Psoriasis and red light: what the studies say | Mitochondriak®

Psoriasis affects more than 125 million people worldwide, and conventional treatment often comes with unwanted side effects. Researchers are therefore exploring non-invasive options, among which photobiomodulation with red and infrared light stands out. What do the studies say, and does this approach have real potential to alleviate inflammatory skin conditions?

What is psoriasis and why is it so difficult to treat?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition in which skin cells renew 5 to 10 times faster than under normal circumstances. The result is red, scaly plaques accompanied by itching and inflammation. The condition affects approximately 2 to 3% of the global population, and there is currently no definitive cure.

The main problem lies in dysregulation of the immune system. In psoriasis, T-lymphocytes mistakenly attack the body's own skin cells (keratinocytes), triggering a cascade of inflammatory cytokines, particularly TNF-alpha, IL-17, and IL-23. This inflammatory cycle leads to excessive thickening of the epidermis and the formation of characteristic plaques.

Conventional treatment includes topical corticosteroids, systemic immunosuppressants, and biological therapy. However, many of these approaches are accompanied by side effects with long-term use, ranging from skin thinning to increased risk of infections. This is precisely why researchers are intensively searching for non-invasive alternatives, among which photobiomodulation (PBM) is increasingly being studied.

How does photobiomodulation work on skin cells?

Photobiomodulation is a non-invasive therapy in which red light (630 to 700 nm) and near-infrared light (760 to 940 nm) penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular processes without any thermal damage. The effect occurs directly at the level of mitochondria, where light activates the enzyme cytochrome C oxidase.

The mechanism is fairly well described. When photons of red or infrared light reach the mitochondria, they release nitric oxide (NO) from cytochrome C oxidase. This restores the normal flow of electrons in the respiratory chain and increases the production of ATP, the cell's energy currency. Learn more about how mitochondria produce energy on our blog.

For skin cells, this means several important things. Increased ATP levels improve the regenerative capacity of keratinocytes. The release of nitric oxide improves microcirculation in the skin. And what is crucial for psoriasis, photobiomodulation modulates the inflammatory response by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. [R]

What do scientific studies say about red light and psoriasis?

Scientific research on photobiomodulation for psoriasis is still in its early stages, but the results so far are promising. Several studies published in peer-reviewed journals show that red and infrared light can reduce inflammatory symptoms and decrease the thickness of psoriatic plaques.

Ablon (2010) study: combination of 633 nm and 830 nm for resistant psoriasis

One of the most cited studies in this field comes from dermatologist Glynis Ablon at the Ablon Skin Institute in Los Angeles. In her 2010 study, she examined the efficacy of combining 633 nm red light and 830 nm near-infrared light in patients with recalcitrant plaque psoriasis. Patients underwent two sessions per week for 4 to 5 weeks. The results showed clinically significant improvement in plaque reduction, and the therapy was well tolerated with no adverse effects. [R]

Review by Zhang et al. (2017): phototherapy for psoriasis

A comprehensive clinical review published by Ping Zhang and colleagues at Harvard Medical School in 2017 systematically evaluated various forms of phototherapy for psoriasis. The authors noted that red light (620 to 770 nm) penetrates the skin to a depth of up to 6 mm and that cytochrome C oxidase has strong light absorption at wavelengths of 670 nm and 830 nm. The review identified low-level light therapy (LLLT) as a promising complementary method for psoriasis. [R]

Avci et al. (2013): LLLT and skin

Another important work was published by Pinar Avci from the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital together with Michael R. Hamblin from Harvard Medical School. In this 2013 review, cited more than 1,400 times, the authors confirmed the potential of LLLT for inflammatory skin conditions including psoriasis. They highlighted that the combination of 830 nm and 630 nm LED light showed promising results in reducing psoriatic plaques. [R]

Zhu et al. (2025): red LED light and epidermal thickening

The most recent study from 2025, published in Scientific Reports (Nature), examined the effect of red LED light on epidermal thickening, one of the main hallmarks of psoriasis. The results demonstrated that red LED light attenuates epidermal thickening and reduces the inflammatory response in keratinocytes. [R]

Which wavelengths are most effective for psoriasis?

According to available research, the most effective wavelengths for psoriasis are in the 630 to 670 nm range (red light) and 810 to 850 nm (near-infrared light). These ranges correspond to the absorption peaks of cytochrome C oxidase, the enzyme responsible for cellular energy metabolism.

A review by Al Balah et al. (2025) on the immunomodulatory effects of photobiomodulation specifically for psoriasis recommends wavelengths of 630 to 670 nm and 810 to 850 nm with a power density of 30 to 90 mW/cm² and an application time of 10 to 15 minutes, with therapy conducted 3 to 4 times per week. The authors report that this protocol normalized keratinocyte proliferation and reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. [R]

In the Ablon (2010) study, wavelengths of 633 nm and 830 nm were used. In the Zhang et al. (2017) review, the authors emphasize that cytochrome C oxidase absorbs light most strongly at 670 nm, which is precisely one of the wavelengths featured in Mitochondriak® devices.

The Mitochondriak® Maxi ULTRA features 7 wavelengths: 630, 670, 760, 810, 830, 850, and 940 nm. This covers the entire spectrum that research has identified as relevant for inflammatory skin conditions, from surface-level red light through 760 nm targeting cytochrome C oxidase to deeply penetrating infrared wavelengths.

How does red light reduce the inflammatory response in the skin?

