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: April 26, 2026
New Tool May Help Diagnose and Treat Keloid Scars
Researchers engineered a new tool to visualize and measure hypochlorous acid in keloid scars. This tool, called DQFCl-HOCl, can detect changes in keloid scars and may help evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. In lab experiments and animal studies, DQFCl-HOCl showed promise in distinguishing keloid tissue and tracking the effects of certain medications.
Why it matters: Understanding how to diagnose and treat keloid scars may lead to improved skincare treatments and better management of this condition.
This study was conducted in lab experiments and animal models, and its findings may not directly translate to human skincare. Further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of DQFCl-HOCl in humans.
◆ Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.HyperpigmentationPublished: April 24, 2026
Red and near-infrared light may help improve scar appearance
Researchers studied whether red and near-infrared light can help improve the appearance of burn, hypertrophic, and post-surgical scars. They found that in some cases, this type of light may help reduce the appearance of scars, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. The effects of this treatment were generally well-tolerated, with some minor side effects.
Why it matters: Understanding how to improve scar appearance could be important for people who experience scarring from injuries or surgery.
Seven small studies with a total of 297 participants were included in this review, and the results suggest that red and near-infrared light may be a safe and non-invasive adjunct to standard scar management, but larger controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings and define optimal treatment parameters.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: April 23, 2026
Hybrid Hydrogel May Help Diabetic Wound Healing
Researchers created a new hydrogel that combines two materials to help heal diabetic wounds. This hydrogel was tested in lab experiments and showed promise in reducing bacterial infection, oxidative stress, and promoting blood vessel growth. The results suggest that this hydrogel may be effective in accelerating wound closure.
Why it matters: This study may contribute to the development of new treatments for diabetic wounds, which can be challenging to heal.
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 its effectiveness in humans.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: April 23, 2026
Researchers developed a new wound dressing for infected skin wounds
A team of researchers created a special sponge-like dressing with two layers that can help treat infected skin wounds. The top layer has silver nanoparticles to fight bacteria, while the bottom layer helps stop bleeding and promotes healing. In lab experiments and animal studies, this dressing showed promise in accelerating wound closure and promoting tissue repair.
Why it matters: This research may help improve wound care treatments for people with infected skin wounds.
This study was conducted in a rat model of full-thickness infected skin defects, and its results may not directly translate to human skin wounds. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: April 21, 2026
Researchers Develop Chitosan-Based Hydrogel for Wound Management
Scientists created a new hydrogel dressing that may help treat skin wounds by combining several functions, such as antibacterial properties and the ability to monitor physiological signals. In lab experiments, the hydrogel showed promise in treating infected wounds in mice. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans.
Why it matters: This research may lead to the development of more effective wound care treatments, which could improve skin health and reduce the risk of infection.
This study was conducted in mice and its results may not translate to humans. Further research is needed to confirm the hydrogel's effectiveness and safety in humans.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: April 17, 2026
New Nanoarchitectonics May Help Treat MRSA Wound Infections
Researchers developed a new system that combines bacteriophages and quantum dots to target and kill MRSA bacteria. In lab experiments, this system showed promise in killing MRSA and its biofilms. A small animal study found that applying this system to wounds may help them heal faster.
Why it matters: This research may lead to new treatments for MRSA infections, which can be challenging to treat with conventional therapies.
This study was conducted in a lab and on animals, and its results may not translate to humans. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: April 16, 2026
Injectable Hydrogel May Help Control Bleeding and Promote Wound Healing
Researchers developed an injectable hydrogel that combines plant-based compounds with other materials to help control bleeding and promote wound healing. In lab experiments, the hydrogel showed promise in stopping bleeding and promoting cell growth. A small study in animals found that the hydrogel reduced bleeding and accelerated healing.
Why it matters: This research may help improve treatments for complex wounds and irregular bleeding, which can be challenging to manage.
This study was conducted in animals and in lab experiments, and its findings may not directly apply to humans. Further research is needed to confirm these results.
◆ Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.AcnePublished: April 14, 2026
Phototherapy May Help Manage Acne Symptoms
Researchers studied phototherapy for acne vulgaris, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. They found that different light-based treatments can target acne through three main pathways: reducing sebum production, controlling inflammation, and improving scar appearance. The effectiveness of these treatments varies depending on the individual's acne type and severity.
Why it matters: Understanding phototherapy's potential benefits and limitations may help individuals with acne make informed decisions about their treatment options.
This review is based on studies published between 2005 and 2025, and the findings may not be applicable to all individuals with acne. The effectiveness of phototherapy can vary depending on the specific treatment and individual characteristics.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: April 14, 2026
Microgrooves and Coating May Help Prevent Infection Around Implants
Researchers studied how microgrooves and a special coating on implants interact with skin tissue. They found that these features may help skin cells grow and fight off bacteria. This could be important for preventing infection around implants.
Why it matters: This research may help us understand how to prevent infection around implants, which could be useful for people with implants or those who may need them in the future.
This study was conducted in a lab and involved animal experiments. The results may not translate directly to human skin or implants.
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.Published: April 13, 2026
Robotic excision of caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy may improve surgical safety
Researchers studied a new surgical technique for removing ectopic pregnancies that develop in the scar tissue from a previous C-section. They used a robotic system with near-infrared guidance to help identify the bladder and surrounding tissue. The technique was used in a single case and resulted in minimal blood loss and no complications.
Why it matters: This research may help improve surgical techniques for ectopic pregnancies, which could have implications for women's health and reproductive medicine.
This study involved a single case and more research is needed to confirm its findings. The study was not a controlled trial and the sample size was very small.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: April 11, 2026
Microneedles May Help Heal Tendon Injuries
Researchers developed special microneedles that may help heal Achilles tendon injuries by changing the way the body's immune cells work. In lab experiments, these microneedles were able to change the immune cells' behavior and promote healing. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Why it matters: This study may help us understand how to promote healing in tendon injuries, which could have implications for skincare and wound healing.
This study was conducted in rats and has not been tested in humans. The results may not be directly applicable to humans, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: April 10, 2026
New Nanoparticle Therapy May Help Infected Wounds Heal Faster
Researchers developed a new nanoparticle therapy that combines light-activated treatments to kill bacteria and promote wound healing. In lab experiments, this therapy showed promise in killing two types of bacteria and helping wounds heal faster. However, more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in real-world settings.
Why it matters: This research may help improve our understanding of how to treat infected wounds and promote healing.
This study was conducted in a lab setting using animal models and may not translate directly to human wounds. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety in humans.