Red Light Therapy for Skin Health (11 Powerful Uses)

Here are the potential benefits of using red light therapy for skin issues. The strongest evidence is skin rejuvenation (sagging and wrinkles) and acne reduction. 

1 – Acne

Here’s how red light therapy helps acne:

Blue, red, and infrared light penetrate deep into the skin. They stimulate mitochondria in cells to produce more energy. This extra energy helps cells regenerate and signal chronic inflammation to stop. The result is less redness and swelling around pimples[2].

The best red light therapy for acne uses blue light, which is strong enough to kill acne-causing bacteria. It stimulates porphyrins inside bacteria. These excited porphyrins create oxygen that destroys the bacteria from within[1].

The red and infrared penetrate deeper into the skin. They reduce oil production, prevent clogged pores, and boost collagen production, which helps heal acne scars[3].

Studies back up these effects. One study found that combining blue and red light reduced acne by over 80% after 12 weeks of treatment[4]. This approach doesn’t have the side effects associated with many topical or oral acne medications[5].

Acne benefits of red light therapy:

• Reduces the quantity of whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts
• Reduces the severity of acne eruptions
• Reduces hair follicle clogging
• Reduces or eliminates P. acnes bacteria
• Reduces the quantity of sebum oil
• Evens the skin tone
• Reduces redness
• Reduces inflammation
• Provides SPF-15 UV protection
• Increases collagen and elastin production
• Increases nourishing blood flow

References

1. Choi, 2010
2. Szymanska, 2011
3. Diogo, 2021
4. Antoniou, 2016
5. Arruda, 2009

2 – Age Spots (Lentigines/Liver Spots)

Age spots (lentigines or liver spots) are small, flat, brown patches of skin that usually appear in sun-exposed areas on the hands, arms, face, and neck. They can also result from glycation, the binding of sugar and protein, which shows on the skin as brown spots. They are more common in people over age 50.

Red light therapy promotes cell turnover, resulting in healthy, lighter skin. It stimulates collagen production, smoothing skin texture and making age spots less noticeable. Red light therapy for skin is an alternative to chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

3 – Aging and Wrinkles

Red light therapy reduces wrinkles through several biological mechanisms:

Red and near-infrared light penetrates the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. A 2023 study found that red light at 660 nm wavelength reduced total wrinkle volume by 31.6% after just four weeks of treatment[1].

The light activates fibroblasts, which support healthy tissue growth. It also increases cell turnover, producing fresh, plump skin cells. A 2020 study showed red light therapy increased skin elasticity, moisture, and texture while significantly reducing wrinkles after eight weeks[2].

Red light therapy downregulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that break down collagen. A 2016 study found that 595 nm and 630 nm light decreased MMP-1, leading to increased collagen production with effects lasting at least 21 days[3].

It also provides additional benefits like reducing inflammation, creating a more even skin tone, and increasing blood flow to nourish the skin. A 2020 study on crow’s feet wrinkles found red light therapy produced a 9% decrease in wrinkles and a 9% “lifting effect” on the skin[4].

Unlike other wrinkle treatments, red light therapy achieves these effects without damaging the skin or causing side effects. It’s a safe, non-invasive option for reducing wrinkles and improving overall skin health and appearance.

References

1. Mota, 2023
2. Ng, 2020
3. Kim, 2016
4. Guermonprez, 2020

4 – Bruising

Red light therapy may help speed up the healing of bruises by increasing circulation and reducing inflammation. Using the same wavelengths that reduce wrinkles and sagging, the increased blood flow can help clear away the pooled blood that causes a bruise’s discoloration. The anti-inflammatory effects of red light can help reduce swelling and pain associated with bruising.

While it won’t immediately eliminate a bruise, regular red light therapy sessions can significantly shorten the lifespan of bruises and reduce their severity.

In a study by Calderhead et al., a patient had a large bruise on their leg two weeks after hip surgery. After just three sessions of red light therapy, the bruise was much better after only one week [1]. Red light therapy works by increasing blood flow and helping the body break down the trapped blood that causes bruising. It does this by:

• Increasing a substance called prostacyclin, which stops blood cells from clumping together
• Breaking down the fibrin mesh that traps blood cells in the bruised area
• Boosting blood flow to the area
• Increasing the activity of cells called macrophages that clean up damaged tissue

In another study by Wells et al., researchers tested red and blue light therapy on people with bruises from sports injuries[2]. They found that:

• People who got the real light therapy had stronger leg muscles during recovery compared to those who got the fake treatment
• By the fourth day, the light therapy group’s leg strength was 8.9% higher than before they were injured
• The light therapy also improved muscle power by 16.8% compared to before the injury

References

1. Wells, 2023
2. Calderhead, 2015

5 – Cellulite

While cellulite is primarily a structural issue beneath the skin, red light therapy may help improve its appearance using anti-aging wavelengths. The therapy can increase circulation and stimulate collagen production, which may help strengthen the skin and make cellulite less noticeable. Some studies suggest that red light therapy, especially when combined with massage or exercise, can reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Red light therapy can help improve the appearance of cellulite. Here’s what studies have found:

