Red light therapy (RLT) is a treatment that may help skin, muscle tissue, and other parts of your body heal. It exposes you to low levels of red or near-infrared light. Infrared light is a type of energy your eyes can’t see, but your body can feel as heat. Red light is similar to infrared, but you can see it.
Current research on red light therapy for loose skin
Given that red light therapy is applied directly to the skin at close range, skin issues tend to respond particularly well to the treatment. And there is no lack of research on the topic. Here are some of the most salient studies on the beneficial effects of red light therapy on skin tone and firmness.
- In a 2006 study on red light therapy and photoaging skin, subjects received red light therapy treatment over 5 weeks, and were subsequently evaluated after 12 weeks. The vast majority reported significant improvement in softness, smoothness, and firmness, and showed improvements in wrinkles as well. Biopsies on select subjects also revealed thicker collagen fibers.
- A 2009 study looked at effects of photobiomodulation on the regulation of collagen metabolism in vitro. Using human reconstructed skin (HRS), researchers were able to look at the mechanisms behind red light therapy’s effect on the skin. They found that it reversed the downregulation (sciency word for reduction at the cellular level) of collagen. They determined that red light 660nm is a safe and effective way to enhance collagen production.
- A 2014 study compared subjects who received red light therapy treatment twice a week for 30 sessions with those who received no treatment. The treated subjects showed significant improvements in skin complexion, feeling and smoothness, and collagen density (as measured by ultrasound). Control subjects in contrast showed no such benefits. The researchers concluded that red light therapy is a safe and effective tool for skin rejuvenation and intradermal collagen increase.
- 2013 gave us an important metaanalysis on the benefits of red light therapy for the treatment of skin issues as well as the underlying mechanisms. Their analysis concluded that red light therapy is beneficial in the treatment of a variety of skin issues, including wrinkles, scars, acne, and hyperpigmentation, and can also be used to reduce and prevent UV damage.
- A 2017 study measured the effectiveness of three different facial treatments, including red light therapy, on the wrinkles and moisture content of women’s eyes, foreheads, and cheeks. Researchers found that red light therapy had a significant positive effect on women’s faces.
