The Anti-Aging Effects of Red Light Therapy

As we age, our skin changes. From around the age of 30, the first signs of aging begin to appear: forehead lines, crow’s feet, frown lines, loss of firmness, broken capillaries, and uneven skin tone.

While this is a natural process, factors like stress, nutritional deficiencies, and toxic load can cause the skin to age faster than it needs to.

We can’t turn back the clock, but we can make the visible effects of aging less noticeable and help prevent premature skin aging.

Why do we get wrinkles?

The main reason is collagen loss. Collagen is a protein found throughout the body that plays a key role in keeping skin firm and elastic. When collagen levels decline, wrinkles and fine lines begin to form.

Red light therapy for firmer, younger-looking skin

With so many products and creams on the market promising younger-looking skin, why would red light therapy be any different?

The research results are striking. Since the method is still relatively new, we’ve outlined several scientific studies below to help you assess what red light therapy can actually do for skin rejuvenation.

Smoother, softer skin

A 2007 study (1) had 13 participants receive a therapeutic dose of red light at wavelengths of 633 and 830 nanometers, applied to the skin around the eyes and the nasolabial folds, once a week for 12 weeks. After the treatment period, 91% of participants reported firmer skin, and 82% noticed smoother, more even skin in the treated areas. More research is needed, and more frequent sessions may yield even better results.

Skin elasticity

Another 2007 study (2) showed equally impressive results for wrinkle reduction and improved skin elasticity. Researchers had 76 patients use LED-based red light therapy twice a week for four weeks. At the end of the study, collagen production had been stimulated enough to improve skin elasticity and visibly reduce wrinkles. None of the patients experienced any side effects.

Collagen boost

A 2009 study (3) also demonstrated that red light stimulates collagen production. Using red light at a wavelength of 660 nm, researchers found that collagen breakdown decreased while production increased. After 12 sessions, they recorded an 87% improvement using the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Severity Scale, a recognized method for measuring the degree of skin wrinkling. The conclusion was clear: red light therapy is a safe and effective option for anyone looking to give their natural collagen production a boost.

Faster results

A 2009 study (4) showed that combining red light therapy with green tea produced a skin rejuvenating effect with notably faster results. Thanks to the antioxidants in green tea, results that previously took 10 months to achieve with red light alone were reached in just one month. The method was simple: green tea soaked cloths were placed on the skin for 20 minutes before treating with red light at 670 nm. This combination of plant compounds and healing light proved highly effective, and suggests there may be further promising synergies with botanical ingredients in the future.

Conclusion

Red light therapy is a safe, natural way to give your skin a more youthful appearance. It stimulates collagen and elastin production, resulting in fewer wrinkles and a more even complexion.

Dosages for skin improvement typically range from 3 to 15 J/cm², with visible results appearing after 4 to 6 weeks of consistent treatment.

References:

(1) J Cosmet Dermatol. 2007 Sep;6(3):189-94
(2) J Photochem Photobiol B. 2007 Jul 27;88(1):51-67
(3) J Invest Dermatol. 2009 Dec;129(12):2751-9
(4) Photomed Laser Surg. 2009 Dec;27(6):969-71