LED Therapy for Skin and Scalp Health
Healthy skin and healthy hair are often viewed through a cosmetic lens, yet both are reflections of what is happening beneath the surface.
The skin and scalp are living, dynamic tissues influenced by many of the same biological factors, including inflammation levels, hormonal balance, circulation, cellular energy production, and nervous system regulation. Both are highly responsive to changes in inflammation, circulation, hormonal signalling, mitochondrial function, and stress, making them valuable indicators of overall health.
This is where LED light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, has attracted growing scientific interest.
Using specific wavelengths of visible light, LED therapy works at a cellular level to support repair, regeneration, and overall tissue health. Rather than masking symptoms, it helps create an environment in which both skin and hair follicles can function more efficiently.
At Sôlt Haus, we utilise multiple therapeutic wavelengths — red, blue, and green light — to support skin health, while red and near-infrared wavelengths play a particularly important role in scalp and hair rejuvenation.
Book your first LED Sól Therapy session:
Check out our LED Sól Therapy multipacks:
https://www.fresha.com/book-now/solt-haus-bo1v1s9w/paid-plans?share=true&pId=2720865
How Light Therapy Works - The Science
Photobiomodulation uses non-UV light to influence cellular behaviour.
Red (630–660nm) and near-infrared (810–880nm) wavelengths penetrate into deeper tissues where they interact with the mitochondria — the energy-producing structures within our cells. This interaction stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s primary source of cellular energy, while also supporting circulation, tissue repair, and balanced inflammatory responses (Hamblin, 2017; de Freitas & Hamblin, 2016).
Because both skin cells and hair follicle cells are highly metabolically active, they can be particularly responsive to these effects.
Supporting Skin Health
Red Light: Collagen, Repair & Resilience
Red light therapy is the most extensively researched wavelength for skin rejuvenation.
Research demonstrates that red light stimulates fibroblast activity, supporting the production of collagen and elastin — two proteins responsible for maintaining skin firmness, elasticity, and structural integrity (Avci et al., 2013).
Red light may also help:
· Improve skin texture and tone
· Reduce visible redness
· Support post-treatment recovery
· Calm inflammatory skin conditions
· Strengthen the skin barrier
Unlike aggressive resurfacing treatments, red light supports the skin’s natural repair processes without causing disruption or downtime.
Studies have also shown that photobiomodulation may help regulate inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress, contributing to healthier, more resilient skin over time (Farivar et al., 2014).
Blue Light: Clarifying Acne-Prone Skin
Blue light (approximately 405–470nm) is primarily used to support acne-prone skin.
It works by targeting Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria associated with inflammatory breakouts. Clinical studies have demonstrated reductions in acne lesions following consistent blue light therapy, making it a valuable tool for supporting clearer skin (Gold et al., 2011; Morton et al., 2005).
Blue light is often paired with red light therapy, which helps calm inflammation and support tissue repair, creating a comprehensive approach to acne management.
Green Light: EvenING Tone & Pigmentation
Green light (approximately 520–560nm) works more superficially within the skin and is increasingly being used to support pigmentation concerns and uneven skin tone.
Emerging research suggests green wavelengths may help influence melanocyte activity and support a brighter, more balanced complexion. Green light is also often experienced as visually calming, making it a valuable addition to restorative facial treatments.
The Skin & Nervous System Connection
The skin, as a complex sensory interface and immune barrier, is intrinsically linked to the nervous system. Chronic pain and stress can elevate cortisol and inflammation, impair barrier repair and immune response, and inhibit collagen production.
By supporting cellular energy and calming inflammatory pathways, red and green light may indirectly assist in restoring balance, not only in the skin, but the nervous system. Many clients report not only visible improvement in their skin, but also a sense of calm during and after treatment, reflecting this intrinsic connection between the skin and nervous system.
Supporting Scalp & Hair Health
Just as skin health depends on healthy circulation, balanced inflammation, and efficient cellular energy production, hair growth depends on the health and activity of the hair follicle.
Hair follicles are among the most metabolically active structures in the body. They require a constant supply of oxygen, nutrients, and ATP to remain in the anagen, or growth phase, of the hair cycle.
