Red Light Therapy for Collagen: Does It Actually Work? UK Guide 2026

Red light therapy has moved from niche biohacking circles into mainstream skincare. Celebrities swear by it, dermatologists recommend it, and LED masks are now sold in Boots alongside moisturisers. The big promise? Stimulating your skin to produce more collagen naturally.

But does red light therapy actually boost collagen, or is this another wellness trend with more marketing than science? We’ve dug into the research to find out what’s real and what’s hype.

The short answer: Yes, red light therapy does stimulate collagen production, and the evidence is surprisingly solid. But there are important details about wavelength, dosage, and device quality that determine whether you’ll see results.

Already decided you want to try a red light therapy mask and looking for the best red light therapy mask? Check out our top 5 review on which is the best red light therapy mask to buy in the UK.

Does Red Light Therapy Boost Collagen?

Let’s start with the science. Does red light actually stimulate collagen, or are we all just shining expensive torches at our faces?

The research says yes. A 2014 study published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that participants treated with red light therapy showed significantly increased collagen density compared to controls. Subjects received treatment twice weekly for 30 sessions, and improvements were measured objectively using ultrasound.

Another controlled trial from 2013 found that light therapy increased collagen production by stimulating fibroblasts, the cells responsible for making collagen in your skin. Participants showed measurable improvements in skin texture, fine lines, and overall complexion.

More recently, a 2025 study published in the journal Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences concluded that red light therapy shows “strong evidence” for improving skin complexion and collagen density with minimal side effects.

So does red light therapy increase collagen? The evidence suggests it does. But understanding how it works helps explain why device quality and usage matter so much.

How Does Red Light Stimulate Collagen?

Red light therapy works through a process called photobiomodulation. That’s a bit of a mouthful, so here’s what happens at the cellular level.

When red light (typically 630-660nm wavelength) or near-infrared light (810-850nm) penetrates your skin, it’s absorbed by mitochondria, the energy-producing structures inside your cells. This absorption triggers several beneficial effects.

First, it increases ATP production. ATP is cellular energy, and more of it means your cells can work more efficiently. For fibroblasts (collagen-producing cells), this means ramping up collagen synthesis.

Second, red light reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. Chronic inflammation damages existing collagen and impairs new production. By calming this inflammation, red light creates conditions where collagen can thrive.

Third, it improves blood circulation to treated areas. Better blood flow means more nutrients and oxygen reaching skin cells, supporting the collagen production process.

The result? Over time, consistent red light exposure encourages your skin to produce more Type I and Type III collagen naturally. This is the same collagen you’d get from bovine collagen supplements, but produced by your own body.

What Wavelength is Best for Collagen Production?

Not all red light is created equal. The wavelength matters enormously.

For collagen stimulation specifically:

• 630-660nm (red light) – Penetrates the upper layers of skin (epidermis and dermis). Best for surface-level collagen production, fine lines, and skin texture.
  
• 810-850nm (near-infrared) – Penetrates deeper into tissue. Better for inflammation, healing, and reaching deeper skin structures.

Many quality devices offer both wavelengths, which is ideal. If you’re primarily focused on collagen and anti-ageing, prioritise the 630-660nm range. If you want broader benefits including muscle recovery and joint support, look for combination devices.

Red Light Collagen Therapy at Home

Professional red light therapy sessions typically cost £50-150 per treatment, with courses of 10+ sessions recommended. That adds up quickly. The good news is that home devices have become increasingly effective and affordable.

Red light collagen therapy at home is now a realistic option for most people. Modern LED technology means you can get clinical-grade wavelengths without the clinical-grade price tag. But you need to choose the right device type for your goals.

Types of Red Light Therapy Devices for Home Use

Red Light Therapy Masks

LED face masks have become hugely popular, particularly after celebrity endorsements. They’re designed specifically for facial skin and are hands-free, making them convenient to use while relaxing. They are currently the most effective and easy way to get red light therapy at home.

Pros: Easy to use, covers entire face evenly, no holding required, specifically designed for facial collagen.

Cons: Only treats face (not neck, chest, hands), quality varies enormously, some budget options lack clinical wavelengths. There are options for the neck area, but they’re often cumbersome and not comfortable to relax in.

Best for: People focused specifically on facial skin, fine lines, and anti-ageing.

Check out our full review of the top 5 red light therapy masks available in the UK here.

Red Light Therapy Panels

Panels are flat devices mounted on stands or walls that emit red light over a larger area. They range from small tabletop units to full-body panels.

Pros: Can treat larger areas (face, neck, chest, body), typically more powerful than masks, versatile positioning, often better value per treatment area.

Cons: Require you to position yourself correctly, take up more space, higher upfront cost for larger models. They’re not particularly practical.

