Anti-Aging

Red light therapy against aging: does it work?

14 December 2024
Alex Schulz

People looking for ways to appear younger and feel more energetic are increasingly turning to red light therapy. This treatment, also known as low-intensity laser therapy or photobiomodulation, is considered a natural method to address signs of aging. This includes not only wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of elasticity, but also issues such as reduced energy, joint pain, and slow tissue healing.

But does light therapy really combat the effects of aging? Can it boost collagen production in the skin, accelerate cell renewal, and reduce other signs of aging? In this article, we delve into the science behind this treatment, review research findings, and explore why red light technology is considered so versatile and promising.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate biological processes within the body. These wavelengths typically range between 650 and 850 nanometers, with each wavelength offering unique effects on cells and tissues.

Originally developed in the 1960s, this therapy is now widely used in both medical and cosmetic treatments. Through the use of deep red light and infrared rays, the therapy focuses on stimulating cellular processes throughout the body. It is said to increase energy production within cells, promote tissue repair, and even contribute to improved mood, better sleep, and reduced joint pain.

Diagram of skin layers showing how blue, green, yellow, red, and near-infrared light waves (400-1200 nm) penetrate different depths of the skin.
How do different wavelengths penetrate the skin? Source: Reference 1

How does red light therapy work on a cellular level?

At its core, this technology works by stimulating mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of our cells. When exposed to red and near-infrared light, mitochondria increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy carrier in cells. This boost in energy enhances cell repair and regeneration, resulting in improved cellular performance. Professor Michael R. Hamblin of Harvard Medical School explains:

"Red light is absorbed by the mitochondria, resulting in increased ATP production, reduced oxidative stress, and improved cellular function and repair."

What does the science say?

To address any skepticism (don’t worry, we understand): there is an abundance of scientific studies proving the effectiveness of red light therapy. Numerous studies have demonstrated its ability to counteract signs of aging and support cellular health.

A prominent study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology revealed that participants treated with red light reported a significant reduction in wrinkle depth and improved skin texture. These findings underscore red light therapy's ability to stimulate collagen production and cell regeneration, contributing to a fresher, more youthful appearance.

Beyond its cosmetic benefits, NASA has also researched the effects of light therapy on wound healing and cell growth. Originally designed to assist astronauts with recovery in space, their experiments showed that red light accelerates regenerative processes and significantly improves the healing of damaged tissues. These results highlight the broad applications of red light technology both on Earth and beyond.

"Red light therapy can help reduce inflammation, stimulate wound healing after medical procedures, promote hair growth in patients with alopecia, and boost collagen production for those looking to reduce wrinkles and fine lines."
– Dr. Susan Bard, Dermatologist

Scientific research also supports red light therapy’s effectiveness in treating joint pain. It penetrates deep into tissues, reducing inflammation and stimulating cell repair, leading to less pain and better mobility. In patients with osteoarthritis, pain reductions of up to 50% were observed.

"Red light therapy can reduce inflammation and promote the healing of damaged tissue, which is particularly beneficial in the treatment of joint conditions such as arthritis." - Dr. Ari Whitten

Diagram of skin cross-sections showing how red light penetrates the skin and stimulates cellular processes in hair follicles.
Representative image of LED therapy in androgenetic alopecia: a: Miniaturized hair follicle; b: Treatment with red light (630 nm); c: Healthy hair follicle. Source: Reference 1

Remarkable facts

  • Longevity guru Brian Johnson uses red light therapy daily to lower his biological age and maintain a youthful appearance.
  • A study published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery reported a 36% improvement in wrinkle reduction and a 19% increase in skin elasticity after 12 weeks of red light therapy.
  • Research shows red light therapy can increase collagen density in the skin by 20% to 30%, depending on treatment duration and frequency (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology).
  • A meta-analysis in Pain Research and Management found a 50% reduction in pain scores for patients with arthritis after multiple sessions.
  • A clinical study in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine reported a 35% increase in hair growth for patients with androgenetic alopecia after 26 weeks of red light therapy.
  • For patients with chronic wounds, red light therapy accelerated healing by 40% compared to standard treatments (Lasers in Medical Science).
  • A study on sleep quality in insomniacs found red light increased melatonin production by 30%, leading to better sleep duration and quality (Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine).

How to use red light therapy effectively

The most important tip: make sure to get proper information from the seller of the lamp. To fully benefit from the advantages of light therapy, such as red light therapy, it’s essential to apply the treatment carefully. Choose a device that aligns with your goals, such as skin rejuvenation or pain relief, and ensure it offers the correct wavelengths (630-850 nm). Stick to the recommended treatment time of 10-20 minutes per session and position the device at the appropriate distance from your skin. Make sure your skin is clean to enhance light absorption, and use protective glasses to shield your eyes. Consistency is key: schedule multiple sessions per week and continue for several weeks to achieve optimal results.

A note of caution

Red light therapy is generally safe and non-invasive, with only rare and short-term side effects such as mild redness, dryness, or a warm sensation on the skin.

However, there are situations where extra caution is advised. Pregnant women are recommended to avoid red light therapy, as its effects on a developing embryo have not yet been sufficiently studied. The same advice applies to men trying to conceive, as there is limited scientific evidence on the impact of red light on sperm quality. While some studies suggest positive effects of light therapy on cell regeneration and inflammation reduction, there is no specific clarity on its impact on spermatogenesis.

If you are unsure about its use or have specific health concerns, it is always best to consult a doctor for advice.

Conclusion

We can conclude that red light therapy has a solid scientific foundation and is indeed effective – at least to a certain depth. Does it lower your biological age? Perhaps for specific cells. Does it offer a versatile and natural approach to addressing the signs of aging? Absolutely. Red light therapy reduces wrinkles, stimulates hair growth, relieves joint pain, and contributes to overall health. I use red light therapy regularly and value it not only for its health benefits but also for the pleasant experience it provides.

References

1. Sorbellini E, Rucco M, Rinaldi F. Photodynamic and photobiological effects of light-emitting diode (LED) therapy in dermatological disease: an update. Lasers Med Sci. 2018 Sep;33(7):1431-1439.

2. Couturaud V, Le Fur M, Pelletier M, Granotier F. Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation. Skin Res Technol. 2023 Jul;29(7):e13391.

3. Hamblin, Michael & Demidova, Tatiana. (2006). Mechanisms of low level light therapy. Proc SPIE. 6140. 1-12. 10.1117/12.646294.

4. Lee S.Y., et al. A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, and split-face clinical study on LED phototherapy for skin rejuvenation: clinical, profilometric, histologic, ultrastructural, and biochemical evaluations and comparison of three different treatment settings. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2007 Jul 27;88(1):51-67.

5. Avci P, Gupta GK, Clark J, Wikonkal N, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss. Lasers Surg Med. 2014 Feb;46(2):144-51.

6. Lanzafame R.J., et al. The growth of human scalp hair mediated by visible red light laser and LED sources in males. Lasers Surg Med. 2013 Oct;45(8):487-95.

7. Maia M.L., et al. Effect of low-level laser therapy on pain levels in patients with temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review. J Appl Oral Sci. 2012 Nov-Dec;20(6):594-602.

8. Brosseau L, Welch V, Wells G, DeBie R, Gam A, Harman K, Morin M, Shea B, Tugwell P. Low level laser therapy (Classes I, II and III) for treating osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(3):CD002046. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD002046.pub2. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jul 18;(1):CD002046.