Skin Health

Red light therapy for healthier more radiant skin

Support collagen production, improve skin tone and texture, and promote a naturally healthy complexion with clinically studied red and near-infrared light therapy.

Red light therapy is a non-invasive wellness technology that works beneath the skin's surface to support your body's natural repair processes. Whether you're looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines, improve skin firmness, calm inflammation or simply achieve a healthier glow, consistent treatments may help support healthier-looking skin over time.

Understanding Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate natural cellular processes within the body.

Unlike UV light, red light therapy does not damage the skin or cause tanning. Instead, it delivers gentle wavelengths of light that penetrate beneath the skin's surface where they are absorbed by tiny structures inside our cells called mitochondria.

Often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell, mitochondria are responsible for producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate)—the primary source of energy that powers nearly every cellular function.

When these wavelengths are absorbed, mitochondrial activity increases, allowing cells to function more efficiently. This increase in cellular energy supports many of the body's natural repair and regeneration processes, including collagen production, circulation, tissue repair and inflammation regulation.

Rather than masking skin concerns, red light therapy works with your body's own biological processes to support healthier skin from within.

How Red Light Therapy Supports Healthy Skin

Supports Collagen Production

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin and provides its strength, structure and firmness. As we age, collagen production naturally slows, contributing to fine lines, wrinkles and skin laxity.

Research suggests that red light therapy may stimulate fibroblasts—the specialised cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. Increased collagen production can help improve skin firmness, elasticity and overall skin quality over time.
Improves Skin Texture

Healthy skin continually renews itself by replacing older skin cells with new ones.

By supporting cellular energy production and circulation, red light therapy may help promote healthier skin turnover, leading to smoother, softer and more refined skin texture.

Many users notice improvements in overall skin smoothness after several weeks of consistent treatment.
Helps Reduce Fine Lines and Wrinkles

One of the most researched applications of red light therapy is skin rejuvenation.

Clinical studies have demonstrated improvements in wrinkle depth, skin roughness and overall complexion following regular treatments.

While results vary between individuals, consistent use may help soften the appearance of existing wrinkles while supporting healthier ageing skin.
Promotes a Natural Glow

Healthy skin reflects light more evenly.

Improved circulation, enhanced cellular function and healthier collagen production may contribute to brighter, more radiant-looking skin with a more even complexion.

Rather than creating temporary cosmetic effects, red light therapy supports the skin's natural processes responsible for maintaining healthy skin.
Supports SKin Elasticity

Elasticity refers to the skin's ability to stretch and return to its original shape.

Loss of elastin and collagen contributes to sagging skin over time.

Research suggests that photobiomodulation may support fibroblast activity, which plays an important role in maintaining healthy collagen and elastin networks throughout the skin.
Helps Calm Visible Redness

Inflammation is involved in many common skin concerns.

Red light therapy has been shown to influence inflammatory pathways, helping support the body's natural inflammatory response.

Many users report calmer-looking skin and reduced visible redness after consistent use.
Supports Skin Recovery

Healthy skin is constantly repairing itself from environmental stressors such as UV exposure, pollution and everyday wear.

By increasing cellular energy availability, red light therapy may support the skin's natural recovery processes following minor skin irritation and cosmetic procedures.
May help Improve Skin Tone

Uneven skin tone can result from inflammation, ageing and slower skin renewal.

Supporting healthy circulation and cellular repair may contribute to a more balanced, even-looking complexion over time.

Skin Concerns that may Benefit

Although individual results vary, red light therapy has been studied for its potential role in supporting a variety of common skin concerns.
Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Supports collagen production to help improve skin firmness and reduce visible signs of ageing.
Ageing SKin

May improve elasticity, hydration and overall skin quality while supporting healthy cellular function.
Acne

Red light may help calm inflammation associated with acne, while blue light (where applicable) has been studied for reducing acne-causing bacteria.
Acne Scars

Supporting collagen remodelling may help improve the appearance of post-acne scarring over time.
Uneven Skin Tone

May promote healthier skin renewal and improved circulation for a brighter complexion.
Redness

Supports the body's natural inflammatory response, helping calm irritated skin.
Dull Skin

Improved cellular function may contribute to brighter, healthier-looking skin.
Dry Skin

Healthier skin function and improved circulation may help support overall skin hydration and barrier function.

What does the Research say?

Photobiomodulation has been the subject of hundreds of scientific publications investigating its effects on skin health.

Research has demonstrated potential improvements in:

  • Skin elasticity
  • Collagen density
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Skin roughness
  • Overall complexion
  • Wound healing
  • Inflammatory skin conditions
  • Cellular repair

While additional research continues, current evidence suggests that red light therapy is a promising, non-invasive option for supporting healthier skin when used consistently.

Recommended Treatment Routine

For general skin health, consistency is more important than treatment intensity.

Recommended Routine
  • 10–20 minute sessions
  • 3–5 treatments per week
  • Position yourself approximately 15–30 cm from the device (or follow your device instructions)
  • Clean skin before treatment
  • Continue your normal skincare routine afterwards
  • Consistent use for at least 8–12 weeks

Many users begin noticing subtle improvements within the first few weeks, with more significant changes often occurring after several months of regular use.

Which Illuminate Device is best for skin health?

The best device depends on your goals:

  • Illuminate Mask — Designed specifically for facial treatments and everyday skincare.
  • Illuminate Glow — Ideal for larger treatment areas and overall skin rejuvenation.
  • Illuminate Elite — Premium full-body treatments for skin health and total-body wellness.
 Shop now

References

Avci P, Gupta A, Sadasivam M, et al. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery.

Hamblin MR. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics.

Wunsch A, Matuschka K. (2014). 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. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery.

Calderhead RG, Vasily DB. (2016). Low level light therapy with light-emitting diodes for the aging face. Clinics in Plastic Surgery.

Kim WS, Calderhead RG. (2011). Is light-emitting diode phototherapy (LED-LLLT) really effective? Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Red light therapy is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual responses may vary. If you have ongoing sleep concerns or a diagnosed sleep disorder, consult your healthcare professional.