Efficacy and Safety of At-Home Light-Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation for Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review

Purpose: Photobiomodulation using light-emitting diode (LED) devices has gained popularity for facial rejuvenation. Evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of at-home devices remains fragmented. We aimed to summarize the existing literature evaluating the clinical effectiveness and safety of at-home LED photobiomodulation devices for facial rejuvenation. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE/PubMed was conducted for relevant clinical studies, following PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort or split-face studies evaluating at-home LED devices for facial rejuvenation were included; studies of in-office devices, laser-based systems, or preclinical models were excluded. Data on wavelength, treatment regimen, clinical outcomes, and adverse events were extracted from each study. Objective and subjective measures of facial aging, including wrinkles, skin elasticity, smoothness, hydration, pore size, and patient-reported cosmetic satisfaction were evaluated. Results: Eight studies comprising 365 participants met inclusion criteria. Treatment wavelengths ranged from 440 to 1072 nm, with red and near-infrared light most commonly used. Across studies, at-home LED therapy was associated with statistically significant improvements in multiple clinical features of facial aging, including wrinkles, skin texture, elasticity, and periorbital rhytids, along with high patient satisfaction. Adverse events were infrequent, mild, and transient. Conclusions: At-home LED photobiomodulation devices appear to be safe and effective for improving facial aging parameters, particularly those emitting red and near-infrared wavelengths. However, variability in treatment protocols, limited comparative data, and underrepresentation of diverse skin phenotypes highlight the need for larger, standardized, and comparative trials to define their role in evidence-based care. Level of Evidence I: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.