Red Light Therapy for Skin Texture: What the Roughness Studies Show
Red light therapy for skin texture has measured results: in the studies that tracked roughness, skin became smoother over several weeks of regular sessions. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) describes the improvement as "subtle to noticeable". Below: how texture is measured, how fast it changed, trial settings, and what to expect for clogged pores, acne scars, arm bumps and body skin.
Key takeaways
- The AAD says red light LED devices may give "subtle to noticeable" improvements in rough skin texture. AAD
- After 30 twice-weekly red light sessions, the average roughness value (Ra) of skin around the eyes fell by 1.79, while an untreated group's rose by 0.95. Wunsch and Matuschka, 2014
- In the same study, broadband light from 570 to 850 nm "showed no advantage over the red-light-only spectrum." Wunsch and Matuschka, 2014
- Most trials that measured texture ran sessions twice a week for 4 to 15 weeks.
- For rough, sandpaper-like bumps on the upper arms, the AAD's first step is a moisturiser with urea or lactic acid after bathing. AAD, keratosis pilaris
Does red light therapy help rough skin texture?
Yes, in the studies that measured it, red light therapy for rough skin produced smoother skin over weeks of regular sessions. The change is gradual, and the AAD calls it "subtle to noticeable".
The AAD lists rough texture alongside fine lines, dark spots, redness and loose skin as areas where red light LED devices may help. AAD It adds that results take time and need follow-up sessions.
The best-controlled roughness data come from a 2014 study. Wunsch and Matuschka, 2014 More than 100 adults had twice-weekly sessions in red light units, most of them full-body. One group had red light only, at 611 to 650 nm. A second had broadband light from 570 to 850 nm. A third group had no light at all.
- Roughness: after 30 sessions, Ra around the eyes fell by 1.79 with red light and by 1.58 with broadband light.
- No light: the untreated group's roughness rose by 0.95 over the same period.
- Collagen: the ultrasound collagen score rose by 5.75 with red light and fell by 0.26 without light.
- Wrinkles: blinded experts rated 69% of the red light group as better, against 4% of the untreated group.
The comparison group had no session rather than a sham light. For lines, firmness and tone as well, see our guide to red light therapy for the face.
What counts as skin texture, and how do studies measure it?
Skin texture is the surface you feel and see in side light: roughness, small bumps, visible pores, fine lines and scar dips. Studies turn it into a number with profilometry, a 3D map of the skin surface.
The most common number is Ra, the average roughness of the surface. A cosmetic science paper puts it this way: "A decrease in Ra indicates a smoothing effect." Petsom, 2015 A second value, Rz, is the average depth from peak to trough. A lower Rz points to shallower lines.
- Fringe projection: the PRIMOS system shines parallel lines onto the skin and reads how they bend, giving a 3D map without a skin cast. The 2014 study used it.
- Micro photographs: a 2023 mask study measured cheek roughness from close-up images.
- Skin cameras: other trials used Antera 3D and Visioscan devices.
Each type of texture has a different cause and responds to different care.
| Type of texture | What it looks or feels like | Light with the most data | Usual first step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface roughness and fine lines | Dull, uneven feel; fine crinkles | Red, with or without near-infrared | Regular light sessions, daily SPF |
| Bumps from clogged pores | Small skin-coloured bumps, blackheads | Blue paired with red | Acne care, such as a retinoid or salicylic acid |
| Visible pores | Open pores on the nose and cheeks | Red LED mask study | Skincare such as a retinoid or niacinamide |
| Pitted acne scars | Dips, rolling or ice pick marks | Clinic resurfacing | A dermatologist |
| Rough bumps on the arms | Sandpaper-like bumps on upper arms or thighs | Clinic pulsed light (IPL), not LED | Urea or lactic acid moisturiser |
How long does red light take to make rough skin feel smoother?
Expect gradual change over 2 to 3 months. In a 12-week mask study, roughness fell further at every check.
That study gave 20 adults aged 45 to 70 a 630 nm LED mask for 12 minutes, twice a week, with no control group. Couturaud, 2023
- Week 4: roughness down 6.8%.
- Week 8: roughness down 18.2%.
- Week 12: roughness down 23.8%.
The authors wrote: "These decreases reflect a progressive increase in skin smoothness." The same study measured pores, covered in our article on red light therapy for pores.
