According to the National Psoriasis Foundation [1], more than 7.5 millions Americans are affected by the chronic autoimmune condition psoriasis. Psoriasis is characterized by red, scaly patches and persistent inflammation. It results from an overactive immunity that speeds up skin cell turnover, disrupting normal epidermal functions.
This condition is more than just a superficial symptom. It reflects an imbalance in the immune and cellular system of the body. Emerging therapies that target cellular repair and immunomodulation are receiving attention because they can target these underlying mechanisms.
Red Light Therapy, also known as Photobiomodulation or PBM, is a light-based non-invasive modality which delivers specific wavelengths of near-infrared and red light to the skin. These wavelengths are absorbed within the mitochondria by cytochrome c oxidase, resulting in increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and reduced oxidative stresses, as well as modulation of proinflammatory signaling pathways.
Red Light Therapy does more than mask symptoms. It works at the cell level to restore skin integrity and tissue regeneration. Red Light Therapy is a promising and science-backed therapy for individuals who are looking to manage the complex physiology behind psoriasis.
What Happens to the Skin during Psoriasis
Psoriasis, which is a chronic immune-mediated disease, affects the skin at the molecular and cellular level. Psoriasis' hallmark is hyperproliferation in keratinocytes - the primary epidermal cell type - coupled with persistent inflammation caused by dysregulated immune signals.
This condition is characterized by an overactive immune system, involving primarily T-helper cells (Th1 and TH17). These immune cells release proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-17(IL-17), Interleukin-23(IL-23), or tumor necrosis-factor-alpha (TNFa), which cause a cascade inflammatory reactions. This chronic immune activation speeds up the skin cell cycle. Immature keratinocytes build up on the surface of the skin in just 3-5 day instead of the usual 28-30 day cycle. The result is thick, scaly, painful plaques.
Psoriasis is characterized by:
* Angiogenesis: Formation of new capillaries within the dermis that contributes to swelling and redness.
* Reduced barrier function (increased transepidermal fluid loss).
* Increased oxidative stress, (an imbalance of free radicals versus antioxidant defenses).
The complex interaction of immune dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction with epidermal remodeling leads to a chronic cycle, which is difficult to break by using only topical or systemic treatments.
In this context, red light therapy offers a unique advantage. This therapy restores energy balance to dysfunctional cells by delivering wavelengths that are absorbed primarily by mitochondrial enzymes. Red Light Therapy also has the ability to reduce inflammatory mediators such as TNF-a, IL-6 and IL-10 while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10. This immune-modulating action helps normalize keratinocyte proliferation and supports regeneration of a healthier barrier epidermis.
Red Light Therapy can help reduce the appearance of psoriatic skin lesions and their physical discomfort. Red Light Therapy is a popular treatment because it not only helps improve the appearance of skin, but also addresses the biological mechanisms at work that cause psoriasis.
Red Light Therapy is not a suppressive therapy. It supports the recalibration of the immune system, helping to restore the skin's balance and resilience.
Red Light Therapy at the Cellular Level
Red Light Therapy (also known as Photobiomodulation in scientific literature) is a light-based, non-invasive therapy that uses specific wavelengths visible red light and near-infrared light (NIR) to stimulate biological processes on a cellular level. The light is not thermal, so it doesn't burn or damage tissues. It works by delivering photons of energy to light-sensitive molecules in cells, which absorb the energy and promote healing.
This therapy's main target is the enzyme cytochrome C oxidase, which is part of the mitochondrial respiration chain. The red or near infrared light penetrates the epidermal layer and dermal layer of the skin where it interacts CCO. This increases mitochondrial respiration, and the production of adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), which is the currency of cellular energy.
RLT improves ATP availability, which supports cellular repair, normalized differentiation, and reduced turnover rates in epidermal cells. This helps to resolve the thickened, flaky plaques typical of psoriasis. RLT improves ATP availability to support cellular repair and normal differentiation in epidermal cell, reducing turnover rates. This helps resolve thickened, flaky patches typical of psoriasis.
The immune system is modulated by red light therapy.
* Reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNFa, IL-1b and IL-6
* Increase in anti-inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-10
* Reducing the activity and promoting a balance of T-cells that are regulatory.
* Improved microcirculation and delivery of more oxygen, nutrients and other substances to the affected tissues
Red Light Therapy is unique in its ability to treat psoriasis due to the combination of immune modulation and antioxidant upregulation.
Red Light Therapy is a safe alternative to UV-based treatments, which are based on photodamage, and can cause DNA mutations or skin aging.
This therapy is designed to help individuals with psoriasis achieve healthier skin by working with their body.