In a study by Jackson et al., researchers tested green light therapy on people with cellulite on their thighs and buttocks[1]. They found that:

55.88% of people who got the real light therapy had a decrease of one or more stages on the cellulite grading scale, compared to only 8.82% in the fake treatment group Some people even saw 2-stage improvements in their cellulite 62.1% of people were satisfied with the improvement in their cellulite after the light therapy

Red light therapy seems to work on cellulite by:

• Promoting collagen synthesis, which can help tighten the skin
• Reducing inflammation in the skin
• Increasing blood flow to the area

In another study by Sasaki, researchers combined red light therapy with a special anti-cellulite gel[2]. They found:

• Skin elasticity increased after the combined therapy
• The treated areas were downgraded to a lower cellulite grade
• Patients were satisfied with the results
• There were no side effects from the treatment

Other studies have shown that red light therapy can help with cellulite by:

• Stimulating the body’s natural processes for breaking down fat
• Improving the overall appearance and texture of the skin
• Helping to reduce the “orange peel” look associated with cellulite

These studies show that red light therapy can be a helpful tool for improving the appearance of cellulite. It boosts collagen production, improves skin elasticity, and enhances the body’s natural fat-reduction processes.

References

1. Jackson, 2013
2. Sasaki, 2023
3. Alizadeh, 2023

6 – Dermatitis

Red light therapy can help improve dermatitis, including radiation-induced and atopic dermatitis in dogs. Here’s what dermatitis studies have found using the same wavelengths that reduce acne:

For atopic dermatitis in dogs[2]:

• While overall microbiome composition and diversity were not significantly affected, photobiomodulation therapy appeared to reduce the abundance of certain bacterial species, particularly Staphylococcus.
• Staphylococcus is a major pathogenic strain in canine atopic dermatitis, so reducing its presence could be beneficial.

Mechanisms of action[3]:

• Red light therapy stimulates cellular energy production in mitochondria, promotes healing, and reduces inflammation.
• It may help normalize the skin microbiome, often disrupted in dermatitis.
• Radiation dermatitis can help control erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) and promote tissue repair.

Other findings[2,3]:

• Photobiomodulation was safe, with no reported adverse effects in the studies.
• The effects were seen with various wavelengths, including 630 nm red light and 830 nm near-infrared light.
• Some studies combined photobiomodulation with other treatments, like topical agents, for enhanced effects.

These studies suggest that red light therapy can be a helpful tool for improving various types of dermatitis by reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and potentially modulating the skin microbiome. However, more research is still needed to fully understand its effects and determine optimal treatment protocols.

References

1. Declara, 2024
2. Behroozian, 2023

7 – Dryness

Red light therapy can stimulate the production of natural moisturizing factors in the skin using the same wavelengths that battle signs of aging. Having said that, there’s not too much science testing the claim that it helps with dryness.

It improves cellular function and increases circulation, bringing nutrients and oxygen to cells. It helps with skin barrier health, which should contribute to less dryness. The fact of it is still theoretical at this point. If you find it helps, drop me a line and let me know!

References

• Wei, 2023

How to Choose the Device for Your Skin

The best skin devices are face masks, panels, and handhelds.

The best, specifically for the face, are panels and face masks.

If you use a face mask, you might consider getting a neck attachment for sagging neck skin or sun-damaged chest skin. A tabletop panel is large enough to reach the face and neck simultaneously.

Face Masks

Face masks often come with neck attachments for sagging skin in the neck area. The advantage of a red light mask is targeted coverage. You know you’re aiming the light at the face (and neck) because the device sits right on the face.

A disadvantage is that wearing any device on the face is kind of awkward. Plastic doesn’t feel good and can pinch (get a silicone mask if you go this route). It’s also challenging to use a mask elsewhere on the body. Learn how to shop for a face mask, or check my review of my favorite mask for aging, pimples, and eczema/psoriasis (an all-in-one device).

Panels

Tabletops and panels, on the other hand, are as easy to aim at the face as the foot, so they’re more versatile. You place the device 6-12 inches away for the fastest therapy sessions. The advantage of a tabletop or panel is that you can use it for muscle and pain relief as well as for skincare on the back or butt. The downside is that tabletops are bulky, and panels take up lots of space. See my reviews for the best tabletop for the aging face and for pimples, eczema, and psoriasis.

Handhelds

Handhelds take up almost no space and are the best for traveling, too. The advantage of a handheld is its portability and how targeted you can get by aiming it at problem areas. The disadvantage of handhelds is that you can’t use them “hands-free” the way you can with a face mask and tabletop/panel. If the device is small, you might need to do separate areas of the face at a time. See my reviews of the LightpathLED Mini, which works equally well on pimples and aging skin.

Which Wavelengths Are Best for Skin Health?

Infrared wavelengths reach deeper into the skin than red, and the combination covers several layers of skin cells. Both reduce inflammation, promote skin cell turnover, and help with every skin benefit listed in this article.