The controlled 2014 study measured its result after 30 sessions, about 15 weeks at twice a week. Harvard Health says devices "must be used multiple times a week for four to six months." Harvard Health, 2025
Results need upkeep. In the mask study, values held at 14 and 28 days after the last session. In the 2014 study, collagen gains largely held at a later check, and the smoothing effect was smaller. Plan a maintenance routine once you reach a result you like.
At home, take photos at weeks 0, 4, 8 and 12 in the same light, and judge at 8 to 12 weeks.
What settings and colours did the texture trials use?
Most used red light, sometimes with near-infrared, twice a week for 4 to 15 weeks. Sessions ran about 10 to 25 minutes.
| Study | Light | Strength | Minutes | Schedule | Texture measure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wunsch 2014 (untreated comparison group) | 611 to 650 nm red, or 570 to 850 nm broadband | About 9 J/cm² of red per session | 12 to 25 | Twice a week, 30 sessions | Ra around the eyes |
| Couturaud 2023 (no control) | 630 nm LED mask | 21.7 mW/cm²; 15.6 J/cm² | 12 | Twice a week, 12 weeks | Cheek roughness |
| Lee 2007 (sham-controlled, split-face) | 633 nm, 830 nm, or both | Not given | Not given | Twice a week, 4 weeks | Profilometry, elasticity |
| Goldberg 2006 (no control) | 633 and 830 nm | Not given | Not given | 9 sessions over 5 weeks | Profilometry, self-rated smoothness |
| Nam 2017 (randomised, red vs white) | 660 nm red or white LED | Not given in standard units | About 10 | Daily, 12 weeks | Skin replicas |
Red light is the core of every protocol here, and in the 2014 study broadband light added no extra smoothness.
Near-infrared earns its place for firmness. In a sham-controlled split-face trial of 76 people, 633 nm, 830 nm and the two together all improved wrinkles and elasticity. Lee, 2007 A 2024 review notes one comparison where red did better for blemishes and dark stains, near-infrared did better for elasticity and wrinkles, and the authors recommended both. Hernández-Bule, 2024
People feel the change too. In a 36-person study of 633 and 830 nm LED light, most reported softer, smoother, firmer skin at every check. Goldberg, 2006
Can red light smooth bumpy forehead texture from clogged pores?
If the bumps are clogged pores, blue light has the stronger data, usually paired with red. As our red light therapy for acne guide reports, a blue and red light trial counted 54% fewer blackheads and whiteheads.
Small skin-coloured bumps across the forehead are often clogged pores rather than rough skin. The acne trials used blue light at 415 to 420 nm. If your skin darkens easily, keep blue sessions short: our acne guide reports a 2014 study in which 415 nm blue caused lasting darkening while 630 nm red did not.
Will red light therapy smooth pitted acne scars?
Pitted acne scars are dips in the skin, and the AAD's options for them are clinic treatments such as laser resurfacing, microneedling, chemical peels and fillers. Red light is better matched to surface smoothness and the skin around a scar.
The AAD says some of these treatments "can eliminate wavy skin texture" and advises treating scars once acne is under control. AAD, acne scars For mild scarring it lists a topical retinoid or salicylic acid.
Light research on scars has focused on burn and surgical scars. A 2026 scoping review of 7 trials and 297 people found red LED improved burn scars, with stronger results in scars under 12 months old. Gaumond, 2026 Our article on red light therapy for scars and stretch marks covers those trials and timing in detail.
Does red light help rough bumps on the upper arms (keratosis pilaris)?
The first step for these bumps is moisturiser and gentle exfoliation. The light studies on keratosis pilaris used clinic pulsed light (IPL), a different technology from LED.
The AAD describes keratosis pilaris as small, rough, dry bumps that feel like "sandpaper" or goosebumps, on the upper arms, front of the thighs and buttocks. AAD, keratosis pilaris They tend to get worse in winter.
- Moisturise: a cream with urea or lactic acid after bathing. AAD, keratosis pilaris
- Exfoliate gently: the NHS says "do not use harsh scrubs" and advises lukewarm water. NHS
- Clinic options: dermatologists may add lasers or light-based treatment when creams are not enough.
In a sham-controlled split-arm trial of 23 people, four IPL sessions four weeks apart reduced arm roughness compared with the sham side. Chulalongkorn University, 2018 Moisturiser stays the base of any routine for these bumps.
Can red light smooth rough skin on the chest, arms or back?
