If you’re thinking about red light therapy for your skin, it helps to know what studies have actually measured, how long they ran and why results differ. This page sets out the research honestly so you can set realistic expectations. It sits under our red light therapy for skin hub.
Before you read on: research findings come from specific devices, settings and groups of people. They may not apply to any particular device or person, and no study can promise an outcome for you.
This is general information, not medical advice. For any skin concern, please talk with your GP or a dermatologist.
How long does it usually take to notice a difference?
There’s no reliable answer to “how long does red light therapy take to work” for any one person. Skin studies run over weeks of regular sessions, and none of them gives a personal timeline. For example, in Wunsch and Matuschka’s 2014 trial, participants had 30 sessions at two per week.[1]
So when people talk about LED face mask results, it’s worth remembering that studies involve regular sessions over weeks, not days. Some people say they notice changes along the way, and others don’t.
What skin changes have studies actually looked at?
Most skin studies have looked at signs of facial ageing, measured with tools and trained raters rather than by eye alone.
A controlled trial (2014). Wunsch and Matuschka enrolled 136 volunteers (128 completed). Of these, 113 were randomised to red-only (611–650 nm) or 570–850 nm light twice a week, and 23 controls received no light. After 30 sessions, researchers recorded differences favouring the light groups in:
- blinded photo ratings of fine lines and wrinkles
- skin roughness, measured with an instrument
- collagen density, measured by ultrasound (an indirect measure)
The two light types didn’t differ from each other. At six months, 77 people were re-measured: on average still better than at the start, but by less.[1]
Limits: the devices were large-area and full-body gas-discharge lamps, not LED masks. Controls, mainly sponsor employees, weren’t randomised. A light-equipment company fully funded the study and paid the lead investigator. The authors flagged possible selection bias at follow-up.[1]
In other words, red light therapy skin results in studies were modest changes in measured scores, recorded under controlled conditions. They weren’t dramatic transformations. For a wider overview of the research, see red light therapy for skin.
Why do results vary from person to person?
Several things can make a difference:
- The device and its dose. Wavelength, intensity, distance and session time all affect how much light reaches the skin. De Freitas and Hamblin described a biphasic dose response: too little light may produce no measurable effect, and too much may also produce none.[2] Quirk and Whelan saw the idea of a single “best dose” as questionable, though not necessarily false.[3] See how to choose a device and mask vs panel.
- How light is thought to act. One leading idea is that light interacts with an enzyme in mitochondria, the energy-producing parts of cells. Researchers still debate this,[2][3] which is one reason predictions for any one person are hard. See how red light works.
- Your starting point. Studies report group averages, which can hide differences between individuals.
- Everything else in your routine. Sun exposure, sleep, new skincare products and seasonal changes can all affect how your skin looks.
How much does consistency matter?
Studies use set schedules. The 2014 trial, for example, involved 30 sessions at two per week.[1] We don’t know of research showing what happens with irregular use, so findings from set schedules may not apply if sessions are skipped.
In the 2014 trial, differences were smaller at the six-month check than at the end of the sessions.[1] That suggests any changes may not be permanent, although the evidence on stopping is limited.
Practical tips:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for session length and frequency. More isn’t automatically better.[2]
- Pick a routine you can realistically keep up, such as the same days each week.
- Read the safety information before you start, including eye protection. See is red light therapy safe?
How can you track your own progress fairly?
Red light therapy before and after photos online are often taken in different lighting or at different angles, which can make changes look bigger or smaller than they are. Researchers in the 2014 trial used blinded raters and instruments for this reason.[1] At home, you can make your own comparisons fairer:
- Same lighting. Use the same spot each time, ideally with soft, even daylight or the same lamp. Avoid harsh overhead light.
- Same angle and distance. Mark where you stand or use a phone stand. Take front-on and side-on shots.
- Same time of day. Skin can look different first thing in the morning than in the evening.
- Same skin state. Use bare, clean skin, with no makeup or fresh moisturiser, and a relaxed expression.
- Set intervals. Take photos before you start, then at regular points (for example every four weeks), rather than every day.
- Keep notes. Record sessions, new products, sun exposure and anything else that changed.
- Realistic expectations. Studies recorded modest changes in measured scores. You may not see an obvious difference, and that’s worth knowing before you start.
If you’re comparing products, be wary of brand before-and-after images. See red light therapy myths vs facts. If a device is promoted for a therapeutic purpose, check its ARTG entry (see our guide to TGA and ARTG).
When should you talk to a dermatologist instead?
Please see a dermatologist or your GP if:
- you have a new, changing or bleeding spot or mole
- you have an ongoing skin concern, or a diagnosed skin condition, and want personal advice
- you notice irritation, redness or discomfort that doesn’t settle after you stop using a device
- you take medicines or use products that make your skin more sensitive to light
- you’re pregnant or have an eye condition and want to check before using light devices
A dermatologist can look at your skin in person and discuss options that suit you.
FAQ
How long does red light therapy take to work? There’s no set timeline. Studies run over weeks of regular sessions, and none gives a personal timeline. The 2014 trial involved 30 sessions at two per week.[1]
Are LED face mask results the same as in studies? Not necessarily. Results depend on the device, dose and person. The 2014 trial used large lamps, not LED masks.[1]
Will I see a difference in photos? Maybe, maybe not. Studies used blinded raters and instruments to detect modest changes.[1] Consistent photos make your own comparisons fairer.
Do results last if I stop? The evidence is limited. In the 2014 trial, differences were smaller at six months.[1]
Is the way light works on skin proven? No. It’s a leading theory that researchers still debate.[2][3]
For personal advice about your skin, please talk with a dermatologist or your GP.
Related reading on our blog
Sources
- 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;32(2):93–100. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2013.3616
- de Freitas LF, Hamblin MR. Proposed mechanisms of photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics. 2016;22(3). https://doi.org/10.1109/JSTQE.2016.2561201
- Quirk BJ, Whelan HT. What lies at the heart of photobiomodulation: light, cytochrome c oxidase, and nitric oxide. Review of the evidence. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2020.4905
