How Does Red Light Therapy for Psoriasis Work?

From healthline.com

Red light therapy (RLT) is a type of phototherapy used for many skin conditions and even cancer. Some people find it helpful in treating psoriasis, though results have been mixed.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that involves a rapid turnover of skin cells. People with psoriasis often find rough areas of painful irritation and silvery scales called plaques on various parts of their bodies.

There’s no cure for this autoimmune disease, but treatments are available that can help ease psoriasis symptoms. These include home remedies to calm the skin, topical and oral medications, and light therapy.

Keep reading to learn more about red light therapy (RLT) for psoriasis, including how it works and if it might be right for you.

What is red light therapy?

The Good Brigade/Getty Images

RLT is a form of light therapy that uses light-emitting diodes (LED) to treat conditions from acne to persistent wounds. Some people with psoriasis undergo light therapy with ultraviolet (UV) rays, but RLT doesn’t contain any UV rays.

In a hospital setting, doctors may combine RLT with certain medications. Some experts refer to this as photodynamic therapy.

You don’t necessarily need to see a doctor to test out RLT. There are various consumer products on the market aimed at cosmetic applications.

Many tanning salons, like B-Tan Tanning in parts of Florida, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, offer red light beds. These salons say that red light beds help reduce:

• cellulite
• acne
• scars
• stretch marks
• fine lines
• wrinkles

For more targeted RLT, you’ll need to consult a dermatologist first.

How long has red light therapy been around?

Scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Quantum Devices, Inc. (QDI) first discovered red light as a way to grow plants in space back in the early 1990s.

Red LEDs produce light that’s 10 times brighter than the sun’s rays. They also learned that this intense light helps energy metabolism in plant cells and promotes growth and photosynthesis.

From 1995 to 1998, the Marshall Space Flight Center challenged QDI to study red light for its potential application in medicine. In other words, they wanted to see if the red light that energized plant cells would work the same way on human cells.

The primary focus of this research was to determine if RLT might affect certain conditions that impact astronauts.

Specifically, the scientists wanted to see if RLT could help with muscle atrophy and bone density issues that arise from long periods of weightlessness. Wounds also heal slowly in space, so that was another key focus area of their studies.

What is red light therapy used for today?

Through grants and clinical trials in the years since the initial research, RLT has proven effective for some medical conditions, including:

• acne
• age spots
• cancer
• psoriasis
• sun damage
• wounds

RLT can even be used to help activate certain drugs that fight cancer. Some cancer drugs are sensitive to light.

When the treated cells are exposed to certain types of light, such as red light, they die off. This therapy has been particularly helpful for treating esophageal cancer, lung cancer, and skin diseases like actinic keratosis.

Red light therapy and psoriasis

An older 2011 study in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and VenereologyTrusted Source examined the effects of RLT versus blue light therapy for individuals with psoriasis. Participants had high dose treatments 3 times per week for 4 consecutive weeks while applying a 10 percent salicylic acid solution to plaques.

What were the results? Both the red and blue light therapies were effective in treating psoriasis. The difference between the two wasn’t significant for scaling and hardening of the skin. However, the blue light therapy did come ahead when treating erythema, or reddened skin.

It’s important to remember that these treatments were done with high doses in a medical setting. The results may vary greatly if the therapy is performed at home or in a salon or wellness centre.

Risks and considerations

RLT isn’t associated with any major risks. Still, you may want to speak with your doctor if you’re taking medications that increase your skin’s photosensitivity.

There are several other types of light therapies that may help with psoriasis. Consider also asking your doctor about the following therapies:

• ultraviolet light B (UVB)
• natural sunlight
• psoralen and ultraviolet light A (PUVA)
• laser treatments

Speaking with your doctor

There’s no cure for psoriasis. However, you may find relief from your symptoms if you use the right mix of treatments. RLT is just another tool to add to your kit for finding relief. Of course, before trying anything new, it’s best to check with your doctor.

Though you can purchase red light devices for home use or arrange for therapy sessions outside of a medical setting, your doctor may have certain guidelines that will make your treatment more effective.

You may want to ask which type of light therapy would most help your specific symptoms. Your doctor may also have suggestions for how to combine oral or topical medications with light therapy, as well as what lifestyle changes will help you avoid psoriasis triggers.

https://www.healthline.com/health/red-light-therapy-psoriasis 

Is red light therapy good for psoriasis?

From glamourmagazine.co.uk

By Elle Turner

Kim Kardashian's a fan. Here's what you need to know 

If you’re Googling “Is red light therapy good for psoriasis?” you’re probably all too familiar with the complexities of finding a treatment that works for the chronic condition.

