How Long Does LED Light Therapy Take to Work? A Realistic Timeline for Results

 

Written by an independent, certified dermatologist 


If you’re using LED light therapy to target signs of ageing, redness, breakouts, or skin sensitivity, you’ve likely wondered: how long does it actually take to see results? With so many at-home masks flooding the market and a range of skin concerns to address, it’s no surprise that many women over 40 want a clear, realistic timeline before committing to a new routine.

The truth? LED light therapy does work — but like anything that supports natural skin regeneration, consistency and patience are key.

In this post, we’ll break down:

  • What happens in the skin during LED therapy
  • When you can expect to see changes in wrinkles, rosacea, and elasticity
  • Why collagen and elastin renewal takes time
  • How EMS can support faster results
  • How the Dermaglow LED & EMS Mask and Dermaglow Glasses fit into a long-term plan


Why Results Aren’t Instant (And That’s a Good Thing)

LED light therapy works by delivering specific wavelengths of light into the skin to stimulate a process called photobiomodulation. This process boosts energy within your cells (specifically the mitochondria), which in turn increases collagen and elastin production, reduces inflammation, and supports cellular repair.

Unlike injectables or harsh resurfacing treatments, LED therapy works with your body’s natural healing and regeneration processes. That means the results are gradual — but also safer, more natural-looking, and longer-lasting.


Week-by-Week: What to Expect from LED Therapy

Week 1–2: Cellular Activation Begins
You likely won’t see big visual changes yet. But deep in the dermis, your skin cells are beginning to absorb energy, increase ATP production, and reduce inflammatory responses. You may notice skin feels slightly smoother or more hydrated, especially if using the mask’s red, white, or yellow light settings.

Week 3–4: Inflammation and Redness May Reduce
Women using green or white light for rosacea or sensitivity often see improvements here — less redness, reduced flushing, and a calmer overall tone. If you’re treating breakouts with blue or cyan light, skin may start to feel less congested.

Week 5–6: Collagen and Elastin Production Ramps Up
With consistent use of red and deep infrared light, fibroblasts in the dermis begin producing more collagen and elastin. This is when many women start seeing improvements in skin firmness, texture, and bounce — particularly around the jawline, under-eyes, and forehead.

Week 7–8+: Visible Wrinkle Reduction & Lifted Contours
Deeper changes in structure become noticeable: fine lines start to smooth out, deeper wrinkles soften, and the face may appear subtly lifted. This is especially noticeable if you’re also using EMS regularly to stimulate facial muscles in the cheeks, jawline, and neck.


Realistic Results by Concern

  • Fine Lines & Wrinkles: 6–8+ weeks of consistent red/deep infrared use
  • Rosacea & Redness: 3–6 weeks with green, yellow, or white light
  • Breakouts & Congestion: 2–4 weeks with blue or cyan light
  • Sagging Skin or Turkey Neck: 6–10+ weeks using both deep infrared + EMS
  • Perimenopausal Eczema or Dryness: 4–6 weeks with white and red light


Why Most LED Masks Fail to Deliver

Many masks on the market use only near-infrared light (closer to 800–850 nm), which doesn’t penetrate as deeply or stimulate collagen and elastin as effectively as deep infrared light (up to 780 nm).

The Dermaglow LED & EMS Mask was designed with this in mind. It includes:

  • Red light (640 nm) to stimulate collagen production and improve skin tone
  • Deep infrared light (780 nm) to penetrate deeper and support firming
  • EMS technology to tighten facial muscles for an additional lifting effect
  • A wide range of light modes (green, yellow, cyan, white, etc.) to target redness, sensitivity, and breakouts — especially helpful for mature or perimenopausal skin

And if you’re focused on the under-eye area, the Dermaglow Glasses offer concentrated red and EMS stimulation to help reduce puffiness, smooth crow’s feet, and restore firmness where skin is thinnest.


How to Maximise Your Results

  • Use consistently: Aim for 3–5 sessions per week for 10–20 minutes
  • Target your concerns: Choose the right light mode based on your needs
  • Combine with good skincare: Hydrating serums, peptides, and gentle exfoliants can support skin regeneration
  • Be patient: Results compound over time and continue to improve with regular use


Final Thoughts

LED therapy isn’t a quick fix — but it’s one of the most effective, non-invasive ways to support healthy, youthful skin after 40. With realistic expectations, the right device, and a little patience, you can achieve lasting improvements in firmness, texture, and tone.

Whether you're targeting wrinkles, rosacea, eczema, or slack skin, understanding the timeline helps you stay consistent — and that’s the key to visible results.