Red light therapy: potential benefits and uses explained

Disclaimer: Red light therapy is a medical treatment that’s still being researched and hasn’t been proven effective for all uses. Due to limited evidence, anyone considering red light therapy should consult a health care provider before trying it.

Red light therapy has quickly gained popularity and has started moving from clinical settings into everyday wellness routines. Across the internet, people rave about red light therapy as a potential addition to their skin care routine.

But what exactly does it do, and why are so many people investing in it? This article will help people understand how red light therapy works and the benefits it may offer.

In this article:

What is red light therapy?

Most people have probably heard about red light therapy on social media, or from that one skin care‑obsessed friend who swears it changed their skin. But what exactly is red light therapy? 

Red light therapy is when red or near-infrared light is used on the skin and may stimulate hair follicles and may help for cosmetic reasons like acne, wrinkles and even hair loss. Today, red light therapy is available in many at‑home formats, including masks, panels and wands for skin, as well as caps, combs and helmets for hair regrowth.

Does red light therapy work?

Some research suggests that, overall, light-emitting diode (LED) red light devices can lead to subtle to noticeable improvements on the face for the following problems:

• Dark spots
• Discoloration like redness
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Loose skin
• Rough-feeling skin

In one study, about 90 people received eight sessions of LED red light therapy to the face over the course of four weeks. More than 90 percent said they noticed improvements, like smoother, softer skin, less redness and lighter dark spots. A larger study found that patients who received in‑office red light therapy after a laser treatment experienced less swelling and discoloration from the laser.

While the exact mechanism is not known, it is believed that the light that hits the skin cells is absorbed by the cells’ mitochondria. This activates various signaling pathways and turns on healing signals inside the cells. These signals can also activate stem cells, which help damaged skin rebuild and heal.

Some studies also suggest that red light therapy may help regrow some hair over time with repeated treatments, but only for certain types of hair loss. Specifically, this may help hereditary or hormonal hair loss, known as male pattern hair loss in men and female pattern hair loss in women.

In theory, the red light helps stimulate hair follicles, which can help reduce hair loss and encourage some new growth. That said, the results tend to be modest. These devices won’t restore a full head of hair, but they may help improve thinning over time.

When can people expect to see results from red light therapy?

When it comes to at‑home devices, consistency matters. It's recommended that people use a red light device regularly to see results. How long each session lasts depends on the specific device and the instructions that come with it. It’s also important to be patient. Results take time, and not everyone will notice a visible change.

For people getting in‑office treatments for signs of skin aging or hereditary hair loss, ongoing follow‑up treatments are usually part of the process. That’s because skin continues to age over time, and hair loss can continue as well, so maintenance treatments are often needed to help sustain results.

Are there any risks to using red light therapy?

For now, red light therapy devices appear to be safe in the short term when used as directed, but researchers still don’t know the long-term effects on the skin or hair. That’s why more research is needed. In the short term, side effects tend to be mild. Some people may notice temporary skin irritation or mild discomfort after treatment.

Red light therapy isn’t a good fit for everyone. If someone has a condition that makes their skin sensitive to light, like lupus, exposure to red light can actually make symptoms worse. It can also interact with certain medications that increase light sensitivity. In those situations, red light therapy may not be recommended.

It’s also important to note that people with darker skin tones are generally advised to use red light therapy with extra caution. Darker skin can be more sensitive to visible light, including red light, than lighter skin. This sensitivity may increase the risk of hyperpigmentation, meaning dark spots that can be more noticeable and longer lasting than those caused by invisible light, such as sunlight.

Red light therapy limitations

The red light therapy devices dermatologists use in their offices are much more powerful than the ones available for at‑home use. On top of that, red light therapy is rarely used on its own. Dermatologists typically use it alongside standard treatments.

For example, when treating signs of aging, a dermatologist may add red light therapy to a plan that also includes a medicated cream, microneedling or a chemical peel. If at‑home red light devices are recommended, they may be recommended to be used to help maintain results after in‑office treatments, not to replace professional care.

There’s also a research issue to consider. Not every study uses the same device. One product on the market might be backed by research, while another popular option hasn’t been studied at all. Plus, researchers don’t always test these devices in the same way. So, because of these differences, it’s hard for experts to directly compare results from one study to another.

At the end of the day, though, there’s no one‑size‑fits‑all treatment plan. Anyone considering red light therapy, whether for skin concerns, hair loss or something else, should check with a dermatologist for guidance and recommendations.

Key takeaways

Red light therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses red or near‑infrared light to potentially support skin and hair health. Some research suggests it may help improve concerns like fine lines, uneven skin tone and certain types of hair loss. Treatments at a dermatologist office are more effective than at‑home devices. This is because at-home devices are generally less powerful and may be recommended as a maintenance tool rather than replacements for professional care. While red light therapy may be well tolerated in the short term, results vary, and it may not be appropriate for everyone. Anyone considering red light therapy should try to talk with a dermatologist to understand whether it fits their needs and goals.