bright, high-powered systems to actually spark those cellular changes.”
Richard E. Maher, an educator for LightStim, echoed the sentiment and added that the appeal of LED goes way beyond beauty.
“People want something noninvasive. Something that feels good and actually works,” he said. “We’re all under so much stress. This is one treatment that helps you feel better while doing good for your skin.”
Maher pointed out that the right time to use LED depends on your skincare routine, but generally it should fall after serum and before sunscreen or moisturizer.
If you're consistent? Expect serious results, he said. “It’s just like working out. The more you do it, the better it gets.”
From hand-held wands to professional-grade panels and full-body beds, LED therapy has proven it’s not a flash-in-the-pan fad. But it’s not about hopping on a trend — it's about understanding the science, being consistent, and investing in tools that deliver real energy to the skin.
“If you’re using a weak system, it’s like taking a baby aspirin for a migraine,” Poling joked. “You need a high dose to get real results.”
Whether you're treating fine lines, breakouts, or just looking for that radiant glow, LED therapy is one of 2025’s most versatile, feel-good tools — and this light isn't dimming anytime soon.