Alongside other idiopathic conditions, like stress, or irritable bowels, it's often all but impossible to pin down a specific reason for its trigger. Likewise, it’s aggravatingly difficult to find a cure. And, to make it especially unpredictable, what helps one person, may not help another. So if you can relate, we're truly sending love and luck that you get to the bottom of what works for you.

Dermatologists and rheumatologists have been working for years towards making psoriasis easier to manage and red light therapy, in particular, has been getting a lot of attention. Of course, it helps that it has a very high profile fan in its corner. Kim Kardashian has spoken previously, about using red light to help calm her psoriasis flare ups.

So, we spoke to the experts to find out more about how red light therapy can help.

                                                                                                                golubovy/Getty Images

What is psoriasis?

“Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes skin cells to renew too quickly,” says Sophie Smith, Aesthetician, Laser & Skin expert and Co-Founder of Grand Aesthetics Clinic. Specifically, “skin cells can multiply up to 10 times faster than normal,” notes Board-Certified Dermatologist and Cosmetologist, Dr Aiza Jamil.

It can also have a knock-on effect to other parts of the body. For instance, “it can affect joints, causing arthritis,” explains Dr Ahmed El Houssieny, Aesthetic Doctor & Founder of Bank Medispa on behalf of Allergan Aesthetics.

What does psoriasis look like?

“Psoriasis is mainly characterised by lesions in the skin, and these lesions tend to be a thickened top layer of the skin. They can appear silver/white, alongside redness. It is not contagious, and it can typically affect the face, elbows, back and anywhere on the body,” says Dr El Houssieny.

What does psoriasis feel like?

"Patients can experience itching, discomfort and pain from psoriasis, especially during flare-ups.’ says Dr Jamil.

What causes psoriasis?

“No one really understands why you get psoriasis, but the main reason is due to increased production of skin cells,” explains Dr El Houssieny. As for why this happens, “flare-ups [can be] triggered by stress, illness, hormonal changes or even the weather," says Sophie. "I’ve lived with psoriasis since childhood, so I understand first-hand how unpredictable those cycles can be, not just physically, but emotionally too,” she adds.

Does psoriasis go away?

“Many people experience cycles where their skin is relatively calm, followed by flare-ups,” notes Sophie.

Can red light therapy help with the skin condition?

The short answer is, it may help with symptoms but it can't cure the condition. “There is not enough evidence to suggest that it can penetrate deep enough to alter immune responses,” says Dr Jamil. But it can support by reducing inflammation and promoting repair.

“Red light therapy can work well for psoriasis, as it has an anti-inflammatory effect and can improve and repair the skin barrier,” confirms Dr El Houssieny. “It can also reduce the scaling and redness,” he adds. "As psoriasis is driven by inflammation, reducing that inflammatory response is key," agrees Sophie. As for who may benefit. “It’s best used for mild cases or as a supplement to other treatments, such as corticosteroids,” says Dr El Houssieny.

“In my experience and personally managing my own psoriasis, I’ve found consistent red-light therapy helps to reduce redness, soothe irritation, and support the skin’s recovery during flare-ups. While it isn’t a cure, it can be a powerful, non-invasive addition alongside medical advice,” says Sophie.

What to know about red light therapy

“For psoriasis, red light (around 630–660nm) and near-infrared light (around 830nm) are most commonly used. These wavelengths penetrate the skin to help reduce inflammation and promote healing," explains Dr Sonia Soopen Dentist & Medical Aesthetics Doctor of Grand Aesthetics. “In-clinic LED treatments offer a more powerful, medical-grade device with tailored settings for your specific skin needs. They are ideal for kickstarting treatment or managing flare-ups under the guidance of a professional. However, at-home LED masks or panels can be a fantastic way to maintain results between sessions. They're generally lower in intensity but, when used consistently and correctly, can be an excellent addition to your psoriasis management plan. We always recommend patients check with their clinician before starting at-home treatment to ensure they’re using the right device for their condition," she adds.

Is blue light better?

“In clinic, we typically use blue light for breakout-prone or acne-affected skin because it has antibacterial properties. It helps target acne-causing bacteria and regulate oil production, which makes it ideal for congested complexions,” says Sophie. Therefore blue light is not traditionally considered to be a psoriasis treatment.

However, “evidence suggests that blue light can have a strong biological effect on immune cells, bacterial populations and inflammatory pathways, so it may be beneficial for those with mild psoriasis,” notes Dr Jamil.

