Red Light Therapy for Stretch Marks: Expert Tips | Liftlab

The beauty industry pushes expensive procedures such as lasers, surgeries, and treatments promising to treat stretch marks. But do you need all that?

Red light therapy is starting to change this perspective. It’s painless and works with your body, not against it. But can it make a difference? Let’s dive in.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT) is a gentle cosmetic treatment for skin. It uses low-level red light to boost collagen, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation.

Red light therapy uses its wavelengths to penetrate your skin. There is no heat, no damage, just gentle light working with your body.

People use it to reduce scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, and even skin conditions like psoriasis.

Not all red light is the same. A red-tinted bulb won’t do much. It’s the specific red and infrared wavelengths that make the difference.

Understanding Stretch Marks: Causes & Types

Stretch marks are a type of scar that is brought about by the stretching of the skin. This rapid expansion causes minor damage to the dermis, the second layer of skin, and results in thin, line-like scars.

At first, they may be red, purple, or even dark brown depending on your skin color. They gradually become lighter and appear more silvery and less raised over time. Although they are usually harmless, many people seek methods of reducing their prominence.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks can occur when the skin is subjected to stress due to rapid changes, including:

• Pregnancy – As the belly increases in size, the skin expands to accommodate the baby.
• Puberty – Growth floods also put a lot of pressure on the skin.
• Weight changes – Any gain or loss in weight at a fast rate can cause the skin to stretch.
• Muscle growth – Any quick increase in muscle mass, including weight training, can cause stretch marks.
• Genes – Some people are more likely to get stretch marks than others.

Types of Stretch Marks

New Stretch Marks (Striae Rubrae)

• They are red, purple, or pink in color.
• Can be slightly raised or itchy.
• More amenable to treatment

Older Stretch Marks (Striae Albae)

White or very light silver, or even slightly sunken.

• Less noticeable because collagen has settled.
• May need ongoing care to enhance the tone

How Does Red Light Therapy Work for Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks fade by red light therapy by penetrating into the skin. It boosts collagen production, improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue regeneration for healthier and smoother skin. Over time.

Step-by-Step Process: How Red Light Therapy Works

#1. Boosts Collagen and Elastin Production

Stretch marks happen when collagen fibers break. Red light therapy activates fibroblast cells, which tell your body to make new collagen and elastin. This makes the skin stronger, and more flexible and can diminish the appearance of stretch marks and reduce their depth

#2. Enhances Blood Circulation

Red light therapy increases blood flow, which means more oxygen and nutrients are driven to the affected area. This accelerates the healing process and makes stretch marks less pronounced when it comes to blending in with the rest of the skin.

#3. Reduces Inflammation

Recent stretch marks (the red or purple ones) can be painful due to skin injury. Red light has an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps to reduce the redness of the affected area more quickly. Less inflammation also means less discomfort and itching feeling.

#4. Stimulates Cellular Repair

Skin is able to repair itself, but stretch marks are a kind of scar that doesn’t heal easily on its own. Red light therapy is a way of encouraging the body’s own healing system and helping improve the skin’s quality and tone.

How to Use Red Light Therapy for Best Results

To see real changes, you need the right technique. Here’s how to get the best results:

Recommended Wavelengths & Session Duration

The optimal wavelengths for skin regeneration are 630–850 nm. Use the device for 10–20 minutes per area with each session.

Treatment Frequency

Aim for 4-5 times per session for the first month. When you start to notice improvement, step down to 2-3 times per week for maintenance.

Preparing for Treatment

• Cleanse the skin and get rid of all the dirt and oil-salted products.
• Put on a moisturizer or a specialized serum (can be omitted but it will be beneficial for the skin to absorb the product).
• Do not apply water to the skin before the session.

Step-by-Step Guide

• Switch on your device and ensure that it is on the correct wavelength.
• Put the light 1-6 inches from your skin, depending on the device you are using.
• Apply it slowly on the stretch marks, or just stay still in one place.
• For 10-20 minutes per session, repeat the process

Pairing RLT with Other Treatments

• Moisturizers & Oils – Dehydrated skin does not respond well to treatment.
• Microneedling – Produces small holes in the skin which allows the red light to reach further into the skin.
• Retinoids (Vitamin A creams) – Promotes collagen production but can irritate the skin, use it with caution.

What to Expect: Timeline & Effectiveness

It is a slow process with stretch marks, but they do fade with time when using red light therapy. The quality of the results depends on the age of the marks, the skin type, and the frequency of applications, but here’s what you can expect:

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

• 2–4 Weeks – This is a stage of early improvement. The skin feels less rough, and the redness of the recent stretch marks is reduced.
• 6–8 Weeks – Decoloration of stretch marks is easily observable. The coarseness of the skin is also reduced and the marks can be told from the rest of the skin.
• 3–6 Months – New stretch marks are reduced to a significant level. Some of the older ones (silvery-white) may begin to thin out.
• 6+ Months – Ongoing enhancement. Deep stretch marks are not as intense, and the skin has a more even tone.

What Affects the Effectiveness of RLT?

• New vs. Old Stretch Marks – New stretch marks (red or purple) heal faster than the older ones which need more treatment.
• Skin Type – Some skin types are more efficient in producing collagen than others, which reduces the time.
• Consistency – Four to five sessions of RLT per week is optimal.
• Pairing with Other Treatments – Applying moisturizers, micro-needling or using retinoids may increase the effectiveness

How Does RLT Compare to Other Treatments?

At-Home Devices vs. Professional Treatments

Red light therapy can be done at home or in clinics and the proper choice will depend on your budget, time, and how soon you need the results.

At-Home Red Light Therapy: Affordable & Convenient

• Best used for new stretch marks and treatment is most effective when done frequently (4 – 5 times a week).
• The process is slow but the integration into the daily schedule is rather seamless.
• Improving the outcome of the treatment can be achieved through the use of moisturizers, retinoids, or micro needling.

Pros:

• Affordable, no need to schedule an appointment, able to manipulate the treatment.

Cons:

• Slow results, requires time.

Professional Red Light Therapy: Faster & More Powerful

• Higher power devices provide faster results (improvement in a few weeks).
• Excellent for the treatment of deep and persistent stretch marks that require aggressive therapy.
• Expensive - the cost of sessions is between $50 to $200 and you must schedule repeated appointments.
• Usually used in conjunction with lasers or microneedling for greater efficacy.

Pros:

• costly, time-consuming.

Cons:

• Faster enhancement, and professional guidance.

Which One Is Right for You?

• At-Home: Ideal for those who want slow and steady improvement without having to spend a lot of money.
• Professional: Ideal for people who want faster results or have stretch marks that are hard to remove.

In other words, both options are okay—it’s just a question of what is most convenient for you!

Costs of Red Light Therapy vs. Salon Session

Before starting your red light therapy journey, you should know where it’s more beneficial for you to spend money: on home devices or professional sessions.

At-Home Red Light Therapy: One-Time Cost, Long-Term Savings

• Price: $100-$800 (one-time purchase).
• Savings: No recurring charges, can last for years.
• Convenience: Can be used any time and anywhere.

Ideal for: Budget, regular usage.

Salon Sessions: Faster Results, Higher Cost

• Price: $50-$200 per session.
• Total Cost: $500-$2,000 and above for complete treatment.
• Stronger devices lead to better improvements.

Ideal for: For those who want faster results from experts.

Potential Side Effects and Risks for Treating Stretch Marks with Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy is non-invasive, painless, and safe, but as with any treatment, overuse or misuse can lead to complications. Here’s what you need to know before you begin.

Common Side Effects (Rare but Possible)

• Irritation of the skin – Some people have reported redness or dryness of the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin.
• Eye strain or damage – The light is dangerous to the eyes; it is advisable to wear protective glasses.
• Warm or tingling sensation for a short time – The light boosts the blood flow, which can cause some sensitivity.

Who Should Be Cautious?

• Those with light-sensitive skin – If you have a low threshold for skin burning or have conditions like rosacea, apply the product to a small area first.
• Those who are using medications – Some drugs including antibiotics, retinoids, or acne products can make the skin more sensitive to light.
• Pregnant women – There is limited information on the use of RLT during pregnancy; it is recommended to seek the doctor’s advice.
• Those with medical conditions – If you have a history of skin cancer or any other chronic disease, it is advisable to see a dermatologist

How to Use Red Light Therapy Safely

• Instructions – Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines – For example, avoid keeping the device on for more than 20 minutes and use the appropriate spectrum (630-850 nm).
• Eye care – Goggles or sunglasses should be worn to prevent light from directly shining into the eyes.
• Avoid excess – It is a false notion that more is better. To reduce the risk of burning, it is recommended to schedule no more than four to five sessions per week.
• Take care of your skin’s moisture – Put some lotion on after the treatment to avoid dryness.

Red Light Therapy vs. Other Treatments for Stretch Marks

Red light therapy is great for enhancing and toning your skin however it is not for everyone. If you can’t use RLT here are other options:

Alternative Treatments & How They Work

• Retinoid Creams – Increase the rate of cell turnover to remove the newer stretch marks, but can cause dryness and irritation.
• Microneedling – Uses small needles to create minor wounds that stimulate collagen production for a smoother skin.
• Laser Therapy – Heats or shines light energy to break up scar tissue and promote new skin growth.
• Chemical Peels – Exfoliates the skin to the deep layers of the skin and helps to reduce the appearance of discoloration over time.
• Ultrasound Therapy – Uses sound waves to improve blood flow and skin regeneration.
• Surgical Removal (Tummy Tucks) – Stretch marks are removed by removing skin but it is invasive and costly.

Final Thoughts

Red light therapy is a safe and non-invasive way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks by boosting collagen production, increasing blood flow, and healing the skin over time.

It will not remove the marks completely, but using it consistently 4-5 times per week can help make them less irregular and pronounced.

Try out our Liftlab Face Sculpting Tool with RTL provides professional-quality treatment at home and is the first step to getting smoother skin!

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