Photobiomodulation using red and near-infrared wavelengths. Studied for anti-aging effects and wound healing support.
◆Moderate evidence
The Idea
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, utilizes red and near-infrared wavelengths to stimulate cellular processes, potentially promoting anti-aging effects and wound healing support. This non-invasive treatment is thought to increase collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and enhance tissue repair. At-home devices and in-clinic professional versions differ in power and settings.
What the Evidence Shows
Research suggests that photobiomodulation may improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance wound healing. Studies indicate that red light therapy can increase collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and reduce inflammation. However, the evidence is limited, and most studies have small sample sizes, short durations, or methodological flaws. More high-quality, randomized controlled trials are needed to fully understand the effects of red light therapy on skin health.
Verdict
The current state of evidence suggests that red light therapy may be a promising treatment for anti-aging and wound healing, but more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety. At-home devices are available for consumer use, but it is essential to follow manufacturer guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional before starting treatment. In-clinic professional versions are typically more powerful and may offer more effective results.
Understanding evidence levels▼
In VitroCell or tissue culture experiments — no human or animal data.
Ex VivoSkin model or tissue experiments — not in living humans.
Animal StudyResults in animals only — may or may not translate to humans.
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study — preliminary results.
Controlled TrialControlled human study (often randomized) — stronger evidence.
Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.
Meta-AnalysisStatistical pooling of results from multiple studies.
GuidelineProfessional guidance or consensus statement from a dermatology society.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: May 14, 2026
Decellularized Dermal Scaffold May Help Improve Diabetic Wound Healing
Researchers studied a decellularized dermal scaffold combined with photobiomodulation therapy to see if it could improve wound healing in type 2 diabetic rats. They found that this combination may accelerate wound contraction, improve tissue integrity, and reduce inflammation. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Why it matters: Understanding how to improve wound healing in people with type 2 diabetes may lead to new treatments for this common complication.
This study was conducted in a rat model and may not translate directly to human wound healing. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore their potential applications in humans.
Ex VivoSkin model or tissue experiments. Not in living humans.Published: May 14, 2026
Needle-free jet injectors studied for precise skin penetration
Researchers used high-speed imaging to study how different liquids penetrate the skin when injected using a needle-free jet injector. They found that the viscosity of the liquid affects how deep it penetrates and how it spreads. However, the study also showed that it's challenging to predict how different liquids will behave.
Why it matters: Understanding how needle-free jet injectors work may help in developing more effective and targeted skincare treatments.
This study was conducted on ex vivo porcine skin, which is animal tissue, and may not directly apply to human skin. The study's findings are based on lab experiments and may not reflect real-world scenarios.
◆ Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.Published: May 13, 2026
LED Light Therapy May Help Reduce Pain and Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
A small study looked at whether low-level LED light therapy could help reduce pain, swelling, and limited mouth opening after wisdom tooth extraction. Researchers found that it may help with these symptoms, but not with swelling or quality of life. The benefits were seen in the first few days after surgery.
Why it matters: This study may be relevant to skincare understanding because it explores the potential benefits of light therapy, which is sometimes used in skincare treatments.
This study had a small sample size of 42 patients and only looked at the effects of LED light therapy in the short term, specifically in the first week after surgery.
In VitroCell or tissue culture experiments. No human or animal data.Published: May 13, 2026
Photobiomodulation may help mitigate muscle damage from dexamethasone
Researchers studied how photobiomodulation affects muscle cells exposed to a common medication that can cause muscle damage. They found that photobiomodulation may help preserve muscle cell viability and support early differentiation, but its effects were not fully restored. This was observed in lab experiments.
Why it matters: This study may have implications for understanding how certain treatments can impact skin health, particularly in relation to muscle atrophy and inflammation.
This study was conducted in a lab setting using muscle cells and does not provide evidence for human skin health. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Skin Barrier DamagePublished: May 11, 2026
New Wound Dressing May Help Speed Up Healing of Infected Wounds
Researchers developed a dissolving microneedle patch that can deliver medicine deep into the skin to help treat infected wounds. The patch contains a compound that kills bacteria and another that promotes healing. In lab experiments, the patch was shown to help wounds heal faster and reduce the amount of bacteria present.
Why it matters: This study may help improve our understanding of how to treat infected wounds and potentially lead to new treatments for skin infections.
