Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy (RLT) is a therapeutic technique that uses low level wavelengths of red light to help treat skin conditions, such as wrinkles and psoriasis. Though the treatment seems promising, more research is needed.

Red light therapy (RLT) is a type of phototherapy that may help:

-Treat skin issues, like stretch marks and wrinkles

-Treat skin conditions, such as psoriasis, scars, and acne

-Reduce inflammation or edema

-Repair muscle tissues

-Promote healthy aging

RLT is commonly referred to as photobiomodulation. It was accidentally discoveredTrusted Source by Endre Mester in 1967 at the Semmelweis Medical University in Budapest, Hungary. He noticed that laser light helped promote hair growth and wound healing in rats.

In the 1990s, light-emitting diode (LED) technology was used by scientists to help grow potatoes in space. The intense red LEDs helped promote photosynthesis. Supposedly, it also helped wounds on the scientists’ hands heal faster.

Red light was then studied for its potential medicinal application during space travel. Researchers hoped it would help treat the muscle atrophy, slow wound healing, and bone density issues caused by weightlessness in space.

Although RLT is gaining traction as a dermatological treatment for certain conditions, more clinical research is needed to fully support its claimed benefits.

Benefits

According to a 2018 review of researchTrusted Source, many studies suggest promising results for the use of RLT, but it’s still controversial. Additional clinical research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

That said, studies from the past 20 years suggest that RLT may help:

-Promote wound healing and tissue repair

-Reduce some cancer treatment side effectsTrusted Source, such as oral mucositis, radiation dermatitis, and lymphedema

-Improve hair growth in people with androgenic alopecia

-Treat carpal tunnel syndrome in the short term

-Reduce myopia progression

-Reduce psoriasisTrusted Source lesions and burn scars

-Reduce neuropathicTrusted Source pain

-Improve neural function and protectionTrusted Source to improve cognition and memory for people with Alzheimer’s disease

-Improve skin complexion and build collagenTrusted Source to diminish wrinkles

-Relieve pain and inflammationTrusted Source in people with pain in the Achilles tendons

RLT may also be used with photosensitizing medications to help treat certain types of cancers. This is referred to as photodynamic therapy. In this type of therapy, the light only serves as an activating agent for the medication.

Frequently asked questions

How does red light therapy supposedly work?

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. More specifically, certain cells absorb light wavelengths and are stimulated to work.

Red light therapy may work in skin health to:

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.

Who should not use red light therapy?

People with cancer or a history of cancer may decide to avoid red light therapy. A 2019 studyTrusted Source suggests that red light therapy may potentially make cancer cells more aggressive. However, more research is still needed and there are also possible benefits.

What are the cons of red light therapy?

Red light therapy can result in burns or blisters from using the device for longer than 30 minutes or due to damage to the device or its parts.

Researchers have not yet come to a consensus on the safety and efficacy of red light therapy for cancer treatment.

If you’re interested in RLT treatment, it’s best to first discuss this with a healthcare provider or dermatologist. Your skin professional will examine your skin first and then confirm a diagnosis. Then, you’ll work together to discuss treatment options that’ll achieve your desired result. Options may or may not include red light therapy. Never hesitate to ask your healthcare provider about treatment options — including if you have an interest in a particular therapy, if it’s appropriate to use for your skin condition and if it’s safe and effective.