Red Light Therapy for Stretch Marks: A Natural Solution

Stretch marks can be a source of embarrassment and distress. Most people who have stretch marks try to cover them to avoid feeling apprehensive and self-conscious around others. A poor body image due to stretch marks negatively impacts your emotional well-being. Research shows that red light therapy can stimulate collagen and elastin production to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks naturally, without invasive procedures. [3] [4]

Key Takeaways

• Red light therapy stimulates collagen and elastin production to help replace disorganized scar tissue with healthier skin. [3]
• Clinical studies demonstrate efficacy with specific wavelengths, including 675 nm laser therapy and broadband infrared devices, supporting the use of red and near-infrared light for stretch mark reduction. [3] [8] [9]
• Consistent use of 3 to 5 sessions per week, lasting 10 to 20 minutes each, is recommended for best results.
• Red light therapy is non-invasive, FDA-cleared, and safe for all skin types, unlike surgical or chemical alternatives.
• Newer, red or purple stretch marks respond faster to treatment than older, white or silver ones.

What Are Stretch Marks and What Causes Them?

Most common in women, stretch marks are widespread scars that develop when your skin changes rapidly and expands faster than it can regenerate. [1] Common causes include:

• rapid growth during adolescence
• pregnancy
• heredity
• sudden weight gain
• elevated cortisol levels (sometimes caused by the use of corticosteroid medications)
• anabolic steroids used for muscle-building
• breast augmentation surgery
• certain genetic disorders

Stretch marks commonly appear on the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and breasts, but can appear anywhere on your body. They look like streaks or jagged lines and are pink, red, blue, purple, or black.

Stretch marks (and all scars) are your body's natural response to an injury. When tissue is damaged, your body acts instinctively to fix the problem and return your body to its original state.

Skin regeneration [1] is an ongoing process. Your body constantly produces new skin cells that rise to the epidermis (your skin's surface). A properly organized collagen framework produces new, normal, healthy skin. Skin typically regenerates about once a month, more quickly in younger people.

Read about red light therapy benefits for facial skin and age related skin conditions.

When your body is in "healing mode", however, it tries to treat an injury as quickly as possible. Collagen production is amplified to a higher-than-normal level, causing cell generation to become rapid and irregular. The result is scar tissue; a disorganized framework of new skin cells that differs from healthy skin in texture and appearance. When the emergent situation your body responds to is a rapid expansion of your skin, stretch marks are the result.

Why Are Stretch Marks Permanent?

Stretch marks (and most scars) don't go away because cells in close proximity communicate with one another. Damaged scar tissue cells send harmful signals to neighboring cells during the skin regeneration process. New cells take on the characteristics of neighboring and predecessor cells. So, if neighboring or original cells are damaged scar tissue cells, their regenerated replacements will develop as more scar tissue. Thus, stretch marks are usually permanent.

Traditional Treatments for Stretch Marks: How They Compare

The most common treatments for stretch marks are:

• Retinoids: Compounds derived from Vitamin A, retinoids stimulate epithelial cell growth. Retinoid treatments typically come in the form of topical creams.
• Microdermabrasion: A minimally invasive procedure that exfoliates the outermost layer of dead skin cells using fine crystals or a diamond-tipped wand. It can reduce the appearance of stretch marks and stimulate collagen production, though it typically requires multiple sessions and causes temporary redness and sensitivity afterward. Unlike red light therapy, it works by physically removing skin layers rather than stimulating cellular repair from within. A related option is microneedling combined with red light therapy.
• Plastic Surgery: Plastic surgery is the most direct but also the most invasive approach to treating stretch marks. It carries surgical risks, requires significant healing time, and addresses appearance rather than the underlying skin repair processes.

While these treatments can help fade existing stretch marks, they primarily address surface-level appearance rather than stimulating the deeper cellular repair processes that help prevent future scarring. Red light therapy stimulates your body's natural healing capabilities to reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks and may help strengthen skin resilience against future scarring. [2]

How Can Red Light Therapy Reduce the Appearance of Stretch Marks?

Red light penetrates your skin to reach your cells' mitochondria (energy centers), increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, thus stimulating collagen and elastin production. Increased collagen promotes normal, healthy cell generation, not the disorderly kind that produces stretch marks and other scarring. Normal, organized collagen production replaces scar tissue with healthy skin tissue. [3] [4] [5] [6]

Red light also stimulates stem cell proliferation. Stem cells are your body's generic building blocks. [7] Stem cells are "unspecialized" in purpose and can divide to produce new, differentiated cells with specific functions as needed. Instead of damaged cells sending unhealthy messages to neighboring cells, stem cells send the right message to neighboring cells, signaling them to adapt to the properties of normal, healthy skin cells.

Because it enhances your body's natural healing processes at the cellular level, red light therapy offers a unique, non-invasive approach to stretch mark treatment that complements or may reduce the need for topical or surgical options.

