The healing benefits of the treatment were first noted in the late 1980s, the hypothesis furthered, somewhat accidentally, by NASA. (NASA scientists who worked under the red and blue LEDs used to mimic photosynthesis for potato growth noted that wound healing, namely that of cuts and scrapes on their hands, seemed to be occurring more quickly.)
Now, red light therapy is a commonplace treatment in medi spas and living rooms alike. “LED (“light emitting diode”) therapy is used in-office with other complementary treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, or laser treatments,” says Bowe. “It’s a noninvasive treatment that shouldn’t involve any heat.”
What Are the Benefits of Red Light Therapy?
As noted by Murphy-Rose, regular use of red light therapy reduces inflammation and ramp up both collagen production and collagen density, leading to improved skin texture and reduced wrinkles over time. The treatment has also been used to treat pattern hair loss and alopecia and to reduce body fat.
“Red light therapy is thought to promote collagen synthesis in the dermal layer of the skin and help to dial down inflammation in the skin,” says Bowe. “The light interacts with the skin to stimulate regeneration, healing, and repair of skin cells and supports our healthy collagen production and skin elasticity.” These benefits can be applied to scarring, fine lines, and acne, too, though the latter is commonly treated with blue light.
“In clinic, benefits range across skin rejuvenation (collagen production, fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation) right through to healing (using near-infrared light),” says Laurence Newman, Founder and CEO of CurrentBody. The dialing down of inflammation has more benefits than simply reducing redness: When used on certain areas of the body, phototherapy (aka light therapy) may help to reduce pain and soreness and even heal deeper tissues.
How Often Should You Use Red Light Therapy?
Frequency and duration of red light exposure are dependent on the “what” and “where” of your red light therapy device. “In-office red light devices are significantly more powerful than the devices you can get at home, and the at-home devices that are FDA-cleared are safer and more effective than the ones that are not FDA-cleared,” says Bowe. “When we are referring to at-home devices, I recommend patients stick with regular use (daily or 3-4x/week) for at least 6 weeks to give the device a chance to work.” Bowe goes on to note that skin-firming results can require up to three months of a regular red light routine.
How Quickly Will You See Results from Red Light Therapy?
While benefits like improved signs of photoaging and collagen boosting may take a few months, red light can calm inflammation in a single 10-minute session—the dermatologist-recommended span of exposure.
Are There Any Risks With Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is generally considered a safe and effective method for all skin types, but there are a few common sense caveats. Step one: close your eyes.
