As someone who still deals with acne despite standing on the verge of my 30s, I’m all ears whenever I hear about new skincare products that claim to have both anti-aging and anti-acne properties. Think of retinoids and AHAs — the active ingredients I am a little (okay, a lot) obsessed with.
Now, enter red light therapy: a non-invasive option gaining popularity with impressive before-and-after photos flooding the internet. Naturally, I had to learn more.
After digging deeper into red light therapy for skin health, I quickly realized there’s a lack of reliable, well-structured guides online to help beginners navigate this treatment. Frustrated by the scattered information, I decided to compile everything I learned into one place. Moreover, I consulted our in-house research team to ensure that the advice shared here is not only practical but also evidence-based.
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Emerging research data suggests that red light therapy may reduce fine lines, and improve skin texture and overall appearance by stimulating collagen production and other biological processes.
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As there are no official guidelines on using red light therapy for the face, your best bet is to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
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Red light therapy is considered to be relatively safe. If you are thinking of buying an at-home device, consider products that have been FDA-cleared.
What is red light therapy and how does it work?
Red light therapy is a technique that uses low-level red or near-infrared wavelengths of light.
The primary mechanism of action is thought to be related to mitochondria within the skin cells. As this light penetrates the skin, it is proposed to trigger a series of beneficial biological processes, including collagen production, that are linked to the potential benefits of red light therapy.
Benefits of red light therapy for the face
Emerging evidence suggests that red light therapy may have these benefits for skin health:
- Skin rejuvenation. Red light therapy may have anti-aging effects such as reducing fine lines and wrinkles. For instance, one clinical trial measuring the depth of crow's feet has found it to be improved after consistent RLT usage. The study also found a significant decrease in skin sagging and roughness, alongside an increase in firmness, elasticity, and density.
- Contribution to improved skin appearance. Other studies suggest that RLT is potentially beneficial for stimulating elastin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen production, which, in turn, may be linked to improved skin texture and overall appearance.
- Reduced acne. Studies also indicate red light therapy might potentially lessen acne. Keep in mind that most studies on acne used devices that utilize both red and blue light. As proposed, light therapy may help manage inflammation and skin irritation, one of the contributors to lesions.
- Support to wound healing. As red light therapy is proposed to improve circulation, it may also potentially improve wound healing. Not only it may speed up the process, but RLT usage may also offer some pain relief.
- Reduced skin pigmentation and melasma. As early research indicates, red light therapy may inhibit melanin synthesis, thus, reducing dark spots and melasma.
Apart from potential benefits for skin, red light therapy may also support hair growth, pain management, and post-workout recovery.
Keep in mind that the majority of studies on RLT are not considered to be of the highest quality, as some of them are small and not placebo-controlled. More research is needed to establish the effectiveness of the red light therapy.
Choosing the right red light therapy device for facial use
For this section of the article, I have asked Dominyka Sitavičiūtė, an in-house Wellnesspulse researcher with a BSc in Pharmacology and MSc in MedTech Innovation and Entrepreneurship, for her insights on selecting a red light device.
I recommend checking FDA clearance, as it signifies that the product meets safety standards. Some brands might say their product is FDA-approved but this would fall under false advertising. FDA does not approve at-home RLT devices, as they are typically classified as class II medical devices, requiring FDA certification but not approval.
Preparing for red light therapy
As of now, there are no official recommendations on how to use at-home RLT devices. However, following some basic steps can help you get the most out of your treatment.
Read the instructions carefully
Before using your device, make sure you have familiarized yourself with the instructions provided by the manufacturer. They should include recommended duration and frequency. Also look for cleaning instructions in the guide as well, as most devices might need to be cleaned after every use — especially those that come into direct contact with the face.
Cleanse your skin
Remove any makeup, dirt, or skincare products before the red light therapy session. Although some brands may promote their specialized serums or creams to use combined with red light therapy, there are no studies indicating that they enhance RLT effectiveness.
Consider using eye protection
Some masks come with protective goggles. Although red light therapy has not been deemed harmful to vision, it is best to avoid using RLT directly on the eyes. Some people might also find the light rather uncomfortable and disruptive to normal function.