Red Light Therapy: Mechanisms of action to target psoriasis from the source
Psoriasis results from complex interactions among dysfunctional skin cell, oxidative stresses, and dysregulated immunity pathways. RLT addresses these core pathophysiological mechanism in a non-invasive, targeted way using the principles of Photobiomodulation. This therapy delivers specific wavelengths in red and near-infrared lights to initiate a cascade that counteracts the processes of psoriatic lesions formation and chronic inflammation.
MITOCHONDRIAL ACTIVATION & ATP SYNTHESIS
Red Light Therapy is most effective when it stimulates mitochondrial function. Photons of red light and near-infrared wavelengths that penetrate the skin are absorbed by the key electron transport enzyme cytochrome C oxidase. This absorption of photons:
* Increases electron transfer in mitochondria
* Increases the production of adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).
* Improves energy metabolism and cellular metabolism
In psoriatic keratinocytes, which are metabolically active but functionally inefficient due to their overactivity, an increase in ATP can improve cell differentiation, and normalize the rapid cycle of cell turnover. This leads to a smoother skin surface, reduced plaque thickness and a strengthened skin barrier.
IMMUNE MODULATION & INFLAMMATORY TRAIL
The psoriasis condition is characterized as an upregulation of Th1- and Th17-pathways, which leads to the production inflammatory cytokines like TNF-a, IL-17, IL-6, and IL-23. These cytokines are responsible for maintaining a chronic state characterized by immune activation and hyperproliferation of keratinocytes.
Red Light Therapy is a proven therapy that:
* Reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, e.g. TNF-a (TNF-a), IL-1b (IL-6), etc.
* Increase the production of anti-inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-10
* Suppress the activation of T-helper and dendritic cell
* Promote immune homeostasis by modulating regulatory T cells
This helps to reduce the inflammation visible (redness, swelling), as well as the overactive immune system that causes recurrent flare ups.
REDUCTION OF OXIDATIVE STRESS
Oxidative Stress is a major factor in the pathogenesis psoriasis. It contributes to DNA damage, lipid oxidation and immune activation. Red Light Therapy restores redox balance through:
* Increase the activity of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione-peroxidase
Reduce the levels of reactive oxygen species in psoriatic lesion
* Supporting mitochondrial function and integrity under inflammatory stress
RLT helps to break the cycle between inflammation and tissue damage by preventing oxidative damages.
ENHANCED TISSUE OXYGENATION AND MICROCIRCULATION
This effect: Photobiomodulation increases local blood flow by increasing the release of nitric oxygen (NO) stored in intracellular stores. This effect:
* Increases oxygen and nutrients delivery to the affected skin
* Promotes lymphatic drainage, and the removal of inflammatory products
* Promotes healthy skin tissue regeneration
It is important to improve microcirculation in psoriasis. Dermal blood vessel dilation can be a symptom as well as a contributor to inflammation.
STIMULATION OF GROWTH FIRMERS AND SKIN REPAIRING
Red Light Therapy stimulates the release of fibroblast-growth factor (FGF) as well as vascular endothelial-growth factor (VEGF), both of which are involved in tissue remodeling and repair. This leads to:
* Enhanced collagen synthesis
* Accelerated wound Healing
* Regeneration of epidermal structure and dermal structure
These processes can help psoriatic derma to transition from a chronic state of damage into one of active repair.
These cellular and molecular actions together demonstrate that RLT works deeper within the tissue, to restore balance, reduce inflammation and support long-term recovery for individuals with psoriasis.
Clinical Evidence for Red Light Therapy in Psoriasis
This therapy is also known as Photobiomodulation (PBM). A steady accumulation of preclinical and clinical studies has shown its potential to manage chronic inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
Traditional phototherapy relies on UVA or UVB to slow the proliferation of keratinocytes. However, LED-based systems that emit visible red light and near-infrared are gaining attention in clinical settings due to their non ionizing and non-damaging mechanisms of action, as well as their impressive safety profile.
RED AND BLUE LIGHT COMPARATIVE EFECTS ON PSORIATIC LESIONS
The authors concluded: The authors concluded that:
The clinical improvement in psoriasis with regard to erythema after blue light, and to a lesser degree after red light, indicates that visible-light treatment could be a treatment option for the condition.
The red light was still able to produce clinical improvements, especially in terms of inflammation and plaque thickening. Red wavelengths also penetrate deeper into dermis and stimulate mitochondrial function, modulating inflammatory molecules and cytokines. This is crucial for long-term healing of the skin and immune regulation.
