Treatments and supplements · LED / photodynamic therapy

Does LED light therapy really reduce wrinkles?

What we can tell you today: how thoroughly this has been studied.

Well studied

7 studies, including 2 that bring together the results of several trials in people.

5 Repeated evidence 2 studies

4 Large controlled trial 2 studies

3 Small study in people 3 studies

This says how thoroughly something has been studied — not whether it works for you. What each study actually found is in the study itself, and in the plain-language write-ups we are adding.

Appears under: Sleep, energy and the brain · Skin aging · Hair and nails

The studies

5 Repeated evidence A systematic review on whole-body photobiomodulation for exercise performance and recovery.
2025 · Lasers in medical science
5 Repeated evidence Light-Emitting Diode-Based Photodynamic Therapy for Photoaging, Scars, and Dyspigmentation: A Systematic Review.
2021 · Dermatologic surgery : official publication for America
4 Large controlled trial Photobiomodulation Reduces Periocular Wrinkle Volume by 30%: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
2023 · Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery · 137 participants
4 Large controlled trial 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.
2015 · Photomedicine and laser surgery · 136 participants
3 Small study in people Photobiomodulation therapy and 5% minoxidil in female pattern hair loss: a case series focusing on hair growth phases over a shorter timeframe.
2025 · Lasers in medical science
3 Small study in people Clinical Trial Comparing Three Wavelengths in Photobiomodulation Therapy for Hair Loss.
2025 · Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery · 68 participants
3 Small study in people Short-term clinical effects of photodynamic therapy with topical 5-aminolevulinic acid for facial acne conglobata: an open, prospective, parallel-arm trial.
2014 · Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine · 40 participants