Before pursuing any treatment however, it's important to seek medical advice to ensure your condition has been properly identified, and therefore can be properly treated. “I would recommend speaking with a dermatologist beforehand if you suspect or are diagnosed with psoriasis,” says Dr Jamil.

How does Kim Kardashian treat her psoriasis?

Kim has been open about suffering with the skin condition for years and shared her experience of psoriasis in an in-depth interview with She MD, alongside her rheumatologist, Dr Daniel Wallace, who was able to shed more light on the condition.

Kim's first psoriasis flare-up happened when she was 30, but it was managed with a cortisone shot which suppressed the condition for around five years. “It came back maybe five years later, and I’ve never gotten rid of it again,” she explained. “I always have one [plaque] on my leg – my right leg [and] there’s always one on my stomach," she said. "There will be times when it gets really bad and it covers my legs and my butt and my stomach, but it’s only this one spot [on her leg] that will itch. And it will really, really itch when it does. When I started to get a little bit desperate is when it started to cover my face and there was a spot really close to my eye and it would just burn a little bit. I remember I had the Met Ball coming up that week and it was covering my face,” she shared.

Red light therapy

As for treatments, she revealed she's “tried everything," and shared “I really do believe so much in self care. I do red light saunas, I have a red light bed.” She also previously wrote on her now-deleted website in 2018 "there isn't a cure for psoriasis, but there are treatments that can help ease the symptoms." In particular, she uses the Clarify Home Light Therapy System. "I love it because it's a handheld, at-home treatment that syncs with your phone to give you step-by-step instructions and tells you when to do treatments and take progress photos," she said. "The device uses UVB and LED phototherapy to treat the skin. It's been one of the only things that has helped clear my psoriasis. I'm so happy that I finally found something that works," she said. At around a thousand dollars, it's not he most accessible tool, nor is the red light bed that she revealed she owns, in her 2024 office tour. However, in her more recent interview, Kim did admit that consistency is key and she's not always great at keeping up with red light therapy. “I’ve the red light [and] I’ve tried lasers that supposedly help,” she said, noting “I think if I was maybe a little more consistent with that, that could have worked.”

Topicals

Kim explained that when her psoriasis came back after five years, her first step was to go to a dermatologist, “so I went to Dr Lancer in Beverly Hills” for ”topicals" a drug applied directly to the skin in the form of an ointment, lotion or cream.

“When it gets bad [my doctor] would prescribe me Prednisolone. [It’s] a little steroid pack [that] calms everything down [so it] starts to go away with some topicals," said Kim. She shared that Dr Lancer also mixed her a “magical formula called T4 and the best advice he ever gave me was taking the cream, putting saran wrap around it and sleeping with it. So when it was on my legs, I’d put the cream on, saran wrap it, put socks on, go to bed, do my elbows, because it would get on my elbows, put a hair tie around the saran wrap so it wouldn’t come out and I would sound like the tin man, like super crunchy and it would take it away.”

However, if you're using topicals, it's worth consulting with your doctor about how best to apply it as many formulas may be too strong to use with this method and they can thin your skin, so this method works better with gentle emollients.

Medication and biologics

Kim shared she prefers not to use medication if she doesn't have to, but confirmed that medication is what ultimately helped her manage her psoriasis.

“More recently it got really bad and I called [my] doctor. I don’t like to be on medication, but sometime you just have to. This is the first time where I said I need to try something a little bit more than a topical and I did and it’s worked and this is one of the first times it’s completely gone. I don’t have one spot,” she shared. "I was lucky that after one shot, it completely went away."

Her rheumatologist, Dr Daniel Wallace, revealed Kim used a biologic, which according to the NHS, is usually given as an injection and “reduces inflammation by targeting overactive cells in the immune system. They are usually used if you have severe psoriasis that has not responded to other treatments, or if you cannot use other treatments.” The American Academy of Dermatology Association explains “biologics are newer, stronger medicines. A biologic can target, or quiet, only the part of the immune system that is overactive because of psoriasis.”

Lifestyle changes

Aside from taking a medical route, Kim has tried lifestyle changes. When she first posted about having psoriasis, she noticed “everyone under the sun was sending me home remedies. I tried drinking tar tea, special herbs. I tried the holistic way. I tried the celery juice diet for six weeks. I tried every topical cream, every soap, from natural, to unnatural. At some points I was just like, I’ll do anything," she revealed. But ultimately, “I couldn’t figure out anything. Everyone says different things. So it would be cut out the citrus, cut out any acid food. I didn’t see anything," notes Kim.

https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/red-light-therapy-psoriasis-treatment-benefits

Is it true that … red light therapy masks prevent wrinkles?

