Red LED Light Therapy Before & After: Real Results, Backed by Clinical Science
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Authors: Therabody Scientists: Tim Roberts, MSc; Rachelle Reed, PhD, MS, ACSM-EP
Everyone currently using a red LED light mask in their skincare routine and those debating whether to invest in one have the same questions: What does red LED light therapy do to my skin, and what results can I expect before versus after treatment?
Red LED light therapy has been studied for its ability to improve the appearance of skin over time, particularly when devices deliver therapeutic doses of light at clinically validated wavelengths. With consistent use, red LED light can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve firmness and elasticity, and support a more even skin tone. [1]
One device that fits these criteria is Therabody’s® TheraFace Mask Glo. The mask is backed by the largest clinical study conducted on any LED face mask currently on the market, with results showing changes in fine lines, deep wrinkles, firmness, elasticity, skin tone, overall appearance, and more. And yes, participants saw visible skin improvements in as little as 8 weeks of consistent use.
These improvements are directly linked to the therapeutic protocol the TheraFace Mask Glo delivers and the consistency of use over time. Here’s what you need to know about the protocol and the before-and-after clinical photography showing results from using this device.
Clinically validated results from consistent use of a red LED light therapy device
To move beyond anecdotal “before-and-after” stories, Therabody designed a 12-week clinical study to evaluate expertly graded changes in the skin with consistent use of LED light therapy delivered by the TheraFace Mask Glo.
The study followed 104 participants using a standardized at-home protocol that reflects real-world use, while still ensuring a precise, measurable dose of light therapy. Participants used the LED light therapy mask six days per week.
TheraFace Mask Glo has a preset 12-minute protocol, cycling through three 4-minute sessions of each light therapy. The treatment sequence begins with red LED light to support collagen production, followed by a combination of red and infrared LED light designed to reach deeper layers of the skin and promote circulation through gentle warming. It finishes with blue LED light, which helps target acne-causing surface bacteria. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Check out this article for a more in-depth breakdown of the science behind these treatments.
Researchers looked at certain measures of skin health before the study, after 8 weeks, and after 12 weeks. This included everything from fine lines, deep wrinkles, firmness, elasticity, and skin tone to overall complexion appearance. To evaluate these changes, the study combined expert clinical assessments with advanced skin imaging, instrumental measurements, participant feedback, and standardized before-and-after photography taken under controlled lighting and positioning conditions.
So, what did the results show when compared before and after?
Under-eye fine line & wrinkle results: before and after
The body’s production of collagen and elastin naturally declines with age. These key structural components make the skin less firm and thinner, increasing the presence and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. [6] The under-eye area is especially prone to changes in collagen because the skin is thinner than the rest of the face.
Red and infrared LED light therapy are thought to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by helping to support collagen production and improve circulation in the skin over time. [1]
In the TheraFace Mask Glo clinical study, participants saw measurable improvements in under-eye wrinkles. VISIA image analysis found that the size of under-eye fine lines and wrinkles decreased by 2.5% after 8 weeks and 3.1% after 12 weeks of LED light therapy use.
Clinical grading also showed that 59% of participants experienced visible improvements in the under-eye area after 12 weeks, while 73% of participants reported noticeable improvements in the appearance of facial and eye-area wrinkles overall.
RELATED READ: What Causes Dark Circles & 6 Ways To Treat Them
Skin texture and smoothness results: before and after
Rough or uneven skin texture can develop for several reasons, including slowed skin cell turnover, dehydration, sun damage, and the gradual breakdown of collagen over time. These changes are often especially noticeable on the forehead, where facial movements (like raising eyebrows in surprise or furrowing them in frustration) and cumulative UV exposure can contribute to creasing and a less smooth appearance. [7]
In the clinical study, LED light therapy improved both skin texture and smoothness. Expert clinical grading found skin texture improved by 14% after 8 weeks and nearly 23% after 12 weeks, with 77% of participants showing measurable improvement at 12 weeks.
Participants noticed the difference, too. About 87% reported their skin looked and felt smoother with consistent use of LED light therapy, while many also described their skin as softer and more supple.
Firmness & sagging of smile line results: before and after
Smile lines (also called nasolabial folds) are the creases that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. They naturally become more noticeable with age as collagen, elastin, and skin firmness decline over time. Repeated facial expressions, sun exposure, and gradual skin sagging can all contribute to deeper, more pronounced lines. [8]
Expert clinical grading from the TheraFace Mask Glo study found significant improvements in skin sagging after both 8 and 12 weeks of using LED light therapy. Sagging decreased by 5.3% at 8 weeks and by 10% after 12 weeks, while 39% of participants showed measurable clinical improvement.
Participants also noticed visible changes themselves, with 76% reporting their skin looked and felt less saggy after 12 weeks of regular use.
Skin radiance results: before and after
Dark spots and dull-looking skin can develop from sun exposure, post-inflammatory pigmentation, aging, and uneven melanin production over time. [9] These changes can make the complexion appear less radiant and more uneven. This can be particularly noticeable around delicate areas like the under-eyes.
This study showed significant improvements in both skin radiance and dark spots with regular LED light therapy use. Radiance and luminosity improved by 14% after 8 weeks and more than 25% after 12 weeks, while 84% of participants showed measurable improvement in glow and luminosity by the end of the study. Dark spots also improved over time, with participants reporting visible changes in age spots, sunspots, and discoloration after 12 weeks of regular use.
*Results from 12-week clinical study with 104 subjects and 1x/day use of pre-programmed 12-minute treatment. Learn more here.
Key takeaways
- LED light therapy from a clinically validated device is an effective tool for visibly improving common skin concerns like fine lines, uneven texture, sagging, dark spots, and dullness over time.
- In the TheraFace Mask Glo clinical study, participants followed a simple at-home protocol: 12-minute sessions, 6 days per week. Most visible improvements became more noticeable between the 8- and 12-week mark.
- The mask combines red LED light, infrared LED light, and blue LED light therapy into one guided treatment designed to support collagen production, promote circulation, and target acne-causing surface bacteria.
- This study used standardized clinical photography, expert clinical grading, advanced skin imaging, and instrumental measurements to track changes in skin appearance before and after device use.
- After 12 weeks of regular use, participants experienced measurable improvements in smoother-looking texture, under-eye wrinkles, skin firmness, radiance, and overall complexion appearance.
References:
- A study to determine the efficacy of a novel handheld light-emitting diode device in the treatment of photoaged skin
- A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase
- Comparative clinical study of light analgesic effect on temporomandibular disorder (TMD) using red and infrared led therapy
- Clinical Efficacy of Self-applied Blue Light Therapy for Mild-to-Moderate Facial Acne
- A study to determine the efficacy of combination LED light therapy (633 nm and 830 nm) in facial skin rejuvenation
- Skin Care and Aging
- Influences on Skin and Intrinsic Aging: Biological, Environmental, and Therapeutic Insights
- Why Do Nasolabial Folds Appear? Exploring the Anatomical Perspectives and the Role of Thread-Based Interventions
- Skin Pigmentation Types, Causes and Treatment—A Review