The measured smoothing comes from facial skin, around the eyes and on the cheeks. The closest body evidence is the 2014 study, where most of the light units treated the whole body.
In that study, three of the four units were full-body and one treated the face and décolletage. Roughness was measured around the eyes, while the body received the same light. A face mask cannot reach the chest, arms or back. A panel can, at about 12 inches for a broad area and 10 to 15 minutes per area.
Can you use red light with retinol or exfoliating acids for texture?
Yes, with a set order: light first on clean, dry, bare skin, then your products. Use a retinoid at night, and exfoliating acids after the session or on alternate nights.
Both appear in the AAD's advice for rough texture: retinoids for mild acne scarring, and acids or urea for keratosis pilaris.
- Order: see red light therapy before or after skincare.
- Retinol: see red light mask vs retinol.
- Prescription retinoids: ask your prescriber before adding light.
- Sunscreen: wear SPF every morning.
Can red light therapy make skin texture worse?
The texture trials reported mild, short-lived side effects and no breakouts. The AAD says short-term use appears safe, with temporary pain or irritation the usual side effects.
- Redness: mild redness for 1 to 2 hours after a clinic LED session in a small study. Tangathajinda, 2025
- Small vessels and old scars: in the 2014 study, one person's small facial blood vessels became more visible, and an old knee scar reddened and settled within a week.
- Eyes: mild glare, floaters or blurred vision in the 2017 trial, all resolved. Healio, 2017
The AAD advises talking to a dermatologist first if you have lupus or another light-sensitive condition, take light-sensitising medicine, or have a darker skin tone. It also warns: "Don't substitute sunglasses for protective goggles." Our precautions advise against using the panel on Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI. Skip any area with broken skin, and stop if irritation lasts.
How do you use the Kivorla mask or panel for rough skin texture?
Use the mask for the face and the panel for the jaw, neck, chest, arms and back. Start with short, gentle sessions twice a week, the schedule most texture trials used.
The 4-Wavelength Red Light Therapy Mask is a full-face silicone shell covering the forehead, nose and cheeks, with an eye opening and no diodes over the eyes. The red mode is 665 nm red with 850 and 1064 nm near-infrared, the same red and near-infrared bands as the texture trials. The blue mode is 460 nm blue with 850 nm, for bumps from clogged pores. Brightness is 50, 70 or 90%, and the timer 5, 10 or 15 minutes.
- Weeks 1 to 2: on clean, dry skin, the red mode at 50% brightness on the 5-minute timer, twice a week. The mask study used 21.7 mW/cm² for 12 minutes, so starting low keeps you near the studied range.
- Build up: 10 minutes, then higher brightness, while skin stays calm.
- Limits: the manual allows 10 minutes up to 4 times a week at high brightness, or 15 minutes up to 3 times a week, and never more than 20 minutes in a day.
- Two concerns: run the red mode and the blue mode on different days, within the same limits.
The 9-Spectrum Red Light Therapy Panel carries 480, 590, 630, 660, 670, 810, 830, 850 and 1060 nm, each dimmable from 1 to 100%. Its 630 nm channel sits inside the 611 to 650 nm red band of the 2014 study, and its 830 nm channel matches the near-infrared of the 2007 trial. At 640 x 230 mm, it hangs on a door or wall with the included door hook, pulley, hanging cables and screws, or stands upright on the floor. Goggles and a controller come in the box.
- Distance: 12 inches for the chest, arms or back, rather than 6 inches.
- Brightness: dim each wavelength, near-infrared first, to keep sessions gentle.
- Timer: it starts at 1 minute; begin short, then work towards our suggested 10 to 15 minutes per area.
- Spacing: leave at least 6 hours between 30-minute sessions.
- Dose: more is not better; a scar review found a response that favoured moderate doses. Gaumond, 2026
Keep the same settings for 8 to 12 weeks and compare photos.
Standard shipping to the US, UK and Germany is free. Read the precautions before ordering. Under our return and refund policy, returns are accepted within 30 days: an unopened device with its seals intact is refunded less a 10% restocking fee, and an opened device that is undamaged and complete is refunded less 20%.
Kivorla devices are general wellness devices, not medical devices, and are not intended to treat skin conditions. See a dermatologist about pitted acne scars, persistent rough bumps or a texture change you cannot explain, and check with your prescriber if you use a prescription retinoid or light-sensitising medicine.