Skin aging / wrinkles

Red and near-infrared light for skin complexion and collagen density controlled trial

Wunsch A, Matuschka K. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 2014.

Source

A controlled trial of large-area red and near-infrared light sources reported improved skin feel, roughness, collagen density, and blinded photo ratings.

Evidence grade

moderate

Effect direction

positive

Panel relevance

panel-replicable

Key findings

  • The study used large-area red and near-infrared light sources, making it unusually relevant to panel-style consumer devices.
  • Treatment was delivered twice weekly for 30 sessions.
  • The authors reported improvements in skin complexion measures and collagen density.

Protocol details

Wavelengths611, 650, 570, 850 nm
IrradianceNot reported mW/cm2
Fluence9 J/cm2
Session timeNot reported minutes
FrequencyTwice weekly
Duration30 sessions
Treatment areaLarge-area skin exposure
Device typeLarge-area red and near-infrared light sources

Caveats

  • This was cosmetic skin research, not treatment of a dermatologic disease.
  • Device spectra were broad ranges, not identical to every 660/850 nm consumer panel.