What can red light therapy mean for my skin?
Fine lines, an uneven skin surface or skin that looks less firm are skin features that many people would like to do something about.
To understand what red light therapy can mean for your skin, it helps to first know what skin texture involves, the role collagen, elastin and fibroblasts play, and how these concepts relate to visible skin ageing.
What is skin texture?
Skin texture is about the smoothness and evenness of the skin's surface. Small irregularities and roughness make the texture less even.
Research on red and near-infrared light shows improvements in skin roughness and fine lines.[1][2]
Red light therapy may therefore contribute to a smoother and more even skin surface.
What role do collagen, elastin and fibroblasts play in the skin?
- Collagen helps give the skin structure and firmness.
- Elastin contributes to suppleness and elasticity.
- Fibroblasts are skin cells involved in producing collagen and elastin.
During red light therapy, light is delivered to the skin. The skin can respond to this light; this process is called photobiomodulation.[2]
Photobiomodulation can stimulate the fibroblasts in the skin — the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin.
In research on red and near-infrared light, an increase in collagen density was measured.[1]
Red light therapy may therefore contribute to skin that appears firmer.
What can red light therapy mean for visible skin ageing?
In anti-ageing, the focus is on visible signs of skin ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles and skin that looks less firm.
Research on red and near-infrared light measured improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness and collagen density.[1]
Red light therapy may therefore contribute to less prominent fine lines and wrinkles, a smoother skin surface and skin that appears firmer.
What can you realistically expect?
Many people start red light therapy when they notice visible signs of skin ageing. Others include red light therapy in their skincare earlier, before such changes are clearly visible.
In both cases it is not possible to say in advance whether or how much difference you will see. Results vary per person, device and manner of use.
Always follow the accompanying instructions for use.
[1] Wunsch, A. & Matuschka, K. (2014). 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. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 32(2), 93–100. DOI: 10.1089/pho.2013.3616.
[2] Jagdeo, J., Austin, E., Mamalis, A., Wong, C., Ho, D. & Siegel, D. M. (2018). Light-emitting diodes in dermatology: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 50(6), 613–628. DOI: 10.1002/lsm.22791.