LED vs Laser Light Therapy

LED light therapy uses LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, to convert electricity into light energy. LEDs are semiconductors that generate light when run through an electrical current. Energy bands containing electrons and electron holes are located inside the conductor and spaced according to the type of light and wavelength they want to generate.

The effects of LED light vs laser depend on the the penetration depth of the different light wavelengths. Wavelengths exist on the light spectrum, and the visible colors line each have a wavelength. LED light therapy commonly uses blue, green, and red light.  Ultraviolet light is generally avoided given the potential for carcinogenic effects, but there are certain technologies where this is also implemented.. Additionally, light outside the visible spectrum is used, and  near-infrared light has the added benefit of greater penetration in tissue.

LED light therapy is particularly good at large area surface indications, for example skin conditions.

A laser is defined as a mechanism of light amplification that emits electromagnetic radiation through stimulated emissions. It works by concentrating its power into packets of energy known as photons. 

Laser light therapy uses these packets of energy to generate monochromic beams of light at single, specified wavelengths. The most common methods of laser therapy include low-level laser light therapy and high-power lasers commonly used in clinical settings. This allows focused treatment of a smaller target area and more specific cells and biological processes at a deeper penetration depth.

Different laser light therapies may use pulsed or continuous light, both of which differ in how the laser emits light and the suitable applications. Pulsed light therapy means that the light is turned on and off at a high frequency, allowing higher peak powers without thermal considerations. In continuous wave light therapy, the power remains constant. 

A fundamental property of lasers is coherence, which describes how the peaks and troughs of the light waves  are in sync. The role of coherence in both photobiomodulation and effects on biological tissue in general are complicated and a point of ongoing academic discussion. Some experts believe that coherence allows for deeper penetration, while others believe it should not play a role.

Now that you know more about these work, let’s take a look at the main differences between LED light therapy vs laser. 

Light distribution and Coverage

This is perhaps the most important difference between laser and LED light therapies. LED light therapy uses non-coherent, broader spectrum light that spreads out as it moves away from the source. This gives you a less concentrated light source. 

Laser light therapy is coherent meaning that the light waves are highly focused and move in phase together. This light-emitting process known as stimulated emission, produces a highly concentrated light beam.

Intensity and Applications

LED light therapy uses lower-intensity light for therapeutic applications, with the main one being photobiomodulation. LEDs do not use heat to treat the skin. Common treatment options include skin conditions such as acne, wrinkles, and eczema. LED light therapy may also be useful for wound healing, sun damage, and hair loss. 

High-power laser light therapy uses thermal energy which offers a much higher intensity and energy level. This makes it a better option for precise and targeted treatment. Lasers are commonly used for skin resurfacing, hair removal, and tattoo removal. Strong lasers may also be used for targeted surgical treatments which include cutting or vaporizing tissue.

Types of light and wavelengths

LED light therapy uses red light, blue light, and now near-infrared light. Red light uses wavelengths of approximately 630–750nm, making it well-suited to treat a wide range of skin conditions. Blue light operates at wavelengths of approximately 400–495nm which allows it to target acne-causing bacteria. Near-infrared light offers deeper wavelength penetration, operating at around 750–950nm. This makes it better suited to improving symptoms of discomfort and reducing inflammation.

Laser light therapy uses two main types of therapy which are low-level laser therapy or LLLT and high-powered lasers. LLLT uses red and near-infrared light which operate at approximate wavelengths of 630–950nm. These are mainly used for pain relief and tissue repair at a cellular level once absorbed by the mitochondria in the cells. High-powered lasers tend to be used for surgical procedures commonly performed in trained medical institutions.

Treatment duration and frequency

Differences in treatment duration and frequency when looking at LED vs laser light therapy relate to the intensity used, coverage offered, and potential applications. 

LED light therapy requires a longer treatment duration to achieve the desired effects, with sessions typically ranging from 10–30 minutes. This makes it suitable for daily or regular use when the correct application procedures are followed. Therapeutic applications tend to involve 3–5 weekly sessions to begin with, after which 1–2 regular maintenance sessions can be used.

Laser light therapy requires a much shorter treatment duration ranging from seconds to 20 minutes. This depends on the type of laser used and the application offered. The duration of surgical procedures using laser light therapy also depends on the size of the treatment area. 

The higher intensity and deeper penetration of laser light therapy means that fewer sessions are often needed. This may range from 1–3 weekly sessions for low-level laser therapy or a single session for surgical procedures. This should be taken into account when considering LED light therapy vs low level light therapy.

Overall, LED light therapy tends to be longer than laser therapy and can be used more regularly. 

Safety and Side Effects

LED light therapy is considered to be a non-invasive treatment option due to the fact it operates at a low-intensity level and doesn't generate heat. With this, it's considered to be generally safe with minimal side effects.

Possible side effects to be aware of include mild skin irritation and eye discomfort. However, this tends to be due to incorrect treatment application or the misuse of safety goggles. 

