Red Light Therapy for Psoriasis: What the Research Actually Shows

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition causing rapid skin cell turnover, resulting in scaly, inflamed plaques. It affects millions of people across Europe and is one of the most searched skin conditions for red light therapy. Here's an honest breakdown of what the research actually shows — and what to realistically expect from at-home LED therapy for psoriasis.

How Red Light Therapy May Help Psoriasis

Psoriasis involves two primary mechanisms that red and near-infrared light therapy can address:

Anti-inflammatory effects

Red light (630–660nm) has well-documented anti-inflammatory properties — it reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulates the immune response in the skin. Since psoriasis is fundamentally an inflammatory condition, this is the most directly relevant mechanism. Reducing local inflammation can help calm active plaques and reduce redness and scaling.

Cellular regulation

Near-infrared light (850nm) stimulates mitochondrial function and ATP production in skin cells. In psoriasis, skin cells proliferate abnormally fast — the theory is that improved cellular energy regulation may help normalise cell turnover over time. The research here is less established than for the anti-inflammatory effects, but the mechanism is plausible.

What the Research Shows

The research on red and near-infrared light therapy for psoriasis is encouraging but limited compared to the evidence base for anti-aging applications:

• Several small studies have shown that red light therapy (630–660nm) reduces psoriasis plaque severity, redness, and scaling with consistent treatment over 4–12 weeks
• A 2011 study published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found significant improvement in psoriasis plaques treated with 630nm red light compared to untreated control areas
• Near-infrared light has shown anti-inflammatory effects in multiple skin condition studies, though psoriasis-specific near-infrared research is more limited
• Phototherapy (UV-based) is an established medical treatment for psoriasis — red light therapy is different (non-UV) but shares the principle of light-based skin modulation

Important distinction: Medical phototherapy for psoriasis typically uses UVB or PUVA (UVA + psoralen). Red and near-infrared light therapy is non-UV and works through different mechanisms. It is not a replacement for prescribed phototherapy but may be a useful complementary approach.

Realistic Expectations

What red light therapy can do for psoriasis with consistent use:

• Reduce inflammation and redness in active plaques
• Improve skin texture and reduce scaling over time
• Support skin barrier function and overall skin health
• Potentially extend remission periods as a maintenance tool

What it cannot do:

• Cure psoriasis — it is a chronic autoimmune condition with no cure
• Replace prescribed medical treatment or phototherapy
• Produce results comparable to systemic treatments (biologics, methotrexate) for moderate-severe psoriasis
• Work quickly — expect 4–12 weeks of consistent use before evaluating results

Important Safety Considerations for Psoriasis

• Avoid blue light (460nm) on active psoriasis plaques. Blue light can be irritating for some psoriasis sufferers. If your LED mask includes blue light, use a mode that excludes it when treating psoriasis-affected areas.
• Do not use on broken or severely inflamed skin. During a severe flare with broken skin, avoid direct LED treatment on affected areas until the skin has partially healed.
• Consult your dermatologist. If you are on prescribed psoriasis treatment (topicals, biologics, phototherapy), discuss adding red light therapy with your dermatologist before starting.
• Start with shorter sessions. Begin with 10-minute sessions and assess skin response before extending to 20–30 minutes.

For general safety information on red light therapy for sensitive and reactive skin, see our article on is red light therapy safe for sensitive skin.

How to Use an LED Mask for Psoriasis

1. Use red and near-infrared modes only — avoid blue light on psoriasis-affected areas
2. Start with 10 minutes, 3–4 times per week — assess skin response before increasing frequency
3. Apply prescribed topicals after the session — not before, as some topicals may interact with light
4. Be consistent — anti-inflammatory effects build with regular use; occasional sessions are less effective
5. Evaluate after 8–12 weeks — psoriasis responds slowly; give it adequate time before assessing results

For guidance on frequency, see our complete guide on how often to use a red light therapy mask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can red light therapy help psoriasis?

The research suggests yes — red light's anti-inflammatory properties can reduce plaque redness, inflammation, and scaling with consistent use. It is not a cure and is not a replacement for prescribed medical treatment, but it may be a useful complementary approach for mild to moderate psoriasis.

Is red light therapy safe for psoriasis?

Red and near-infrared light therapy is generally safe for psoriasis. Avoid blue light on active plaques, avoid use on broken skin during severe flares, and consult your dermatologist if you are on prescribed treatment. Red light is non-UV and does not carry the risks associated with UV phototherapy.

How long does red light therapy take to help psoriasis?

Expect 4–12 weeks of consistent use (3–5 times per week) before evaluating results. Psoriasis responds slowly to any treatment. Anti-inflammatory effects build cumulatively with regular use.

Can I use an LED mask on psoriasis plaques?

Yes — on stable plaques, red and near-infrared light can be applied directly. Avoid use on broken or severely inflamed skin during active flares. Use red/near-infrared modes and avoid blue light on affected areas.

Is the Lumora LED mask suitable for psoriasis?

The Lumora LED mask includes 630nm red and 850nm near-infrared — the most relevant wavelengths for psoriasis. The blue light mode (460nm) should be avoided on psoriasis-affected areas. The mask is CE certified and safe for sensitive skin use.

The Bottom Line

Red light therapy is a promising complementary approach for psoriasis — particularly for its anti-inflammatory effects on active plaques. It is not a cure and is not a replacement for prescribed medical treatment, but consistent use over weeks and months may help reduce plaque severity, redness, and scaling.

The Lumora LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask delivers 630nm red and 850nm near-infrared — the most relevant wavelengths for psoriasis — in a CE-certified, wireless device at €99.99.

See also: Red Light Therapy for Eczema | Red Light Therapy for Rosacea | Red Light Therapy for Sensitive Skin