Treatment duration and frequency
Although there is emerging research on red light therapy and its potential applications, no conclusive guidelines on recommended duration and frequency exist. That’s why it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific device, as different red light therapy devices may have different strengths.
Safety precautions and contraindications
Red light therapy devices do not emit harmful light such as ultraviolet (UV). For this reason, it is considered to be relatively safe. Moreover, current clinical data does not indicate any major adverse effects that are linked to red light therapy. However, due to a lack of long-term studies, it is uncertain how sustained use may impact skin health. It is also important to keep in mind that most commercially available devices have not been tested for their safety in clinical settings.
Improper use of your red light device may also cause burns or irritation. Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to stay within the recommended frequency and intensity.
Lastly, experts advise certain groups to avoid red light therapy due to a lack of studies. These groups include pregnant and lactating individuals, those with cancer, and people with or using drugs that may cause photosensitivity.
Combining red light therapy with other treatments
As of now, there are no guidelines on red light therapy combined with other treatments.
If you are unsure whether it is safe for you to use red light therapy, it is best to discuss the matter with your healthcare provider.
At-home vs. in-clinic red light therapy
You may have noticed that your local beauty clinic also offers red light therapy. This raises a natural question, what are the main differences?
In-clinic devices will most likely be stronger than those manufactured for at-home use. Moreover, at-home devices are usually made using LEDs, not lasers. For many indications, both lasers and LEDs could be beneficial — including reduction of fine lines and improvement in skin elasticity.
It is important to note, though, that clinical studies on some of the potential RLT benefits, including herpes simplex virus, have focused mainly on laser therapy. This means that if you are aiming to use RLT as an adjunct to the treatment of certain medical conditions, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider and pick the most suitable option.
| Laser light | LED light |
| More focused | More dispersed light |
| More expensive | Cheaper |
| Mainly reserved for in-clinic usage | Mainly reserved for at-home usage |
Tips for using red light therapy for specific skin concerns
As the research on red light therapy is still just emerging, there are no set-in-stone guidelines on what works best for specific skin concerns.
When we asked our in-house researcher Dominyka Sitavičiūtė to comment on this topic, she highlighted that only a few specific wavelengths are used in research for skin health benefits. She further specifies that 633 nm is widely used for facial health, while 830 nm is particularly noted in scientific publications for its potential to improve skin health from the near-infrared spectrum, which spans from 780 to 1400 nm.
Aftercare and maintenance
There are no clear indications of what products to use after red light therapy. For optimal results, follow the manufacturer's instructions if provided. Otherwise, you can continue with your regular skincare routine.
It is also encouraged to consult your dermatologist for further clarification, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Final thoughts
Red light therapy is a non-invasive technology used to potentially improve skin's appearance. It can be easily integrated into one's routine and should not pose any high risks if used correctly.
As of now, the research is still emerging with no guidelines available, meaning users should rely on the manufacturer's recommendations. While undergoing red light therapy, monitor your skin’s response closely and stop using the device if you experience any side effects.
For more personalized advice, especially if you are looking into red light therapy to address certain medical conditions, it is best to consult your healthcare provider.
FAQ
Is 10 minutes of red light therapy enough?
10 minutes may be enough. Some brands suggest that you can choose the approach that suits you better: either longer sessions (20 minutes) less frequently or shorter sessions (10 minutes) more often. Follow the manufacturer's advice for the best results.
Does red light therapy really help your face?
Red light therapy may be beneficial for some skin concerns such as aging and acne. Yet, commercially available red light therapy devices may not necessarily produce the same results as the devices analyzed in scientific publications.
How long does red light therapy take to see results?
It will depend on various factors, including the skin issues that you are aiming to target and how consistent you are. In general, the effects of red light therapy may vary between individuals.
7 resources
- Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase.
- Skin Research and Technology. Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation.
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Low-level red and infrared light increases expression of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in skin.
- Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. Light-emitting diodes in dermatology: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
- Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine. Noninvasive red and near-infrared wavelength-induced photobiomodulation: promoting impaired cutaneous wound healing.
- Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine. Inhibitory effect of 660-nm LED on melanin synthesis in in vitro and in vivo.
- Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine. Photobiomodulation for melasma treatment: integrative review and state of the art.
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