What are the benefits of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) using red light?

From the Guidelines

Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM), offers several potential health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved skin health, accelerated wound healing, and pain relief, as supported by recent studies such as 1. This non-invasive treatment uses low-wavelength red light (typically 630-660nm) and near-infrared light (810-850nm) to penetrate skin tissues and stimulate cellular function. Some of the key benefits of red light therapy include:

• Reduced inflammation and improved skin health, as seen in the treatment of actinic keratosis 1
• Accelerated wound healing, which can be attributed to the enhancement of mitochondrial function and increased ATP production 1
• Pain relief, which can be achieved through daily treatments of 10-30 minutes directed at the affected area 1 For skin concerns, sessions of 10-20 minutes several times weekly can help reduce wrinkles, scars, and promote collagen production. The therapy works by enhancing mitochondrial function, increasing ATP production, improving blood circulation, and reducing oxidative stress in cells. While generally safe with minimal side effects, results vary between individuals and may take several weeks of consistent use to become noticeable. Home devices are available (ranging from $100-500), though professional treatments at clinics may provide stronger, more targeted therapy. It is essential to note that the efficacy of red light therapy can depend on various factors, including the wavelength, intensity, and duration of treatment, as well as individual patient characteristics. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for specific conditions. In terms of specific treatment protocols, studies such as 1 suggest that longer application times (1 hour to 4 hours) may be more effective for certain conditions, such as actinic keratosis. However, more research is needed to fully understand the optimal treatment parameters for different conditions. Overall, red light therapy is a promising treatment option for various health conditions, and further research is warranted to fully explore its potential benefits.

From the Research

Benefits of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation (PBM)

• The benefits of LLLT or PBM using red light include promoting impaired cutaneous wound healing, reducing inflammation and pain, and restoring function 2.
• Red and near-infrared light-induced photobiomodulation therapy has been shown to have beneficial effects on wound repair and regeneration, with near-infrared (800-830 nm) being the most effective and widely studied wavelength range, followed by red (630-680 nm) and 904 nm superpulsed light 2.
• LLLT has been found to stimulate healing, relieve pain and inflammation, and restore function in various skin conditions, including wrinkles, acne scars, hypertrophic scars, and burns 3.
• The therapy can also reduce UV damage, increase pigmentation in vitiligo, and manage inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and acne 3.
• Photobiomodulation therapy has been shown to be a potent, noninvasive, and photoceutical approach for wound care, with various doses and wavelengths providing therapeutic benefits for chronic wounds 4.
• The use of 630-650 nm red light has been found to effectively reduce wound purulent drainage/discharge, relieve marginal response and pain, and promote wound healing in glucocorticoid-dependent patients with second-degree burns 5.
• Low-level light therapy has been found to be a safe and effective method for skin rejuvenation, treatment of acne vulgaris and alopecia, and body contouring, although more research is needed to establish its therapeutic utility 6.

Therapeutic Applications

• LLLT or PBM using red light has been used to treat various skin conditions, including:
  • Wound healing
  • Skin rejuvenation
  • Acne vulgaris
  • Androgenic alopecia
  • Body contouring
• The therapy has been found to be noninvasive, economical, and multipurpose, making it an attractive tool for wound management 4.

Mechanisms of Action

• The absorption of red/near-infrared light energy enhances mitochondrial ATP production, cell signaling, and growth factor synthesis, and attenuates oxidative stress 6.
• The photons are absorbed by mitochondrial chromophores in skin cells, activating electron transport, adenosine triphosphate nitric oxide release, blood flow, reactive oxygen species increase, and diverse signaling pathways 3.