It’s getting hard to escape the barrage of advertisements, signs, and social media posts touting red light therapy. Many of them trumpet big claims, including firmer, clearer, younger-looking skin. But is it all hype – or can red light therapy deliver?
It really can, says Dr. Rachel Reynolds, interim chair of the Department of Dermatology at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center – although she was once a skeptic about red light therapy benefits. “I thought this was just the latest fad to get people to spend their money. But there’s legitimate medical literature supporting it,” she says.
What is red light therapy?
Known medically as photobiomodulation and previously called low-level laser light therapy, it involves using devices that emit red or near-infrared light aimed at the skin. It’s available in a dermatologist’s office or through a plethora of at-home devices, many of which use LEDs or low-level lasers considered safe for home use, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Even home versions can be expensive, however, with masks, caps, and wands typically costing several hundred dollars or more.
“When I’m talking with patients about rejuvenation and skin care, patients are definitely asking about red light therapy more frequently,” Dr. Reynolds says.
Before and after: What results can you expect?
How does red light therapy work? It’s believed to stimulate mitochondria – tiny “powerhouses” in cells – to reduce inflammation and boost the production of collagen, a structural protein that makes skin stronger and more supple.
While it’s not a miracle fix for skin issues, the AAD says that research suggests red light therapy can help:
reduce fine lines and wrinkles
lighten dark spots
smooth skin texture
diminish redness
accelerate wound healing (such as diabetic ulcers or slow-healing injuries)
boost hair regrowth
minimize scars
ease acne.
“It works on an impressive array of conditions,” Dr. Reynolds says, adding that the therapy is noninvasive and requires minimal recovery time. “I think you’re going to see the greatest demand in people already seeing signs of skin aging who want to try to reverse it a bit.”
Read more: https://www.health.harvard.edu/skin-and-hair-health/red-light-therapy-for-skin-care
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