Red light therapy masks promise glowing skin, fewer breakouts and even smoother wrinkles. Sounds amazing, right? But does it really work, or is it just hype? We asked Andrew Wong, MD, a primary care provider with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group, to share the truth about red light therapy — and whether it’s worth the investment.
What exactly does red light therapy do?
Red light therapy (RLT) masks use red and near-infrared light (typically 600–850 nm) to energize skin cells from the inside out. “This stimulates cellular energy production in a process called photobiomodulation,” says Dr. Wong. “It basically boosts the skin’s metabolism.” That energy boost can lead to:
- Fewer fine lines and wrinkles (by increasing collagen production).
- Brighter, more even skin (by improving circulation and calming inflammation).
- Faster healing for acne and other skin irritations.
