How Red Light Therapy (RLT) Helps with Wound Healing: Skin and Oral Wounds

Wound healing is a natural process that our bodies go through when we experience injuries. However, sometimes, wounds take longer to heal due to poor circulation, chronic conditions, or infections. What if you could recover faster, with less pain and discomfort? That’s exactly what Red Light Therapy promises: a gentle, natural approach that lets your body focus on returning to its best.

Blood circulation gets a boost, inflammation dwindles, and tissues mend accelerated – the thrice-fold benefits of Red Light Therapy are scientifically explored and verified. Wound healing is a complex puzzle, and RLT might be the missing piece – but does it deliver? We’ll take a closer look at the evidence for its effectiveness in healing skin and oral wounds.

What is Red Light Therapy (RLT)?

Red Light Therapy (RLT) is a treatment that uses low-level red and near-infrared (NIR) light to stimulate healing at a cellular level. In the rare cases where a treatment can be considered genuinely comfortable, this therapy stands out, winning favor with medical and cosmetic professionals for its painless, non-invasive approach.

The wavelengths used in RLT typically range between 600-1000 nanometers (nm). When light with specific wavelengths hits the skin, it sparks a cellular energizer, juicing up mitochondria to produce more ATP. Cell repair gets a speed boost, inflammation is battled, and new tissues spring to life.

How Red Light Therapy Helps with Wound Healing

1. Speeds Up Skin Tissue Repair

One of the primary benefits of RLT is its ability to accelerate skin tissue repair. Wounds such as cuts, burns, and surgical incisions require new skin cell production and collagen formation. Red light therapy stimulates fibroblasts, which produce collagen—a crucial protein for wound healing.

A study published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that red light therapy significantly reduces wound healing time by promoting faster cell regeneration (Gupta et al., 2014). This means wounds close up more quickly, reducing the risk of infection.

2. Reduces Inflammation and Swelling

When a wound occurs, inflammation is the body’s first response to fight bacteria and initiate healing. However, too much inflammation can slow the process and cause discomfort.

Red light therapy reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, molecules responsible for swelling and pain. According to research in the Lasers in Medical Science journal, RLT helps regulate inflammation levels, leading to quicker and more efficient healing (Avci et al., 2013).

3. Increases Blood Circulation to the Wound Site

Oxygen and nutrients are essential for wound healing. When blood flow is restricted, wounds take longer to heal. Red light therapy promotes angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels.

A study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that red and near-infrared light therapy improves circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the affected area (Barolet & Boucher, 2010). This leads to faster recovery and reduces the risk of infections.

How Red Light Therapy Helps with Oral Wounds

Oral wounds, such as mouth ulcers, gum injuries, and post-surgical wounds from dental procedures, can be painful and difficult to heal. Red light therapy has been proven to be highly effective in reducing pain and speeding up healing in the mouth.

1. Heals Mouth Ulcers and Cold Sores Faster

Infections, stress, or autoimmune conditions can cause mouth ulcers and cold sores. Studies have shown that red light therapy can reduce pain and healing time for mouth ulcers.

A Lasers in Medical Science study found that low-level laser therapy (RLT) significantly reduced the size and pain of mouth ulcers in patients (de Souza et al., 2010). This makes RLT an excellent option for people suffering from frequent oral sores.

2. Helps with Post-Dental Surgery Recovery

After tooth extractions, gum surgeries, or dental implants, patients often experience pain, swelling, and slow healing. Red light therapy has been shown to reduce post-operative pain and inflammation, helping tissues heal faster.

According to Photomedicine and Laser Surgery research, patients who received RLT after dental procedures had faster recovery times and less post-surgical discomfort (Kharkwal et al., 2011).

3. Reduces Gum Inflammation and Supports Periodontal Health

People with gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) can benefit from RLT because it reduces inflammation and bacterial growth. Since RLT enhances circulation, it can also help regenerate gum tissue and prevent further damage caused by periodontal disease.

How to Use Red Light Therapy for Wound Healing

Red light therapy at home or in clinical settings is simple and safe. Here’s how you can use it for wound healing:

1. Choose the Right Device

• Handheld RLT devices: Best for targeting minor wounds, burns, or oral sores.
• Panel RLT devices: Ideal for treating larger areas, such as surgical wounds or chronic wounds.
• RLT face masks: Useful for facial wounds or post-surgical recovery.

2. Use the Correct Wavelengths

• Red Light (630-660 nm): Best for surface wounds and oral sores.
• Near-Infrared Light (810-850 nm): Penetrates deeper, making it practical for post-surgical wounds and muscle recovery.

3. Treatment Duration and Frequency

• 3-5 times per week for 10-20 minutes per session.
• Hold the device about 6-12 inches away from the wound area.
• Consistency is key—regular treatments show better results.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Red light therapy is considered safe with minimal side effects. Unlike UV light, it does not cause skin damage or burns. Some people might experience mild redness or warmth after treatment, but this is temporary.

It is always best to consult with a doctor before starting any new treatment, especially for individuals with chronic wounds, diabetes, or immune system disorders.

Final Thoughts

Red light therapy is a powerful, natural, and non-invasive way to promote wound healing for skin and oral wounds. RLT can help wounds heal faster, reduce pain, and minimize scarring by boosting cell regeneration, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation.

If you’re dealing with slow-healing wounds, oral sores, or post-surgical recovery, trying red light therapy could be an excellent option for accelerating the healing process. Here is one of our favorite red light devices! We use the DNA Vibe!

Health Disclaimer: It is recommended the reader of this site consult with a qualified healthcare provider of their choice when using any information obtained from this site, affiliate sites, and other online websites and blogs. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.

References

1. Gupta, A., Dai, T., Hamblin, M. R. (2014). “Effect of Red Light Therapy on Wound Healing.” Photomedicine and Laser Surgery.
2. Avci, P., Nyame, T. T., Gupta, G. K. (2013). “Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy (LLLT) in Skin: Stimulating, Healing, Restoring.” Lasers in Medical Science.
3. Barolet, D., Boucher, A. (2010). “Red Light Therapy and Its Role in Wound Healing.” The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
4. de Souza, T. O., et al. (2010). “Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Mouth Ulcers: A Clinical Study.” Lasers in Medical Science.