Light as Part of Modern Aesthetic Practice
Modern aesthetic procedures are increasingly evaluated not only by the intensity of their primary effect, but also by how the skin recovers afterwards. Managing the inflammatory response, supporting the skin barrier, and creating optimal conditions for regeneration have become an important part of a comprehensive approach to patient care.
One technology that can be used both as a standalone treatment and in combination with other aesthetic procedures is LED phototherapy, or photobiomodulation (PBM).
A recent scientific review by Guo and Yuan, published in 2025 in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, describes LED therapy as a non-invasive method that uses specific spectral ranges of light to influence biological processes in the skin.[1]
One of the professional systems based on this principle is Dermalux Tri-Wave MD, which combines three clinically relevant wavelengths — Blue 415 nm, Red 633 nm, and Near Infrared 830 nm.
What Is Photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation is based on the ability of specific wavelengths of light to interact with cellular photoreceptors and chromophores.
According to current scientific understanding, this process may involve opsins, mitochondrial chromophores, cryptochromes, and endogenous porphyrins. Photon absorption triggers downstream cellular responses that can influence mitochondrial function, inflammatory and immune responses, cell proliferation, and collagen synthesis.[1]
Professional LED phototherapy is therefore far more than simple exposure to coloured light. The biological effect depends on wavelength and treatment parameters, while different spectral ranges interact with tissues in different ways.
This principle forms the basis of Tri-Wave MD: the system allows the three wavelengths to be used individually, simultaneously, or sequentially depending on the selected programme and clinical objective.
The Three Dermalux Wavelengths
Blue 415 nm
Blue light is primarily used in protocols for problem-prone skin and inflammatory lesions.
One of the most extensively studied mechanisms within the blue-light spectrum is its interaction with endogenous porphyrins produced by Cutibacterium acnes. Light absorption promotes the formation of reactive oxygen species and an antibacterial effect, providing the biological rationale for the use of blue LED light in acne-prone skin.[1]
Dermalux Tri-Wave MD uses Blue 415 nm for this purpose.
Red 633 nm
Red light plays an important role in protocols aimed at improving skin quality and supporting tissue recovery.
Current evidence links the red spectral range with photobiomodulatory processes that may influence cellular activity, inflammatory responses, and tissue remodelling.[1] Clinical studies investigating the combination of 633 nm and 830 nm have also demonstrated improvements in several parameters associated with skin photoageing.[2]
Near Infrared 830 nm
Near infrared light penetrates deeper than visible red light and is of particular interest in the context of tissue recovery and modulation of inflammatory responses.[1]
Dermalux Tri-Wave MD uses NIR 830 nm. This wavelength plays an important role in both standalone and post-treatment programmes within the system.
More Than Three Colours: Why Wavelength Combination Matters
The skin is a complex biological system, and a single clinical concern may involve inflammation, impaired barrier function, vascular changes, and the need for tissue recovery at the same time.
Current scientific literature indicates that combining different LED wavelengths may broaden the potential of photobiomodulation in acne management, photoageing, and tissue recovery.[1]
This is why professional LED phototherapy cannot be reduced to a simple formula such as “blue for acne, red for rejuvenation.”
Tri-Wave MD uses different combinations and sequences of Blue 415 nm, Red 633 nm, and NIR 830 nm. The system also includes preset programmes in which the manufacturer has already defined the wavelength combination and treatment duration for specific clinical objectives. When required, practitioners can adjust the overall power level or work with individual wavelengths in the Custom programme.
This allows Tri-Wave MD to be regarded as a comprehensive professional photobiomodulation platform rather than simply an LED light source.
Dermalux as a Standalone Treatment
Tri-Wave MD includes dedicated programmes for a range of aesthetic and dermatological concerns.
The manufacturer’s official protocol includes programmes for signs of photoageing and loss of elasticity, dull and dehydrated skin, dryness and sensitivity, photodamage and pigmentation, varying degrees of acne, vascular and diffuse redness, inflammatory skin conditions, as well as wound healing.
Most standalone preset programmes are designed for 20-minute treatments, although different modes and treatment durations are available for selected indications.
