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Red Light Therapy Masks for Wrinkles: Do They Work?
Red light therapy masks have become extremely popular lately, and claim to give you the youthful, wrinkle free skin you've always wanted. However, are these masks really worth investing in, or are they just another overpriced gimmick? As I began researching this topic, I was surprised at what I learned. So, are these masks really effective? That's a complicated question. Let me explain.
Are Red Light Therapy Masks Effective?
As stated before, the effectiveness of red light therapy masks varies depending on several factors. To be honest, you would probably find better alternatives to spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a red light therapy mask. Therefore, let's look at the science behind these products, and if this is the best way to rejuvenate your skin.
Light Therapy and Skin Treatment History
Using light to treat the skin is nothing new. In fact, a Danish doctor received a Nobel Prize in 1903 for using ultraviolet and red light to heal infected wounds. During the mid-twentieth century, lasers became a very popular yet invasive method for treating wrinkles and fine lines. Although lasers are effective, they can lead to extended recovery periods, along with various possible side effects. The big breakthrough came when NASA developed LED technology. LED technology provides a less invasive, less expensive method to harness the advantages of specific wavelengths of light. Now, LED technology is being utilized in many red light therapy products, such as at home masks.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Regular light does not penetrate into the skin; however, red and near infrared light penetrate deep into the skin, causing cellular activity. The process of how red light therapy works is as follows:
- Increases Cellular Energy – Red light increases mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial function is the main source of cellular energy. Increased mitochondrial function leads to increased cellular repair and regeneration.
- Decreases Inflammation – It reduces inflammation caused by the skin, which aids in treating acne and speeding up the healing process of wounds.
- Encourages Collagen and Elastin Production – Collagen and elastin are the primary components of elastic skin. When we age, the amount of collagen and elastin decreases, resulting in wrinkles and loose skin. Red light encourages the natural increase of collagen and elastin.
Unlike laser treatments, red light therapy is non-invasive, has no downtime, and will not damage the skin. But, does it actually work for anti-aging?
What Does the Science Say?
The early research regarding red light therapy focused on wound healing. Wound healing studies demonstrated a significant increase in the speed of the skin repairing itself. With positive results from those studies, researchers moved on to investigate the potential anti-aging benefits of red light therapy.
Wrinkle Reduction and Skin Elasticity
In 2005, one of the first studies regarding red light therapy investigated the effects of amber light therapy on ninety individuals. Following eight treatments over four weeks, ninety percent of participants reported a decrease in wrinkles and an improvement in skin smoothness.
Another study examined the effects of red light and near infrared light on sixty-six participants in a randomized, blinded, and placebo controlled trial. After only four weeks of treatment, wrinkles decreased by thirty-six percent and skin elasticity increased by nineteen percent.
A more recent study published in 2023 assessed the impact of both amber and red light on wrinkles around the eye area in 137 females. The findings? Both wavelengths resulted in nearly identical reductions in wrinkles at approximately thirty percent.
LED Home Mask Hype or Legit?
Given the impressive results seen in the clinical trials regarding red light therapy, it is understandable that LED home masks have become extremely popular. However, can consumers expect the same results with an at-home product?
In 2023, a consumer study evaluated a red light therapy mask in men for a period of six weeks. The study revealed improvements in skin tone, as well as reductions in wrinkles. Additionally, a recent trial evaluated the effectiveness of a red light therapy mask in women, and also found improvements in skin elasticity, as well as a decrease in sagging and fine lines.
There are some important caveats to keep in mind.
- More Studies Are Needed – The clinical data regarding red light therapy is encouraging, but is still limited.
- Most Clinical Studies Were Funded by Manufacturers – Funding from manufacturers may create bias. However, funding is usually transparent.
- There Is No Consensus Regarding Optimal Use of Red Light Therapy – What is the ideal wavelength? How frequently should you apply red light therapy? How long should each application last? Each device is different, and the power and length of application varies greatly.
Does Red Light Therapy Compare Favorably to Other Anti-Aging Treatments?
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- UV rays are the number one reason why people develop aged-looking skin. Sunscreen (SPF 50+) daily helps protect against sun damage.
Retinoids (like tretinoin)
- These vitamin A derivatives stimulate collagen production. They improve skin texture and aid in reducing wrinkles.
- Tretinoin has been shown to aid in photoaging signs within a month. For a wider scope of science backed skincare that really works, see science-backed skincare that actually works.
Collagen Peptides
Collagen supplements help the body generate more collagen naturally. A 2024 study evaluated collagen peptide supplementation in sixty-one subjects. Results demonstrated that twelve weeks of collagen peptide supplementation significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle depth. For further information, read collagen peptides for wrinkle reduction.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy gives the largest anti-aging benefits; however, laser therapy is the most expensive option for your money and does take time to recover from. If you are interested in getting faster, clinically-proven results than laser therapy is still the gold standard. For more on that see laser skin rejuvenation: the science explained.
Red Light Therapy Masks
Red Light Therapy masks are safer, and less expensive options than laser therapy. However, we need further research before we can establish the best practices for using red light therapy masks at home.
The Bottom Line
Red Light Therapy masks have a great deal of promise for skin rejuvenation, but there is no such thing as a miracle cure for aging. To have a complete anti-aging plan you should begin with:
- Using daily SPF 50+
- Using a proven retinoid product such as tretinoin
- Taking collagen peptides
- And then adding red light therapy to that list
Although we are waiting for additional studies to be done, red light therapy is currently considered a safe, non-invasive and possibly an effective way to improve your skin health.