From theguardian.com

While there may be benefits to the treatment, anti-ageing probably isn’t one of them – which is something better left to the professionals 

Red light therapy, where LED lights are shone on your skin, has been around for a while,” says Afshin Mosahebi, a professor in plastic surgery at University College London. But what was once an expensive treatment you’d go to a professional to receive is now becoming widely available in the form of light-up masks you can wear at home.

“Reasonable reports show that the treatment is good for wound-healing,” says Mosahebi. This is why it is recommended for inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis and psoriasis, as it increases circulation, decreases inflammation, and improves cell regeneration.

When it comes to preventing wrinkles though, there’s less proof. “One of the things we know that happens as we age is the fibroblast cells become a little bit sleepy. The theory is the light will stimulate them into action to produce collagen, which is something we need for thicker, plumper, less wrinkly skin.” But there’s no substantial evidence to back this up, he says. And if it does work, professional sessions are far more likely to be effective as they’re stronger than the at-home masks.

                                                             Illustration: Becky Barnicoat/The Guardian

Mosahebi also warns there is limited research into using red light therapy as a repeated, long-term treatment – something manufacturers encourage with the masks. “We don’t know what happens when people use it in the long term. We don’t know if it actually causes more aged skin because light is the main cause of ageing, or whether it has any effect on skin cancer.”

Mosahebi says he believes red light therapy is safe, but that the best way to delay the onset of wrinkles is to make sure your diet is nutritious, drink enough water, exercise regularly, and wear a nourishing moisturiser and high protection sunscreen. If you’re not doing those things, it’s not worth shelling out for a mask.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/jan/26/is-it-true-that-red-light-therapy-masks-prevent-wrinkles

I Tried the Red Light Therapy Bed, and It Does Wonders for a Psoriasis Flare-up

From voguearabia.com

By Anjan Sachar

20 minutes of what feels like laying in just the right amount of warmth has its perks

If you have had to battle with a chronic skin condition for a long time, you’ve likely found yourself willing to resort to every solution possible in the hope for a cure, or at least the best symptom management solution. I’ve dealt with psoriasis — an autoimmune skin condition that shows up in the form of redness and scaly patches on your skin — for half my life now. It started with a patch on my scalp for a few years which I managed to contain, and eventually turned into red, scaly patches on the body. It flares up with the regular culprits — pollution, stress, environmental aggressors — and only ever settles with the help of a steroid ointment application. While my scalp patches now only need maintenance, the flare ups on the body come back with a vengeance every time I’ve partied too hard, been too stressed or not slept well enough. And with my erratic lifestyle, all of this happens more often than I’d like.

Red light therapy came into the limelight as a form of inflammation reduction and cellular regeneration. From in-clinic facial treatments to at-home use LED masks, it was everywhere. Then came the red light beds, providing the same benefits but for the entire body. “Red and near infrared light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses red or near infrared wavelengths, working through a process called photobiomodulation, which means using light to change how skin cells behave,” explains Dr. Shabana Daya, a UK-based integrative aesthetic doctor and a dermatology-trained GP. “This light is absorbed by tiny structures in the skin cells called mitochondria, which boost their ATP or energy production, helping skin cells repair and renew themselves faster.” In the case of psoriasis, the immune system triggers overproduction of skin cells and inflammation, all of which can be calmed in mild to moderate cases with the use of red light therapy. “It can help calm inflammation and help your skin cells work more normally by restoring their energy balance,” says Daya, who is also on the scientific advisory board of wellness tech brand BON CHARGE. “This can slow down the rapid cell growth that causes thick, scaly patches in psoriasis.”

                                                                                                 Photo: O2O Creative (Getty Images)

My red light therapy bed experience

I did my research, spoke to my dermatologist for her nod of approval, and decided that a red light therapy bed session was worth giving a shot to, just in case it can help with psoriasis management without the use of steroids. The pre-session rules: You’re meant to have eaten a proper meal and be well hydrated. It’s essential that you go in with minimal clothing to maximise light exposure so I did so only in my underwear. All metal is to be taken off. The physician at the clinic I visited also checked my blood pressure beforehand.