This allows LED phototherapy to be used as a standalone procedure within a treatment course or as part of an individually designed programme.
Dermalux in Combined Aesthetic Protocols
Of particular interest is the integration of Tri-Wave MD with other aesthetic procedures.
The official combined treatment protocol includes the use of Dermalux following resurfacing and skin peels, micro- and hydradermabrasion, dermaplaning, microneedling, mesotherapy, micropigmentation, cryotherapy, plasma treatments, skin tightening and lifting procedures, laser and IPL treatments, fractional procedures, PRP therapy, botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, as well as ablative and surgical procedures.
Dermalux does not replace the primary treatment. Instead, LED photobiomodulation becomes an additional stage of the protocol, targeted at a specific post-treatment objective.
This approach makes it possible to integrate photobiomodulation into the overall treatment plan without substantially increasing the total procedure time.
LED Phototherapy Before and After Aesthetic Procedures
An especially interesting aspect of the manufacturer’s approach is that LED is not regarded exclusively as a post-treatment method.
Within combined protocols, Dermalux is recommended immediately after the primary treatment. However, for certain sensitive or chronic conditions, or when used in conjunction with more aggressive procedures, the manufacturer also provides for pre-treatment with Dermalux 1–2 weeks before the procedure to prepare the skin, followed by additional application after the treatment.
This allows photobiomodulation to be considered more broadly — as part of comprehensive patient management before, during a treatment course, and after aesthetic procedures.
Photobiomodulation and Photodynamic Therapy Are Not the Same
Although both technologies use light, there is a fundamental difference between them.
In photobiomodulation (PBM), light of specific parameters interacts directly with cellular photoreceptors and chromophores without requiring the use of a photosensitiser.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT), by contrast, is a combined method in which a previously applied or administered photosensitiser is activated by light of an appropriate wavelength, triggering a photochemical reaction.
The contemporary review by Guo and Yuan discusses LED-mediated PDT separately from photobiomodulation, highlighting the importance of using these terms correctly.[1]
The presence of a professional LED light source alone therefore does not mean that PDT is being performed.
Dermalux Tri-Wave MD in Modern Clinical Practice
The value of Tri-Wave MD lies not only in the availability of three wavelengths, but also in the ability to use them within a structured clinical approach.
The system enables standalone LED procedures, different combinations of Blue 415 nm, Red 633 nm, and NIR 830 nm, and the integration of photobiomodulation into protocols involving laser and IPL technologies, microneedling, peels, injectable treatments, and other aesthetic procedures.
LED phototherapy therefore becomes more than an additional treatment. It can support different stages of skin management — from standalone correction of selected concerns to skin preparation and recovery within combined protocols.
At the same time, current scientific literature highlights the potential of LED therapy in aesthetic dermatology while emphasizing the importance of appropriate wavelength selection, dose, and individualized treatment protocols.[1,3]
Important Information
This material is intended for informational purposes and for healthcare professionals. The selection of indications, treatment parameters, duration, treatment sequence, and combined protocols should be determined by a qualified specialist in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and current treatment protocols.
References
[1] Guo Z, Yuan K. The Application of Light Emitting Diode (LED) in Cosmetic Dermatology. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine. 2025;41(5):e70041. DOI: 10.1111/phpp.70041.
[2] Russell BA, Kellett N, Reilly LR. A study to determine the efficacy of combination LED light therapy (633 nm and 830 nm) in facial skin rejuvenation. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 2005;7(3–4):196–200.
[3] Jagdeo J, Austin E, Mamalis A, Wong C, Ho D, Siegel DM. Light-emitting diodes in dermatology: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2018;50(6):613–628. DOI: 10.1002/lsm.22791.
[4] Dermalux. Tri-Wave MD Treatment Protocol Chart / Combined Treatment Protocol Chart. DLX-011-EN-2.0.
Where to Find Dermalux Treatments in the Baltic States
Professional Dermalux systems are available in clinics across Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.
Explore the interactive map below to find your nearest clinic and learn more about Dermalux LED phototherapy treatments.
