Throughout our lives, our bodies and hormones undergo constant changes, meaning our approach to skincare, health and wellbeing has to shift too. And, while it’s hard to know which lifestyle tweaks will work best for us, our founders Laura and Hannah have seen light therapy remain a constant in their lives for over 15 years. This is because LED supports cellular function, and your body responds to the light based on its individual needs at any given day.
5 WAYS LIGHT THERAPY SUPPORTS WOMEN’S HEALTH
Here, we’ll walk you through the many ways light therapy can support your body’s ever-changing needs, and share words from women in The Light Salon community who’ve experienced its positive effects.
LIGHT THERAPY REDUCES HORMONAL ACNE
Changing hormone levels around your period can cause blemishes to appear, particularly on the chin and jawline. Choosing the right skincare products really helps, as does a daily dose of light therapy. Using one of our at-home devices, such as the Boost LED Face Mask, supports hormonal skin by delivering red 633nm and near-infrared 830nm wavelengths, which penetrate the skin to support cellular renewal, promote healing, and help calm the appearance of redness.
If you've experience blemishes over time, you may also notice post-inflammatory pigmentation or uneven skin tone. Regular LED use can help improve the overall appearance of skin, supporting a more balanced and even complexion.
In our salons, you can experience the powerful effects of blue 415nm light. Best delivered in a professional setting, blue light is used to target bacteria associated with breakouts, leading to a reduction in blemishes. It also supports oil regulation and circulation, ensuring the skin receives essential nutrients while maintaining balance.
“I was suffering from hormonal breakouts due to a diagnosis of PCOS, working in the skincare industry, and having to deal with constant and often painful breakouts was knocking my confidence at work. I had been trying to find a solution that I could afford regularly but that also felt gentle and avoided anything harsh, or the need to take medication (which I had previously tried). I found that, by incorporating regular LED facials into my routine, I was improving my skin overall, not just the breakouts but also the pigmentation they left behind.” – Pip.
LIGHT THERAPY RELIEVES PERIOD PAIN
Period pain is caused by an excess of the compounds released from the uterine lining as it prepares to be shed, leading to discomfort and cramping. At The Light Salon, we’re big fans of a magnesium supplement as a preventative measure for menstrual pain over the long term. But while you’re in the midst of discomfort and need soothing relief, our Boost LED Body Patch can be applied to areas where you feel it most.
The clinically proven wavelengths in the Boost LED Body Patch support pain relief by temporarily increasing local blood circulation, which in turn helps to relax muscle tissue. As the Patch delivers light, it also emits a gentle warmth, offering an added sense of comfort and relaxation. Whether placed on the abdomen, lower back, or thighs, it’s an easy, wearable way to support your well-being during your cycle.
“I’ve suffered from debilitating period pains since I was 11 years old and this year they’re worse than ever. The warmth and comfort of the Patch seems to calm down the cramping. I don’t know if it’s in my mind or is actually happening but those intense cramps are less when the light is on my stomach.” – Sari.
LIGHT THERAPY BOOSTS POSTPARTUM WELLBEING
After pregnancy and giving birth, your body needs time to heal and recover. And what that means to you is completely unique depending on your body and circumstances. But one thing’s for sure – small steps we can take to increase our comfort and confidence go a long way as we navigate life with a newborn.
First up, your skin. Sleep deprivation and hormonal changes can cause your complexion to become tired and unbalanced. Pausing for 10 minutes to treat your skin with our Boost LED Face Mask can support skin regeneration and balance, while also offering a moment of rest. Light therapy is also a widely used approach for stretch mark care, helping to improve the overall appearance of skin over time.
Caring for a newborn often involves repetitive movements that can contribute to lower back strain and general muscle aches. The Boost LED Body Patch is designed to support relaxation and recovery by increasing local blood circulation, which can help relieve aches and discomfort while delivering a gentle warmth for added comfort.
“As a busy mum, the time the Boost gives me at night to restore my mental health is something quite unexpected – I put on Sarah blondin on Insight Timer, do a meditation and feel like I'm getting a two-for-one – nourishing my skin and my mind!” – Shona.
LIGHT THERAPY RENEWS MENOPAUSAL SKIN
Perhaps the most unpredictable of all these bodily changes is the menopause, when oestrogen levels start to decline. From hot flashes, night sweats and trouble sleeping, to heart palpitations, anxiety and depression, the symptoms you may experience during this phase of life seriously affect the mind and body. If ever there’s a time to take care of yourself, it’s now, through healthy eating, regular exercise and mindful activities such as yoga and meditation.
From a skincare point of view, when oestrogen in the body decreases, so does the production of collagen, a skin-plumping protein. Lower collagen production means skin loses its tightness and volume, increasing the chances of sagging. Declining levels of oestrogen can also cause dehydrated, dry and flaky skin which can become itchy, so you may benefit from gentle exfoliation and a richer moisturiser. Hormonal fluctuations can also lead to blemishes, and age spots can appear at this time as well, making it more essential to use sunscreen daily as a preventative measure against pigmentation.
For all of these concerns, LED therapy has a role to play, supporting the skin’s natural rejuvenation process by stimulating collagen and hyaluronic acid production, both of which are essential for maintaining smooth, plump, and hydrated skin. It also offers a moment of self-care, with many users reporting that a 10-minute Boost LED session helps them feel more relaxed and balanced.
“I’m in my late forties and I love the plumping effects from collagen stimulation. I swear by it! The treatments and Boost really boost my confidence when facing my clients in person and on social media. I honestly don’t think I could live without it!” – Florrie.
LIGHT THERAPY SUPPORTS THE AGEING PROCESS
As we transition into the postmenopausal phase, hormone-driven concerns may begin to stabilise, allowing for a focus on lifestyle habits that support overall well-being.
Skin changes during this time can include glycation (visible criss-cross lines), dehydration, and increased skin fragility, which may contribute to slower recovery from minor skin stressors. A skincare routine rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, combined with treatments that support skin resilience, can help maintain a healthy complexion.
As circulation naturally slows, it may influence skin vitality and overall skin function. Many users find that incorporating LED therapy into their daily routine helps support the health of their skin, resulting in a more refreshed and revitalised appearance.
HAIR & SCALP HEALTH DURING POSTMENOPAUSE
Hair thinning is a common concern postmenopause, often linked to hormonal changes. Many users turn to light-based treatments to support scalp, health and maintain hair density. In-clinic scalp treatments often combine microneedling - a technique that helps stimulate circulation and support the scalp's natural renewal process - with growth factors, which contain proteins that help nourish hair follicles. Near-infrared 830nm light is also widely used in professional treatments to support circulation and overall scalp health.
SUPPORTING SLEEP WITH LIGHT THERAPY
As we age, sleeplessness and disrupted sleep cycles can become more common. Red light has been studied for its potential role in supporting melatonin production, a hormone that helps regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle. Many users incorporate red and near-infrared LED therapy into their nighttime routines, finding it a soothing addition to their wind-down process. With wearable LED devices, this can be done from the comfort of your own bed.
“I often struggle with sleep and will use the Mask if I wake up in the middle of the night. While the red lights are bright, they also have a calming effect and can put you back to sleep. I like the way it fits snuggly on your neck and it is so easy to bend that it doesn’t matter if you’re on your back or your side.” – Katie.
In reaching out to our community of women spanning all age groups, we’ve come to think of LED as a loyal friend that enhances every part of your being, and supports your body’s journey through life. It’s certainly true for our current devotees, and we hope it’ll be the case for you too.