7 Benefits of Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy, also commonly called photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy (LLLT), is a therapeutic treatment that may help improve acne, fine lines, wrinkles, alopecia, and other skin and health conditions.1

Historically, red light was first used in the late 19th century for the treatment of smallpox scarring. However, the exact mechanisms of red light therapy were not well-understood until recently. A growing body of research shows promising evidence of red light’s clinical potential to help multiple conditions.234

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level wavelengths of red or near-infrared (NIR) light on the body or large areas of the body. During treatment, photons, or single units of light, are absorbed by photosensitive molecules in a part of your skin cells.5 In red light treatments, this can lead to reduced inflammation, increased tissue repair, and skin healing.6

What Are Possible Benefits of Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy is a promising therapeutic treatment with many possible benefits from improving the appearance of skin to wound healing. However, as the use and study of red light therapy is fairly recent, more research is needed on its potential clinical benefits.1

Reduces Muscle Pain and Inflammation

In a review of studies on red light therapy and its effect on muscle tissue, researchers found red light may be able to activate, heal, and regenerate damaged muscle tissue. The studies have shown red light can help enhance sports performance in athletes when it’s delivered to muscles either before exercise or after exercise.7

The review also showed red light therapy may help increase the level of muscle mass gained after training, as well as decrease inflammation and oxidative stress in muscle biopsies.

Within the study review, there are a number of limitations to note: studies were selected and analyzed from one scientific medical database, and the researchers conducting the review did not perform a comparative analysis. However, the findings are very promising and warrant further study.7

Rejuvenates Skin

Red light therapy may improve the appearance and texture of skin.

In a study involving 136 people, red light therapy visibly reduced fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and increased collagen density. Researchers determined red light therapy provides safe treatment of skin tissue with high patient satisfaction rates. It’s important to note the trial was funded by a light treatment manufacturer so further study is needed.5

Another study found evidence supporting red light therapy’s safe and effective use on skin. Red light therapy triggers specific cell-signaling pathways that lead to heightened cell repair, especially in hypoxic (low levels of oxygen) or stressed skin cells. As the cells repair themselves, this could improve the overall appearance of your skin.4

Improves Acne

Studies show red light therapy may be able to treat acne.1 When applied to the skin, red light therapy reduces inflammation and increases turnover of keratinocytes, the most common type of skin cell that makes up the structure of our top layer of skin.8

There have also been promising studies on the treatment of mild-to-moderate acne with a combination of red light and blue light. However, more research is needed on the long-term effects of red light on acne and the use of red light for severe acne.1

May Reduce Body Fat In Some Areas

Laser-based, red light therapy devices are often used for body contouring treatments that aim to reduce body fat deposits in the arms, buttocks, thighs and abdomen.

However, clinical results are mixed, with some studies showing significant results and other studies showing no significant differences. Additionally, some studies had industry funding or flaws in methodology, so more evidence is needed to confirm this benefit.1

Improves Symptoms of Androgenic Alopecia

People with androgenic alopecia (a common form of hormone-related hair loss) may also experience significant benefits from red light therapy.91

A meta-analysis of 11 studies involving 667 people found red light therapy improved hair density and thickness with minimal side effects. Applying treatment for under one hour per week was most effective. Most of the examined studies used red light at wavelengths of 630-660 nanometers (nm), however some studies used dual-wavelength devices.1

Further study is needed, as nine out of the 11 randomized controlled trials were manufacturer-funded, and in seven out of the 11 trials, one or more of the study authors had a direct commercial interest in the device tested. The one study that stated no conflicts of interest was the only one to report the participants’ self-assessment data yielded no clinically significant difference in the perception of change.1

Assists in Wound Healing

Many studies on red light therapy have examined its effects on wound healing.1 One review of four studies involving 131 people with diabetic foot ulcers found red light therapy demonstrated positive therapeutic outcomes with no major side effects. This suggests red light therapy has the potential to effectively treat diabetic foot ulcers and other wounds.10

May Treat Traumatic Brain Injury and Other Brain Disorders

Red light therapy has been studied as a treatment for traumatic brain injury and other brain disorders. One study found participants with chronic, mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) reported improved sleep and fewer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after scalp application of red and near-infrared light.11

Naeser MA, Zafonte R, Krengel MH, et al. Significant improvements in cognitive performance post-transcranial, red/near-infrared light-emitting diode treatments in chronic, mild traumatic brain injury: Open-protocol study. J Neurotrauma. 2014;31(11):1008-1017. doi:10.1089/neu.2013.3244

The participants also reported improved ability to perform social, interpersonal, and occupational functions.11

Another study showed red light therapy applied to the head can improve symptoms from traumatic events (stroke, traumatic brain injury, and global ischemia), degenerative diseases (dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s), and psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder). There is also a possibility this type of therapy can improve cognitive function in individuals not suffering from any of these conditions or diseases.12

What Are The Negative Effects of Red Light Therapy?

While modern red light therapy has many positive benefits and is virtually free of side effects when used properly, there are some potential risks. These include:1314

Mild or prolonged redness of the skin

Dry skin

Itchy skin

Skin crusting

Blistering or peeling

Hyperpigmentation

When red light therapy is used at the correct dosage (wavelength) for a particular treatment and is administered by a board-certified dermatologist, skin-related side effects are extremely rare.15

How to Get Red Light Therapy

Although red light therapy is considered a safe treatment, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider or a board-certified dermatologist before starting treatment.

The frequency and wavelength of red light therapy treatments vary depending on the area being treated.

Your healthcare provider or dermatologist will be able to advise on the treatment frequency and appropriate wavelength of light to help treat a specific condition.16

Red light therapy is also available via at-home devices that can be used for a small amount of time daily. However, not all devices have clinical studies to back up their claims. Also, these at-home devices are less powerful than an in-office treatment.17

If you are curious about using an at-home red light therapy device, make sure it is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and speak with a medical professional before using it to determine if the device is right for you.17

A Quick Review

Red light therapy is an effective therapeutic treatment that has many potential benefits. Recent clinical data suggests red light therapy may help treat muscle pain, inflammation, and acne among other benefits.

While new research is promising and shows red light therapy is a safe and effective treatment, many studies have conflicts of interest or other limitations. More research will be needed to determine long-term impacts of red light therapy on health.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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