Red light therapy has become a popular wellness trend, endorsed by celebrities like Katy Perry, the Kardashians, Jessica Alba, and Julianne Moore. Many individuals now regularly use glowing masks, red light wands, and LED panel rooms to enhance their skin and overall health. Treatments and products can cost hundreds of dollars, with the global market projected to exceed $1 billion by 2030, according to Research and Markets.
What Is Red Light Therapy and How Does It Work?
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses near-infrared light from LED lights or lasers to affect the body's cells. It stimulates mitochondria, the primary energy source in cells that supports cell growth and function. This process can increase collagen production, improve acne and other skin conditions, reduce redness and inflammation from sun damage, promote healing, and relieve pain by decreasing inflammation through enhanced cell production, as noted by the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas.
The Science Behind Red Light Therapy
The scientific basis for red light therapy has been around for decades. Photobiomodulation research gained momentum after NASA conducted red light experiments on plants in space during the 1990s, as reported by Nature. Dr. Rachel Reynolds, interim chair of the Department of Dermatology at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, initially thought it was a fad but acknowledged there is legitimate medical literature supporting its benefits.
Benefits for Skin and Hair
In a 2005 study, the majority of 90 patients who received eight treatments over a month reported softer and smoother skin, less redness, and lighter dark spots, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared several red light devices for at-home use to treat skin and has also approved red light caps and helmets for thinning hair, as the light may stimulate hair follicles.
Dr. Zakia Rahman, a clinical professor of dermatology at Stanford Medicine, explained that red light causes blood vessels to widen, allowing more blood and nutrients to reach hair follicles. Consistent use over multiple months has been shown to regrow thinning hair, but effects cease when treatment stops. She suspects this vascular effect also contributes to other dermatological benefits.
Additional Health Applications
Red light therapy is used in cancer patients to treat pain and mouth sores, and it may help release neurotransmitters like endorphins, natural painkillers, as noted by Brown Health. Near-infrared light from helmets can penetrate the skull, exposing the brain to its effects, according to UCLA Health. A 2021 study found that just six minutes a day for two months improved cognition in patients with mild-to-moderate dementia.
Limitations and Safety Considerations
However, not all purported benefits are backed by robust data. Rahman and Stanford Medicine state that claims about uses for dementia, erectile dysfunction, and chronic pain lack scientifically validated results. While hair regeneration and wrinkle reduction have strong evidence, applications like improving athletic performance lack sufficient data.
The Cleveland Clinic emphasizes that while years of research exist, red light therapy is still emerging, and more studies with larger populations are needed to support most uses. It is generally safe when used as directed, with mild side effects such as temporary pain or irritated skin. Incorrect use can lead to serious issues like retina damage from lasers or skin burns. Experts recommend using FDA-cleared devices or consulting a dermatologist for stronger treatments.
To see results, multiple sessions over weeks or months are necessary. Dr. Mary Stevenson, a dermatologist at NYU Langone Health, advises starting with a few minutes and gradually increasing to about three times a week.
