Red Light Therapy for Sunburn: What the Science Really Says
Many people worry about how to treat sunburn safely and effectively, especially when the skin is inflamed, painful, and visibly damaged.
The truth is, red light therapy may offer more than just cosmetic improvements. Increasingly backed by clinical evidence, this form of low-level light treatment may help reduce inflammation, ease discomfort, and accelerate the skin’s natural healing process after UV damage.
By stimulating cellular energy and improving circulation, red and near-infrared wavelengths support tissue repair and barrier restoration, offering gentle yet powerful relief.
In this article, we explore the scientific mechanisms behind red light therapy for sunburn, highlight its anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits, and share how you can use at-home devices from Maysama to support recovery and prevent longer-term skin damage.
Whether you’re dealing with a mild burn or looking to improve skin resilience after sun exposure, red light therapy could be a valuable addition to your skincare toolkit.
Understanding Sunburn and Skin Inflammation
Sunburn is far more than a surface-level irritation; it’s a visible sign of deeper cellular damage caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
When UVB radiation penetrates the outer layer of the skin, it damages DNA within skin cells, prompting the body’s immune system to respond.
This defence mechanism leads to the release of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and prostaglandins, which in turn cause redness, pain, swelling, and, in more severe cases, blistering and peeling.
As the inflammation progresses, the body works to remove and replace the damaged cells. This natural repair process involves increased blood flow to the affected area, heightened sensitivity, and the eventual shedding of damaged skin layers.
While healing times vary, even mild sunburn can persist for several days, while more serious burns may take weeks to resolve completely.
Beyond short-term discomfort, repeated sunburns carry longer-term consequences. Chronic UV exposure can lead to pigmentation irregularities, compromised skin texture, and premature ageing. More concerning still, it increases the risk of skin cancer over time.
To support the skin during recovery, therapies that reduce inflammation and accelerate healing are key, and this is where red light therapy, especially using pulsed LED technology, may be particularly beneficial.
By targeting the skin at a cellular level, this treatment helps reduce inflammation, stimulate energy production, and promote the regeneration of healthier skin tissue, offering both immediate relief and protection against long-term damage.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT), also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT), is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) light to stimulate cellular function.
Enhancing mitochondrial activity helps boost cellular energy (ATP), reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair. This therapy is commonly used to improve skin tone, ease joint pain, and accelerate wound healing.
According to Stanford Medicine, red light therapy is gaining traction in clinical settings for its therapeutic potential in both cosmetic and medical applications.
The specific wavelengths typically used in red light therapy range from 630 nm to 850 nm. These penetrate the skin to different depths, influencing various cellular processes. At the right wavelengths and dose, red light:
- Enhances mitochondrial function, producing more ATP (cellular energy)
- Reduces inflammatory markers
- Boosts circulation
- Promotes collagen and elastin production
- Speeds up tissue repair and cell turnover
These effects can significantly benefit damaged or inflamed skin, including areas affected by sunburn.
The Science Behind Red Light Therapy for Sunburn
Red light therapy has been investigated in various clinical and pre-clinical settings for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Several studies show that red and near-infrared light can:
- Reduce erythema (redness) associated with UV exposure
- Accelerate re-epithelialisation, meaning faster skin repair
- Decrease oxidative stress by modulating the body’s antioxidant response
- Support skin barrier recovery to help retain moisture and reduce peeling
Recent research supports the potential benefits of red light therapy for sunburn by highlighting its anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing properties.
A study published in PubMed Central found that red light exposure significantly reduced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), the DNA lesions that form following UVB radiation, suggesting a role in DNA repair and cellular recovery following sun damage.
Beyond this, red light therapy has been shown to modulate inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance mitochondrial activity, leading to increased ATP production and accelerated skin healing. Its non-thermal nature makes it safe for sensitive or sunburnt skin.