Best for: People who want to treat multiple areas, those interested in full-body benefits, serious users willing to invest.

Red Light Therapy Lamps

Smaller, often handheld devices that you can target at specific areas. More affordable entry point.

Pros: Most affordable option, portable, can target specific problem areas, good for beginners.

Cons: Only treats small areas, requires holding or positioning, less powerful than panels.

Best for: Beginners, those on a budget, targeting specific spots rather than whole face.

Red Light Therapy Beds

Full-body treatment beds similar to tanning beds but with red/infrared LEDs instead of UV. Primarily found in clinics and spas, though some people install them at home.

Pros: Full-body treatment in one session, most comprehensive coverage, clinical-grade power.

Cons: Very expensive (£3,000-15,000+), requires dedicated space, overkill for most home users.

Best for: Professional settings, very serious enthusiasts with space and budget.

How to Use Red Light Therapy for Best Collagen Results

Having the right device is only half the equation. Using it correctly matters just as much.

Frequency and Duration

Most research showing collagen benefits used treatment protocols of:

• 3-5 sessions per week
• 10-20 minutes per session
• Consistent use for 8-12 weeks minimum

Don’t expect overnight results. Collagen production is a gradual process. Most users report noticeable improvements after 4-8 weeks of consistent use, with continued improvement over several months.

Distance from Device

Follow your device manufacturer’s guidelines, but generally:

• Masks: Direct contact with skin
• Panels: 6-18 inches from skin depending on power output
• Lamps: 2-6 inches from target area

Closer isn’t always better. Too close can actually reduce effectiveness as the light needs space to spread evenly.

Clean, Bare Skin

Remove makeup and skincare products before treatment. Some ingredients can interact with light therapy or block penetration. Treat on clean skin, then apply your regular skincare afterwards.

One exception: some practitioners recommend applying collagen-boosting serums containing vitamin C after red light treatment, as the increased cellular activity may enhance absorption.

Combining Red Light Therapy with Collagen Supplements

Here’s where things get interesting for our readers. Can you combine red light therapy with oral collagen supplements for enhanced results?

The logic makes sense: red light stimulates your fibroblasts to produce more collagen, while oral collagen supplements provide the amino acid building blocks (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline) needed for that production.

While there’s no direct research on this specific combination, the mechanisms don’t conflict. In fact, they’re complementary:

• Red light therapy: Tells your cells to make more collagen
• Collagen supplements: Provide raw materials for collagen production

Think of it like this: red light therapy is pressing the accelerator, while collagen supplements are filling the tank with fuel. Both may contribute to the end goal.

Many people in the biohacking and skincare communities typically combine both approaches. Anecdotally, they report better results than either method alone. If you’re serious about collagen production, using both strategies makes theoretical sense.

For collagen supplement recommendations, see our guides to best bovine collagen supplements UK and best collagen for sagging skin.

Red Light Therapy Collagen Benefits: What to Expect

Based on research and user reports, here’s what red light collagen therapy can realistically deliver:

Weeks 1-4: Skin may feel softer and more hydrated. Some users notice a “glow” after sessions. No major visible changes yet.

Weeks 4-8: Fine lines may start to soften. Skin texture improvements become noticeable. Overall complexion often improves.

Weeks 8-12: More significant improvements in skin firmness. Deeper lines may show reduction. Collagen density measurably increased in studies.

Months 3-6: Continued improvement with consistent use. Results plateau eventually, but maintenance treatments preserve benefits.

Red light therapy isn’t a facelift. It won’t eliminate deep wrinkles or dramatically tighten severely sagging skin. But for prevention, early intervention, and general skin quality improvement, the evidence supports its effectiveness.

Collagen Red Light Therapy Side Effects

One of the appeals of red light therapy is its excellent safety profile. Unlike UV light (which damages skin), red and near-infrared wavelengths aren’t known to cause DNA damage or increase skin cancer risk. You should note though that red light therapy, and especially masks and lights, are a fairly new product. There’s no guarantee that it’s entirely risk free despite long-standing studies into red-light effects.

Reported side effects are minimal:

• Temporary redness: Some people experience mild redness immediately after treatment, similar to a light flush. This typically fades within an hour.
• Eye strain: Looking directly at bright LEDs can cause discomfort. Most devices include eye protection or recommend closing eyes during facial treatments.
• Headaches: Rarely reported, usually from individuals sensitive to light or those using devices incorrectly.
• Medication interactions: Some photosensitising medications may interact. Always check with your doctor if you take tetracyclines, certain acne medications, or other photosensitive drugs.

