red light therapy for skin: what the science actually shows

The growing interest in red light therapy for facial skin reflects a broader shift towards treatments that work with the body’s biology rather than overriding it.

To understand its role in skin improvement, it is necessary to move beyond surface-level claims and examine the cellular mechanisms that underpin its effects.

Photobiomodulation, the scientific term for red and near-infrared light therapy, is defined by the absorption of specific wavelengths of light, most commonly around 660 nm (red) and 850 nm (near-infrared), by intracellular chromophores, particularly within the mitochondrial respiratory chain.

Within mitochondria, cytochrome c oxidase acts as a key photoacceptor. When stimulated by these wavelengths, electron transport efficiency increases, leading to enhanced production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell (Karu, 1999; Hamblin, 2017).

Alongside this, photobiomodulation has been shown to modulate reactive oxygen species signalling and nitric oxide availability, both of which play important roles in cellular repair, inflammation regulation and microcirculation. The combined effect is not a forced change in skin structure, but an optimisation of the cellular environment in which repair and regeneration occur.

This is particularly relevant to fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen and extracellular matrix production. Experimental and clinical studies demonstrate that red and near-infrared light can increase fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis, leading over time to improvements in skin firmness, elasticity and texture. These effects are gradual and require consistency.

Within this cellular framework, Coenzyme Q10 plays an important role. As a naturally occurring molecule in the mitochondrial membrane, CoQ10 supports electron transport and ATP production while acting as an antioxidant. Levels decline with age, which can contribute to reduced cellular efficiency and visible signs of ageing.

The red light power serum has been formulated with CoQ10 at its core, supporting cellular energy pathways alongside red light therapy. By increasing the availability of CoQ10 in the skin, the serum may help optimise mitochondrial function during photobiomodulation. Supporting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid provide hydration, while ectoin helps protect the skin barrier from environmental stress.

Clinical and panel evaluations of the red light power serum have demonstrated improvements in key markers of skin quality, including elasticity, firmness, radiance and transepidermal water loss when used consistently over time.

While these studies were conducted on the body rather than the face, the underlying biology of the skin supports a considered read-across. Both facial and body skin rely on the same core cellular processes, including mitochondrial energy production, collagen synthesis and barrier function, albeit with differences in thickness and sensitivity.

Ingredients such as Coenzyme Q10, which plays a central role in mitochondrial electron transport and antioxidant defence, act at a cellular level that is not site-specific, meaning their functional relevance extends across skin types (Knott et al., 2015). Similarly, photobiomodulation has been shown to stimulate fibroblast activity and collagen production across multiple anatomical sites (Avci et al., 2013).

Taken together, this suggests that while direct facial clinical data is always preferable, the observed improvements in body skin provide biologically plausible support for similar, though potentially more nuanced, benefits when applied to the face under appropriate conditions of use.

When using a body device such as the red light body wrap duo on the face, care should be taken. The eyes should remain closed at all times and direct exposure should be avoided. Consistent, moderate use is recommended.

Over time, this combined approach may support improvements in skin tone, texture and resilience. Results develop gradually and should be understood as part of a long-term approach to skin health rather than an immediate transformation.

Ultimately, red light therapy works in alignment with the skin’s biology. When paired with targeted skincare such as a CoQ10-based serum, it supports a more considered, balanced and sustainable approach to skin improvement.