Clinical Studies on Red Light Therapy for Stretch Marks

Research on red light therapy for stretch marks is still developing. However, existing clinical studies suggest positive results for reducing their appearance through collagen stimulation and skin remodeling.

Study 1: 675 nm Laser Therapy for Stretch Marks

A clinical study published in Medicina evaluated the efficacy of a 675 nm laser in treating stretch marks (striae distensae). Areas of the body including the breasts, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen were treated. The appearance of stretch marks was greatly diminished after six months, with encouraging aesthetic results observed in clinical photographs. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no reported pain or discomfort, making it a promising treatment choice for stretch mark reduction. [8]

Study 2: Intense Pulsed Light Infrared Therapy for Stretch Marks

A study in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery assessed the effect of an intense pulsed light infrared device on stretch marks by inducing collagen development. While objective measurements indicated slight improvement, skin biopsies revealed positive changes in tissue condition. No side effects were observed, suggesting that additional treatment sessions may lead to better outcomes. [9]

Red Light Therapy for Stretch Marks: Before and After

Real-world results provide additional perspective beyond clinical studies. Below is a before and after comparison shared by a red light therapy user who documented their progress over several months of consistent treatment:

Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Device for Stretch Marks

When applying a non-invasive treatment such as red light therapy for stretch marks, the best part is that you can do this at home with the right equipment. To ensure you purchase an efficient and effective device, look for the following features:

Specific Wavelengths

Your device should produce red light in the range of 630 to 660 nm and near-infrared light in the range of 830 to 1064 nm. Most devices cannot produce the 1064 nm near-infrared light, which is highly effective for enhancing skin health and smoothness.

Light Source and Power

The device must employ LEDs and have sufficient power, or irradiance, to deliver focused and consistent light to the treatment area.

FDA Clearance

Your device should be FDA-cleared to ensure its safety and efficacy, allowing you to use it with confidence.

User-Friendly Design

The device should be easy to use. For targeted treatment of specific areas, handheld devices like the Total Spectrum MINI offer portability, while larger panels provide hands-free convenience for broader coverage.

Total Spectrum Devices: Optimizing Red Light Therapy for Stretch Marks

Our Total Spectrum series is a line of high-performance red light therapy devices designed to enable you to conduct red light therapy comfortably and conveniently at home. Total Spectrum devices produce the specific red and near-infrared light wavelengths that can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks on your body. These devices are FDA-cleared, ensuring high effectiveness and safety, and they efficiently deliver a precise range of wavelengths with sufficient power to reach deeper layers of skin for maximum therapeutic results.

Which Wavelengths Are Best for Reducing the Appearance of Stretch Marks?

The best treatment for overall skin health including regeneration and scar healing is an integrated formula using a combination of red LED light and near-infrared (NIR) light. The following wavelengths have clinical evidence supporting their use for stretch mark reduction:

High-quality red light therapy devices for convenient at-home use are available in various wavelengths and wavelength combinations, like the RLT Home Total Spectrum series.

How Long Will It Take To See Results?

Everyone is unique in their response to treatment, so there is no "cookie-cutter" answer as to exactly how long it will take you to see results. The timing of treatment can range from just a few weeks to several months, depending upon the severity and age of the scarring. Newer stretch marks are more readily treatable than older ones.

For best results, use red light therapy for stretch marks 3 to 5 times a week, with each session lasting 10 to 20 minutes. Position the device approximately 6 to 12 inches from the targeted area. For more specific guidance, you can review our official dosage guide.

Potential Side Effects

Red light therapy is generally safe with minimal risks when used according to instructions. However, be aware of the following:

• Skin sensitivity: Following a treatment, you may experience mild redness or warmth, which usually resolves on its own within a short time.
• Overheating: Prolonged use or positioning the device too close to the body can lead to overheating. Adhere to the recommended distances and session times for your device.
• Eye protection: The light can be uncomfortable to the eyes if viewed directly. Wear protective goggles when treating areas near the face.

For a complete overview of what to expect, read our guide on red light therapy side effects.

What Else You Can Do To Speed Up the Healing of Stretch Marks?

In addition to red light therapy, the healing of stretch marks is enhanced by proper diet and hydration. To supplement your red light therapy, drink plenty of water and eat lots of lean proteins, leafy green vegetables, and antioxidants. Minimizing your sugar, caffeine, and alcohol consumption also promotes optimal healing and better skin health.

Other home remedies that have demonstrated success in reducing the appearance of stretch marks are:

• home-made sugar scrubs consisting of granulated white sugar, coconut oil, and a bit of lemon juice
• coconut oil alone
• aloe vera gel
• collagen-boosting hyaluronic acid supplements

Through red light therapy, you can work toward reducing the appearance of stretch marks in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Red light therapy is non-invasive and drug-free, and generally safe for all ages and skin types. When used according to instructions, adverse effects are minimal and rare. See the Potential Side Effects section above for details.

