LED Light Therapy Add-On: Your First 48-Hour Aftercare Plan (Light Therapy)
By Derma Aesthetics Spa | July 18, 2026
Your LED Light Therapy Add-On is a quick 15-minute enhancement we add to any facial treatment, and the biggest rule for the next day or two is simple: keep your skin calm. That means clean, moisturized, and protected from heat, sweat, and strong actives. Here in Denver, our sun hits harder because of the altitude, so SPF and hydration matter even when you “only popped outside for a minute.”
Quick reassurance: LED has minimal downtime. Most people leave feeling refreshed. Our regulars often talk about that clean, smooth feel and an immediate glow after their facials, and the goal of aftercare is to protect that.
The first 24–48 hours: 6 rules that keep your light therapy results on track
Right after your LED Light Therapy Add-On, your skin usually feels calm, hydrated, and a little extra “awake.” Keep it that way. For the first 24 to 48 hours, we generally recommend you avoid anything that adds extra heat, friction, or irritation.
1) Skip heavy sweating and intense heat
Hold off on hard workouts, saunas, hot yoga, steam rooms, and hot baths for 24 to 48 hours. Heat and sweat can stir up redness and make your skin feel reactive.
2) Put actives on pause
Skip retinoids and active exfoliants for at least 24 to 72 hours, depending on how sensitive you run. That includes strong acids and aggressive exfoliating pads. Stick to gentle for now.
3) Keep cleansing simple
Use a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. No scrubs, no cleansing brushes, and don’t “polish” your skin because it feels smooth. Let it stay smooth.
4) SPF is non-negotiable in Denver
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ before you go outdoors. Denver’s higher UV levels plus altitude can undo your glow fast. Reapply if you’re out for more than a quick walk.
5) Makeup is usually fine, but go light
Light makeup is usually fine after a few hours if your skin feels normal. Avoid heavy, gritty, or long-wear products the same day, especially anything you have to scrub off.
6) Don’t pick, poke, or “check” your pores
Hands off. We know it’s tempting, especially if you’re focused on blackheads or congestion. Picking creates inflammation that can linger longer than the thing you were trying to fix.
Cherry Creek-friendly plan: If you want to get out after your appointment, keep it shaded. A mellow walk on the Cherry Creek Trail or an iced herbal tea in Cherry Creek North is perfect. Skip the patio sun.
Days 3–7: keep the glow, don’t undo it
If your skin looks brighter and feels extra clean, this is the week to protect it. We see the best long-term changes when you stay consistent with the basics instead of bouncing between strong products.
You can usually ease back into your normal routine after that 48 to 72-hour “calm window, ” but go one step at a time. If you’re restarting a retinoid, start with a smaller amount and a buffer of moisturizer. If your skin stings, back off and give it another day.
- Keep showers warm, not hot, especially if you flush easily.
- Avoid abrasive treatments for 72 hours. That includes aggressive scrubs and at-home devices that tug on the skin.
- Stay on top of SPF daily. Denver sun can be sneaky even when it’s cloudy.
- Hydration helps everything. In our dry climate, drinking water and using a barrier-friendly moisturizer usually makes a visible difference.
Your simplest post-LED routine: cleanser, moisturizer, SPF (and that’s it)
After LED, we keep skincare boring on purpose. If you’re tempted to “do more” because your skin is finally behaving, this is your reminder not to. You don’t need ten steps to keep a glow going.
Gentle cleanser
A basic, non-stripping cleanser is your best friend for 2 to 3 days. If your face feels “squeaky, ” it’s usually too drying.
Moisturizer that supports your barrier
Go for a moisturizer that feels comfortable, not greasy. In Cherry Creek and across Denver, dryness is common, so don’t be surprised if you want an extra layer at night.
Broad-spectrum SPF 30+
Daily SPF is how you keep the bright, even look you came in for. If you’re doing light therapy to support rejuvenation and collagen, sunscreen protects that investment.
And if you’re not sure what to reintroduce first, tell us what you’re using at home. Our team spends time asking about your skincare protocol during appointments, and we’ll keep your plan realistic. No pressure.
What’s normal after an LED light treatment, and when to reach out to us
Most people do great after LED. A little warmth, mild pinkness, or that “freshly worked on” feeling can happen, especially when LED is paired with a facial that includes exfoliation or extractions. That usually settles quickly.
“I was extremely taken care of, relaxed and educated. My skin looKs GREAT.”
one of our regulars
Reach out if you notice any of these
- Redness or irritation that doesn’t calm down within 48 hours
- Swelling, blistering, or any unexpected pain
- A reaction that feels “off” for your skin, even if it’s mild
We serve clients all over Denver, including Glendale, Aurora, Cherry Hills Village, Englewood, and Greenwood Village. If something doesn’t feel right after your appointment, email or call us at +19498806592 or seemaz0621@gmail.com and we’ll walk you through next steps.
Want to add LED again? Here’s the easiest way to plan it
LED is one of our favorite add-ons because it fits easily into your facial without turning your schedule upside down. If you loved that “clean and radiant” look you get after a visit, keeping your next couple days calm is what makes it last.
Ready to come back in? Start with our facial services, then ask us to add the 15-minute LED Light Therapy Add-On when you book. If you want to see more of what we do in Cherry Creek, our spa gallery is a good place to start.
Derma Aesthetics Spa | 2283 S Monaco St Pkwy Ste 105, Denver, Colorado 80222