Yellow and green lights are soothing, reduce redness, and promote a healthy glow. Blue light reduces the symptoms of acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Red Light

Red light is used for wrinkles, pigmentation, sagging, sun spots, scars, stretch marks, and cellulite.

Infrared Light

Infrared light penetrates deeper than red light and treats wrinkles, pigmentation, sagging, sun spots, scars, stretch marks, and cellulite.

Amber (Yellow) Light

Amber is between red and green, and the yellow band of light dominates. The yellow and amber wavelengths help calm inflammation and redness. They are useful for rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, acne, and pigmentation.

Green Light

Green light is soothing to the skin and brain. A wavelength of green light is FDA-approved to calm migraine headaches. Green softens the skin and reduces redness. It is useful for rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, acne, and pigmentation.

Blue Light

Blue light is energetic as it borders on the ultraviolet spectrum. Blue is not energetic enough to be dangerous but powerful enough to kill acne-related bacteria. Blue is useful for treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and other dermatitis.

What is Red Light Therapy for the Skin?

Hundreds of studies show how effective red light therapy is in reducing acne symptoms.

Red light therapy was discovered in 1967 and goes by many names, including:

• LED Light Therapy
• Photobiomodulation Therapy
• Low-Level Laser Therapy
• Low-Level Light Therapy

It’s much more than using red light for skin health. The “red” in “red light therapy” is a shortcut term for “all visible light and infrared (which is invisible).”

Red light therapy uses the visible spectrum (blue, green, yellow, orange, and red) and infrared light to stimulate mitochondria and healing processes. It’s only fair also to call it:

• blue light therapy
• green light therapy
• yellow or amber light therapy
• orange light therapy
• infrared light therapy

How Does Red Light Therapy Improve Skin?

• The science behind red light penetration and skin cell absorption
• Cellular mechanisms: How red light stimulates collagen and elastin production
• The role of mitochondria in red light therapy’s effectiveness

Skin cells are sophisticated machines that host thousands of energy factories called mitochondria. The mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which I like to call “biological batteries.”

The mitochondria are the energy factories, and the ATP are the batteries they produce. The healthier your mitochondria, the more energy factories you have and the more batteries you make. Red light therapy supports mitochondria in making ATP. The result is more energy for repair and healthier functionality.

Imagine your skin cells as tiny, sophisticated machines. When exposed to red light, these cellular machines spring into action, much like solar panels converting sunlight into energy. This light energy boost can kick-start processes like collagen production and reduce inflammation, potentially leading to healthier skin.

How Do You Integrate Red Light Therapy Into Your Skin Care Regimen?

To integrate red light therapy into your skincare routine:

1. Wash and pat dry your treatment area.
2. Use your red light therapy device on your skin.
3. Apply the rest of your products.

You can combine red light therapy with other options, such as retinol. Like chemical peels, retinol is not suitable for sensitive skin.

What Are the Side Effects of LED Light Therapy for the Skin?

Common Questions (And Answers)

How Long Does It Take To See Red Light Therapy Work?

I can give you some time ranges for when you will see improvements in your skin from red light therapy. Your mileage may vary based on your device. Use your device according to the instructions for the best results. Don’t try to wing it because doing therapy for too little or too much time will waste your time.

You should see signs of improvement for lines, rejuvenation, and combatting signs of aging in 2-4 weeks. Regular red light therapy replaces folds and lines with new cells and proteins while elastin tightens sagging skin. Here’s what to expect:

• Initial improvements: 2-4 weeks
• Significant results: 8-12 weeks
• Optimal results: 3-6 months

Target pimples with blue and red LED light therapy with a possible addition of near-infrared. Blue targets blemish-causing bacteria, while red and near-infrared help reduce pimples, bumps, and oil symptoms. You should see progress in a couple of weeks:

• Reduced inflammation: 1-2 weeks
• Noticeable improvement: 4-6 weeks
• Significant reduction: 2-3 months

Use near-infrared, red, and blue LED light therapy for psoriasis and eczema. Near-infrared has the deepest penetration; red and infrared help with inflammation, and blue helps with the symptoms of psoriasis and eczema. You should see improvements as follows:

• Initial relief: 1-2 weeks
• Visible improvement: 4-8 weeks
• Significant reduction in symptoms: 2-3 months

Is Professional Treatment the Same as At-Home Red Light Therapy?

Dermatologists and estheticians use red light therapy for improved skin health. Their red light therapy devices use the same wavelengths of light used at home. The difference is the quality and power of those devices. Professional treatment devices tend to have a higher build quality and stronger output. This is not to say you cannot get strong therapy for home use. You can, but it will cost more than the average device aimed at the consumer market.

The effects of red light therapy at a professional office are the same as those you gain at home, with one exception. The more powerful lights produce faster results. For example, a home red/blue light therapy mask for acne will start working immediately, but you might not see visible results for a few weeks.

The same wavelengths delivered more strongly will likely produce visible results in a few days. At the end of 8 weeks, there would be little difference between the professional and at-home results.