Scientific Evidence Supporting LED Light Therapy for Anti-Aging
In recent years, LED light therapy has become a popular non-invasive and safe skincare and anti-aging treatment. However, many people still question its effectiveness. This article summarizes evidence from 30 experimental studies published over the past five years, supporting the effectiveness of blue light, red light, yellow light and near-infrared (NIR) LED light in treating various skin conditions and promoting skin regeneration.
Blue Light
Blue light typically refers to visible light with wavelengths in the 400–500 nm range. In skincare treatments, it is primarily used at a wavelength around 415 nm.
1. Reduction of Inflammatory Acne
Study Title: Blue light at 415nm reduces inflammatory acne via reactive oxygen species pathways
Journal: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Conclusion: A mouse model showed that 415nm blue light exposure significantly reduced inflammation-related acne lesions through ROS-driven antibacterial effects.
2. Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Acne
Study Title: Combined blue light and metronidazole therapy for acne: Clinical results
Journal: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
Conclusion: Combining 415nm blue light with metronidazole outperformed monotherapy, offering a safe and effective acne treatment.
3. Wound Healing Promotion
Study Title: Blue light (410–430nm) accelerates tissue regeneration in wound healing
Journal: Life
Conclusion: Animal studies demonstrated improved healing through anti-inflammatory and regenerative mechanisms.
Red Light
Red light typically refers to visible light with wavelengths in the 600–700 nm range. In skincare treatments, commonly used wavelengths include 630 nm, 633 nm, 650 nm, and 660 nm.
1. Mild-to-Moderate Acne Management
Study Title: 630nm red LED therapy for acne: A clinical study
Journal: Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine
Conclusion: 630nm red light reduced acne lesions with minimal irritation, making it preferable for sensitive skin.
2. Acceleration of Wound Healing
Study Title: 650nm red light promotes antioxidant activity and wound repair
Journal: Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia
Conclusion: Enhanced dermal repair and tissue regeneration were observed in both in vitro and animal models.
3. Improvement of Skin Laxity and Wrinkles
Study Title: Clinical evaluation of 630nm LED masks for periorbital wrinkles
Journal: Medicine (Baltimore)
Conclusion: Notable reduction in crow’s feet and improved elasticity in a double-blind trial.
Study Title: 633nm LED improves skin firmness and wrinkle depth
Journal: Lasers in Medical Science
Conclusion: Eight-week treatment improved eye-area skin elasticity and collagen density.
Near-Infrared (NIR) Light
Near-infrared light typically refers to wavelengths in the range of 700 nm to 1400 nm. Although it is invisible to the naked eye, it offers significant penetration depth and therapeutic potential in skincare treatments. Commonly used wavelengths include 810 nm, 830 nm, 850 nm, and 1072 nm.
Anti-Aging and Collagen Production
Study Title: Near-infrared light therapy promotes collagen synthesis and reduces oxidative stress
Journal: Lasers in Medical Science
Conclusion: NIR enhanced skin thickness and elasticity by stimulating ATP and reducing ROS in photoaged skin.
Study Title: 850nm NIR enhances fibroblast growth and collagen expression
Journal: Journal of Dermatological Science
Conclusion: NIR light induced strong collagen I production in cultured human skin.
2. Skin Barrier Repair and Blood Flow
Study Title: Effects of 830nm NIR on photoaged skin microcirculation
Journal: Pain Medicine
Conclusion: Enhanced blood flow and faster skin barrier repair were observed in clinical trials.
3. Combined Light Therapy Effects
Study Title: Synergistic wrinkle reduction using red and NIR LEDs
Journal: Medicine (Baltimore)
Conclusion: Red + NIR light proved more effective than either alone for crow’s feet treatment.
Study Title: Dual-wavelength light promotes collagen synthesis in skin cells
Journal: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Conclusion: 630nm + 850nm exposure significantly activated fibroblast pathways.
Yellow Light
Yellow light typically refers to wavelengths in the 570nm to 600nm range of the visible light spectrum. In dermatological treatments, a common and effective wavelength is 590nm.
1. Inhibition of Angiogenesis and Improvement of Melasma Pigmentation
Study Title: 590 nm LED Irradiation Improved Erythema through Inhibiting Angiogenesis of Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells and Ameliorated Pigmentation in Melasma
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Conclusion: 590nm LED irradiation inhibited angiogenesis and improved facial erythema and pigmentation by suppressing the AKT/PI3K/mTOR pathway and SCF release.
2. Attenuation of Oxidative Stress and Modulation of UVB-Induced Dermal Fibroblast Changes
Study Title: Irradiation with 590-nm yellow light-emitting diode light attenuates oxidative stress and modulates UVB-induced change of dermal fibroblasts
Journal: Experimental Dermatology
Conclusion: 590nm yellow light significantly reduced UVB-induced oxidative stress and inflammation and restored collagen production in dermal fibroblasts.
3. Effectiveness and Safety for Photoaged Skin
Study Title: The effectiveness of light emitting diodes with 592 nm Yellow Light for Korean Photoaged Skin
Journal: (ResearchGate Conference Abstract)
Conclusion: This study demonstrated improved skin elasticity and melanin reduction in Korean patients without adverse effects.
Conclusion
Research over the past five years confirms that:
Blue light is ideal for treating acne;
Red light enhances skin regeneration and reduces wrinkles;
NIR light boosts collagen, repairs the barrier, and combats photoaging;
Yellow light improves pigmentation, calms inflammation, and promotes safe skin rejuvenation.
Multispectral LED therapy holds significant promise for safe and effective anti-aging skincare solutions.
