Red light therapy is a trending health topic, but are there really benefits for your skin? With multiple red light devices on the market, the Food and Drug Administration has approved some devices for skin conditions like acne, alopecia (hair loss) and psoriasis.

Melissa Koopmann, dermatology physician assistant with Marshfield Clinic Health System, explains that red light therapy isn’t a clinical treatment, but can be a great option for people wanting to improve their skin health with little risk and no downtime.

How does red light therapy work?

Red light therapy uses light to activate the mitochondria, which Koopmann refers to as our “cell’s powerhouse.” This activation can lead to increased cellular energy, decreased inflammation and improved blood flow.

Benefits can include:

• Improved skin texture and elasticity by boosting collagen production
• Faster wound healing/repairs cells and tissue
• Stimulated hair growth
• Aid in muscle recovery and reduced aches/pains
• Reduced inflammation
• Improved sleep

“Red light therapy has been used to help acne, rosacea and hair loss as well as overall skin rejuvenation,” Koopmann said. “It can be used to improve skin texture and diminish fine lines and wrinkles.”

Red light therapy and wrinkles

Your skin changes with age, according to the National Institute on Aging. It becomes thinner, loses fat and no longer looks as smooth as it once did. Over time, skin begins to wrinkle as the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays reduce elasticity and gravity causes skin to sag and wrinkle.

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Red light therapy may be an option to reduce that natural change in your skin over time.

“Certainly, more research needs to be conducted to determine if the benefits are comparable to current laser-based therapies or other modalities used for skin rejuvenation,” she said. “Some people experience mild skin irritation when they first start treatments, but otherwise, red light therapy is considered to be very safe.”

Within dermatology, you can receive photorejuvenation with lasers to treat conditions related to sun-induced skin damage. Talk with your dermatologist to learn more about your recommended treatment options.

How to take care of your skin

Beyond red light therapy, Koopman says there are simple ways to care of your skin. One of the top ways is wearing a sunscreen of SPF 15 or more. This can do more than just take care of your skin, but also protect it.

Of the three main types of skin cancer, the most common is basal cell carcinoma followed by squamous cell carcinoma. Both tend to occur most often in sun-exposed skin, grow slowly and rarely spread elsewhere in the body. The least common and most serious is malignant melanoma.

Other ways to care for and protect your skin include:

• Gentle and regular washing
• Reduce stress
• Eat a healthy diet
• Don’t smoke
• Moisturize

Additionally, check your skin regularly for anything new or worrisome. Talk to your primary care provider or dermatologist about any concerns.

To keep your skin healthy, visit Marshfield Clinic Health System.

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