How light therapy may affect skin
A broad review of possible uses and mechanisms. This is a guide to what researchers have explored, not a firm answer about how well each use works.
The main finding. This is a guide to what researchers have explored, not a firm answer about how well each use works.
How the study worked
The review brought together lab, animal and human research on low-level light therapy for skin.
The results
It describes how red and near-infrared light may affect mitochondria, the parts of cells that make energy. Proposed effects include more ATP, nitric oxide release, changes in blood flow and repair signals.
The review reports findings on wrinkles, acne scars, raised scars, burns, pigment conditions and inflammatory skin conditions. It also discusses possible UV protection. Reported side effects were rare.
What is still unclear
The authors did not carry out a systematic review or formally weigh each study’s quality. Positive findings should not be treated as proof for every listed use.
What to take from this
This is a guide to what researchers have explored, not a firm answer about how well each use works.
Devices that list similar light
Four of the 5 masks in the comparison list a wavelength in every band used here (red, 620–670 nm and near-infrared, 800–870 nm). They are examples, listed alphabetically, each with our specification page and the manufacturer’s own product page. Related devices are examples, not evidence that a study tested that retail model.
- CurrentBody Skin LED Face Mask Series 3415 · 532 · 590 · 633 · 830 · 1072 nm · CurrentBody product page
- Dr. Renú SpectraLift Advanced465 · 530 · 630–660 · 850 nm · Dr. Renú product page
- Omnilux Contour Face633 · 830 nm · Omnilux product page
- Shark CryoGlow FW312415 · 630 · 830 nm · Shark product page
These masks list one of the bands, but not all:
- Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro415 · 630; page also lists 605 · 880 (unresolved) nm · Dr. Dennis Gross product page
Matching a wavelength is not the same as matching the study. Dose, irradiance, session length and schedule also differ, and a mask’s reported output is not independently measured. See how dose works and home vs clinic doses.
We rewrote the source edition’s abstract summary in simpler language. It is not medical advice, and it does not mean any mask reproduces this study’s results. Read the original record on PubMed, and talk to a qualified clinician about your skin.