Does Red Light Help with Eczema or Psoriasis?
If you’re struggling with eczema or psoriasis, you know these chronic skin conditions go far beyond surface irritation. Deeper issues, such as immune dysfunction and impaired skin barrier repair, often drive them. While topical creams can offer temporary relief, many people are now exploring red light therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as noninvasive ways to reduce flare-ups and support long-term healing.
At Oxygen and Light in Lynnwood, WA, we help clients calm their skin by addressing inflammation at the cellular level. Whether you’re managing dry, itchy patches or thick, scaly plaques, light and oxygen-based therapies may offer gentle but effective support, without steroids or biologics.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (also known as low-level light therapy or photobiomodulation) delivers wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to the skin. These wavelengths penetrate deep into tissues, stimulating cellular activity and helping the body reduce inflammation and repair damaged tissue.
How It Works: The Science Behind Red Light and Skin Conditions
Red light therapy works by stimulating the mitochondria, your cells’ energy centers, which boosts their repair capabilities. This process has been shown to calm the immune response, improve blood circulation, and accelerate tissue healing.
A review by Hamblin (2017) explains how red light therapy modulates inflammatory markers and reduces oxidative stress in chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.¹
Avci et al. (2013) found that red light therapy promoted skin healing and regeneration across a variety of dermatologic disorders.²
A recent 2023 meta-analysis by Ngoc et al. confirmed the positive effects of LED therapy on inflammatory skin disorders, particularly when used consistently.
What to Expect at Our Clinic
At Oxygen and Light, our red light offerings include:
Full-body red light therapy beds for widespread relief
Targeted red light panels for isolated flare-ups or joint involvement
Wearable red light wraps or helmets for scalp and hard-to-reach areas
Sessions are painless and relaxing, and usually last between 20 and 30 minutes. Most clients begin to see improved comfort and reduced flare-up frequency within a few weeks of regular use.
Other Treatment Options and Lifestyle Tips
While red light therapy can be a valuable tool, many people benefit from a combined approach that includes:
Moisturizers and barrier repair creams (especially fragrance-free)
Anti-inflammatory diets that limit processed foods and emphasize omega-3s
Stress-reduction techniques, including mindfulness and sleep support
Gentle hygiene habits:
Use lukewarm (not hot) water
Choose mild, non-soap cleansers
Patdon’t rubskin dry
Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing
Other therapies: Topical steroids, phototherapy (UV), immunomodulators, or biologics may be recommended by your dermatologist for severe or resistant cases.
Who Might Benefit Most?
Red light therapy may be especially helpful if:
You experience frequent flares or discomfort
You want to avoid long-term use of steroids or systemic meds
You have psoriasis in hard-to-treat areas (like the scalp or joints)
You’re looking for a non-invasive, soothing therapy to support healing
Final Thoughts
Red light therapy is not a cure, but it can be a powerful, non-drug option for reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for those living with eczema or psoriasis.
Visit Oxygen and Light in Lynnwood, WA, to explore how personalized red light therapy could become part of your wellness plan.
References
Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys. 2017;4(3):337–361. doi:10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337.
Avci P, Gupta A, Sadasivam M, et al. Low-level laser (light) therapy in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2013;32(1):41–52. PMID: 24049929.
Ngoc LTN, Moon JY, Lee YC. Utilization of light-emitting diodes for skin therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2023;39(4):303–317. doi:10.1111/phpp.12841.
Glass GE. Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy. Aesthet Surg J. 2021;41(6):723–738. doi:10.1093/asj/sjab025.
Ablon G. Phototherapy with Light Emitting Diodes: Treating a Broad Range of Medical and Aesthetic Conditions in Dermatology. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):21–27.
Li J, Li J, Zhang L, et al. Comparison of red and blue light therapies for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2022;38(5):459–464. doi:10.1111/phpp.12769.
