Red light therapy (RLT) is an emerging treatment that’s showing promise in treating wrinkles, redness, acne, scars and other signs of aging. Many researchers say more clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness as a treatment. If you’re interested in red light therapy, ask your healthcare provider if this is an option for your skin issue. Red light therapy is a treatment that uses low levels of red light to improve the appearance of your skin, such as reducing wrinkles, scars, redness, and acne.
Red light therapy is thought to work by acting on the “power plant” in your body’s cells called mitochondria. With more energy, other cells can do their work more efficiently, doing things like repairing skin, boosting new cell growth and enhancing skin rejuvenation. Increase fibroblast production, which makes collagen. Collagen is a component of connective tissue that builds skin. Increase blood circulation to the tissue. Reduce inflammation in cells. Red light therapy is promoted as a treatment for some common skin conditions, including to: Improve wound healing. Reduce stretch marks. Reduce wrinkles, fine lines and age spots. Improve facial texture. Improve psoriasis, rosacea and eczema. Improve scars. Improve sun-damaged skin. Improve hair growth in people with androgenic alopecia. Improve acne.
Skin experts say that red light therapy can promote cellular regeneration and collagen production. The beauty trend that uses near-infrared light waves has surged in popularity – but can you achieve results at home? If you are interested in beauty trends and self-care, you’ve probably encountered red light therapy (RLT). Formally known as photobiomodulation, doctors first discovered that red and near-infrared light wavelengths sped hair regrowth in the late sixties. Later studies found it boosted wound healing. Since then, it has gradually entered the esthetics field, initially gaining traction as an in-office tool for post-operative recovery in plastic surgery patients.
By the mid 2010s, Red light therapy device emerged for use at home. These have surged in popularity as a non-invasive way to purportedly smooth wrinkles, heal acne and scars, improve skin tone and boost hair growth. The cost and style of RLT devices vary. one projection suggests it will reach $620m by 2031. Despite the recent ubiquity of red light products, it “is an emerging therapeutic area” and there is relatively limited research into the longterm effects of at-home devices compared to more powerful in-office light therapy.
“There is no doubt that red light can be very, very beneficial to skin,” Nazarian said. She said there are “a lot of studies on red light” but that additional, more standardized studies are still needed. “What it’s actually doing is stimulating the cells to create new energy. And what does our body do with energy? It cleans. So it gives you more collagen, decreases the depth of your wrinkles, can decrease the size of your pores,” she said. But she says red light therapy won’t replace everything in a dermatologist’s anti-aging skin care arsenal. “This is not going to mean you don’t do your Botox Cosmetic, your fillers, your lasers — that’s separate, those are done in the doctor’s office, but these red lights are really fantastic because you have the power to do them at home and safely for most people,” she said.
Red light therapy is a promising and emerging treatment option for rejuvenating skin and treating conditions such as acne, psoriasis, hyperpigmentation, and even hair loss. It’s generally considered to be safe with minimal side effects, and can also be safely practiced at home, in addition to standard in-office treatments. However, if you have severe acne, skin disease, or hair loss, you should always consult a healthcare professional.
As a result of this potential side effect, Dr. Kung suggests that people should remain aware of how long and how often they are using red light therapy, especially those with darker skin tones. LED red lights vary greatly in terms of strength and quality, making it difficult to give a blanket recommendation on frequency and duration of use. Generally, each device will provide safety guidelines based on the dose and power of the LED red light. Those looking to get the most benefit from red light therapy should first consider experiencing it in a clinical setting. Most studies are based on in-office medical-grade devices for which energy output and duration of therapy can be accounted. However, trying red light therapy at home—which might come in the form of a mask, lamp, or wand—may also be safe and effective. “They’re not dramatic treatments, but they’re safe and easy to use at home and gradually improve skin quality, so many people find it more convenient than going to a dermatologist’s office.”
Preliminary scientific results look very promising, though. Here are some of the conditions that are showing potential for treatment with red light therapy. Using light to affect positive skin changes is not a new concept. In fact, dermatologists have employed various light wavelengths in treatments for over 50 years. With this in mind, one of the most commonly cited benefits of red light therapy is improvements to the skin. “It has been used to address signs of aging and skin damage, such as fine lines, wrinkles and age spots by stimulating collagen production,” says Dr. Kelley. Perhaps the most notable benefit of red light therapy is the improved quality and texture of the skin.
A 2020 study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that light emitting diode (LED) phototherapy may be effective when it comes to treating aging skin, with red light therapy showing promise for positive skin rejuvenation effects by boosting fibroblasts—which make collagen and, in turn, gives skin its structure, strength and elasticity. There is an emerging body of research that shows the potential of red light therapy to help improve skin health and treat certain skin conditions, including a small 2014 study that showed that light therapy led to improved skin complexion and feeling, reduction of skin roughness and wrinkles, and increased collagen density. However, more extensive research needs to be conducted. “Although there are some studies regarding their benefit, they are not abundant, and we are not entirely sure how they work.
One thing that’s important to note about the effectiveness of red light therapy is that it may take consistency and time to notice results. Even then, Bontanny says that you should have realistic expectations. “People should know that results you usually see with these treatments are mild,” she says. “They aren’t a game changer when it comes to fine lines, wrinkles, hair loss, etc.” If you are looking to purchase a red light therapy device to use at home, Bontanny recommends looking for ones that are from a reliable company and are labeled as “FDA approved.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly is red light therapy?
Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level red or near-infrared light to stimulate cellular processes in the skin. It’s often delivered through devices like masks, wands, or panels, targeting issues like wrinkles, acne, and inflammation by boosting energy production in cells.
2. How long does it take to see results from red light therapy?
It varies! Some people notice subtle changes after a few sessions, but consistent use—often 3-5 times a week for 10-20 minutes—over 1-3 months is typically needed for visible improvements in skin texture, wrinkles, or tone. Patience is key, as results are gradual.
3. Can I use red light therapy every day?
Yes, for most at-home devices, daily use is safe if you follow the instructions. However, overdoing it (like sessions longer than recommended) might irritate your skin. Clinical treatments might suggest less frequent use due to their higher intensity.
4. Is red light therapy safe for all skin types?
Generally, yes—it’s considered safe for all skin tones and types since it doesn’t use UV light. That said, those with very sensitive skin or specific conditions (like severe acne or photosensitivity) should check with a doctor first to avoid rare irritation.
5. Does red light therapy replace other skincare treatments?
Not really. It’s a great add-on for boosting collagen or calming inflammation, but it won’t deliver the dramatic effects of Botox, fillers, or lasers. Think of it as a supportive tool rather than a total replacement for a full skincare routine.
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