LED-BASED PHOTOBIOMODULATION FOR DERMATOLOGY USE
A review entitled Phototherapy with light-emitting diodes: Treatment of a Broad Range Medical and Aesthetic Condition in Dermatology, examined the use LED-based PBM for various skin and systemic disorders. Researchers stated:
We found that LED phototherapy is effective for a variety of medical and cosmetic conditions seen in dermatology practices.
This study supports the use of RLT for dermatology. It is not only used for aesthetic rejuvenation but also to manage chronic inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and acne. LED-based photobiomodulation is particularly appealing because of its non-thermal effects, immunomodulatory properties, and regeneration.
LOW-LEVEL LIGHT THERAPY - LONG-TERM RESULTS IN PSORIASIS
A review entitled A Clinical Review of Phototherapy For Psoriasis highlights the importance of low-energy, visible and near infrared light. The study concluded that:
The near-infrared light (NIR) with low energy and visible red light (low energy) show promise in treating psoriasis because of its high penetration and photobiomodulation. [4]
This deep tissue penetration is crucial when treating the chronic inflammation and dermal remodeling that are present in psoriatic lesions. The NIR and the red light reduce inflammatory markers such as TNF-a, IL-17 and also stimulate skin regeneration, normalize keratinocyte proliferation, and improve microvascular functions.
These clinical findings are consistent: the biologically targeted mechanism of this therapy offers a promising non-pharmacological way to manage psoriasis. Although larger-scale trials are needed, the current evidence indicates that PBM using red and near infrared lights is a viable treatment option for people who suffer from chronic inflammation, immune balance, and impaired regeneration of skin, all characteristics of psoriasis.
Why Red Light Therapy is a Promising Alternative for Psoriasis patients
SAVE MONEY ON CONVENTIONAL THERAPIES
Many people with psoriasis know the potential side effects of conventional treatments, including corticosteroids (PUVA), photochemotherapy, or systemic immune suppressants. These treatments can be very effective but they also come with a number of long-term side effects, such as skin thinning or liver strain.
RLT is non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical. It also does not have the same risks as UV exposure. It stimulates the body's repair and regulation systems gently, instead of suppressing symptoms. It is a great option for those who are looking for a more sustainable, safer solution.
SCIENTIFICALLY ROOTED, YET NATURALLY ALIGNED
Red Light Therapy does not introduce any foreign substances into your body. It supports the intrinsic processes of cells, enhances mitochondrial function, and restores balance to dysregulated immune responses and inflammatory reactions.
This is a powerful concept for people who suffer from chronic conditions such as psoriasis: your cells can be optimized and activated to improve your condition, rather than suppressed.
SEE VISIBLE SKIN RESULT AND BEYOND
Users report secondary benefits such as:
* Less joint pain (in psoriatic arthritis)
* Increased energy and mood
Reduced systemic inflammation can improve sleep quality
These benefits are consistent to the systemic effects that photobiomodulation has, which go beyond the skin and influence the nervous, immune, endocrine and endocrine systems.
SUPPORT FOR LONG TERM SKIN HEALTH
Stress, the weather or internal imbalances can trigger flare-ups of psoriasis, a chronic disease. Red Light Therapy helps to maintain remission by supporting skin regeneration, barrier integrity and immune regulation.
It's not just about temporary relief. The goal is to help the skin function as a resilient and self-regulating organ.
Psoriasis has many different causes, including immune dysregulation, excessive keratinocyte production, and oxidative stress. Through the principles of Photobiomodulation, this therapy addresses these core mechanisms by not suppressing the functions of the body, but by enhancing cell efficiency, promoting immunity balance, and speeding up tissue repair.
RLT stimulates cytochrome c oxidase, a mitochondrial enzyme, to increase ATP production. It also reduces reactive oxygen, and activates intracellular signaling that promotes healthy skin regeneration and regulates inflammation. Its ability for downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-a, IL-17 and IL-10 while enhancing antiinflammatory mediators such as IL-10 makes it particularly relevant for inflammatory autoimmune diseases like psoriasis.
Red Light Therapy is a safe, non-invasive and UV-free treatment that has been shown to reduce erythema and scaling. This therapy can be used either as a standalone modality, or as part of a comprehensive skin care plan. It helps psoriasis sufferers to heal their skin by activating the body's own mechanisms for repair and renewal. We encourage users to use our Red Light Therapy Dose Calculator in order to achieve optimal dosing.
Red Light Therapy is a newer treatment that is a combination of modern science, natural healing and biological intelligence. It offers hope to those who are looking for long-term relief with psoriasis using a scientifically intelligent, evidence-based approach.
