Light Therapy For Sunburn

Sunburn is an inflammatory skin injury caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation damaging skin cells. While prevention is always the best strategy, many people wonder whether red light therapy or photobiomodulation can help the skin heal faster after a burn.

Let’s look at what the science actually says.

What Is Light Therapy?

Light therapy — also called photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level light therapy (LLLT) — uses red or near-infrared wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular repair without exposing the skin to UV radiation.

Unlike sunlight or tanning beds, red light therapy does not cause DNA damage. Instead, research suggests it may:

• Increase ATP (cellular energy production)
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve blood flow
• Support tissue repair

Source: Hamblin MR. Photobiomodulation mechanisms and applications. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2017.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28025675/

Can Red Light Therapy Help Sunburn Heal?

There are limited large human trials specifically on sunburn. However, research on burns and UV-induced skin damage provides insight.

1️⃣ Evidence from Burn Healing Studies

Photobiomodulation has been shown to:

• Reduce inflammatory markers in burn injuries
• Accelerate wound healing
• Improve tissue regeneration

Source: de Freitas LF, Hamblin MR. Proposed mechanisms of photobiomodulation. IEEE J Sel Top Quantum Electron. 2016.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28070154/

A systematic review found that low-level laser therapy may enhance burn healing by modulating inflammation and promoting collagen production.

Source: Andrade FS et al. Low-level laser therapy in burn healing: systematic review. Lasers Med Sci. 2014.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24481860/

2️⃣ Light Therapy and UV-Induced Skin Damage

Some research suggests red and near-infrared light may reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses after UV exposure.

Source: Barolet D, Boucher A. Prophylactic low-level light therapy for UV-induced damage. J Invest Dermatol. 2010.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19907424/

This suggests light therapy may help support the skin’s recovery process after UV injury — though more human clinical studies are needed.

H2: How Light Therapy Might Help Sunburn

If beneficial, it likely works by:

✔ Reducing inflammatory cytokines
✔ Supporting mitochondrial repair
✔ Increasing circulation to damaged tissue
✔ Promoting collagen remodeling

It is not an instant fix — but may assist the body’s natural healing response.

H2: What Light Therapy Will NOT Do

Let’s be clear:

• It will not reverse DNA damage.
• It will not prevent peeling entirely.
• It is not a substitute for sunscreen.
• It should not replace medical care for severe burns.

Standard sunburn care still includes hydration, cool compresses, aloe, and anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate.

For severe blistering or systemic symptoms, seek medical care.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe for Sunburn?

Red and near-infrared light do not contain UV radiation and are generally considered safe when used appropriately.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, red light therapy appears low-risk but requires more research for many skin claims.

Source: Cleveland Clinic – Red Light Therapy Overview
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22114-red-light-therapy

If you have a sunburn, the time to get light therapy is now!