Does Red Light Therapy Actually Work for Wrinkles?

Woman receiving red light therapy for fine lines and wrinkles at a wellness studio

Yes, clinical research suggests that red light therapy can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles when it is used consistently at an appropriate wavelength and dose. Studies have also found improvements in collagen density, skin texture, and overall skin appearance.

However, red light therapy is not an instant wrinkle remover. Results are generally gradual and more subtle than those produced by Botox, injectable fillers, chemical peels, or resurfacing lasers.

Here is what the scientific evidence actually tells us.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy—also called photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy—exposes the skin to specific wavelengths of red or near-infrared light.

Unlike ultraviolet light, red light does not tan the skin or intentionally damage it. It is also different from laser resurfacing, which creates controlled skin injury to trigger a healing response.

Instead, researchers believe red and near-infrared light may influence cellular signaling, mitochondrial activity, and fibroblasts—the cells responsible for producing collagen and other components of the skin’s supportive structure.

As skin ages, collagen production declines. This contributes to:

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Thinner skin

• Reduced firmness

• Rough or uneven texture

• Loss of elasticity

By supporting activity within the skin rather than removing its outer layers, red light therapy offers a noninvasive approach to improving some visible signs of aging.

What Does the Research Show?

Several controlled clinical studies have measured the effects of red light therapy on wrinkles and aging skin.

One study measured approximately a 30% reduction in wrinkle volume

A randomized split-face clinical trial included 137 women between 40 and 65 years old. Participants received 10 treatments over four weeks. One side of the face received 660-nanometer red light, while the other received 590-nanometer amber light.

Researchers reported:

• A 31.6% reduction in periocular wrinkle volume with red light

• A 29.9% reduction with amber light

• No significant improvement in skin hydration or elasticity

This is an encouraging result, although both sides received active treatment and the study did not include an untreated or sham-treated side for comparison. Read the randomized clinical trial on PubMed.

A controlled trial found improvements in collagen and wrinkle measurements

In another prospective, randomized and controlled trial, 136 participants were assigned to red or broad-spectrum red/near-infrared light treatments or a control group. Treatments were performed twice per week.

Compared with the control group, treated participants experienced statistically significant improvements in:

• Wrinkle status

• Skin roughness

• Skin complexion

• Collagen density

• Participants’ perception of their skin

The investigators also examined tissue samples and found evidence consistent with increased collagen fibers after treatment. Review the controlled study through PubMed.

A 2025 sham-controlled trial produced more mixed—but still positive—results

A more recent randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study examined 95 women between 45 and 60 years old. Participants received either two or three 660-nanometer red-light sessions per week for four weeks, while the control group received sham treatments.

The researchers found:

• Significant reductions in the measured length of certain glabellar and eye-area wrinkles compared with the sham group

• Participant satisfaction rates of 79.6% and 73.4% in the two treatment groups

• No statistically significant difference between groups on one separate clinician-rated wrinkle scale

• No clear advantage from receiving three treatments per week instead of two

These mixed measurements are important. They suggest that red light can produce measurable improvements, but the size of the improvement may depend on how wrinkles are evaluated. See the randomized, sham-controlled trial on PubMed.

So, How Strong Is the Evidence?

The fairest conclusion is that the evidence is promising but not perfect.

What the evidence supports

What has not been proven

Red light can improve some fine lines and wrinkle measurements

It will completely remove deep wrinkles

Repeated treatment can improve collagen density and skin texture

Every device will produce identical results

Improvements may appear after several weeks of consistent use

More power or longer sessions always produce better results

Short-term treatment is generally well tolerated

Results are permanent after treatment stops

Some people experience visible improvement

Every person will respond equally

Studies use different wavelengths, power levels, treatment times, schedules, devices, and methods of measuring wrinkles. This makes it difficult to create one universal treatment protocol or predict an exact percentage of improvement for every person.

What Kind of Wrinkles May Respond Best?

Red light therapy is most likely to help with:

• Fine lines around the eyes

• Early forehead lines

• Mild creasing

• Rough skin texture

• General photoaging

• Mild loss of firmness

Deep folds, significant sagging, and wrinkles caused largely by repeated facial-muscle movement are less likely to change dramatically with red light alone.

For example, red light therapy does not relax facial muscles in the way Botox does, and it does not replace lost facial volume in the way dermal fillers do. Its primary value is gradual improvement in the quality and appearance of the skin.

How Long Does Red Light Therapy Take to Work?

Do not expect major changes after one session.

Clinical studies showing improvements generally used repeated treatments for approximately four weeks or longer. Depending on the device, treatment schedule, skin condition, age, and degree of photoaging, visible improvement may take several weeks or months.

A realistic progression may include:

• Early sessions: Skin may feel smoother or look temporarily more refreshed.

• Four to eight weeks: Subtle changes in texture or fine lines may become noticeable.

• Eight to twelve weeks: Improvements in overall skin appearance may become easier to recognize.

• Ongoing use: Maintenance treatments may be needed because the natural aging process continues.

These time frames are general expectations, not guaranteed results. The treatment schedule should always follow the protocol established for the specific device.

Does the Wavelength Matter?

Yes. “Red light therapy” is not one standardized treatment.

