Light Therapy for Anti-Aging: A Study on Red & Near-Infrared Efficacy, Patient Satisfaction, and Skin Texture

Light therapy for anti aging, through photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level light therapy (LLLT), uses non-thermal LED light (600–1300 nm) to stimulate cellular repair and rejuvenation without damaging the skin. Unlike invasive laser or IPL treatments, PBM directly enhances skin regeneration by boosting fibroblast and keratinocyte activity, improving collagen production, and reducing inflammation—all with minimal downtime or side effects. While traditional lasers and LEDs rely on narrow wavelengths, emerging evidence suggests polychromatic light may offer superior anti-aging benefits by targeting multiple regenerative pathways. This clinical trial investigates PBM’s efficacy as a safe, non-invasive light therapy for anti aging  using optimized spectral parameters for skin revitalization.

The study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of two novel light sources for large-area, full-body applications of polychromatic, non-thermal photobiomodulation (PBM) as a potential breakthrough in light therapy for anti aging to enhance skin appearance and sensation. While existing laser and LED sources are effective for non-thermal photorejuvenation, they have limitations, such as dot-shaped emission and narrow spectral ranges. This research explored whether a broader polychromatic spectrum could improve outcomes for light therapy for anti aging, focusing on skin rejuvenation. A total of 136 participants were involved in a randomized study comparing the effects of two different polychromatic light wavelengths with a control group over 30 treatment sessions 

Photomed Laser Surg. 2014 Feb 1;32(2):93–100. 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3926176/

DOI: 10.1089/pho.2013.3616

In a randomized and controlled study involving 136 volunteers, researchers examined the safety and efficacy of two novel light sources designed for large-area and full-body application of non-thermal photobiomodulation (PBM) for skin rejuvenation, including light therapy for anti aging . Traditional methods using laser and LED light sources, while effective, often rely on narrow spectral bandwidths and create dot-shaped emissions, which may not fully utilize the various wavelengths beneficial for tissue regeneration and repair.

This study specifically investigated the effects of applying a broader polychromatic spectrum, which included treatment groups receiving light at 611–650 nm or 570–850 nm, both delivered at approximately 9 J/cm² in focused studies. The participants were assigned to one of the four treatment groups and received treatments two times a week, while a control group received no treatment. Researchers reevaluated the participants after 30 sessions using various assessment methods including clinical photography, ultrasonographic collagen density measurements, computerized digital profilometry, and patient satisfaction surveys.

Results revealed substantial improvements in skin complexion, sensation, roughness, and collagen density among the treated groups compared to control. Despite the promise of the new light sources, results indicated that the polychromatic PBM did not yield advantages over the red-light spectrum alone. Nevertheless, both new light sources proved to be effective and safe alternatives for enhancing skin rejuvenation and increasing intradermal collagen, further supporting the potential of light therapy for anti aging applications.

The study initially recruited 144 volunteers, with 136 ultimately included after eight did not attend their first appointment. Out of these, 128 volunteers completed the treatment and follow-up evaluation:

• Treatment Groups:
  • 57 received Red Light Therapy (RLT)
  • 48 received Enhanced Light Therapy (ELT)
  • 23 served as controls

The groups were similar regarding:

• Age
• Weight
• Skin complexion
• Skin feeling
• Skin roughness
• Intradermal collagen density

Notably, the percentage of women was lower in the ELT group compared to the RLT group. The control group exhibited a higher mean collagen density and lower mean skin roughness compared to both treatment groups.

No participants dropped out due to adverse events, and no severe adverse events were reported during the study or follow-up. Specific observations included:

• One participant with facial telangiectasia noted increased visibility after initial treatments and opted to use concealer.
• One participant experienced reddening of scar tissue from a 40-year-old knee injury after ELT treatment, which healed completely within one week, allowing uninterrupted treatment.

Clinical assessments showed significant improvements from baseline (t0) to the follow-up (t30) in the RLT and ELT groups across several parameters:

• Skin complexion
• Skin feeling
• Collagen intensity score (CIS)
• Skin roughness
• Wrinkle status

Statistical significance was noted with p<0.001. In contrast, the control group showed no significant change in collagen density and worsening skin roughness and wrinkle status. Graphical data indicated that nearly all participants in the ELT and RLT groups showed improvements, as demonstrated in figures:

• Figure 4A, B, D: Improvements in skin feeling, skin complexion, and roughness for nearly all volunteers (p<0.01).
• Figure 4C (CIS): Significant increases (p<0.001).

There were no significant differences between the RLT and ELT groups regarding skin complexion and skin feeling. However, significant differences were observed in collagen density, roughness, and wrinkle status among the three groups (p-values confirmed in Table 3).

Within the RLT group, 25 used CVT/RVT and 32 used C46 sun, while the ELT group included 27 in ELT 30 and 21 in ELT 2. No significant differences in treatment effects were found between subgroups; all showed statistically significant improvements from t0 to t30. Gender differences also did not significantly affect treatment results (p>0.1).

Long-term effects were evaluated in 52 of the 77 subjects who completed the study as of November/December 2012. Longitudinal data showed:

• 18 continued to 45 treatments
• 7 completed a total of 60 treatments (t60)

Significant improvements were recorded at t60 compared to t0 for the group with 30 treatments:

• Skin feeling: Mean 0.99, SD 1.95
• Skin complexion: Mean -1.00, SD 2.10
• CIS: Mean 5.10, SD 7.56
• Roughness Average (Ra): Mean -0.64, SD 3.53

Despite the significant improvements, these results exhibited lower effect sizes compared to t30 results. As only a small group continued therapy, further systematic evaluations are recommended for long-term efficacy. No delayed adverse events were reported during the follow-up.

This study demonstrates that polychromatic non-thermal photobiomodulation, including  light therapy for anti aging , can positively impact skin rejuvenation, improving skin appearance and collagen density among participants. Although the broader spectrum did not outperform the red-light-only approach, the findings underscore the efficacy and safety of these novel light sources in therapeutic contexts. The significant enhancements in skin texture and patient satisfaction suggest potential applications in dermatology and cosmetic treatments, particularly for  light therapy for anti aging , paving the way for further research into optimizing light therapy protocols. Future studies could build on these findings to explore the intrinsic mechanisms of action involved with different light wavelengths and their combinatory effects on skin health. Ultimately, integrating these advanced light sources into clinical practice could provide patients with additional non-invasive options for achieving healthier skin and potentially reducing signs of aging through  light therapy for anti aging  innovations.