How Long Will My Red Light Therapy Results Last?

Red light therapy is a noninvasive treatment that helps with several aesthetic and health concerns, including reducing wrinkles and speeding up wound healing. But once you start the treatment, you may wonder: how long will the results last? 

Read on as Jaime Dodge, MD, and the Aletheia Integrative team share how red light therapy works, what to expect during your sessions, and how long the benefits can continue after treatment.

What does red light therapy do?

Red light therapy uses low-wavelength red light that penetrates your skin and activates the mitochondria in your cells – essentially, the "power plants" of your body. When your cells absorb this light energy, they work more efficiently, and when your cells work more effectively, your body can better repair itself.

This is also known as photobiomodulation, a therapeutic process that uses low-level light therapy to stimulate cellular function. It can help reduce inflammation, promote healing, improve circulation, and promote collagen production — all of which contribute to healing and anti-aging effects.

How long do red light therapy results last?

The answer to this question isn’t straightforward. It varies depending on the condition being treated and other individual factors. 

What condition you’re treating

Before you can estimate how long your results will last, the first step is to determine which condition you’re treating. Dr. Dodge may recommend red light therapy to help with wound healing, anti-aging, hair restoration, inflammation, stretch marks, scars, acne, and uneven skin texture. 

The longevity of your results depends on the condition you’re treating and the severity of it. For example, the anti-aging benefits may last for several months with proper skincare maintenance.

In the case of acne, a recent study involving 216 participants with mild-to-moderate acne reported a 45.3% reduction in acne lesions after 4 to 12 weeks of red light therapy, with results typically lasting for several months before maintenance sessions may be needed.

For chronic conditions, ongoing treatments paired with other medical treatments may be recommended to maintain long-term benefits.

Maintenance

Your results are also influenced by how your body responds to treatment and how well you maintain the results after your sessions. Red light therapy is a cumulative treatment, which means your results build over time. 

Dr. Dodge recommends that most people undergo a series of treatments — typically once a week for one to four months. 

Complementary treatments and lifestyle habits

Regardless of which condition you’re treating, red light therapy pairs well with healthy lifestyle habits. For example, if you’re using red light therapy to combat the signs of aging, you may bolster your results with a skin-friendly diet, regular use of sunscreen, and a good skincare routine.

On the other hand, if you’re using red light therapy to combat thinning hair, you might also consider platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.

Is red light therapy right for you?

If you're curious how red light therapy can help you, contact the Aletheia Integrative team at 531-333-2037 for a consultation. During your consultation, Dr. Dodge reviews your goals, determines if red light therapy is right for you, and walks you through your ideal treatment plan and recommended number of sessions.