Clinical wrinkle studies commonly use red wavelengths around 630 to 660 nanometers. Some devices combine red light with near-infrared wavelengths, often around 810 to 850 nanometers.

Wavelength is only one part of treatment quality. Results can also be influenced by:

• Irradiance, or the amount of power reaching the skin

• Total energy delivered

• Distance from the light

• Treatment duration

• Treatment frequency

• Consistency

• Coverage of the treatment area

A device can advertise the correct wavelength without necessarily delivering the same treatment dose used in a successful clinical study.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe for the Face?

Red light therapy appears to have a favorable short-term safety profile when an appropriate device is used correctly.

Two randomized controlled trials evaluating high-fluence LED red light found that it was generally safe on the skin at the doses studied. However, the researchers also found that biological responses could vary according to skin type and dose. Read the safety research on PubMed.

Possible temporary effects can include:

• Mild redness

• Skin irritation

• Temporary discomfort

• Headache or eye discomfort if proper eye protection is not used

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends following device instructions, using recommended eye protection, and consulting a dermatologist when medications or health conditions could increase light sensitivity. People with lupus, photosensitive conditions, a history of unusual reactions to light, or darker skin that is prone to hyperpigmentation should be especially cautious. See the American Academy of Dermatology’s red-light safety guidance.

Is an FDA-Cleared Device Guaranteed to Work?

No. FDA clearance should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every person will experience meaningful wrinkle reduction.

Clearance generally means that the device met the applicable regulatory requirements and was found substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device. It is not the same as the FDA independently confirming every advertising claim or guaranteeing a particular result.

Look for FDA-cleared, not vague marketing phrases such as “FDA registered,” “FDA certified,” or “FDA approved.” A facility or manufacturer being registered with the FDA does not, by itself, prove that a specific treatment is effective.

Does Red Light Therapy Replace Sunscreen or Retinol?

No. Red light therapy should be viewed as one part of a broader skin-aging strategy.

Daily sun protection remains essential because ultraviolet exposure breaks down collagen and accelerates wrinkles. Depending on your skin, a dermatologist may also recommend treatments such as:

• Retinoids or retinol

• Vitamin C

• Chemical peels

• Microneedling

• Neuromodulators such as Botox

• Dermal fillers

• Resurfacing lasers

Red light therapy may complement these approaches, but it does not cancel out ongoing sun damage or replace medically appropriate skincare.

The Bottom Line: Does Red Light Therapy Work for Wrinkles?

Yes—red light therapy can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, collagen density, and skin texture in some people. Randomized and controlled clinical trials support a genuine biological and cosmetic effect.

The most accurate expectation is gradual, modest improvement rather than dramatic wrinkle removal. Results depend heavily on using the correct wavelengths, dose, treatment schedule, and device—and on remaining consistent long enough for changes to develop.

At Tru Elements Sauna Studio in Blue Springs, Missouri, red light therapy provides a comfortable, noninvasive option for people who want to support healthier-looking skin without injections or treatment downtime.

Contact Tru Elements to learn more about red light therapy sessions or to determine whether the service fits your wellness and skincare goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can red light therapy completely remove wrinkles?

No. Red light therapy may soften fine lines and reduce some wrinkle measurements, but it is unlikely to eliminate deep wrinkles or significant skin folds.

How many red light therapy sessions are needed for wrinkles?

Clinical studies commonly use two or more sessions per week for at least four weeks. The correct frequency depends on the device and the amount of energy delivered during each treatment.

Is red light therapy better than retinol?

The treatments work differently, and research has not established red light as universally better than retinol. Retinoids have extensive evidence for photoaging, while red light provides a noninvasive option that may complement a dermatologist-approved skincare routine.

Does red light therapy increase collagen?

Controlled studies have found increased collagen density and changes consistent with greater collagen production following repeated red and near-infrared light treatments.

Can red light make wrinkles worse?

Correctly administered red light is not expected to worsen wrinkles. Excessive heat, an inappropriate dose, photosensitivity, or misuse of a device could cause irritation. Follow the device protocol and consult a healthcare professional if you have a photosensitive condition or take photosensitizing medication.

Are red light therapy results permanent?

Probably not. Skin continues to age and experience environmental damage, so ongoing skincare, sun protection, and maintenance treatments may be necessary.

Research References

1. Mota LR, et al. “Photobiomodulation Reduces Periocular Wrinkle Volume by 30%: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery. 2023. PubMed record.

2. Wunsch A, Matuschka K. “A Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment in Patient Satisfaction, Reduction of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Roughness, and Intradermal Collagen Density Increase.” Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 2014. PubMed record.

3. Bragato EF, et al. “Role of Photobiomodulation Application Frequency in Facial Rejuvenation: Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial.” Lasers in Medical Science. 2025. PubMed record.

4. Jagdeo J, et al. “Safety of Light Emitting Diode-Red Light on Human Skin: Two Randomized Controlled Trials.” Journal of Biophotonics. 2020. PubMed record.

5. American Academy of Dermatology. “Is Red Light Therapy Right for Your Skin?” AAD patient guidance.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Red light therapy is not intended to diagnose or replace medical treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about individual skin concerns, medications, or medical conditions.