Once I lay down on the bed, the physician came in to shut the upper half onto me after handing me light blocking eye shades. Disclaimer: Even though this bed chamber does not entirely shut or touch your body from the top, if you are claustrophobic, I’d suggest putting the shades on before it’s shut on you. Even though it’s left open enough and actually isn’t very intimidating, it can feel like it when you watch a full cover come down on you.

Expect to feel a comforting warmth (nothing close to a sauna) for a duration of 20 minutes. It almost feels meditative considering your eyes are covered and neither do you have access to any devices; a welcome change. You do need to be still throughout since there isn’t too much wiggle room but that won’t feel like a struggle — the time runs faster than you’d think, without any discomfort.

The results

Your body will feel a bit warm for a couple of hours once you’re done, and you’re meant to hydrate well after, which is the only post care. Just before I put my clothes back on, I noticed an instant reduction in redness and itchiness around inflamed scaly patches which was a pleasant surprise. When it comes to wellness treatments, they often work from the inside out, meaning you have to either trust the process or feel the difference before you can witness it. Being able to see an immediate visible result was what made me a believer.

I was out of the wellness clinic in under five minutes and went about the rest of my day normally, making this a great lunchtime treatment as well, even when you’re pressed for time. I’ve gone back multiple times ever since and plan to continue to do so.

As is the case with most treatments, you need to sign up for consistent sessions once a week for 4-6 weeks to notice long term results. For psoriasis, you can start with this frequency and then look at it as a management treatment add on with a frequency that works for the severity of your condition.

Does this mean you can skip steroidal treatments?

Unfortunately, red light therapy isn’t an all-encompassing solution for psoriasis, it’s additional support. “In isolation, it can help with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, as a gentle non drug symptom reducing tool. Red light therapies would be better paired as a complimentary tool for long term management,” explains Daya. Don’t give up on your creams and ointments just yet, especially if you have severe psoriasis, and definitely not without consulting your dermatologist. “Red and near infrared light therapy can help calm inflammation, scaling and redness in psoriasis anywhere where the light will directly reach the psoriatic plaques,” says Daya. “For facial psoriasis this can be used as an adjunct to treatment. For scalp psoriasis it can be used, although efficacy will be reduced due to hair acting as a barrier.”

While a red light therapy bed works on the entire body, a mask using the same has proven to significantly improve facial skin. “Red light also triggers fibroblasts, which are cells in the skin crucial for producing collagen, the protein that gives skin youthful qualities like plumpness and elasticity. With regular use, these wavelengths can stimulate components to maintain and improve skin quality leading to a healthier, more radiant complexion,” explains Daya. 

https://www.voguearabia.com/article/red-light-therapy-bed-helps-psoriasis-flare-up

What is LED therapy? How red, blue and infrared light benefit health, skin and body

From bangkokpost.com

Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian use LED light therapy for skincare, but it also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving health effects

Not too long ago, Victoria Beckham posted a photo of herself on Instagram lying on a bed with a shield over her face that emitted a blue glow.

"More is more with my skincare routine!" read the caption.

The therapy - known as LED (light-emitting diode) therapy - is a relatively recent arrival on the wellness and beauty scene, one that is used to treat a variety of skin conditions: from acne and scarring to stretch marks and psoriasis.

The therapy - which many people may have heard called "red light therapy" as the term is becoming increasingly popular - is also used to reduce the tell-tale signs of ageing by plumping skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines.

As well as Beckham, it is popular with A-list celebrities such as Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna.

A woman undergoes a red-light therapy facial treatment. An expert explains how the therapy, which uses LED lights, is used to treat everything from sports injuries to Parkinson’s disease, and how to do home treatments safely. (Photo via South China Morning Post)

How does light therapy work?

LED therapy can include LED diodes of many colours, including yellow and green light, but red and blue are the most common.

The non-surgical treatment uses different wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin - a process called photobiomodulation. Cells absorb the light, which activates photoreceptors, in turn increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) - the main energy-carrying molecule in living cells. This increase in ATP helps the body's cells repair themselves.

LED therapy benefits the complexion in many ways. It stimulates collagen and the production of elastin - hence its anti-ageing effect - reduces inflammation, eases rosacea and eradicates bacteria that cause spots and acne.

Blue light penetrates the outer layer of the skin and helps kill bacteria and staunch oil production. Red light goes deeper and stimulates fibroblasts - the cells in connective tissues that provide structural support. Near-infrared light penetrates deeper still to enhance circulation.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) began using LEDs in plant-growth experiments - with red leaf lettuce and wheat - on space missions in the early 1990s.

This research led to the discovery that LED light could stimulate cell and tissue repair in astronauts who suffered bone density loss and muscle atrophy in space.