In contrast, its ability to stimulate collagen and support the skin barrier further contributes to improved hydration and reduced peeling. These combined effects highlight the potential of red light therapy as a gentle yet powerful treatment for sunburn recovery.
Why Pulsed LED Technology Outperforms Continuous Light
One of the defining features of Maysama’s LED devices is their use of Pulsed LED Technology, a scientifically backed innovation that delivers light in rapid microsecond bursts rather than a steady, continuous beam.
This approach offers several distinct advantages that make pulsed light especially effective for treating inflamed or UV-damaged skin, such as sunburn.
Firstly, pulsing the light allows for greater depth of penetration. The skin’s surface acts as a barrier to light, but when delivered in pulses, light can travel deeper into the tissue, reaching cells that play a critical role in healing and regeneration.
This means enhanced stimulation of fibroblasts, mitochondria, and other key components of skin repair.
Secondly, thermal regulation is significantly improved. Continuous wave light can generate unwanted heat, which may irritate already sensitive or sunburned skin.
Pulsed light minimises this risk by allowing brief periods of rest between bursts, preventing thermal build-up, and making treatment more comfortable.
Another key benefit is enhanced cellular responsiveness. Overexposure to continuous light can lead to a plateau in effectiveness as cells become desensitised. Pulsed delivery helps maintain optimal cellular engagement, keeping the skin responsive and accelerating healing.
Perhaps most compellingly, studies suggest pulsed LED light can boost ATP (cellular energy) production by up to 45% more than continuous light.
For sunburn recovery, this increase in energy translates into faster tissue repair, reduced inflammation, and a more efficient, soothing treatment experience; all delivered by Maysama’s cutting-edge technology.
Best Maysama Devices for Sunburn Relief and Recovery
Pulse40 LED Light Therapy Panel + Serum
For those seeking broad coverage and power, the Pulse40 LED Light Therapy Panel + Serum is an excellent option.
This high-powered panel combines red and NIR wavelengths, delivering uniform light to larger treatment areas, such as the back, chest, or limbs, which is ideal if you've been exposed to the sun over a wider area.
Paired with Maysama’s antioxidant-rich serum, featuring their proprietary Aspalathin-enriched Green Rooibos Extract, this device not only soothes inflammation but also helps enhance the absorption of the serum’s active ingredients, promoting faster healing and less visible damage.
Chin2Chest LED Light Therapy Device
For those with facial or decolletage sunburn, the Chin2Chest LED Light Therapy Device offers targeted treatment.
With over 400 LEDs emitting red and near-infrared light, this wearable device wraps comfortably from the jawline to the chest, key zones often exposed to sun damage.
Its ergonomic design and pulsed light functionality make it a convenient solution for daily use at home while supporting the skin’s natural healing cascade.
How to Use Red Light Therapy for Sunburn Safely
If you plan to use red light therapy after sun exposure, timing and method are crucial. Here are some best practices:
1. Wait for the Initial Heat to Subside
Avoid using any LED device immediately after sun exposure, especially if your skin feels hot. Wait several hours for the acute heat to settle, and always avoid applying RLT to blistered or severely burned skin without medical guidance.
2. Cleanse the Skin Gently
Use a non-abrasive, calming cleanser like Maysama’s Urchin Cleansing and Skin Rejuvenation Device, which uses gentle sonic vibration to cleanse without aggravating sensitive skin.
3. Apply Antioxidants
Maysama’s Green Rooibos-based serum can be applied before or after red light sessions. Its high concentration of aspalathin helps reduce oxidative stress, making it an excellent companion for post-sun treatment.
4. Consistency Is Key
For optimal results, red light therapy should be performed daily or every other day for a minimum of 2-3 weeks post-sunburn. Each session should last approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the severity of the condition and the area being treated.
Sun Damage Support
While sunburn treatment with red light therapy is still an emerging topic in consumer wellness, many users report noticeable reductions in redness, improved skin tone, and less peeling after consistent use of red/NIR LED devices.