This study was conducted in a lab setting using animal models and may not directly translate to human skin. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans.
◆ Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.Skin Barrier DamagePublished: May 11, 2026
Indocyanine Green Fluorescence for Melanoma Sentinel Lymph Node Detection
Researchers studied how well indocyanine green fluorescence compares to conventional techniques for detecting sentinel lymph nodes in melanoma patients. They found that indocyanine green fluorescence can be effective, but its performance varies depending on the situation. More research is needed to fully understand its benefits and limitations.
Why it matters: This research may help improve the accuracy of melanoma staging and treatment planning.
The study synthesizes data from various sources, including prospective series, head-to-head studies, and systematic reviews/meta-analyses, but does not present new primary data.
In VitroCell or tissue culture experiments. No human or animal data.Published: May 9, 2026
Low-Level Laser Therapy May Help Regulate Fibroblast Activity
Researchers studied how different settings of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) affect the behavior of fibroblasts, cells that play a key role in wound healing. They found that certain settings may help regulate fibroblast activity, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. The study was conducted in a lab setting using cell cultures.
Why it matters: Understanding how LLLT affects fibroblast activity may provide insights into its potential benefits for wound healing and skin regeneration.
This study was conducted in a lab setting using cell cultures, and its findings may not directly translate to human skin. Further research is needed to confirm these results and determine their relevance to human skin health.
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.Published: May 9, 2026
Photobiomodulation and Platelet-Rich Fibrin May Help Enhance Bone Healing
Researchers studied how combining low-level laser therapy and platelet-rich fibrin affects bone healing in patients with mandibular body fractures. They found that this combination may improve bone density and reduce pain. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Why it matters: This study may provide insights into how certain treatments can enhance bone healing, which could have implications for various medical conditions, including those affecting the skin.
This study had a small sample size and was a pilot study, so more research is needed to confirm these findings. The study only looked at bone healing in patients with mandibular body fractures, so it's unclear if these results would apply to other conditions.
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.Published: May 9, 2026
New In-Vehicle System May Help Identify Dangerous Driving Behaviors
Researchers developed a system to identify dangerous driving behaviors using 3D vision. The system uses a Time-of-Flight camera to estimate the 3D poses of drivers and recognize hazardous behaviors. It achieved high accuracy in lab experiments. The system's performance was tested on an automotive embedded platform.
Why it matters: This research may have implications for developing safer in-vehicle systems, which could indirectly benefit road safety and public health.
This study was conducted in a controlled environment and its results may not directly translate to real-world driving scenarios. The system's performance was tested on a specific automotive platform, which may not be representative of all vehicles.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: May 7, 2026
New Hydrogel May Help Infected Wounds Heal Faster
Researchers developed a special hydrogel that combines different treatments to help infected wounds heal. In lab experiments and animal studies, the hydrogel showed promise in reducing bacterial load, inflammation, and promoting skin regeneration. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Why it matters: This study may help skincare understanding of how to treat infected wounds, which can be challenging to heal.
This study was conducted in lab experiments and animal models, and its effectiveness in humans is unknown. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Skin Barrier DamagePublished: May 7, 2026
Nanozyme May Help Treat Antibiotic-Resistant Skin Infections
Researchers created a new nanozyme that uses heat to kill bacteria. In lab experiments, this nanozyme was able to kill 99.7% of a type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It also helped to heal wounds in animal models. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Why it matters: This research may help us better understand how to treat skin infections that are resistant to antibiotics, which can be a significant problem in clinical settings.
This study was conducted in lab experiments and animal models, and more research is needed to confirm its findings in humans. The study's results are promising, but it's unclear whether this nanozyme would be safe and effective for use in humans.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: May 5, 2026
Researchers Develop New Hydrogel for Diabetic Wound Treatment
A new hydrogel was studied for its potential to help treat infected diabetic wounds. The hydrogel was found to have several beneficial properties, including the ability to reduce oxidative stress and kill bacteria. It also promoted tissue regeneration and wound healing in lab experiments.
Why it matters: This research may help improve our understanding of how to treat diabetic wounds, which can be challenging to heal.
This study was conducted in lab experiments and animal models, and its effectiveness in humans is unknown. Further research is needed to confirm its potential benefits.