Astronauts are three times more likely to injure themselves in orbit than on Earth, and red-light therapy was found to speed up healing.

As a result, red light therapy is increasingly being harnessed as a treatment for many conditions, such as burns, which affect about 6 million people globally each year.

Red light therapy has also shown promise in treating people with diabetes who have a specific vulnerability to chronic wounds and slow healing.

Because of its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, red light therapy is also being used as a treatment for conditions involving chronic pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis.

Red light therapy works to improve blood flow and balance the production of cytokines. An imbalance between pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines leads to inflammation and joint damage.

Dr Corinne Koo, founder of Hong Kong wellness centre Harmony Central, understands red light therapy well. Her own story shows the potential of the therapy.

Fifteen years ago, Koo, who was a dentist at the time, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Unable to continue working as a dentist, she did a degree in behavioural health and began to explore complementary treatments. It was then that she came across LED red light therapy.

She describes an innovative study that began in Tasmania, Australia. Researchers put red LED lights in buckets as makeshift helmets for Parkinson's patients to wear, "like a lampshade", she laughs.

After some time, patients began to record improvements in their sense of smell, mood, sleep and fine motor skills. This work spurred further research in Australia and the US.

Koo began to suffer a great deal of joint pain after getting Covid-19 vaccinations, probably caused by localised inflammation. The discomfort made her unable to sleep through the night.

She started using a red-light mat - a flat, red-light-emitting device - for 20 minutes three times a week and immediately noticed a difference.

"It didn't cure me, but it gave me enough relief that I could sleep through the night, and because it released muscles, it meant I could walk with less pain and move more freely," she says.

                           A staff member at Harmony Central demonstrates using a red-light mat. (Photo via South China Morning Post)

Her son - who plays tennis at a high level - uses an LED red light mat for sports injuries, as do his tennis-playing friends.

Koo is passionate about helping people understand how red-light therapy works and equipping them with the knowledge to manage treatments at home. She knows it will not cure her Parkinson's, but it can make living with the condition easier.

However, she worries about the therapy being touted as a cure-all, especially for cancer.

"I had a client with stage-four cancer who was recommended by a vendor to buy a full-body red light therapy mat and to sleep on it every night for many hours. This is what people have to be careful about," she says.

She adds that, while LEDs' effect on cell stimulation and growth is beneficial for healing and regeneration, some studies suggest that red light therapy could potentially promote tumour cell proliferation.

She says that international guidelines do not recommend applying it directly over known locations of tumours, though it is clinically endorsed for relieving side effects of cancer treatment.

Oral mucositis - a painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes in the mouth often caused by chemotherapy and radiation to the head and neck - has been eased by red light therapy; it can reduce pain and swelling and prompt healing of lesions in the mouth.

Lymphoedema - a condition involving painful swelling of the arms - often develops after breast cancer treatment that damages or removes lymph nodes. Red light therapy can help manage the condition by encouraging lymph movement, softening tissues and helping alleviate pain to make movement easier.

Koo says that at low, carefully controlled doses, red light can stimulate repair, reduce inflammation and enhance cell function.

However, the fact that the therapy's main action is photochemical rather than thermal - meaning users do not usually sense the lights' heat - can pose problems.

At a cellular level, light absorption can generate a subtle heat increase, especially under higher intensity or prolonged exposure. In my experience, this can reduce treatment effectiveness," Koo says.

"If exposure is too intense or too long, the benefits can plateau or even reverse, stressing the cells instead of helping them."

Koo uses a great analogy, comparing LED therapy to the sun: a little is good for you; too much can be harmful.

"That's why I caution that prolonged, unsupervised, high-dose use may not only blunt the benefits but could also pose risks. The key is balance - finding that sweet spot where the light provides repair without overheating the delicate cellular machinery," she says.

Koo finds from her own experience that using red light therapy about three times a week for 10 minutes brings noticeable benefits for her condition.

She stresses, however, that this is a personal routine, not a medical prescription - the ideal dose, frequency and intensity vary widely depending on the individual, their condition and their sensitivity to light.

"There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and proper guidance is key."

Koo says that although the American Academy of Dermatology Association deems red-light devices safe, "we don't know the long-term effects on the skin or hair. More research is needed to find out".

Beauty and skincare are where the money is, she adds, but the potential scope and benefit of properly prescribed LED therapy go much more than skin deep.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/3099836/what-is-led-therapy-how-red-blue-and-infrared-light-benefit-health-skin-and-body