Can LED Therapy Help Perimenopausal Skin? Here’s What the Science Says

Written by an independent, certified dermatologist


Perimenopause marks a major shift in a woman’s body - and your skin often feels it first.

Between fluctuating estrogen levels, increased dryness, new sensitivity, and a loss of firmness, many women aged 40 and beyond suddenly find themselves facing a host of skin concerns that didn’t exist before. Fine lines seem deeper. Skin feels more reactive. Areas like the neck and jawline lose their tone.

The good news? LED light therapy - especially when combined with EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) - can be an incredibly effective, non-invasive solution to support perimenopausal skin.

Let’s take a closer look at what the science says.


What Happens to Skin During Perimenopause?

Perimenopause usually begins in the mid-to-late 40s, though it can start earlier. As hormone levels begin to fluctuate - particularly estrogen and progesterone - your skin changes in the following ways:

  • Loss of collagen: By age 50, women lose up to 30% of their collagen, contributing to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging.
  • Reduced hydration: Decreased estrogen leads to a weaker skin barrier, resulting in dryness, rough texture, and dullness.
  • Increased sensitivity and inflammation: Hormonal shifts can worsen rosacea and eczema, and make skin more prone to irritation.
  • Slower cell turnover: Skin doesn’t repair itself as quickly, which can lead to dullness, uneven tone, and rough patches.

This is why so many women going through perimenopause are seeking skincare that strengthens, soothes, and rejuvenates—all without harsh ingredients or procedures.


How LED Light Therapy Can Help

LED therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate the skin at a cellular level, encouraging it to function more like it did in your 20s and 30s.

By delivering targeted light energy, it helps cells produce more collagen and ATP (cellular fuel), calm inflammation, and support faster repair.

Here’s how the Dermaglow LED & EMS Mask helps address the most common perimenopausal skin issues using its 7 distinct light modes:


1. Wrinkles, Fine Lines & Sagging

Loss of firmness is one of the most frustrating signs of perimenopausal skin ageing. Areas like the jowls, jawline and “turkey neck” begin to slacken as collagen and elastin break down.

Best LED modes:

  • Red/Deep Infrared (640 nm – 780 nm)
    These wavelengths are the most effective for stimulating collagen production. Red light improves circulation and texture, while deep infrared penetrates further to support dermal repair and visibly reduce wrinkle depth.
  • EMS Technology
    EMS works by gently stimulating facial muscles, improving tone in sagging areas like the lower face and neck. It works synergistically with red and infrared light for lifting and firming results.


2. Dryness, Texture & Dullness

Lower estrogen levels cause skin to lose moisture and plumpness, resulting in rough texture, crepey areas, and a lack of glow.

Best LED modes:

  • White Light (600 nm)
    White light promotes skin regeneration by increasing cellular turnover. It helps repair damage, smooth uneven texture, and strengthen the skin’s barrier over time.
  • Yellow Light (590 nm)
    Yellow light is known for calming inflammation while promoting surface radiance. It soothes dry, sensitive skin and encourages a more luminous complexion.


3. Rosacea, Redness & Sensitivity

Many women experience a sudden onset of rosacea or increased facial flushing during perimenopause due to heightened skin reactivity.

Best LED modes:

  • Green Light (525 nm)
    Green light targets inflamed blood vessels under the skin, calming vascular inflammation and reducing visible redness. It also helps fade pigmentation and even skin tone.
  • White Light (600 nm)
    In addition to promoting regeneration, white light soothes rosacea-prone skin and reduces the frequency of flare-ups by supporting long-term skin resilience.


4. Perimenopausal Eczema & Flare-Ups

Hormonal changes can trigger eczema, particularly around the eyes, neck, and mouth. Skin may become itchy, red, and dry.

Best LED modes:

  • Red Light (640 nm)
    Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, red light helps soothe irritated skin and calm flare-ups.
  • White Light (600 nm)
    Enhances skin cell turnover and strengthens the barrier, making it an effective option for treating eczema over time without topical steroids.


5. Hormonal Breakouts & Acne

Although less common, some women experience increased breakouts during perimenopause, especially around the chin and jawline.

Best LED modes:

  • Blue Light (415 nm)
    Blue light penetrates the pores to kill acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and prevent future breakouts.
  • Cyan Light (500 nm)
    A blend of blue and green light, cyan is ideal for treating hormonal acne while evening out tone and reducing post-inflammatory pigmentation.


Supporting Your Skin Holistically

While LED therapy and EMS are excellent tools, they work best as part of a holistic routine. Here are a few extra daily habits to support perimenopausal skin:

  • Use a gentle cleanser to avoid stripping your already delicate skin barrier.
  • Incorporate a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid to combat dryness.
  • Apply a retinol-based serum after LED therapy to maximise cell renewal and collagen production.
  • Moisturise and use SPF daily to lock in hydration and protect against UV damage, which accelerates ageing.
  • Practice consistency - both LED and EMS work best when used regularly.


Final Thoughts

Perimenopausal skin brings a new set of challenges - but LED therapy offers a gentle, science-backed way to manage the most common issues, from sagging to sensitivity.

By understanding how each LED light mode works and tailoring your routine accordingly, you can support your skin’s natural healing processes and slow visible ageing - without harsh treatments or downtime.

The Dermaglow LED & EMS Mask makes it easy to incorporate all seven wavelengths and EMS into one seamless routine. But no matter what device you use, consistency is key.

If your skin is changing and you’re not sure what to try next, LED therapy could be the next step in your skincare evolution.