Light therapy and photobiomodulation: what are the differences between these light-based treatments?

Light has become a valuable ally in well-being and beauty. It can be found in many treatments, whether in salons, at home, or in professional settings.
But when we talk about light therapy and photobiomodulation , the terms are similar… without necessarily referring to the same thing.

A quick reminder
At Peau d'Azur, we often talk about light therapy , because it is the word most used by the general public to refer to light therapy treatments.
But in reality, our technology is based on photobiomodulation , a more targeted form of light therapy, which acts directly on skin cells using specific LEDs.
We therefore prefer to use accessible vocabulary, while clearly explaining the nuances to you.

This article simply explains what differentiates these two approaches — to better understand how each works and in what contexts they are used.

What is light therapy?

Light therapy is a technique that uses white or full-spectrum light, often with a high intensity (10,000 lux), to rebalance the biological clock .

It is primarily used in the context of mental health and general well-being.

Common applications:

• Fighting seasonal depression

• Regulating sleep and circadian rhythm

• Reducing the effects of jet lag or night work

• Boosting vitality in winter

📌 In summary:

Light therapy acts indirectly on the body by stimulating hormones such as melatonin or serotonin.

And what about photobiomodulation?

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a more targeted technology, using LED lights of specific wavelengths : red, near-infrared, blue, yellow…

It acts at the cellular level, by stimulating mitochondria (the small energy factories of our cells), to promote regeneration , repair or the reduction of inflammation .

Common applications:

• Skin care (acne, scars, radiance, wrinkles)

• Reduction of muscle or joint pain

• Support for wound healing

• Stimulation of collagen and elasticity

📌 In summary:

Photobiomodulation acts directly on cells to boost their natural functions.

Light therapy vs. photobiomodulation: comparative table

Criteria	Light therapy	Photobiomodulation
Type of light	White / full spectrum	Red LED, infrared, blue, etc.
Intensity	Strong (up to 10,000 lux)	Low but targeted
Main action	Hormones & biological clock	Cellular & Regenerative
Scope of application	General well-being, mood, sleep	Beauty, skincare, recovery
Effects felt	Vitality, improved mood, regulated sleep	Clearer, soothed, regenerated skin
Common use	Light therapy lamp	LED masks, LED panels, targeted devices

🔍 Why this confusion between the two?

Both approaches are based on the idea that light can have positive effects on the body , without contact or pain.
But they differ in their objectives, the types of light used, and their effects .

It is therefore normal to confuse them if one is not familiar with the details.

📌 Conclusion

Light therapy and photobiomodulation are two complementary techniques that use light for therapeutic purposes.

• One acts on the mind and the biological rhythm

• The other acts on the skin and cells

Both are non-invasive, natural and recognized for their benefits , but they meet different needs.

Understanding this nuance allows you to better choose the treatments that suit you, depending on your objectives: energy, mood, sleep, or beauty and regeneration.

✨ Want to try photobiomodulation at home?

Discover our LED Skin Harmony mask – First Edition , designed to offer you all the benefits of photobiomodulation, in a tailor-made ritual.
Access the Skin Harmony mask and reveal your skin's natural radiance.