Research suggests that red and near-infrared light therapy may support hair growth through several mechanisms, including:
· Increasing blood flow and nutrient delivery to the scalp
· Supporting ATP production within follicle cells
· Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation
· Prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle
· Helping counteract the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair thinning and androgenetic hair loss
Clinical trials have demonstrated improvements in both hair density and hair thickness following consistent low-level light therapy protocols (Jimenez et al., 2014; Lanzafame et al., 2013).
A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that photobiomodulation is a safe and effective treatment option for androgenetic alopecia in both men and women (Gupta et al., 2017).
Like many wellness therapies, results are cumulative. Hair follicles respond best to consistent stimulation over time rather than occasional treatments.
For clients focused on scalp and hair health, we typically recommend two sessions per week for a minimum of four weeks. Our 8-session package has been designed with this protocol in mind, offering an effective and cost-efficient way to support healthier, fuller-looking hair.
The Stress Connection
Many people notice that periods of chronic stress coincide with changes in both their skin and hair.
This is not a coincidence.
Elevated cortisol levels can impair collagen production, increase inflammatory activity, disrupt skin barrier function, and influence the hair growth cycle. Over time, chronic stress may contribute to breakouts, skin sensitivity, excessive shedding, and reduced hair vitality.
By supporting cellular energy production and helping regulate inflammatory pathways, LED therapy may assist both skin and scalp in becoming more resilient to the physiological effects of stress (Chung et al., 2012).
This is one reason LED therapy pairs so naturally with other nervous system-supportive therapies offered at Sôlt Haus, including infrared sauna, halotherapy, and restorative facial treatments.
OUR HOLISTIC APPROACH
Healthy skin and healthy hair share the same foundation: strong circulation, balanced inflammation, efficient cellular energy production, and nervous system regulation. By targeting cellular health and function, LED light therapy supports these systems, making it a valuable tool for skin, scalp and hair health and rejuvenation.
At Sôlt Haus, our approach is not simply about improving how skin or hair looks. It is about supporting the biological processes that allow them to thrive. When we support cellular health, we create the conditions for healthier skin, scalp and hair, and overall holistic wellbeing.
Consultation and consistency are key. At Sôlt Haus, each appointment starts with a conversation around individual skin condition, concerns, lifestyle and wellness goals. We tailor each light therapy session to your personal needs, whether targeting the skin or scalp, and may involve single or multiple wavelengths, across a single or series of sessions.
Book your first LED Sól Therapy session:
Check out our LED Sól Therapy multipacks:
https://www.fresha.com/book-now/solt-haus-bo1v1s9w/paid-plans?share=true&pId=2720865
References
· Avci, P., Gupta, A., Sadasivam, M., et al. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Dermatologic Surgery, 39(2), 179–202.
· Chung, H., Dai, T., Sharma, S. K., Huang, Y. Y., Carroll, J. D., & Hamblin, M. R. (2012). The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 40(2), 516–533.
· de Freitas, L. F., & Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Proposed mechanisms of photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, 22(3), 7000417.
· Farivar, S., Malekshahabi, T., & Shiari, R. (2014). Biological effects of low-level laser therapy. Lasers in Medical Science, 29(2), 425–435.
· Gold, M. H., et al. (2011). Clinical efficacy of blue light therapy for inflammatory acne vulgaris. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 4(8), 22–27.
· Gupta, A. K., Foley, K. A., & Versteeg, S. G. (2017). Low-level laser therapy for androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 28(2), 111–116.
· Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of photobiomodulation. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 35(4), 163–165.
· Jimenez, J. J., Wikramanayake, T. C., Bergfeld, W., et al. (2014). Efficacy and safety of a low-level laser device in the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 15(2), 115–127.
· Lanzafame, R. J., Blanche, R. R., Bodian, A. B., Chiacchierini, R. P., & Fernandez-Obregon, A. (2013). The growth of human scalp hair mediated by visible red light laser and LED sources in males. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 45(8), 487–495.
· Morton, C. A., Scholefield, R. D., Whitehurst, C., & Birch, J. (2005). Efficacy of blue light therapy in mild to moderate acne. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 16(4), 219–223.