Does red light therapy work? Experts weigh in on TikTok skincare trend | story

Kids, teens have better skincare options to try first, say experts

⭐️HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW⭐️

• A new skincare trend called red light therapy has been all over TikTok.
• Fans of red light therapy claim it makes skin look clearer, smoother and younger.
• But some experts say the trendy treatment is probably not as effective as it seems.
• Read on to find out what they said.  ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Can a special kind of light make your skin look smoother, clearer and younger?

That’s what a host of TikTok skincare influencers have been claiming recently in videos about products that use something called red light therapy.

But there is a long history of beauty products making false claims about what they can really do in order to maximize sales.

With this in mind, CBC Kids News talked to two doctors who specialize in skin about red light therapy. They said the technique does have some benefits, but they wouldn’t recommend it as a first option for kids and teens.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy has been around for decades, according to Dr. Monica Li, clinical assistant professor in the department of dermatology and skin science at the University of British Columbia.

It involves shining low-level light on the skin using large machines in specialists’ offices, or at-home devices like facemasks, lamps and wands. 

Users on TikTok have been demonstrating different devices, like the handheld lamp seen above, that produce the special light used in red light therapy. (Image credit: Al Bello/Getty Images )

“The idea is that low-level or red light can trigger a chemical reaction in your cells that gives them more energy, potentially reducing cell damage and promoting better cell function,” Li told CBC Kids News. 

Does it work?

Li said that the most science-backed benefit of red light therapy is its ability to reduce inflammation and redness. 

“If used consistently, red light therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation on the skin, particularly for conditions like rosacea and acne.” 

However, Li said evidence for claims that red light therapy has anti-aging benefits isn’t as strong.

“There are claims that red light therapy can reduce lines and wrinkles through, for example, stimulating collagen growth,” she said. “But the science there is lacking.” 

Some TikTokers say red light therapy is a skin miracle. Experts say it does have benefits, but they’re minor compared to some of those claims. (Image credit: sarahtrysit/TikTok) 

Part of the issue, says Dr. Julia Carroll, a dermatologist and lecturer at the University of Toronto, is that the science behind red light therapy is based on in-office machinery that is a lot more powerful than the at-home devices most people are seeing on TikTok.

So even if there are anti-aging benefits, it’s difficult to say how effective at-home treatments are.

Both experts also said that seeing benefits requires using the devices consistently over a long time, which many people have difficulty with.

Red light therapy is totally safe to try. However, experts say there are better treatment options for the types of skin issues that kids and teens often face. (Image credit: mitoredlightofficial/TikTok)

Would you recommend red light therapy for kids and teens?

Both of our dermatology experts said no.

That’s because its main science-backed benefits are for conditions like acne, which have many other treatment options they would consider before red light therapy.

“If someone has acne, they should talk to their parents and see their doctor because there are more tried-and-true, less expensive options that are effective and safe,” said Li. 

Carroll agreed, and said red light therapy would be “overkill” for kids and teens.

Instead, she recommends starting with a good skincare routine and going from there. 

“If you really have a problem, you want to seek a medical opinion from a dermatologist. You can probably get better results with a lot less money and effort,” she said. 

Safety of red light therapy 

Both Li and Carroll said there isn’t any harm in trying red light therapy if you really want to. 

As far as skinscare treatments go, they said it’s pretty safe, especially compared to some harsh chemicals used in other skincare fads.

However, if you do try it, Li recommends using eye protection.

“The potential risk is eye damage or retina damage, especially if someone is repeatedly exposing their eyes directly to the red light,” she said. 

Have more questions? Want to tell us how we’re doing? Use the “send us feedback” link below. ⬇️⬇️⬇️