LED light therapy
The science behind the beauty.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT) uses low-level red light to improve skin appearance, reducing wrinkles, scars, redness, and acne. It’s also studied for other medical uses. While some research shows promise, its full effectiveness is still being determined. It’s also known by other names, including:
✔ Low-level laser light therapy.
✔ Low-power laser therapy.
✔ Non-thermal LED light.
✔ Soft laser therapy.
✔ Cold laser therapy.
✔ Biostimulation, photonic stimulation.
✔ Photobiomodulation and phototherapy.
How does red light therapy supposedly work?
Red light therapy targets mitochondria, boosting cell energy for better skin repair, new cell growth, and rejuvenation. It may help with:
✔ Stimulate collagen production, which gives skin its structure, strength and elasticity.
✔ 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.
For what skin conditions is red light therapy being tried?
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.
Collections
What do the experts say about it ?
Skin Rejuvenation
Dr. Jennifer Sawaya
Dr. Jennifer Sawaya, a dermatologist, notes that RLT can rejuvenate the skin by promoting collagen production, which may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles
hair loss
Dr. Christina Han
Dr. Christina Han sees red light therapy (RLT) as a promising adjunct for hair loss but recommends prioritizing pharmaceutical treatments like minoxidil and finasteride due to stronger evidence. She advises 2-3 sessions per week (10-25 min) and warns of potential side effects like redness, skin pain, and eye risks with improper use.
hair loss
Dr. Pimstone
Dr. Pimstone views red light therapy as a potentially beneficial component of a broader hair loss treatment strategy, particularly when combined with other interventions and under professional guidance.
Wound Healing
Medical News Today
Medical News Today reports that RLT may improve acne, speed up wound healing, and reduce inflammation.
Acne treatment
THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY
The American Academy of Dermatology indicates that red light is a popular treatment for skin concerns, especially signs of aging like wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin.