SOLAR Articles LED and photodynamic therapy: how light heals the skin
Light therapy · explainer

LED and photodynamic therapy: how light heals the skin

Blue light against acne, red for collagen, near-infrared for healing. We break down what light therapy actually does and why an in-clinic device is more powerful than an at-home mask.

SOLAR Beauty & Aesthetics Clinic · Sobha Hartland, Dubai · updated 13 July 2026

Light therapy (photobiomodulation) is the treatment of skin with light at specific wavelengths. The light is absorbed by cells and triggers biochemistry: in some places it kills acne bacteria, in others it stimulates mitochondria and collagen synthesis. No needles and no downtime.

Which wavelength does what

WavelengthColourAction
415 nmbluedestroys the acne bacterium C. acnes
633 nmredstimulates collagen, reduces inflammation
830 nmnear-infraredhealing, regeneration
+ green / amber-pigment and redness (rosacea)

How photodynamic therapy differs from plain LED

With photodynamic therapy (PDT), a photosensitising gel is applied to the skin, which amplifies the reaction to light. This makes the protocol against acne and inflammation noticeably more effective than simply "shining a light".

Why a clinic, not an at-home mask

At-home LED masks deliver low-power light and a fixed spectrum. The professional HELEO PRO LED device delivers therapeutic energy densities, several wavelengths, and works together with PDT gels - hence a clinical result, rather than a "pleasant procedure".

The key element of the protocol is the HELEO4 photosensitising gel. According to the developer, its creation took around 10 years of research, and the development was carried out by a company resident at the "Skolkovo" innovation centre. The method is based on photobiomodulation (ATP, mitochondrial activity) plus photodynamics. Over a course, it addresses acne and rosacea and delivers glow straight after the session.

More about HELEO4 photodynamic therapy

Who it suits

Want clear, glowing skin with no downtime?

HELEO4 photodynamic therapy at SOLAR - a course against acne and rosacea and for radiant skin. Book a consultation.