Loader GIF

Can Red Light Therapy Treat Psoriasis? Everything You Need to Know

Can Red Light Therapy Treat Psoriasis? Everything You Need to Know

Oct 1, 2023 | Rory O'Neill | 13min. reads

Ready to experience lasting relief from psoriasis? Discover the healing power of red light therapy with LumiRed. Our expertly designed devices make it easy to treat your skin naturally, safely, and effectively

Living with psoriasis is a daily battle that goes far beyond skin deep. For those affected, the physical symptoms — red, scaly, itchy patches — are only part of the struggle. Emotional and psychological impacts run just as deep, if not deeper. Managing psoriasis often feels like an endless journey through different creams, medications, and therapies, always hoping for that elusive relief. One approach that is now gaining momentum in the skincare world is red light therapy for psoriasis.

Though it sounds like science fiction, red light therapy is based on scientific principles and has increasingly been demonstrating its value as a non-surgical, natural method of treating various conditions. For those battling psoriasis, it's a ray of hope.

Key Takeaways: 

  • Red light therapy reduces inflammation and slows skin cell overproduction in psoriasis.

  • Unlike UV treatments, red light therapy heals without damaging healthy skin.

  • Consistent use of red light therapy can significantly improve psoriasis symptoms.

  • At-home and professional red light therapy options offer flexible treatment paths.

 

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the skin cells to multiply at an accelerated rate. This rapid buildup of cells leads to scaling on the surface of the skin. Inflammation and redness around these scales are fairly common. Although psoriasis can develop anywhere, psoriasis on the face, scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back are among the most frequent locations.

Cases can range from mild psoriasis, appearing as small rashes or flaky patches, to severe plaques covering large areas of the body. Regardless of severity, psoriasis impacts more than just physical health — it affects self-esteem, mental health, and overall quality of life.

Despite years of research, a permanent cure remains elusive. Treatments are primarily focused on controlling symptoms and improving the skin’s appearance, but many traditional methods have significant downsides, such as side effects from long-term medication use. This has left many psoriasis sufferers looking for alternatives — and increasingly, they're finding answers in light therapy for psoriasis.

What is Red Light Therapy?

A female is lying on a bed, receiving red light therapy on her face.

Red light therapy is a treatment method employing low-level red light wavelengths to heal the skin and treat skin conditions. Unlike UV light therapies, which damage the skin after repeated use, red light is cellular level in its action with no radiation hazards.

As the skin absorbs these particular wavelengths, it triggers the mitochondria in cells — the oft-heard-of "powerhouses" of energy production. By boosting cellular energy output, red light therapy helps the skin to decrease inflammation, speed up healing, and encourage new cell growth.

For those asking, "precisely what does red light therapy do?" the response is quite simple. It revitalizes cells, alleviates oxidative stress, and promotes a healthier condition for skin healing. Initially used to heal wounds and slow aging, red light therapy's uses have expanded significantly, especially for chronic inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis.

 

How Does Red Light Therapy Help Psoriasis?

A female getting red light therapy

The big question remains: how does red light therapy for psoriasis actually work?

A number of studies have indicated that red light therapy can significantly alleviate inflammation — one of the main culprits of psoriasis flare-ups. It also decelerates the excessive production of skin cells that leads to the formation of plaques. It also assists in the restoration of the normal barrier function of the skin, which becomes stronger and more resistant to flare-ups.

One of the biggest benefits is that red light therapy treats the underlying cause — immune system malfunction and inflammation — instead of just addressing superficial symptoms. Additionally, unlike much of what pharmacists have to offer, it doesn't entail taking chemicals internally or applying steroids.

Target areas such as the scalp, typically unresponsive to topical therapy, are especially well-suited for treatment of scalp psoriasis with red light. By treating the patches of inflammation directly without harming normal skin, treatment is made safer and more effective.

Briefly, psoriasis phototherapy with red light provides a three-way advantage: symptom relief, healing, and fortifying the skin against future attacks.