Red and infrared light reduces inflammation in the skin through several interconnected mechanisms. The key ones are cytokine modulation, support of microcirculation, and normalization of cell proliferation, which is particularly important in psoriasis.

Michael R. Hamblin from Harvard Medical School, one of the most cited scientists in the field of photobiomodulation, described three main anti-inflammatory mechanisms of PBM in his 2017 review:

• Reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines: PBM reduces levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6, which are elevated in psoriasis. [R]
• Increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines: At the same time, it promotes the production of IL-10, which dampens the inflammatory response.
• Modulation of the NF-kB pathway: PBM influences this key signaling pathway, thereby reducing the expression of genes responsible for inflammation.

In psoriasis, the effect on keratinocytes is additionally important. The Zhu et al. (2025) study showed that red LED light normalizes keratinocyte proliferation and attenuates epidermal thickening. This directly addresses one of the main pathological features of psoriasis: excessive division of skin cells.

Nitric oxide released during photobiomodulation also improves local blood flow. Better microcirculation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to affected areas, accelerating healing. Learn more about how red and infrared light therapy works in our dedicated article.

Is red light therapy for psoriasis safe?

Yes, red and infrared light therapy is considered a safe method with minimal side effects according to available literature. Unlike UV phototherapy (UVB, PUVA), it does not contain ultraviolet radiation, and therefore does not increase the risk of DNA damage or premature skin aging.

In the Ablon (2010) study, no adverse effects were reported in any of the participants. The Avci et al. (2013) review similarly concluded that LLLT, when using correct parameters (wavelength, dose, exposure time), has an excellent safety profile. [R]

It is important to note that photobiomodulation is not a replacement for dermatological treatment. Patients with psoriasis should discuss any complementary approaches with their doctor. PBM appears to be a promising complementary method, not a standalone therapy. Understanding how mitochondria work can help explain why this therapy works at the cellular level.

How to approach red light therapy for skin conditions?

If you are considering red light therapy as a complement to skin condition treatment, the correct device parameters, regularity, and realistic expectations are key. Research shows that results come gradually and require consistency.

Based on the cited studies, several recommendations can be summarized:

• Wavelengths: The device should include red light in the 630 to 670 nm range and infrared in the 810 to 850 nm range.
• Frequency: According to the Al Balah et al. (2025) study, application 3 to 4 times per week is recommended.
• Duration: One session according to research lasts 10 to 15 minutes per targeted area.
• Consistency: Initial results can be expected after 4 to 6 weeks of regular use.

When choosing a device, power density (irradiance) is important. Studies used devices with a power density of 30 to 90 mW/cm². Too low power may not reach the therapeutic threshold, while too high power is not a practical concern with LED panels, as they do not produce tissue-damaging heat.

The advantage of LED infrared panels over laser devices is their ability to cover a larger skin area at once. This is a practical benefit for psoriasis, where plaques can be scattered across the entire body. A Mitochondriak approach to skin health can also include optimizing your circadian rhythm and getting enough morning sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can red light cure psoriasis?

No, red light cannot cure psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition for which there is currently no definitive cure. Photobiomodulation with red and infrared light appears, according to studies, to be a promising complementary method that may reduce inflammatory symptoms and decrease the thickness of psoriatic plaques. Always discuss it with your dermatologist.

What is the difference between UV phototherapy and red light therapy?

UV phototherapy (UVB, PUVA) uses ultraviolet radiation, which directly suppresses the immune response in the skin but may increase the risk of DNA damage and premature skin aging. Red and infrared light therapy does not contain a UV component, works at the mitochondrial level, and modulates inflammation without these risks. These are two distinct approaches that can also complement each other.

How many sessions are needed for visible results?

According to the Ablon (2010) study, patients with recalcitrant psoriasis showed clinically significant improvements after 8 to 10 sessions spread over 4 to 5 weeks (2 sessions per week). The Al Balah et al. (2025) review recommends 3 to 4 sessions per week. Initial results can therefore be expected approximately after 4 to 6 weeks of regular therapy.

Is red light therapy safe for all types of psoriasis?

Most studies examined the effects of photobiomodulation on plaque psoriasis, which is the most common form of the condition. For other types (guttate, inverse, pustular, erythrodermic), less data is available. The safety profile of red and infrared light is generally very good, but for any form of psoriasis, we recommend consulting with your treating physician.

Can I combine red light therapy with conventional psoriasis treatment?

Yes, according to available literature, combining photobiomodulation with conventional treatment is considered safe. Light therapy does not produce UV radiation and does not negatively interact with commonly used topical or systemic medications. Nevertheless, it is advisable to discuss any changes to your treatment protocol with your dermatologist.

Sources and References

1. Ablon G., 2010. Combination 830-nm and 633-nm light-emitting diode phototherapy shows promise in the treatment of recalcitrant psoriasis: preliminary findings. PubMed
2. Avci P., Gupta A., Sadasivam M., Vecchio D., Pam Z., Pam N., Hamblin M.R., 2013. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. PMC
3. Zhang P., Wu M.X., 2017. A clinical review of phototherapy for psoriasis. PMC
4. Hamblin M.R., 2017. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. PMC
5. Al Balah O.F. et al., 2025. Immunomodulatory effects of photobiomodulation. PMC
6. Zhu et al., 2025. Light-emitting diode red light attenuates epidermal thickening and inflammation. Nature Scientific Reports