Red Light Therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation, has measurable benefits for skin recovery after sun exposure.
Sunburn and UV damage impair collagen, cause inflammation, DNA injury, hyperpigmentation and delayed healing. RLT at wavelengths between approximately 630–700 nm penetrates skin, targets mitochondrial cytochrome-c oxidase, boosts cellular energy (ATP), reduces inflammatory cytokines, and enhances fibroblast proliferation.It increases collagen I and elastin synthesis, improves skin elasticity, texture, tightness, and tone.
Clinical studies show RLT accelerates healing of UV‑induced or burn wounds. In third‑degree burns on patients, systemic RLT shortened wound recovery by over a day on average and reduced pain during dressing changes. Animal and human studies confirm RLT enhances re‑epithelialization and reduces inflammatory infiltrate in early healing phases.
RLT also reduces sunburn redness and pigmentation. In controlled trials, pre‑treatment with red light significantly lessened erythema and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure comparable to SPF 15 protectionRLT supports DNA repair: it modulates redox balance, upregulates repair enzymes (such as APE1/GADD45A), downregulates MMP‑1, and reduces oxidative DNA damage.
Repeated RLT sessions improve long‑term appearance after sun damage: they smooth fine lines, fade sun spots, minimize wrinkles, restore hydration and elasticity. Anti‑inflammatory effects reduce cytokines IL‑6 and TNF‑α, applicable in conditions like eczema or psoriasis triggered or aggravated by sun exposure.
