Red Light - The Light Fantastic
LED therapies are particularly prominent in social media in recent years, with a large rise in home based consumer devices claiming to treat everything from acne to hair loss, to depression and chronic pain. But could these home based devices be doing more harm than good
The history of LED
While studying lasers in 1967, a physicist, Andre Mester, discovered that visible red light from a 694nm wavelength caused the fur of shaved mice to grow back more vigorously. Mester also discovered enhanced wound healing effects in people with ulcers and chronic wounds.
While the visible red light spectrum compromises wavelengths of around 620-700nm, further scientific study found that near-infrared wavelengths of 700-850nm, just beyond the visible spectrum of light, also had healing effects.
How does LED work?
As we age, cellular processes become less efficient, resulting in a deficit of energy that our cells require for proper functioning and keeping inflammatory reactions minimized.
Red and near infrared wavelengths of light penetrate the outer layers of our skin (epidermis) through to the dermis, with long wavelengths capable of travelling deeper into our subcutaneous and muscle tissues. The wavelengths act on mitochondria the “power packs” of cells, to stimulate cytochrome c oxidase and increase energy production in the form of ATP and reduce reactive oxygen species.
The boost to cellular function has been shown in over 200 clinical studies to provide promising improvements in over 15 conditions, in particular for hair loss, wound healing, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and cognitive decline.
The evidence
Regarding cosmetic uses of LED, A 2025 review of 59 studies found strong improvements for acne. Red light reduced pimples by up to 79% over 12 weeks, compared with 69% for standard antibiotic and topical treatments. Some benefit was also seen in psoriasis or rosacea, though studies are limited.
Evidence is mixed for wrinkles and general skin rejuvenation, however, hair growth benefits show more promise. A 2020 study found a 57% increase in hair density after 16 weeks of red light therapy in people with androgenetic alopecia (female and male pattern hair loss).
Many studies have supported Mesters original findings for LED and improvements in wound healing, particularly for burn scars and diabetic foot ulcers, however evidence is limited by the number of participants in studies.
LED at home?
Red light therapy is now a booming industry worth $521 million in 2021 and projected to reach $800 million by 2031. Devices range from around $115 to several thousand dollars.
At home devices are however not standardized and often deliver higher power levels than those used in research. While higher power devices appeal to consumers, more is not necessarily better. Many consumer devices deliver around 60 milliwatts per square centimeter, while the optimal power to stimulate mitochondria is only a 10th of this power.
Overstimulation may result in an opposite effect of increasing reactive oxygen species and inflammation. At this stage, caution is advised for home-based devices, with clinic-based treatments preferred to ensure appropriate wavelengths and power are delivered.
LED at The Skin Company
At The Skin Company we have the advanced LED device, Healite II which offers low level light energy at either 830nm (near infrared) or 633nm (red) wavelengths to accurately penetrate the cellular targets we are treating.
We commonly promote the use of Healite II for:
- Acne
- Hair growth (in combination with other therapies)
- Post treatment recovery (following laser, surgery, injectables)
- General rejuvenation
- Wound healing
- Photodynamic therapy for treating non-melanoma skin cancer
Experience the benefits of targeted LED light therapy with Healite II at The Skin Company. Our team can tailor treatments to support your individual skin goals, whether you looking to improve acne, enhance recovery after procedures, support skin rejuvenation, or promote overall skin health.
Contact us on 092004535 or email: reception@theskincompany.co.nz