Before & After Results

Skepticism is natural, especially for those who have tried countless treatments without success. Fortunately, the before and after results for red light therapy speak volumes.

Looking at phototherapy psoriasis before and after images, one can observe substantial improvements: plaques fade, redness subsides, and the skin begins to look more even and healthy. Thick scales that once cracked and bled can transform into smooth, soft skin over a few weeks to months, depending on the severity of the psoriasis and the consistency of treatment.

Many individuals report that not only do visible symptoms diminish, but itching and discomfort also dramatically decrease — which, for someone living with chronic psoriasis, is life-changing.

While red light therapy is not an instant solution, it provides a steady, sustainable path toward healthier skin. And perhaps more importantly, it offers something many psoriasis sufferers crave: hope.

 

Other Benefits of Red Light Therapy

closeup picture of hand touching red light therapy panel

Though psoriasis treatment is a leading reason for people to explore red light therapy, it’s hardly the only benefit.

Regular exposure to red light can:

  • Improve overall skin tone and texture

  • Accelerate healing of wounds and scars

  • Reduce the appearance of stretch marks

  • Decrease joint pain and stiffness (especially helpful for individuals with psoriatic arthritis)

  • Boost collagen production for firmer skin

  • Support mood regulation, which is often needed when dealing with chronic illness

These broader red light therapy benefits make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a holistic approach to health and wellness. It’s not just about clearing plaques; it's about revitalizing the body and improving quality of life.

For anyone requesting how to cure psoriasis permanently, it is worth noting that although no treatment to date constitutes a true cure, treatments such as red light therapy offer an effective means of inducing long-term remission and notably diminishing flare-ups.

 

Finding Red Light Therapy Near You

For those interested in trying it, the next logical step is finding a provider. Searching for psoriasis light therapy near me will typically pull up dermatology clinics, wellness centers, and specialized treatment facilities.

Some clinics even offer private light therapy for psoriasis near me sessions, ensuring a more personalized and discreet experience. Patients can work with practitioners to customize treatment plans based on their specific needs.

Alternatively, home-based equipment is also gaining popularity. Good-quality panels and hand-held equipment enable individuals to provide their own therapy from the comfort of their homes. Particularly in urban areas, specialist providers such as red light therapy Dublin provide personalized services to those who require concentrated psoriasis treatment.

No matter what pathway is used, consistency is imperative. Red light therapy isn't a cure that works just once; regular sessions are necessary in order to get and maintain effects. It can be worthwhile to many, nonetheless, especially against the continuing cost and side effect of pharmaceutical options.

 

Conclusion

Psoriasis can sometimes seem like a losing battle, one of frustration, discomfort, and shattered dreams. But treatments such as red light therapy for psoriasis are shifting the terrain. They provide a soothing, natural, and effective means to control symptoms and attain healthier skin without the drastic side effects of conventional drugs.

Understanding what red light therapy does, its mechanisms, and its broad range of benefits empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care. From soothing psoriasis on the face to tackling stubborn plaques on the scalp, red light therapy offers a flexible, accessible solution for many.

Though it's good to know that outcomes are unpredictable and red light therapy isn't a certainty, its history is growing stronger. Individuals who want to get rid of psoriasis but aren't eager to undergo traditional medical procedures may find that this cutting-edge technology is what they've been waiting for.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, it's worth remembering that healing — true, meaningful healing — is possible. It begins with finding the right tools and, often, embracing new paths. In the journey toward clearer skin and greater confidence, phototherapy for psoriasis powered by red light might just be the shining light at the end of the tunnel.

 

Red Light Therpy with LumiRed 

Ready to experience lasting relief from psoriasis? Discover the healing power of red light therapy with LumiRed. Our expertly designed devices make it easy to treat your skin naturally, safely, and effectively — right from home. Start your journey toward healthier, clearer skin today!

 

Still Unsure?

Take our quiz to discover your ideal RLT device match

Take a quiz