Is low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) safe for all hair types and skin types?

From the Guidelines

Red light therapy is not safe for all hair and skin types, particularly those with certain medical conditions or skin types that tend to burn easily. When considering the use of red light therapy, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, especially for individuals with specific health conditions or skin types.

• Caution should be exercised in patients with skin types I and II who tend to burn easily, as they may be more susceptible to adverse effects from red light therapy 1.
• Those with a history of arsenic intake or previous treatment with ionizing radiation therapy, as well as individuals with a history of melanoma or multiple nonmelanoma skin cancers, should also exercise caution when using red light therapy 1.
• Additionally, patients with severe liver disease, those who have been treated with cyclosporine or methotrexate, and pregnant or nursing women should consult their healthcare providers before using red light therapy 1.
• While red light therapy can be beneficial for many individuals, it's crucial to consider the potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure safe use.
• It's also important to note that red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths of red light and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular function, which can increase ATP production, reduce inflammation, and promote circulation.
• However, side effects can occur, such as temporary redness, dryness, or mild eye irritation, which can be prevented by using protective eyewear during treatment.
• Ultimately, the decision to use red light therapy should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account the individual's specific health conditions, skin type, and medical history.

From the Research

Safety of Red Light Therapy for Hair and Skin Types

• Red light therapy has been studied for its safety on human skin, with results indicating that it is safe up to certain fluences for different skin types 2.
• For skin of color, the maximum safe fluence is 320 J/cm2, while for non-Hispanic Caucasian individuals, it is 480 J/cm2 2.
• Adverse events such as blistering, prolonged erythema, transient erythema, and hyperpigmentation have been reported, but were generally mild and resolved on their own 2, 3.
• The safety of red light therapy for hair types is not directly addressed in the provided studies, but the studies suggest that red light therapy can be safe for use on the skin, which may imply safety for hair types as well 2, 3, 4.

Considerations for Different Skin Types

• Darker skin may be more photosensitive to red light therapy, which could affect the safety and efficacy of treatment 2.
• The studies provided do not specifically address the safety of red light therapy for different hair types, such as colored, chemically treated, or fragile hair.
• Red light therapy has been shown to be effective in promoting wound healing and relieving pain in burn patients, which may suggest potential benefits for skin health 4.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

• Phototoxic reactions, including pain, erythema, oedema, and transient hyperpigmentation, have been reported after exposure to red light therapy, especially in combination with certain topical treatments 3.
• The risk of adverse events may be higher for certain skin types or individuals, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and consultation with a healthcare professional before undergoing red light therapy 2, 3.