Red light therapy is a non-invasive technique that uses specific, low-level wavelengths of light, often including red light (around 630 to 700 nanometers) and near-infrared light (around 700 to 1,000 nanometers). This process, also known as photobiomodulation, delivers light energy that the body’s cells can absorb. For individuals seeking to improve the appearance and texture of scars, red light therapy presents a promising option that works at the cellular level to remodel damaged tissue.
How Red Light Interacts with Skin Cells
The therapeutic effects of red light therapy begin when the skin absorbs the specific wavelengths of light, which can penetrate several millimeters deep. Inside the skin cells, particularly within the energy-producing organelles called mitochondria, the light is absorbed by a molecule known as cytochrome c oxidase. This interaction essentially gives the cell a usable energy boost.
This light absorption jumpstarts the electron transport chain, significantly increasing the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). With this surge in energy, skin cells known as fibroblasts are stimulated to work more efficiently. Fibroblasts are responsible for synthesizing collagen and elastin, the structural proteins that give skin its strength and flexibility.
The enhanced cellular energy also supports tissue repair by improving microcirculation and reducing inflammation. Better blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area, aiding in reconstruction. By calming the persistent inflammation associated with scar formation, red light therapy helps to regulate the healing environment, promoting the development of healthier, less noticeable tissue.
Which Scars Respond Best to Treatment
Red light therapy is generally most effective when applied to scars that are still in the early stages of healing, often referred to as new or recent scars. Starting treatment shortly after a wound closes, such as following surgery, can accelerate the repair process and guide the development of the new tissue towards a smoother, more refined appearance. This early intervention helps minimize the overproduction of disorganized collagen that leads to raised scarring.
Hypertrophic scars and keloids, which are both characterized by the formation of thick, raised tissue due to excess collagen, show a positive response to red light. The treatment modulates the activity of the fibroblasts, helping to regulate collagen synthesis and prevent the scar from growing outside the boundary of the original injury. Consistent application can help to flatten, soften, and reduce the redness of these raised scars over time.
Acne scars, particularly the indented or atrophic types, can also benefit from the therapy’s collagen-stimulating effects. The boost in collagen and elastin production helps to fill in the depressions, leading to a more even and smoother skin texture. The anti-inflammatory action of the light helps to reduce the persistent redness and discoloration that often accompany acne scarring.
While newer scars are more responsive, older or mature scars can still show improvement with consistent treatment. For these established marks, the therapy works to increase pliability and promote the gradual reorganization of hardened collagen fibers. Although complete erasure is not possible, the reduction in thickness, improvement in texture, and lightening of discoloration can make long-standing scars significantly less noticeable.
Protocol for Treating Scar Tissue
For red light therapy to be effective on scar tissue, a consistent and measured application protocol is necessary. Sessions are typically recommended to last between 10 and 20 minutes per treated area. Most protocols suggest a frequency of three to five times per week, such as every other day.
The effectiveness of the treatment is highly dependent on the device’s irradiance, the power density delivered to the tissue. While clinical devices offer high, consistent power, at-home panels must be used at the correct distance, often around six to twelve inches from the skin. Devices that combine red light (e.g., 660 nm) for surface-level effects and near-infrared light (e.g., 850 nm) for deeper penetration are generally preferred for thicker scars.
Before starting a session, the scarred area should be clean to allow for maximum light penetration. Users should wear protective eyewear during the treatment to shield the eyes from the intense light. Because skin remodeling is a slow biological process, visible changes often take anywhere from four to twelve weeks of uninterrupted, regular use to manifest.