An LED-based lighting system is operated with a time-based process. The LEDs are first turned on by energizing the system at full power. After a predetermined time period, which is selected so that the junction temperature of the LEDs does not reach a critical temperature, the current supply is ramped down to a steady-state supply. The steady-state current is maintained as long as the light is turned on. When the light is turned on the next time and the LEDs have not cooled down all the way, as determined by the time that has expired since the LEDs were last lit, the full-power time period is shortened accordingly.