Red light increased collagen density against an untreated control
Short answer
In this controlled trial, 113 people received 30 sessions of red or broad red-to-near-infrared light and were compared with 23 untreated controls. Treated groups showed better skin roughness, ultrasound-measured collagen density and blinded photo ratings. Broad-spectrum light gave no advantage over red light alone.
- Study
- Wunsch A, Matuschka K. Photomed Laser Surg. 2014;32(2):93-100.
- Design
- Randomised controlled trial
- People
- 136
- Topic
- Wrinkles and collagen density
Why it matters
It is one of the few light-therapy studies with a control group and an objective collagen measurement.
What they did
- Randomised 113 people to four groups receiving 611–650 nm or 570–850 nm light twice a week.
- Compared them with 23 controls.
- Assessed after 30 sessions with blinded photography, ultrasound collagen density and profilometry.
What they found
- Treated groups improved in complexion, roughness and collagen density.
- Blinded photo evaluation confirmed improvement versus control.
- Adding broader wavelengths gave no advantage over red light only.
What it cannot tell you
- Full-body light units, not face masks.
- Controls were untreated rather than sham-treated.
- 30 sessions is a significant time commitment.
Takeaway
Red light at about 9 J/cm² increased measurable collagen density. More wavelengths did not mean better results.
Matching devices
Devices whose published technology and wavelengths match this study (red): CurrentBody Series 3, Dr. Dennis Gross FaceWare Pro, Dr. Renú SpectraLift, Omnilux Contour and Shark CryoGlow. None of them was the device tested unless the study names it.
Not medical advice. Summary based on the published abstract; read the full paper for detail.