Laser light therapy is also generally considered safe when administered properly. However, the potential for higher intensities and of generation of heat in high-powered lasers means that it has a higher risk of side effects. Because of this, the safety considerations depend on the type of laser used.

Low-level laser light therapy uses red and near-infrared light, at powers  which are essentially non-thermal and considered to be extremely safe when used correctly. High-power lasers should be administered by a trained professional and carry a risk of tissue damage and skin burns. Other possible side effects include pigmentation changes, scarring, temporary redness, and discomfort. 

When looking at the regulations for red light therapy vs laser, many devices that use LED laser therapy are FDA-cleared but not approved for clinical use. This means that they are considered safe compared to other approved devices. Most laser devices and treatments tend to be FDA-approved for specific medical and cosmetic uses, including low-level laser light therapy. A professional certification is also required to operate most high-powered laser equipment. 

Costs and Availability

LED light therapy can be administered using a large range of at-home affordable devices that are widely available. Different devices range from $50–$500 depending on the brand, features, technology used, and design. Professional LED treatments are also offered in dermatology clinics and health spas with cost depending on the treatment area and package purchased. 

Handheld devices using low-level laser light therapy tend to be more expensive than LED devices, with prices ranging from $200–$5000. High-power laser devices and treatments are less accessible due to the training and technology required, with treatments ranging from $200–$10,000+ depending on the sessions needed.

With this, when it comes to the cost of red light LED therapy vs laser, LED therapies tend to be the cheaper and more available option.

What are the benefits of LED light therapy?

Here are some of the key LED light therapy benefits to consider. Bear these in mind when making an informed decision about which treatment option to use:

• The non-invasive, shallower penetration depths make LED light therapy ideal for cosmetic and surface-level treatments.
• The use of scattered light makes it easier to cover larger treatment areas in one session.
• Different treatment options can be used including red light, blue light, and near-infrared light. Each of these offers different penetration depths and therapeutic applications.
• LED devices and treatments are widely available to use and purchase. Several at-home LED devices can be purchased, with the cost depending on the brand, features, and design used. 
• LED devices are generally considered to be safer than high-powered laser products.

What are the benefits of Laser light therapy?

Similar to LED laser therapy, here are the key benefits of laser light therapy that should be considered before deciding which type to use out of laser light therapy vs LED light therapy:

• The use of focused, coherent light allows the treatment of specific target areas with high accuracy. Specific wavelengths can be used that allow precise targeting.
• The deeper penetration depths target deeper skin layers and the underlying tissues.
• Different treatment options can be used which include low-level laser light therapy and high-powered lasers.
• Different types of lasers can be used in cosmetic and professional settings which offers a high level of versatility. 

Which is better, LED or Laser?

The suitability of laser light therapy vs LED red light treatment options depends on several factors. These include the type of injury or treatment, penetration depth required, and accuracy level needed. 

Generally speaking, LED laser therapy is designed for broad treatment areas best suited to non-invasive, gentle application with less recovery time. Alongside this, the better safety profile and ease of use make it great as an at-home treatment for many cosmetic purposes. 

Types of injury or treatment best suited to LED include:

• Surface-level skin conditions such as wrinkles, fine lines, acne, and uneven skin tone.
• Minor inflammation and pain relief caused by muscle soreness and joint discomfort. 
• The healing of superficial wounds including minor burns and cuts.

When using LED laser therapy, the LEDs need to be close to the target treatment area to maximize the result. Therefore, the best application may be administered using handheld devices which can be attached to the body.

Laser light therapy is well-suited for deeper localized injuries requiring a higher level of precision. The higher energy levels and deeper penetration depths may provide quicker results in fewer sessions depending on the laser used and treatment area. 

Low-level laser light therapy may be used for:

• Reducing pain and inflammation caused by muscular injuries and joint issues. These may include different types of arthritis, muscular strains and sprains, and degenerative disc diseases. Therefore, both laser therapy options can be used when considering laser therapy vs red LED light therapy for joint pain.
• Repairing soft tissue wounds and injuries such as joint swelling and muscle spasms.
• Skin conditions such as wrinkles, acne, psoriasis, and hair loss.

High-powered lasers may be better suited for:

• Skin repair to improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
• Targeted pigmentation or vascular lesion treatments such as sun spots and broken capillaries.
• Cosmetic surgical applications such as tattoo removal and hair removal.

Most laser light therapy options tend to be less widely available, come at a higher cost, and require downtime in the case of high-powered lasers. Alongside this, certain risks need to be considered before making the right choice.

It’s important to note that some of the suggested benefits from both types of light therapies are still undergoing further scientific research and are yet to be fully proven. While the treatments may improve certain symptoms, direct relationships are yet to be established. Therefore, ensure you thoroughly research each treatment and be aware of the risks before starting a treatment.