Red Light Special: Red Light Therapy in Oakland
While it seems like every six minutes a new skin care line is launching, skin care gadgets and tools tend to hit the market once every blue moon. One skin care gadget that has been increasingly growing in popularity over the last 5 years is LED masks and panels for light therapy. And, right now, it seems that red light therapy is getting all of the consumer and practitioner attention.
Red light therapy has been touted in recent years as a non-invasive treatment for various skin conditions and concerns. This therapeutic approach uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and potentially promote healing and rejuvenation. But does red light therapy (or any light therapy) actually work and what benefits might it offer for your skin? Let's explore the science behind this treatment and examine what the research actually tells us.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT) is scientifically referred to as photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level light therapy (LLLT). It’s “red” because it falls within the visible red spectrum of light, with wavelengths typically between 630-700 nanometers which are considered safe and non-invasive as opposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. The light used in red light therapy is primarily produced by Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or Low-Level Lasers (LLLs), though most modern devices, especially those for home use, utilize LED technology due to its safety, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
The technology for red light therapy was originally developed by NASA to study plant growth in space and was later adapted for potential medical applications. The fundamental principle behind red light therapy is that the light penetrates the skin to a depth of about 5 millimeters, where it is absorbed by the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell). This absorption is believed to stimulate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy carrier in cells. Red light therapy treatment is used to improve skin appearance, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
The treatment process is straightforward—the red light is applied to the skin for a specific duration, usually between 10-20 minutes per session, with recommended frequencies ranging from daily to a few times per week depending on the condition being treated and the device being used.
Key Takeaway: It’s All About The Range
The specific wavelength range of red light therapy was chosen deliberately for the following reasons:
Optimal Tissue Penetration: Red light at these wavelengths can penetrate human tissue to depths of about 5-10mm, reaching the dermis layer of skin where collagen is produced, as well as accessing subcutaneous tissues.
Cellular Receptors: The mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome c oxidase strongly absorbs light in this red wavelength range. This enzyme is a key component of the cellular respiratory chain, making it an ideal target for photobiomodulation.
Minimal Heat Generation: Unlike infrared light (>700nm), which generates more heat, red light provides photochemical effects with minimal thermal impact, making it safer for prolonged exposure.
Red Light Therapy for Darker Skin Tones
A big question we get about red light therapy here at Glowdega is if it is safe for Black and Brown skin tones. The short answer is yes! As a practice, our primary focus is on providing inclusive skin care treatments that will work for anyone who walks through our doors.
But a huge benefit to red light therapy for us is that it may offer some distinct advantages over other light-based treatments for individuals with darker skin. Red light therapy has several characteristics that make it suitable for darker skin:
No Melanin Targeting: Unlike UV light or intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments that can target melanin (potentially causing hyperpigmentation or burns in darker skin), red light at 630-700nm wavelengths does not specifically target melanin.
Non-thermal Mechanism: Red light therapy works through photochemical reactions rather than heat generation. This significantly reduces the risk of thermal injury, which is a particular concern for darker skin tones in other light treatments.
No UV Component: Red light therapy doesn't contain ultraviolet radiation, eliminating the risk of UV-induced hyperpigmentation, which darker skin tones are more prone to.
Other light-based treatments like lasers, intense pulsed light (IPL), and photodynamic therapy can pose risks for those with darker skin tones. But since red light therapy works at the cellular level and doesn’t impact melanin production, it’s all good!
Is Red Light Therapy Good For You?
One of the appealing aspects of red light therapy is its safety profile. Unlike many other skin treatments, RLT doesn't typically cause burns, pain, or significant side effects when used as directed. The FDA has cleared several red light therapy devices for various uses, including treating wrinkles.
However, potential concerns include:
Eye strain or damage if proper eye protection isn't used during treatment
Possible photosensitivity for those taking certain medications
Inconsistent results due to variations in device quality and treatment protocols
Limited long-term safety data, though no significant long-term risks have been identified
Red Light Therapy Benefits for Skin
Research has identified several potential benefits of red light therapy for skin health and appearance. Here's an examination of the evidence behind these benefits:
Reducing Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Research shows that red light therapy significantly improves signs of skin aging by stimulating cellular activity. Clinical studies have consistently demonstrated measurable reductions in wrinkles, improved skin texture, and increased collagen production. A 2023 study using LED masks (630-635nm) found progressive improvements in wrinkle depth, with almost 40% reduction after three months of twice-weekly treatments. This works because the red light penetrates the skin to activate fibroblasts, which then produce more collagen and elastin—the essential proteins that maintain skin's youthful structure and elasticity.
Improving Acne and Other Skin Conditions
For acne specifically, red light may help by reducing inflammation and normalizing sebum production. A combination of blue light (which targets acne-causing bacteria) and red light (which penetrates deeper to reduce inflammation) has shown particular promise. Clinical studies document dramatic improvements—the 2023 Couturaud study showed sebum reduction of 70.3% after three months of treatment, along with significant decreases in pore size. The 2021 Zeitouni review further confirmed that photodynamic therapy using 5-aminolevulinic acid with red light significantly reduces inflammatory acne by targeting sebaceous glands directly, offering a compelling alternative for patients who cannot tolerate traditional acne medications.
