1. How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
2. Benefits of Infrared Light for Skin Wrinkles
3. How to Use a Red Light Face Mask?
4. Does Red Light Therapy for Skin Tightening and Wrinkles Hurt?
5. How to Pick a Red Light Therapy Face Mask?
6. People also ask

By now, you've probably heard glowing reviews about red light therapy devices, especially for skin concerns. Even medical professionals are recommending them, backed by studies showing impressive results.

There’s a good reason why it’s grown so popular. Not only is it effective, but it is also easy to perform yourself, a good investment and relatively affordable compared to other expensive one-time treatments. 

But with every new treatment, comes a lot of scepticism- A common question people ask is whether red light therapy helps with wrinkles. Is there scientific proof that these LED masks will take away years from your face? 

If you're curious about how these devices work, what kind of results you can expect, how to use red light face masks, and how to choose the best device, keep reading—we’ve got all the answers!

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

Red light therapy uses a device to penetrate the skin with red and infrared light, stimulating the cells for healing effects. Ideally, red light therapy contains both red and infrared light with the red light frequency at 620-660 nm, and infrared light frequency at 810-850 nm. 

Besides being especially useful for pain relief, red light therapy has extensive effects on skin rejuvenation, including reducing wrinkles, inflammation, and uneven skin texture. Certain people may also see improvement in skin conditions such as acne. Red light treatment can also reduce the appearance of sun-damaged skin. (1) (2) (3)

But how exactly does LED light therapy work for wrinkles? Let’s take a scientific look at red light therapy face masks target wrinkles.

Benefits of Infrared Light for Skin Wrinkles

Red light therapy works by penetrating the skin at specific wavelengths, stimulating cellular activity at a deep level. As these light rays reach the skin cells, they boost mitochondrial function, leading to increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production—the energy source that powers cell regeneration and repair. This process enhances collagen synthesis, which improves skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Additionally, red light therapy enhances blood circulation, delivering more oxygen and essential nutrients to skin cells while promoting detoxification. This increased circulation not only helps with wrinkles but can also improve sun damage, uneven skin tone, and crow’s feet. 

Numerous studies support these results. Here are two key examples:

• A study published in Skin Research and Technology investigated the effects of red LED photobiomodulation over three months using a 630 nm LED mask on 20 participants. The results showed significant improvements in wrinkle depth, skin firmness, elasticity, texture, and overall complexion. Volunteers reported visible anti-aging benefits, and the effects lasted up to a month after treatment, indicating long-term skin rejuvenation. (1)

• A study published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that red and polychromatic light therapy significantly improved skin texture, complexion, and collagen density over 30 sessions. Participants experienced measurable reductions in skin roughness and increased collagen production, confirmed through clinical photography and ultrasound imaging. The study also found that broadband polychromatic light offered no additional advantage over red light alone, confirming the effectiveness of red light therapy. (4)

Results can vary depending on factors like skin type, treatment frequency, and device strength. However, generally, you can expect to see subtle improvement in as little as four weeks and significant results by the 12th week. Other positive results along the way include plump skin, hydration, reduction of redness, and improvement of skin texture and tone. 

You could use a red light therapy device to improve wrinkles on your face, but for optimal results and the best targeting of face tissue, we recommend using a red light therapy face mask. Handheld red light devices may also be helpful for spot-treatments of wrinkles on your neck or hands. 

How to Use a Red Light Face Mask?

The best part about red light therapy is that you can carry out the process right from the comfort of your home. If you want to learn how to use a red light therapy face mask, here are the steps you need to follow: 

1. Remove any products from your face: For optimal penetration, your face must be clean of skincare and makeup products.

2. Position the face mask: Put the face mask on your face, ensuring it covers your skin properly and evenly.

3. Set a timer: One red light therapy session should last no longer than ten to twenty minutes, as doing so may result in overheating. To prevent this, set a timer.

4. Try to relax: Now, just sit back as the face mask does it work. You could put music in the background to help you relax and unwind. 

5. Stay consistent: The best way to see quick results through red light therapy is to stay consistent. Try to have 3-5 sessions a week for at least four weeks. Don’t lose patience if you don’t see any results before this time frame! This treatment isn’t a quick fix- it’s encouraging your body to heal from within so it takes a while to show up on your skin.

Does Red Light Therapy for Skin Tightening and Wrinkles Hurt?

Red light therapy is a non-invasive procedure, so it won’t cause any discomfort or hurt your skin. You might feel some warmth on your skin, which is natural. The only thing you should be wary of is leaving the mask on too long, which may overheat and damage your skin. Other than that, there is nothing to worry about with this procedure.

Many people find red light therapy soothing, to the extent that some people may doze off! This is why setting a timer beforehand is crucial. 

How to Pick a Red Light Therapy Face Mask?

Because of how hyped-up red light masks are, there are now a ton of them on the market. But which of these should you go for? Here are things that you should look for in your LED therapy face masks: 

1. Look at wavelength emission: Studies have shown that your red light mask should emit red and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths for optimal results. While red light works best on surface-level issues, NIR light can penetrate deeper into the skin and tackle underlying root problems. Devices from BlockBlueLight ensure that you receive both wavelengths, which is why they’re ideal for red light therapy at home. 

2. Check the power density: Measured in milliwatts per square centimetre (mW/cm²), power density measures how much light energy is delivered to the skin. Devices with higher power density have much better penetration. 

3. Number of LED lights: A higher number of LEDs will distribute the light more evenly, leading to more effective treatment. This is why you should always pick a red light mask with many LEDs. 

4. Certifications: Any red light face mask you use should comply with the highest safety certifications. All BlockBlueLight devices satisfy AS/NZS 60335.2.27:2020, AS/NZS 60335.1:2020, and CE standards.

5. Free from flicker: Flickering lights can cause eye strain and discomfort and decrease the overall effectiveness of your red light mask. This is why BlockBlueLight red light devices are free from flicker and EMF. 

6. Other safety features: All our devices include safety goggles and a timer so that you may protect your eyes and also avoid accidentally burning yourself. 

People also ask

Does red light therapy really work on wrinkles?

Yes, red light therapy does work on wrinkles and can reduce their appearance with consistent usage. 

How long does it take to see the results of red light therapy for wrinkles?

It will take at least four weeks before the results of the red light therapy show up. This is why consistency is the key to seeing results.

What is the best light therapy for wrinkles?

Red light therapy is considered the best therapy for wrinkles due to the way it stimulates collagen production.

Is red light therapy better than Botox?

Many people consider red light therapy a better option than Botox, as it produces natural collagen and offers better skin rejuvenation over the long run. 

To learn more about red light therapy, refer to the following articles:

• How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

• Can You Do Red Light Therapy Every Day?

• Is Red Light Therapy Damaging To Eyes?

• How To Do Red Light Therapy For Hair Loss At Home?

References:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10311288/
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5523874/
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9980499/
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3926176/