Does Red Light Therapy Work for Wrinkles? 90% in This Study
Are you thinking about getting a red light therapy face mask for wrinkles? Are you wondering if red light therapy for wrinkles works?
Unlike skin therapies that reduce “the appearance” of lines and wrinkles, red light therapy reduces “the actual” lines and wrinkles.
It replaces them with collagen and healthy, brand-new skin cells.
I gathered some published studies to show you exactly how effective a face mask can be for reducing the quanityt and volume of wrinkles.
For the geeks on board, I added the scientific reasons that the red and infrared wavelengths have this wonderful effect on the skin.
Takeaways
How Effective is Red Light Therapy for Wrinkles?
30% Wrinkle Volume Decrease in 4 Weeks
A 2023 study tested amber and red light for wrinkle reduction.
137 women in this study were between 40 and 65 years old.
They received 10 red light therapy sessions over 4 weeks.
They received a 660 nm red light on one side of the face.
They received 590 nm amber (yellow) light on the other side of the face.
Using an objective measurement scale, researchers found that the red light corresponded to a 31.6% reduction in total wrinkle volume.
The amber light produced a 29.9% reduction in wrinkles.
On two self-reporting “quality of life scales,” the women reported significantly higher scores.
This study shows that red and amber light are almost equally effective at reducing wrinkles by 30% in just four weeks.
Significant Wrinkle Reduction
Researchers tested white and red light on wrinkle reduction in a 2017 study.
One group received white and red light, and the second received only red light.
Both groups had a significant reduction in wrinkle volume.
Researchers speculate that the white group with red light benefited from red light. The white light did not have a bioactive effect, but this remains to be tested.
Fewer Wrinkles, Better Texture
Researchers published a 2020 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology examining the effects of a red light therapy mask on 24 women.
They compared skin before and after 8 weeks of therapy just 2 times per week.
Compared to the baseline, the post-treatment skin was more elastic and moist, had better texture and gloss, and had significantly fewer wrinkles.
9% Decrease in Crow’s Feet
A 2020 study published in The Journal of Biophotonics tested red light therapy for wrinkle reduction.
One group used a facial skin serum. The other group used the serum plus red light therapy.
Compared to the control group using serum, the red light therapy group had:
- 7% increase in skin smoothness
- 9% decrease in Crow’s feet wrinkles
- 9% “lifting effect” on the skin
Advantages of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy can reduce and often eliminate wrinkles without side effects or downtime.
While reducing the size and number of wrinkles, the light also tightens and rejuvenates the skin.
The scientifically proven benefits of red light therapy for wrinkles include:
- SPF-15 sunscreen level of UV protection
- Increased collagen and elastin production
- Increased cell turnover
- Tighter skin
- Reduced blood vessel overgrowth
- Reduced inflammation
- Less dullness and redness
- Increased nourishing blood flow
How Does Red Light Therapy Reduce Wrinkles?
The scientifically proven benefits of red light therapy for wrinkle reduction include:
- SPF-15 sunscreen level of UV protection
- collagen production without wounds (as compared to microdermabrasion and chemical peels)
- tighter skin from new collagen
- reduced sagging from new elastin
- reduced blood vessel overgrowth
- reduced inflammation
- reduced redness
- increased blood flow to nourish tissue health
Red light therapy helps with many issues, from pain relief to wrinkles. Learn about the science of red light therapy in my article What Everyone Should Know About Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy Wrinkle Science
Red light therapy supports fibroblasts, elastin, and collagen fibers.
Fibroblasts support healthy tissue.
Elastin provides skin support, and collagen provides skin structure.
Red light therapy promotes cell turnover and fresh, healthy tissue, which fills in and erases wrinkles and lines.
Self-Regulating Proteins
Red and infrared light can increase TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and mRNA levels of IL-LSS, TNF-alpha, IICAM-1, and Cx43 and decrease IL-6.
Taken out of context, these responses look pathological but are homeostatic. Proteins self-regulate in the presence of red and infrared light.
Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix is a complex network of proteins and other molecules that provide structural support to cells and tissues.
Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs)
Matrix Metalloproteinases are enzymes involved in the breakdown of the extracellular matrix. MMPs cleave collagen, elastin, laminin, and fibronectin. MMPs are involved in tissue remodeling, wound healing, angiogenesis, and cancer.
TIMP Metallopeptidase Inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1[iv] and TIMP-2[v])
TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 are proteins that regulate some MMP activity. TIMPs bind to MMPs and prevent them from breaking down the extracellular matrix. An increase in TIMP supports tissue integrity. TIMPs also promote cell proliferation and block apoptosis.
Interleukin-Induced Lanosterol Synthase (IL-lss[vi])
IL-lss is an enzyme involved in the synthesis of cholesterol. IL-lss is induced by interleukin-4 and 13. Its role in inflammation is context-dependent.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-a)
TNF-a is a protein cytokine involved in chronic inflammation. Reducing TNF-a is anti-inflammatory.
Intracellular Adhesion Molecule (ICAM-1[vii])
ICAM-1 protein is a major regulator of inflammation and is upregulated in chronic inflammation.
Connexin 43 (CX43[viii])
CX43 allows cell-to-cell communication and contributes to communication that causes cell death. CX43 behaves pathologically in disease states
Interluken-6 (IL-6)
IL-6 is a protein cytokine that activates some immune responses. Dysregulated IL-6 is common in many disease states.
Conclusion
Red light therapy is effective at reducing wrinkles.
It accomplishes this through multiple biological responses to abosrbing red and infrared light.
Red light therapy for wrinkles is safe, non-invasive and available without a prescription.
My favorite skin care red light therapy choices are here:
