What this means
Skin samples and 50 women used a light mask and cream for weeks, and skin looked better. This study was small and early, so it does not prove the products work for everyone.
Plain-English summary written by an AI model from the abstract. The original is below.
- Who it was tested in
- Skin samples from 6 women in a lab, plus 50 women aged 49 to 65
- Kind of research
- A clinical trial in people
The science
- Original title
- Anti-Aging Efficacy of a Home-use red and Infrared Light-Emitting Diode Mask and a Cream: Ex Vivo and Clinical Evaluations in Women With Mature Skin.
- Authors
- Bellanger A, Guéré C, Boisnic S et al.
- Journal
- Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)
- Published
- Oct 24, 2026
- Study type
- Clinical trial · in humans
- PMID
- 42920345 ↗
Abstract
Background
Photobiomodulation has gained considerable attention for its potential in various dermatological applications. We assessed the anti-aging effects of a home-use face-fit mask combining 630 and 850 nm light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and an anti-aging cream in ex vivo and prospective exploratory clinical studies. Both products are commercially available.
What they did
Skin samples from six women aged 39─55 years were either left untreated or received topical treatments for 7 days: LED irradiation (7-minute sessions) or cream (2 mg/cm2), or both. In the clinical study, women aged 49─65 years (n = 50) applied the cream daily to the face and neck for 56 days and used the mask 3─4 times per week.
What they found
Compared to untreated skin samples, the combination of LEDs and cream increased the expression of elastin (+29.6%) and collagen 1 (+7.6%) (p< 0.05 for both). The expression of elastin also increased following treatment with the LEDs alone (+26.1%; p< 0.05). the effect of LEDs and cream combined treatment was demonstrated on collagen 1 expression, with a similar trend observed for elastin expression. In the clinical study, investigator-assessed clinical scores showed significant progressive improvements from baseline, reaching +57.1% for skin radiance, -39.4% for pore dilatation, and -24.2% for crow's feet wrinkle depth at Day 56 (p< 0.0001 for all). Participants also perceived significantly improved skin radiance and smoothing of face and neck wrinkles throughout the study. The LED mask and the anti-aging cream led to visible and clinically measurable skin signs of ageing reduction versus baseline. The increase in collagen I and elastin expression observed in the ex vivo study could contribute to the visible reduction in signs of aging demonstrated in the clinical study.
The authors' abstract, grouped under plain headings from its own section labels.
Bellanger A, Guéré C, Boisnic S et al. Anti-Aging Efficacy of a Home-use red and Infrared Light-Emitting Diode Mask and a Cream: Ex Vivo and Clinical Evaluations in Women With Mature Skin. Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI). 2026. doi:10.1111/srt.70395. PMID: 42920345. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42920345/
Related research
Red light therapy and aging: what a review of past studies found
This review looks at past studies of red and near-infrared light on aging-linked conditions. It says the results are promising, but treatment methods are not yet standard.
Home exercise may change muscle in people with kidney disease
A small trial found changes in muscle blood vessels and fewer fibrosis-linked cells after 12 weeks of home exercise. Only 25 people took part, so this does not prove the exercise caused lasting muscle benefits.
Protein NEDD4 may protect disc cells from aging and cell death in a lab test
Researchers grew disc cells in a dish with an inflammation signal. Boosting NEDD4 eased aging and cell death, and it broke down another protein called PTEN. More tests in living animals and more checks are still needed.
Effects of Supplementation in Masters Athletes and Older Adults: A Narrative Review.
Supplementation use in athletes is common and increasing in popularity, especially for adults seeking improvements in athletic performance.
Review of copper peptide GHK-Cu studies finds many lab results but few human trials
Researchers read 64 studies on GHK-Cu, a copper-linked peptide, and found much lab and animal work. They say well-designed human trials using microneedles are still needed.
Review of a copper peptide used in skin treatments
Researchers reviewed 20 studies on GHK-Cu, a copper peptide, for skin and beauty uses. Most were lab or animal studies, and only two were human trials, so more strong testing is still needed.
See all research on Red light therapy →