Beyond acne, red light therapy shows promising results for various inflammatory skin conditions. For psoriasis, the therapy appears to slow excessive cell proliferation and reduce inflammation when integrated with conventional treatments. In rosacea patients, studies indicate that red light can diminish blood vessel dilation and inflammatory cytokine production, leading to reduced redness and fewer flare-ups. With eczema, preliminary research suggests red light can modulate immune responses and reduce itching intensity. These benefits, combined with minimal side effects and non-invasive application, make red light therapy an attractive option for patients with chronic inflammatory skin conditions who haven't responded adequately to conventional treatments or who seek complementary approaches.
Wound Healing and Scar Reduction
One of the most well-documented effects of red light therapy is its potential to accelerate wound healing. A pivotal 2014 study published in the Annals of Biomedical Engineering documented accelerated wound closure and improved tissue regeneration following red light exposure in controlled experiments. This healing effect extends to burn treatment, with research in Dermatologic Surgery showing that patients receiving red light therapy experienced reduced healing times and diminished scarring compared to standard care protocols. For existing scars, particularly post-acne scarring, the therapy promotes normalized collagen deposition and remodeling, which may help reduce scar visibility and improve skin texture over time.
The therapy's pronounced anti-inflammatory effects result from sophisticated cellular responses that have been documented in multiple studies. A comprehensive 2017 review in AIMS Biophysics outlined how red light modulates inflammatory signaling pathways by influencing cytokine production and reducing oxidative stress. These mechanisms help explain why red light therapy can alleviate inflammation across various skin conditions, including dermatitis, psoriasis, and acute sunburn reactions. By modulating the inflammatory response, red light therapy creates an optimal environment for healing while minimizing collateral tissue damage that often leads to scarring.
Structural improvements in skin architecture represent one of the most compelling benefits of red light therapy. The 2023 Skin Research and Technology study by Couturaud and colleagues provided quantifiable evidence of increased skin firmness, with measurements showing a 13.6% decrease in skin laxity after just one month of treatment, progressing to 23.6% improvement after three months. This firming effect demonstrates the therapy's ability to influence the dermal matrix where collagen and elastin fibers provide structural support. The progressive nature of the improvement suggests ongoing cellular activity rather than temporary surface effects.
Perhaps most impressive is the significant increase in skin elasticity and dermal density following regular red light exposure. The same 2023 study documented a 17.1% improvement in skin elasticity after two months of treatment, correlating with a remarkable 47.7% increase in dermal density after three months as measured by ultrasound imaging. These findings suggest that red light therapy not only preserves existing collagen structures but actively stimulates new collagen synthesis through fibroblast activation. The persistence of these benefits for at least one month after discontinuing treatment indicates fundamental structural improvements rather than superficial or temporary effects.
The collective evidence points to red light therapy's ability to address multiple facets of skin aging simultaneously through a singular mechanism—cellular biostimulation. By enhancing mitochondrial function and ATP production, red light energy creates cascading effects: accelerated wound healing, modulated inflammatory responses, and enhanced collagen production. These combined actions lead to comprehensive skin improvement that includes reduced inflammation, faster wound resolution, improved scar appearance, enhanced firmness, and increased elasticity—benefits typically requiring multiple different interventions when using conventional treatment approaches.
Red Light Therapy Dos and Don'ts
If you're considering red light therapy for skin benefits, several practical factors should be considered. First, you have to be consistent. If you are going to go down the professional treatment or at-home route, red light therapy needs to become a regular occurrence in your life. Most studies and professionals recommend doing red light therapy treatments 2-3 times per week for 10-20 minutes. You’ll need to keep this up for at least 4-6 months to really see results.
If you’re getting professional treatments, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t have a barrier placed between your skin and the red light. This means no sheet masks or heavy occlusive masks that could refract light. Social media showcases a lot of improper red light therapy use. Be wise when selecting your practitioner!
Look for FDA cleared red light therapy devices for at-home use. Many of the masks you see on Amazon and other sites do not have FDA clearance. Lightstim and Currentbody are some top choices for home devices. And you also want to reference this article to ensure your device emits light in the beneficial red (630-700 nm) or near-infrared (780-880 nm) ranges.
Best Red Light Therapy in Oakland
Glowdega incorporates red light therapy (and blue light therapy too!) in a number of treatments. Our GLOW and GLORY treatments can be customized to include 15-20 minute red light therapy sessions using our full face Elipsa panel. Red light is a particularly beneficial way to end Hydrafacial and dermaplaning treatments. Book your next session with us to experience the difference!
As research continues to evolve, our understanding of the optimal parameters for red light therapy—including wavelength, duration, and frequency—will likely improve, potentially leading to more effective treatment protocols in the future.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
