The Benefits of Red Light Therapy
What Does Red Light Therapy Help With?
Reduction of redness and inflammation
Uneven skin tone and dark spots
Skin texture, complexion and elasticity
Acne support
Skin rejuvenation and collagen stimulation
Improved wound healing
Rosacea management
Scar healing
Hair restoration support
Does Red Light Really Work?
Red light therapy — also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) — is becoming one of the most popular non-invasive treatments for skin. A recent comprehensive review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences explored how different types of therapeutic light may support skin health, wound healing, inflammation, and even hair growth.
Today we easily see a lot of skincare masks, hand held devices, panels and hair growth caps being used by wellness practitioners, friends, celebrities and influencers. Since the cost of devices can range from $50 to $3000 it brings up the question of —does it work and what are you paying for? According to the American Academy of Dermatology, red light therapy has a lot of promising effects for certain skin and hair concerns, however devices can vary.
Red light therapy appears to be a safe, promising tool for skin rejuvenation and hair support, but it works best as part of a larger treatment plan — not as a quick fix. The science is encouraging, especially for aging skin and hereditary hair loss, but researchers still need more long-term studies to fully understand its effectiveness and ideal use.
While red light therapy shows a lot of promise, it’s not a miracle treatment. Most studies show gradual, modest improvements rather than dramatic transformations. Consistency and mulitple treatments are important to achieve results.
How Does It Work?
Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses specific wavelengths of light, including red and near-infrared light, to stimulate cellular activity. Unlike lasers that intentionally damage tissue to trigger repair, PBM works gently by influencing the mitochondria —known as the “powerhouses” of the cell. This increases energy production, improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and encourages collagen production. Researchers believe this process helps increase cellular energy production, reduce oxidative stress, and improve tissue repair.
Red light treatments are non-invasive and painless, which is one of the reasons it is so popular and accessible. Unlike UV light, red light has not been shown to cause skin cancer.
Different wavelengths of light interact with the skin in different ways. PBM targets molecules in cells called chromophores, which absorb light energy and trigger biological responses. This can influence inflammation, cellular repair, and tissue regeneration.
PBM may also help regulate inflammatory pathways, which is why it is being studied for inflammatory skin conditions like acne and rosacea.
Are At-Home Devices Effective?
At-home red light masks, panels, and caps are everywhere right now, but device quality varies significantly.
Here are some recommendations:
Follow the device instructions
Wear eye protection
Skip hand held devices. Most of the time your skin is not exposed to the light long enough to have an effect and they are often not as strong as other types of devices.
Be careful with masks. They are too close to the eyes and people wear these devices without eye protection. We don’t know the long-term effect this has on the eyes.
Look for FDA approved devices —though they are not proven to be effective, they are proven to be safe
Talk to your doctor or dermatologist, especially if you have any skin conditions.
Those with light sensitivity should be careful using red light devices.
Red light therapy is emerging as a powerful tool in modern dermatology. From improving skin texture and supporting wound healing to reducing inflammation and encouraging hair growth, light-based therapies may offer a safe and gentle option for many people looking to support skin health naturally.
While it’s not a quick fix or miracle cure, the growing body of research suggests that red light therapy and other forms of PBM may become an increasingly important part of skincare and dermatologic treatment in the future.
Written by Dr. Emily Siy, DACM, L.Ac on 5/24/26 Posted on 6/1/26
Use the code FACIAL50 for $50 off a facial treatment
You might also be interested in reading: Benefits of Microneedling, Herbal Products for Hair Health, Benefits of Calendula
Sources
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2024, September 13). Is red light therapy right for your skin? American Academy of Dermatology Association. https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/safety/red-light-therapy
Hernández-Bule, M. L., Naharro-Rodríguez, J., Bacci, S., & Fernández-Guarino, M. (2024). Unlocking the power of light on the skin: A comprehensive review on photobiomodulation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(8), 4483.