How to Use an LED Skincare Device at Home

Originally offered in dermatologists’ offices as a professional treatment, you can now get the benefits of LED from the comfort of your own home! Keep reading to learn how you can incorporate LED into your daily skin routine. 

What is an LED device?

LED light therapy devices use varying wavelengths of light to treat a variety of skin concerns including inflammation, signs of aging, and acne. Nearly all skin types can benefit from LED treatment – and having a device at home makes it easy to incorporate it into your daily routine. A daily dose of red and blue LED light promotes collagen production and can treat and prevent breakouts. Pairing your LED device with your topical products will give you the best results. 

DRx SpectraLite devices from Dr. Dennis Gross are FDA-cleared, professional-grade LED light therapy devices designed to be easily incorporated into your skincare routine with a once daily 3-minute treatment. Using a combination of red and blue LED lights, DRx SpectraLite boosts collagen production – aka smooth wrinkles, improves skin firmness, and diminishes discoloration – and kills acne-causing bacteria for a clear, even-looking complexion. 

First things first, make sure your device is fully charged (included is a USB Type-C charging cable). It takes approximately six hours to fully charge the DRx SpectraLite devices. A full charge will deliver up to 10 treatments. 

Step 1: wash your face 

The first step in any effective skincare routine is to cleanse your face. Your face must be clean of sweat, makeup, and topical products for the LED light to properly penetrate and treat skin. Start by removing makeup, paying attention to those “easy to forget” places like the eyelids, jaw, and neck. For stubborn makeup, try the rinse-free Hyaluronic Marine Meltaway Cleanser. Completely remove all impurities with a gentle, soap-free cleanser, like the Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel, which won’t disrupt the skin’s moisture barrier while cleansing. 

Save your topical products like serums and moisturizers for after your LED treatment – applying them beforehand could disrupt the penetration of light. 

Step 2: choose your treatment 

DRx SpectraLite devices have 3 treatment modes – blue, red, and combination. Treat and prevent acne with blue light, build collagen and reduce redness with red light or use the combination setting to treat all of the above.

Mode 1: blue LED

Blue LED targets and kills acne-causing bacteria to treat and prevent acne. It works by connecting to the receptors of p.acne bacteria and causing them to self-destruct. This not only helps to expedite the clearing of the pimple, but with continued use, will help to prevent new pimples from forming. Blue LED light never dries out the skin, a common side effect of many acne treatments, and does not destroy good bacteria, making it a great treatment for acne at-home. 

Mode 2: red LED

Red LED light works by connecting to receptors in the skin and triggering natural collagen production. Collagen is the key to firm, strong and healthy skin. More collagen means fewer wrinkles, worry lines, fine lines, and sagging. Red LED light also targets redness in the skin, reducing inflammation. With the BodyWare Pro, infrared LED light alleviates mild aches and pains. 

Mode 3: blue and red LED 

Target acne, signs of aging, and inflammation with red and blue light treatment. The final mode combines both colors to provide optimal results and limit treatment time. With continued use, combined blue and red LED light therapy will prevent breakouts, build and maintain a firm, smooth complexion. 

Step 3: start treatment

Place your DRx SpectraLite on clean, dry skin. For the FaceWare Pro, safely secure the device around your head using the hands-free strap. Hold the mode button for 2 seconds to power on the device. The device will start on the blue mode. Push the button again for mode two (red) and a final time for mode three (both). 

After 3 minutes, the treatment will be complete, and your device will automatically shut off. All treatment modes will turn off after 3 minutes. 

Step 4: safely store your device

Store your device in the provided drawstring bag. A cloth bag will protect your device from collecting dust, dirt, or bacteria. Keep your device in a cool, dry place where it is convenient to use every day. 

To sterilize your device, gently swipe with an alcohol-soaked cotton pad. It is important to clean your device between uses to remove any transferred skin oil. 

Step 5: use with compatible products

Cleansing and LED light therapy are just the first steps in your skincare routine. Reach your skin goals with LED light therapy plus other collagen-building ingredients, which is the key to healthy, vibrant-looking skin. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids, vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid are well studied and proven ingredients that are integral to a robust skincare routine. Look for these key ingredients in your peel, serums, and moisturizers. 

Some of our favorites are:

• Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel
• Vitamin C Lactic 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum
• Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum 
• Hyaluronic Marine Moisture Cushion 
• Vitamin C Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment

Remember to apply your products in the order from thinnest to thickest. Starting first with LED, then your Alpha Beta® Daily Peel, followed by serums and moisturizers. Lastly, apply an all-physical sunscreen every single day to not only help protect from skin cancers like melanoma, but prevent signs of aging before they occur. Protect your investment in LED light therapy with a well-rounded skincare routine that gives your skin the vitamins and nutrients to stay strong and healthy. 

Learn more about Dr. Dennis Gross LED Devices

For more skincare tips from the experts at Dr. Dennis Gross, check out our blog’s newest content today. Discover our full line of devices. Shop the collection of Dr. Dennis Gross bestselling skincare backed by dermatologists.