Maysama’s commitment to clinically backed technology and ingredient synergy makes their devices uniquely suited for not just skin rejuvenation, but also skin recovery, giving customers tools to care for their skin at every stage, including accidental overexposure to the sun.
Additional Benefits: Long-Term Protection and Resilience
While red light therapy is increasingly recognised for its effectiveness in accelerating sunburn recovery, its long-term benefits for overall skin health are just as compelling.
By regularly incorporating red light therapy into your skincare routine, you’re not only soothing immediate inflammation but also investing in your skin’s long-term strength and resilience.
Reduce photoaging by stimulating collagen and elastin production
Red light therapy stimulates fibroblast activity, which helps build collagen and elastin, two proteins crucial for maintaining skin firmness, elasticity, and a youthful appearance. This can reduce fine lines, improve texture, and minimise sun-induced ageing over time.
Even skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation
Persistent sun exposure can lead to uneven pigmentation, dark spots, and a dull appearance. Red light therapy may help regulate melanin production and enhance microcirculation, resulting in a clearer, more radiant complexion.
Strengthen skin’s defence against environmental stressors
By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, red and near-infrared light enhance the skin’s ability to withstand daily aggressors such as pollution, allergens, and future UV exposure.
Support barrier function, leading to better hydration retention and elasticity
A healthy skin barrier is essential for moisture retention and protection. Regular red light therapy may enhance lipid production and cellular repair, resulting in hydrated, supple skin that is less prone to irritation.
Ultimately, even after your sunburn has healed, red light therapy can play a crucial role in your preventive skincare approach, helping to maintain firmer, smoother, and more resilient skin well into the future.
What to Avoid When Using LED Therapy on Sunburned Skin
While red light therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated, there are a few important precautions to keep in mind when treating sunburned skin.
First, avoid overexposure to LED light by strictly following the recommended treatment durations provided by the device manufacturer. More time under the light doesn’t necessarily mean better results; in fact, it may overstimulate or irritate already sensitive skin.
It’s also essential to avoid harsh skincare products during the healing phase. Ingredients such as exfoliating acids, retinoids, or scrubs can further disrupt the skin’s protective barrier and increase inflammation. Stick to calming, hydrating products that support barrier repair instead.
Lastly, after a light therapy session, your skin may be more vulnerable to environmental stressors.
Direct sun exposure should be avoided, especially in the days following treatment. Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF if heading outdoors to protect your skin from further UV damage.
Why Choose Maysama?
Maysama stands out in the light therapy space for its innovation in Pulsed LED technology, which offers deeper light penetration and enhanced skin response compared to continuous wave alternatives.
Designed with mature, health-conscious women in mind, Maysama’s devices are easy to use and engineered for results.
Their skincare formulations, powered by Green Rooibos Extract, work synergistically with light therapy to accelerate skin healing and resilience.
Whether you're managing post-sunburn recovery or working toward long-term rejuvenation, Maysama provides advanced solutions that support healthier, more radiant skin at any age.
Conclusion: Red Light Therapy Offers More Than Rejuvenation
Red light therapy is widely recognized for its anti-aging benefits, but its healing capabilities extend far beyond reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
When it comes to sunburn, this non-invasive treatment can play a crucial role in calming inflammation, alleviating discomfort, and accelerating the skin’s natural repair process.
By stimulating cellular energy and improving circulation, red light therapy helps damaged skin recover more efficiently while minimising the risk of long-term issues like pigmentation and premature ageing.
What makes it even more effective is pairing light therapy with antioxidant support. Maysama’s Green Rooibos-enriched serum is specially formulated to amplify the effects of LED light, enhancing results while nurturing the skin barrier.
When used alongside Maysama’s advanced pulsed LED devices, you get a scientifically supported, holistic approach to skin recovery.
If you’re looking to treat sunburn or simply care for your skin more effectively, explore Maysama’s product range and take the next step towards lasting skin health.
