What are the effects of red light on the skin?

In recent years, red light therapy has become a much talked-about skin care option. It can be found in dermatology surgeries , in aesthetic medicine and even in equipment for domestic use. But what’s so special about it?

Behind this technology lies a well-established scientific principle: photobiomodulation. Using light of a specific wavelength, it stimulates skin cells, boosting collagen production and accelerating skin regeneration. Numerous recent studies have confirmed its benefits, particularly for skin ageing, healing,acne and even certain chronic conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Let’s take a closer look at how red light acts on the skin and why it has become a benchmark in dermatology.

A powerful anti-ageing agent: red light to combat skin ageing

Over time, the skin loses its firmness, wrinkles set in and the complexion becomes less even. The main cause? A reduction in the production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins that ensure the skin’s tone and elasticity.

This is where red light comes in. By penetrating deep into the dermis, it stimulates the fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production. The result: the skin becomes firmer, wrinkles and fine lines gradually fade and the complexion looks more radiant.

📌 What recent studies say:

A study published in 2025 by Álvarez-Martínez and Borden found that a 12-week photobiomodulation treatment with red light significantly improved skin elasticity and hydration.

Other research published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery showed that forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet were visibly reduced after a few weeks of regular use.
Clearly, if you’re looking for a gentle, effective solution to slow down skin ageing, red light is an excellent alternative to invasive treatments.

Accelerated healing: skin regenerates faster

Whether it’s after a dermatological procedure, a cut or an acne scar, the skin takes time to repair itself. Red light can speed up this natural process by boosting cellular activity and improving blood circulation.

By increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the cells, it promotes tissue regeneration and reduces the risk of scarring. This is why it is often used after laser treatments, chemical peels or even surgery.

📌 Scientific discoveries:

A study conducted in 2025 by Schmidt and Mármora showed that red light accelerated wound healing by 30-50% by stimulating fibroblasts and the formation of new blood vessels.
In cosmetic surgery, it is now used post-operatively to reduce redness and promote faster healing.
If you tend to heal slowly or leave marks after an injury, incorporating red light into your routine could make a real difference.

An ally against inflammation: acne, eczema and psoriasis

If you have reactive skin, prone to redness or blemishes, red light could be an interesting solution. Thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory effect, it helps to calm sensitive skin and reduce inflammatory acne outbreaks.

Unlike medical treatments, which can be aggressive (such as retinoids or certain antibiotics), red light acts gently, without side effects. It reduces redness, limits excessive sebum production and promotes the repair of damaged tissue.

📌 What the science says:

A 2024 study led by Woo K. found that red light reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 46% in just 8 weeks.

Another 2025 research by Oliveira and da Silva showed that photobiomodulation was effective in calming psoriasis and eczema attacks, reducing itching and inflammation.

If you suffer from reactive skin or chronic skin conditions, regular treatment with red light can help to soothe and balance your skin over the long term.

Hope for pigmentation spots and melasma

Brown spots, whether caused by the sun, ageing or hormones, are sometimes difficult to reduce. Red light could well be a promising solution, as it regulates melanin production and helps to even out skin tone.

📌 What the latest studies show:

Research conducted in 2025 by Glass and Mérai found that the intensity of pigmentation spots decreased by 35% after 12 weeks of regular exposure to red light.
While red light is not yet a replacement for traditional depigmenting treatments (such as hydroquinone-based creams or peels), it is a gentle, natural alternative for brightening the complexion and preventing the appearance of new spots.

How can I optimise the effects of red light?

To achieve visible results, regular use is essential. Here are a few tips to maximise its effectiveness:

• Use high-quality, dermatologically-certified equipment.
• Adopt a suitable treatment schedule: around 3 to 5 sessions a week, lasting 10 to 20 minutes.
• Combine red light with other skin care products, such as vitamin C serums or moisturisers. Must be applied AFTER your session.

Choose the right wavelength:
630 to 660 nm for an anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory effect.
810 to 850 nm for a deeper healing effect.

Sources

1. Schmidt, T.R., Mármora, B.C., Brochado, F.T., et al. (2025). Red light-emitting diode on skin healing: an in vitro and in vivo experimental study.
2. Álvarez-Martínez, M., & Borden, G. (2025). A systematic review on whole-body photobiomodulation for exercise performance and recovery.
3. Bernardelli, A., & Visco, C. (2025). Management of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome with mogamulizumab in combination with psoralen plus UVA.
4. Oliveira, V.R. da Silva, et al. (2025). Photobiomodulation therapy in diabetes: Benefits for pain relief, quality of life, and wound healing.
5. Woo, K. (2024). Photobiomodulation as a multimodal therapy to enhance wound healing and skin regeneration.
6. Glass, G.E., Mérai, A., & Molnár, S. (2025). The Use of a Proprietary Near-Infrared Laser to Enhance Wound Healing.