Skin appearance
Treatment frequency: 2x vs 3x weekly red LED for facial wrinkles
de Oliveira et al. · 2025 · Lasers in Medical Science
Role of photobiomodulation application frequency in facial rejuvenation: randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2025. PMID: 40167796.
What they found
A red LED mask (660 nm, 6.4 mW/cm2, 8.05 J/cm2, 21 min/session) significantly reduced glabellar and periorbital wrinkles versus sham. Three sessions per week were no better than two - the authors concluded that two weekly sessions are sufficient.
Evidence grade
moderate
Effect direction
positive
Panel relevance
panel replicable
Key outcomes
- Both treated groups beat sham for glabellar/periorbital wrinkle length (p<0.001)
- No significant difference between 2x/week and 3x/week
- Satisfaction 73-80% in treated groups vs control
- Authors' conclusion: two weekly sessions appear sufficient
Protocol details
| Device | Red LED facial mask |
|---|---|
| Wavelengths | 660 nm |
| Irradiance | 6.4 mW/cm2 |
| Dose (fluence) | 8.05 J/cm2 |
| Session time | 21 minutes |
| Frequency | 2-3x per week (2x was as effective as 3x) |
| Sessions / course | Not reported |
| Study length | 4 weeks (8-12 sessions) |
| Treatment area | Full face (LED mask in contact with skin) |
| Study size | 95 women aged 45-60; 3x/week (12 sessions) vs 2x/week (8 sessions) vs sham, over 4 weeks |
Caveats
- Single wavelength (660 nm) and a short four-week course.
- An LED mask sits on the skin; a panel held at a distance needs its own dose/time calculation.
- Skin-appearance outcomes only.