What Real Users Are Saying About Red Light Therapy for Stretch Marks

Across online communities, many users have shared their experiences using red light therapy to treat stretch marks. Here are some of the most common findings from real users:

"After about 3 months, my stretch marks were noticeably lighter." One user treated stretch marks on her thighs and abdomen using both red (660 nm) and near-infrared (850 nm) wavelengths for 20 minutes daily. After approximately 12 weeks, she reported that newer, reddish stretch marks had faded significantly, while older, silver marks showed moderate improvement in texture.

"It tightened the skin around the area too." Multiple users noted that red light therapy provided skin-tightening benefits alongside stretch mark reduction, particularly on the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. They described the surrounding skin as feeling firmer and smoother after consistent use over several months.

"Consistency made all the difference." The most common advice from experienced users is that near-daily use is essential. One user shared that after traveling for three weeks without access to their panel, the skin in the treated area began to feel less firm, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a regular schedule. Most users recommend at least 3 to 5 sessions per week.

"I love that I can do it at home." Users consistently highlight the convenience of at-home treatment as a major advantage over clinic-based procedures. Many switched from expensive dermatology appointments to home red light therapy panels and reported comparable or better results over time.

Individual results vary widely and depend on many factors, including stretch mark age, severity, skin type, consistency of treatment, and genetics. These experiences are paraphrased from verified customer reviews and public forums and may not be typical. They do not constitute medical claims. Consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does red light therapy get rid of stretch marks?

Red light therapy can significantly reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but results vary from person to person. Many users report visible improvement with consistent use over several weeks to months. Red light therapy works by stimulating collagen and elastin production, which helps replace disorganized scar tissue with healthier skin. While it may not eliminate stretch marks completely, it is one of the most effective non-invasive options available.

What color LED light is best for stretch marks?

The most effective LED light for stretch marks is a combination of red light (630 to 660 nm) and near-infrared light (810 to 850 nm). Red light enhances collagen production and promotes skin healing at the surface level, while near-infrared light penetrates deeper to facilitate tissue repair and reduce inflammation. Using a device that combines both wavelengths, such as the RLT Home Total Spectrum series, provides the most comprehensive treatment.

Does red light therapy tighten skin?

Yes, red light therapy helps tighten skin by boosting the production of collagen and elastin, the two proteins responsible for keeping skin firm and elastic. With consistent use, red light therapy can improve skin laxity and help address conditions such as sagging skin and loss of elasticity that often accompany stretch marks.

How often should I use red light therapy for stretch marks?

For best results, use red light therapy 3 to 5 times per week, with each session lasting 10 to 20 minutes. Position the device 6 to 12 inches from the treatment area. Most people begin to see visible improvements after 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use. Newer, red or purple stretch marks typically respond faster than older, white or silver ones.

What is the most effective treatment for stretch marks?

The most effective treatments for stretch marks include topical retinoid cream, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and red light therapy. All these methods help stimulate collagen growth, making the skin smoother and reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Discussing options with a dermatologist can help determine the best method for your skin type. Red light therapy stands out as the most convenient non-invasive option for at-home use.

References

1. Harvard Stem Cell Institute - Skin Regeneration and Rejuvenation
2. BioMed Central - Red Light for Skin Scarring Prevention (Clinical Trial Protocol, 2019)
3. Avci P, et al. - Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy in Skin: Stimulating, Healing, Restoring (Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 2013)
4. Mamalis A, et al. - Low-Level Laser Therapy and Skin Fibrosis (Journal of Biophotonics, 2016)
5. Rohringer S, et al. - LED Light-Therapy Effects on Endothelial Cells (Scientific Reports, 2017)
6. Tatmatsu-Rocha JC, et al. - Red Light on the Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B, 2018)
7. Mvula B, et al. - LLLT Irradiation on the Proliferation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 2008)
8. Striae Distensae: Clinical Results and Evidence-Based Evaluation of a Novel 675 nm Laser Wavelength (Medicina, 2023)
9. Gold MH, et al. - Effects Achieved on Stretch Marks by a Nonfractional Broadband Infrared Light System Treatment (Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2008)

This article was written by Jonathan Knight, Content Director at RLT Home, and is based on peer-reviewed clinical research. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Red light therapy results vary by individual, and treatment may not be suitable for all skin conditions. Consult a dermatologist before beginning treatment, especially if you have photosensitivity, are taking photosensitizing medications, or have active skin infections.

Learn More About Red Light Therapy for Skin

• A Comprehensive Guide to Reducing Scars
• How Red Light Therapy Boosts Collagen for Firmer Skin
• Anti-Aging Benefits of Red Light Therapy
• Using Red Light Therapy for Your Face
• Managing Weight and Cellulite with Red Light Therapy
• Combining Red Light Therapy with Microneedling
• Eye Safety During Red Light Therapy