Contraindications to be aware of:

• Active skin cancer or suspicious lesions (consult dermatologist first)
• Pregnancy (limited safety data, most practitioners recommend avoiding)
• Epilepsy or seizure disorders (some devices have flickering that may trigger)
• Taking photosensitising medications

For most healthy adults, red light therapy is very safe when used as directed. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and start with shorter sessions to assess your tolerance. We always recommend you check with your healthcare provider before beginning any type of treatment or supplement. Read our medical disclaimer for more information.

Red Light Therapy vs Collagen Supplements: Which is Better?

This isn’t really an either/or question. They work through different mechanisms and can complement each other.

Factor	Red Light Therapy	Collagen Supplements
How it works	Stimulates your cells to produce collagen	Provides amino acids for collagen production
Evidence base	Good clinical evidence	Good clinical evidence
Time to results	4-12 weeks	4-12 weeks
Upfront cost	Up to £400 (for a quality device)	£15-40 per month
Ongoing cost	Electricity only	Monthly supplement cost
Convenience	10-20 min sessions	Add to daily drink
Best for	Targeted facial/body areas	Whole-body collagen support

If budget is limited, collagen supplements offer the lower barrier to entry and whole-body benefits. If you’re specifically focused on facial skin and willing to invest upfront, red light therapy appears to be highly effective.

For optimal results, many people use both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does red light therapy really increase collagen?

Yes. Multiple clinical studies show that red light therapy at appropriate wavelengths (630-660nm) stimulates fibroblasts to produce more collagen. This is measured objectively through skin ultrasound and biopsy analysis in research settings.

How long does it take for red light therapy to build collagen?

Most studies show measurable collagen increases after 8-12 weeks of consistent treatment (3-5 sessions per week). Some users notice skin texture improvements earlier, around 4-6 weeks.

Is red light therapy better than collagen supplements?

Neither is universally “better”, as they work differently. Red light stimulates your skin cells to produce collagen locally. Supplements provide amino acid building blocks for collagen production throughout your body. Many people use both for complementary benefits.

Can I do red light therapy every day?

Most protocols recommend 3-5 times per week rather than daily. Your cells need recovery time between sessions. More isn’t necessarily better, consistency over weeks matters more than frequency.

What is the best red light therapy device for collagen UK?

For face-specific treatment, the CurrentBody LED mask (£399) is well-regarded. For larger areas and better value long-term, a panel like MitoRed or Red Light Rising offers more versatility. Budget lamps can work for experimenting but may lack clinical wavelengths.

Does red light therapy help sagging skin?

By increasing collagen production, red light therapy can improve skin firmness over time. It won’t replicate a surgical facelift, but studies show measurable improvements in skin elasticity with consistent use. For sagging skin specifically, combining with collagen supplements may enhance results.

Is red light therapy safe for all skin types?

Yes. Unlike some laser treatments, red light therapy is safe for all skin tones. It doesn’t cause hyperpigmentation or increased sensitivity that some procedures can trigger in darker skin types.

Can I use red light therapy with retinol?

Yes, but not simultaneously. Apply retinol in the evening as part of your normal routine. Use red light therapy on clean, bare skin (morning or separate evening session). Some evidence suggests red light may actually help reduce retinol irritation.

The Bottom Line

Red light therapy for collagen production is backed by legitimate science, not just wellness marketing, but we’d add in the caveat that most red-light therapy products on the market today are fairly new and not throughly tested.

The clinical evidence shows it genuinely stimulates fibroblasts to produce more collagen, with visible improvements in skin texture, fine lines, and firmness over 8-12 weeks of consistent use. But, this is normally in a laboratory setting with strong and carefully calibrated light sources, so it’s yet to be seen if red-light face masks can produce the same results. The initial user reports are promising though.

For UK buyers interested in trying red light collagen therapy at home, the market now offers good options at various price points. LED masks are convenient for facial treatment, panels offer better versatility and value for larger areas, and budget lamps provide an entry point for the curious.

The key factors for success are: choosing a device with proper wavelengths (630-660nm for red, 810-850nm for near-infrared), using it consistently for at least 8 weeks, and having realistic expectations. This isn’t instant transformation, but gradual, measurable improvement.

For those serious about collagen, combining red light therapy with oral collagen supplements makes theoretical sense. The therapy stimulates production while supplements provide the building blocks. It’s a belt-and-braces approach that many skincare enthusiasts swear by.

Related Reading

• Best Bovine Collagen Supplements UK 2026
• Best Collagen for Sagging Skin UK
• Benefits of Bovine Collagen
• How Long Does Collagen Take to Work?
• Bovine Collagen Side Effects

Sources

This article references peer-reviewed research on photobiomodulation and collagen production. Key studies are linked throughout. Additional sources include manufacturer specifications and clinical guidelines for LED light therapy devices.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your GP or a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Individual results may vary.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase products through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our website and allows us to continue providing helpful content. Our reviews remain honest and unbiased regardless of affiliate relationships.