Best Light Therapy for Wrinkles: What Really Works

Tired of battling wrinkles with creams that never deliver? Red light therapy offers a safe, non-invasive way to reduce fine lines, boost collagen, and rejuvenate aging skin. 

But with so many devices and claims out there, it’s hard to know what really works. Don’t waste time or money, this guide breaks down what’s effective and what’s just hype.

• Focus on Red & Near-Infrared Light: These are the most effective for boosting collagen and reducing wrinkles.
  
  

• Try Yellow & Green Light Too: They support collagen production, calm inflammation, and improve skin repair.
  
  

• Don’t Count Out Blue Light: It helps with skin renewal and inflammation, adding anti-aging support.
  
  

• Consistency is Key: Use your device 3–5 times a week for visible, lasting results.
  
  

• Prep Your Skin Right: Clean, dry skin and eye protection are essential for safe, effective sessions.

Red light therapy works by penetrating deep into the skin and stimulating your cells’ energy production, which boosts collagen and elastin, the building blocks of firm, youthful skin. 

This natural process helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, making your skin look healthier and more refreshed over time. 

A 2023 study using a red LED mask showed visible improvement in skin texture, firmness, and wrinkle depth after just a few weeks. 

Another study with 136 volunteers found a significant boost in collagen density and overall skin appearance with red light treatments.

Near-infrared light helps smooth out wrinkles by waking up the cells in your skin that make collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, the stuff that keeps your skin firm and bouncy. 

It reaches deep into your skin and gives those cells a boost. According to a 2019 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, this light made skin cells produce more of these wrinkle-fighting proteins in just one week.

Amber or yellow light therapy works for wrinkles by targeting the root causes of skin aging, oxidative stress, collagen breakdown, and inflammation. 

This specific wavelength (around 590 nm) penetrates the skin to stimulate collagen production, reduce free radicals, and calm inflammatory responses, all of which are key to smoother, firmer skin. 

In one study, researchers used 590-nm LED light on UVB-damaged human skin cells and found a significant recovery in collagen levels, a drop in inflammation markers, and reduced oxidative stress. 

Another study also showed yellow LED therapy helped improve signs of photoaging, making it a promising treatment for wrinkles.

Green light therapy helps reduce wrinkles by boosting your skin’s collagen, the protein that keeps it firm and smooth. 

It also lowers the levels of enzymes that break down collagen, which helps prevent sagging and fine lines. 

On top of that, green light supports your skin’s natural repair process, helping damaged cells heal and stay healthy. 

A 2022 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that green light made a real difference in skin cells damaged by UV rays. 

It increased collagen, reduced signs of aging, and even improved how skin cells looked and worked. That’s why green light is gaining attention for anti-aging skincare.

Blue light may not be the first thing that comes to mind for wrinkles, but it actually plays a powerful role in skin rejuvenation. 

By triggering photbiomodulation, where light influences how your cells behave, blue light helps stimulate skin cell turnover, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. 

This process encourages smoother, firmer skin over time. For example, Cosmetics (2025) highlights how blue light between 400–500 nm can improve photoaging by enhancing cellular activity and calming inflammation. 

These effects not only help with acne and redness but also support the skin’s natural anti-aging process.

Yes, light therapy really works for wrinkles, especially red and near-infrared light, which boost collagen, reduce inflammation, and improve skin texture. 

Yellow and green light also help by repairing damaged cells and calming skin. While blue light aids renewal, it's less potent for wrinkles. 

Consistent use of FDA-approved devices can show visible results in weeks, especially with good skincare.

• Choose the Right Device: Pick a light therapy device that's specifically designed for facial use and FDA-cleared for safety and effectiveness.
  
  

• Stick to the Recommended Wavelength: Use a device that emits red or near-infrared light (usually between 600–900 nm) for the best results on wrinkles.
  
  

• Start with Clean, Dry Skin: Wash your face and make sure it’s completely dry before each session to allow better light penetration.
  
  

• Follow a Consistent Schedule: Use the device regularly, typically 3–5 times a week, for noticeable and lasting results.
  
  

• Keep the Device the Right Distance Away: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for how far to hold or place the device from your skin, usually a few inches.
  
  

• Protect Your Eyes: Always use protective goggles or keep your eyes closed during treatment to avoid damage from bright light.
  
  

• Combine with a Good Skincare Routine: Use gentle, hydrating products and sunscreen daily to enhance and maintain your results.

LED masks may offer slight improvements in skin appearance, but don't expect significant anti-aging or acne-reducing results. 

These portable devices can support skincare routines, yet their effects are generally subtle and not dramatic when it comes to reducing fine lines or wrinkles.

Most users see noticeable improvements from LED face masks within 2–6 weeks of consistent use, with subtle changes often appearing sooner. 

Long-term results, such as reduced wrinkles and improved skin tone, typically take several months, depending on skin type, device quality, and treatment frequency.