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: August 14, 2026
New Hydrogel May Help Rapidly Heal Wounds
Researchers developed a new hydrogel that can stick to skin and help wounds heal quickly. The hydrogel has properties similar to skin and can be easily removed when needed. It also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties that may help prevent infection and promote healing.
Why it matters: This study may contribute to the development of new treatments for wound care and skin repair.
This study was conducted in lab experiments and animal models, and its results may not translate directly 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: August 13, 2026
Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles May Help Wound Healing
Researchers studied a new way to deliver stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles to wounds using a light-activated hydrogel. This method allowed for controlled release of the vesicles, which were found to promote wound healing in lab experiments. The study showed that the vesicles helped wounds heal faster and with less scarring, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Why it matters: This research may help us better understand how to promote wound healing and reduce scarring, which could be important for people with chronic wounds or those recovering from surgery.
This study was conducted in animal models and in lab experiments, and more research is needed to confirm its findings in humans. The study's results may not translate directly to human skin or wound healing.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: August 13, 2026
Researchers Developed New Therapy for Infected Diabetic Wounds
A new therapy was studied for its potential to help infected diabetic wounds heal faster. This therapy uses a special material that responds to light to kill bacteria and promote healing. In lab experiments and animal studies, the therapy showed promise in accelerating wound healing.
Why it matters: This research may help improve our understanding of how to treat infected diabetic wounds, which can be a significant challenge for people with diabetes.
This study was conducted in lab experiments and animal studies, and its effectiveness in humans is unknown. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.Published: August 12, 2026
Researchers Study Fasting Skin Spectra for Noninvasive Glucose Sensing
A small study analyzed skin spectra under fasting conditions to better understand how they impact noninvasive glucose measurements. The researchers found that capturing background spectral variance is crucial for accurate measurements. However, they also discovered that this variance can change over time, affecting measurement accuracy.
Why it matters: Understanding how skin spectra change over time may help improve noninvasive glucose sensing technologies, which could have implications for skincare and dermatology research.
This study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting with a small number of participants and focused on glucose sensing, not skincare or dermatology outcomes.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: August 12, 2026
Stem Cells May Help Diabetic Skin Wound Healing
Researchers engineered stem cells to track and enhance healing in diabetic skin wounds. In a small study, these modified cells helped wounds close faster and promoted hair growth and blood vessel formation. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Why it matters: This study may help us better understand how to treat diabetic skin wounds, which can be challenging to heal.
This study was conducted in diabetic mice and has not been tested in humans. The results may not translate directly to human skin wounds.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Skin Barrier DamagePublished: August 11, 2026
Nanoparticles may help diabetic wound healing
Researchers developed a new type of nanoparticle that can target and kill bacteria in diabetic wounds. These nanoparticles also reduce inflammation and promote healing. In lab experiments and animal studies, they showed promise in treating diabetic wounds.
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 diabetic rat models and in lab experiments, and its findings may not directly apply to humans. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in people.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: August 11, 2026
Researchers Developed a Gel to Help Infected Wounds Heal Faster
A new gel was studied for its potential to help infected wounds heal faster. The gel responds to near-infrared light and releases a gas that may help fight off bacteria and promote healing. In lab experiments and animal studies, the gel showed promise in reducing bacterial growth and promoting tissue repair.
Why it matters: This research may help us better understand how to treat infected wounds and promote healing, which could be important for people with skin injuries or infections.
This study was conducted in a lab and on animals, so its results may not directly apply to humans. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: August 10, 2026
Hydrogel Nanoparticles May Help Treat Monkeypox
Researchers developed a new therapy using hydrogel nanoparticles that can help destroy the monkeypox virus and reduce inflammation. In lab experiments and animal studies, this therapy showed promise in treating monkeypox. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Why it matters: This research may help us better understand how to treat viral infections that cause inflammation.
This study was conducted in lab experiments and animal models, and more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans. The study's results may not directly translate to human skincare or treatment.
◆ Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.Uneven TexturePublished: August 10, 2026
Latin American Experts Agree on Best Scar Treatment Options
Researchers studied how to treat keloids and hypertrophic scars in people with darker skin types. They asked 22 Latin American dermatologists for their opinions on the best treatments. The experts agreed on the best options for different types of scars.
Why it matters: Understanding the best treatments for keloids and hypertrophic scars may help people with darker skin types find more effective and safer options.
This study was based on expert opinions and may not reflect real-world results. The study only included 22 dermatologists, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.Published: August 10, 2026
Personalized Light Therapy Planning for Lung Diseases May Help Improve Treatment
Researchers developed a computational model to study how light therapy works in the lungs for different lung conditions. They found that light dosimetry varies across different lung conditions and irradiation parameters. This suggests that individualized light therapy planning may be beneficial.
Why it matters: This research may help improve the effectiveness of light therapies for lung diseases, but its implications for skincare are unclear.
This study focused on lung diseases and used actual anatomical models derived from human CT scans, but its findings may not directly apply to skincare or other medical conditions.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: August 9, 2026
New Hydrogel May Help Diabetic Wounds Heal Faster and Scar-Free
Researchers created a special hydrogel that can help diabetic wounds heal faster and with less scarring. In lab experiments, the hydrogel was able to control the behavior of cells called fibroblasts, which play a key role in wound healing. The hydrogel released certain chemicals at specific times to help eliminate bacteria, reduce oxidative stress, and balance the immune system. This may help wounds heal more quickly and with less scarring.
Why it matters: This research may help improve wound healing in people with diabetes, which can lead to serious complications and scarring.
This study was conducted in diabetic rats and has not been tested in humans. The results may not translate directly to human wound healing.
Animal StudyResults in animals only. May or may not translate to humans.Published: August 8, 2026
Nanosheets May Help Heal Diabetic Wounds
Researchers developed nanosheets that mimic photosynthesis to help heal diabetic wounds. These nanosheets release hydrogen and oxygen when exposed to near-infrared light, which may help kill bacteria and reduce oxidative stress. A small study suggests that this approach may accelerate wound healing.
Why it matters: This research may lead to new treatments for diabetic wounds, which are challenging to heal due to bacterial biofilms and oxidative stress.
This study was conducted in a lab setting using animal models, and its findings may not directly translate to human skincare. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans.