Red Light Therapy for Smile Lines and Nasolabial Folds
Can an LED face mask soften laugh lines, improve the skin around your mouth or meaningfully change deeper facial folds? A research-led examination of collagen, facial anatomy and what at-home light therapy can realistically achieve.
Does red light therapy help smile lines? Possibly, particularly when the concern involves fine surface wrinkles, rough texture and changes in skin elasticity. Controlled studies of specific red and near-infrared light treatments have reported improvements in some facial-wrinkle outcomes.[1] [3]
But deep nasolabial folds are different. They can reflect cheek anatomy, fat distribution, skin laxity and underlying facial support. An at-home LED mask has not been shown to replace lost volume, reposition facial tissues or reliably erase established structural folds. [5] [6]
First, understand the lines. They are not all the same.
A smile line can be a delicate crease that disappears when your expression relaxes, a persistent fold beside the nose or a downward line near the mouth. These are different anatomical concerns, and treating them as identical leads to unrealistic skincare expectations.
What are nasolabial folds?
Nasolabial folds are the creases that extend from the sides of the nose towards the corners of the mouth. They are a normal part of human facial anatomy. Their prominence varies with facial structure, expression, age, genetics and changes in surrounding tissue.
They are frequently called smile lines or laugh lines, although the terms are used loosely in everyday skincare. Someone may describe a faint skin crease and a pronounced cheek-to-mouth fold using exactly the same phrase.
Facial ageing is not confined to the skin. Anatomical reviews describe changes across the skin, fat compartments, muscles, ligaments and underlying skeletal support. Different regions change in different ways and at different rates.[6]
Dynamic lines
Creases visible mainly during smiling or speaking. Repeated facial movement is part of their appearance, and phototherapy does not stop those muscles from moving.
Static fine lines
Finer lines visible at rest. Skin quality, hydration, sun exposure and dermal changes may contribute. These are closer to the outcomes investigated in many LED rejuvenation studies.
Structural folds
Deeper contours associated with facial anatomy, volume distribution and tissue support. Improving the overlying skin does not necessarily remove the underlying fold.
And what about marionette lines?
Marionette lines are the lines or folds that descend from the corners of the mouth towards the chin. They may coexist with nasolabial folds, but they involve a different part of the lower face.
A facial skincare device cannot be assumed to treat both concerns equally. The right approach begins with identifying whether the primary issue is skin texture, movement, volume change or lower-face tissue support.
The most important distinction in facial rejuvenation is often not how deep the light reaches, but whether light can address the structure causing the concern.
What can red light therapy actually do to ageing skin?
Red light therapy is studied for its potential influence on skin quality, inflammatory signalling and dermal processes. Those mechanisms are relevant to fine wrinkles, but they do not automatically translate into a measurable reduction in deep facial folds.
Red and near-infrared light treatments fall within a wider field known as photobiomodulation. The term describes the use of particular light exposures to influence biological activity rather than intentionally heating or removing the skin's surface.
In dermatology, researchers have investigated changes in cellular signalling, inflammation, extracellular matrix activity and markers associated with collagen production. The mechanisms are biologically plausible, but a proposed mechanism is not the same as a demonstrated cosmetic outcome. [3] [10]
Why collagen matters
Collagen contributes to the skin's structural framework. With ageing and accumulated ultraviolet exposure, the balance of collagen production, degradation and organisation can change.
Several controlled light-therapy investigations have reported changes in wrinkle measurements, skin smoothness or collagen-related outcomes. Those findings support studying LED therapy for skin rejuvenation. They do not show that a home mask can replace a lost cheek fat compartment or reposition deeper tissue.
What red and near-infrared wavelengths mean
Red light and near-infrared light describe different ranges of wavelengths. Their interaction with tissue can differ, and researchers choose specific wavelengths together with defined optical outputs, session durations and treatment schedules.
Wavelength is only one part of a treatment. The light reaching the skin, exposure duration, device geometry, skin contact and frequency all matter. Two devices using the same quoted wavelength are not automatically clinically equivalent.
Skin quality versus facial architecture
Improving the appearance of a fine line is a different objective from moving the boundary between cheek and mouth. LED research is more directly relevant to skin-quality measures such as fine wrinkles, smoothness and elasticity.
Deep nasolabial folds can involve anatomical features below the skin that a cosmetic LED treatment has not been shown to restore or reposition.
The evidence, examined rather than advertised.
The strongest way to evaluate red light therapy for smile lines is to separate studies that measured general wrinkle improvement from studies that directly measured nasolabial folds.
An improving crow's-feet score is not proof that the nasolabial fold has lifted. A collagen-density finding is not necessarily a visible wrinkle result. And a controlled clinical outcome from one device cannot be assigned to every mask sold online.
The research ledger
Four important investigations, with their strengths and limitations.
A systematic review identified eight studies of at-home LED devices involving 365 participants. Across the included studies, improvements were reported in several facial-ageing measures, particularly wrinkles, texture and elasticity. The authors highlighted differences between protocols, limited comparative data and the need for larger, standardised trials. This does not establish a pooled, clinically proven effect specifically on nasolabial-fold depth. [1]
A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, split-face study investigated 633 nm and 830 nm LED treatments, separately and together, over four weeks. The study reported improvements in measured wrinkles and elasticity in active-treatment groups, alongside collagen-related tissue findings. These were results under specific treatment conditions, not a demonstration that a home LED mask can remove deep smile lines. [3]
A multicentre, randomised, sham-controlled trial of a home-use mask combining 630 nm red and 850 nm near-infrared light found differences in crow's-feet grading between the treatment and control groups at 8, 12 and 16 weeks. Encouraging for the specific eye-area wrinkle outcome studied, but it did not demonstrate that deep nasolabial folds could be erased. [4]
A study compared a side receiving microfocused ultrasound plus red light with a red-light-only comparison side. At two months, significant nasolabial-fold changes were reported on the combined treatment side, but the red-light-only side did not show significant improvement in fold length, angle or area. The study tested a combination involving ultrasound, not Beauty by Light's mask, and does not isolate a universal red-light effect. It provides a useful caution against assuming that wrinkle improvement automatically means structural fold correction. [5]
What is the overall strength of evidence?
A separate 2026 dermatologic review classified the evidence for home-use LED devices in facial rejuvenation as moderate within its assessment framework. This is encouraging, but it is not equivalent to high-quality, fold-specific evidence showing that home LED devices correct deep nasolabial anatomy. [2]
Earlier systematic reviews have also described mixed findings between LED skin-rejuvenation trials. Some studies reported benefits on measured outcomes, while others did not demonstrate significant improvement in particular skin measurements. [11]
A convincing result is not simply statistically significant. It must measure the concern you actually want to improve.
What research still needs to establish
To make a stronger claim about LED face masks for nasolabial folds, we would want larger, well-controlled home-device studies that specifically measure fold severity, depth and three-dimensional changes. These studies would need comparable photographs, defined protocols, suitable control groups and meaningful follow-up periods.
Until then, the most defensible position is that LED may improve selected measures of skin appearance, while an established deep-fold correction remains unproven.
Clinical studies measure defined outcomes. Editorial photographs must never be mistaken for treatment results.
Can an LED face mask reduce deep nasolabial folds?
This is the question that deserves a precise answer rather than a dramatic marketing promise.
If the area beside your mouth looks less textured or the finer lines appear softer after a consistent routine, that can be a meaningful cosmetic improvement.
It is not, however, proof that the deeper fold itself has been lifted. A structural fold may remain visible even when the overlying skin looks smoother, more hydrated or more even.
Match the treatment to the problem
| Skin concern | What LED evidence suggests | Realistic expectation |
|---|---|---|
| Fine lines beside the mouth | General facial-wrinkle studies provide some supporting evidence, but mouth-area-specific data are more limited. | A possible gradual softening in appearance, not guaranteed removal. |
| Rough or uneven skin texture | Some studies report improvements in smoothness and related skin-quality measures. | Potentially smoother-looking skin with a suitable device and routine. |
| Mild loss of firmness | Some trials report improvements in elasticity, although protocols and outcomes vary. | Possible subtle change, not a mechanical lift. |
| Deep nasolabial folds | Direct evidence for meaningful correction using a home LED mask is insufficient. | Do not expect the fold to disappear or the cheek to be repositioned. |
| Volume-related facial hollowing | No established evidence that cosmetic LED masks restore lost facial fat. | Volume restoration is a different treatment objective. |
| Marionette lines | Limited direct home-LED evidence for these specific lower-face folds. | Surface changes may differ from structural-fold changes. |
This table is an editorial synthesis of the cited research, not a clinical outcome prediction for a particular user.
Will improving collagen make the folds disappear?
Not necessarily. Changes in dermal structure may affect the appearance of fine wrinkles or texture. But a deep fold can be influenced by the position and distribution of facial tissues below the dermis.
Collagen-related improvements and three-dimensional facial repositioning are not interchangeable outcomes. Even when a study reports improved elasticity or collagen measurements, that does not automatically establish a clinical reduction in nasolabial-fold depth.[6]
Are smile lines the same as wrinkles?
Some are fine wrinkles, and some are anatomically defined folds. A smile line that only appears when you laugh is also different from a crease visible at rest. This distinction helps you avoid investing in a treatment for a problem it was not designed or proven to correct.
Which LED light is relevant to smile-line skincare?
Red and near-infrared wavelengths are the main light categories studied for photobiomodulation-based skin rejuvenation. But the best evidence concerns specific devices and tested settings, not a universal promise attached to any one colour.
Red light
Red LED wavelengths have been examined in trials involving facial wrinkles and skin ageing. They are relevant when your goal is the appearance of fine lines and overall skin quality. [3] [10]
Near-infrared light
Near-infrared wavelengths also appear in clinical photobiomodulation research. Some studies have evaluated near-infrared light separately or in combination with red light.
The presence of near-infrared technology does not prove a device reaches, changes or physically lifts the anatomical tissues responsible for a deep nasolabial fold.
Is combining red and near-infrared better?
Combined-wavelength treatments have shown encouraging outcomes in some trials. However, superiority over every individual red-light protocol, every wavelength choice or every other mask has not been established.
Do not interpret a combination setting as permission to extend exposure times or stack repeated treatments.
Meet the Beauty by Light flexible silicone LED mask.
Beauty by Light offers a wireless, rechargeable, flexible silicone LED face mask with multiple colour modes and a near-infrared option.
The published product specifications identify 630 nm red light and 850 nm near-infrared among its settings.
Those wavelengths have relevance to the broader photobiomodulation literature. The published studies discussed here, however, are not clinical trials of this exact Beauty by Light mask.
Explore the LED face maskFlexible silicone design and rechargeable portability.
Red and near-infrared settings described in the published product specifications.
Follow the instructions supplied with your exact device and mode.
Individual outcomes vary. Structural fold correction is not established.
If you are comparing masks, look beyond colour names and marketing illustrations. Consider the manufacturer's documented wavelengths, instructions, intended use, eye protection and fit.
A mask sitting close to the skin may offer convenience, but proximity alone does not prove clinical superiority or guarantee uniform exposure over every facial contour.
For more detail, read our guide to LED face mask frequency and session length .
A well-chosen device should come with clear instructions and realistic claims.
A thoughtful routine for skin around the mouth.
A consistent routine can support skin appearance without turning every smile line into a problem that needs aggressive correction.
Skincare works best when its components have clear purposes. Daily sun protection addresses preventable ultraviolet damage. Moisturising helps maintain hydration and can temporarily reduce the visibility of some fine lines.
Where appropriate, a dermatologist may recommend additional treatments for photoageing or specific wrinkles. LED can be considered as a complementary cosmetic technology rather than a replacement for all established treatments. [7] [9]
Begin with a gentle cleanse.
Prepare the skin according to the directions supplied with your LED mask. If your device specifies clean, dry skin, remove makeup and other products before use. Avoid unnecessary rubbing of the mouth and cheek area.
Follow the exact LED protocol.
Select the appropriate setting and follow your device's session length, frequency, fit instructions and recommended eye protection. Do not extend a session because a deep fold remains visible.
Replenish moisture afterwards.
Apply a suitable moisturiser when compatible with your routine. Hydration may temporarily improve the appearance of fine surface lines, but does not permanently eliminate deeper facial folds.
Prioritise daily sun protection.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher as advised by dermatologists, alongside other appropriate sun-safe practices. LED is not a substitute for UV protection. [7]
Evaluate, rather than escalate.
Use consistent photographs and record your actual treatment schedule. If the primary concern is a pronounced structural fold, increasing LED exposure is not the evidence-based solution.
Can you use retinol with red light therapy?
Retinoids and LED therapy are different interventions. Some retinoids have evidence in photoageing management, but irritation risk and suitability vary between products and individuals.
Do not assume that combining treatments produces better results or that every topical product belongs under an LED mask. Follow your device's instructions and seek appropriate professional advice when using prescription skincare.
For a deeper explanation of treatment layering, read What to Apply Under Your LED Mask .
How long does red light therapy take to work on smile lines?
There is no established universal timeframe for reducing nasolabial folds with an LED face mask. Facial-wrinkle studies often assess outcomes over several weeks, with different devices, schedules and endpoints.
A 2025 home-mask study observed differences in crow's-feet grading at 8, 12 and 16 weeks. This is useful evidence about that specific tested device and outcome. It is not a timetable promising that smile lines will fade on the same schedule. [4]
A practical diary is less about expecting a transformation on a particular date and more about checking whether a subtle change is actually visible.
Photograph your skin in the same room, with a neutral expression and no beauty filter. Record the setting and your existing skincare routine.
Review comfort, consistency and any skin reactions. You may see little visible change. Do not increase your exposure to force a result.
Compare similar photographs for fine-line appearance and texture. Studies sometimes assess improvements during this period, but no result is guaranteed.
Reassess the concern itself. A deep fold that remains unchanged may require a different discussion with a qualified clinician.
The photograph test
Compare your skin under genuinely equivalent conditions. The direction of light, camera height, facial expression, hydration, makeup and angle of your head can all change how deep a smile line appears.
Take one photograph at rest and another while smiling, using the same expressions at each checkpoint. A relaxed-face image and a wide-smile image should not be compared as though they represent the same wrinkle measurement.
Never use artificial before-and-after images to judge efficacy. Genuine documentation is more informative than dramatic lighting or altered facial contours.
Our LED face mask before-and-after guide explains how to compare progress responsibly.
A consistent routine should fit your life. A natural smile does not need to disappear.
What if the smile lines are already deep?
If your main concern is an established nasolabial fold, it is sensible to consider the anatomy before choosing an intervention.
Dermatologists and appropriately qualified medical practitioners may assess whether the concern relates mainly to superficial skin changes, structural folds, loss of facial volume or tissue laxity.
Different problems may call for different treatment approaches. Professional options can include selected topical treatments, resurfacing procedures, energy-based treatments and, for certain anatomical concerns, injectable or other procedural approaches. [8]
Topical skincare
Moisturising can improve hydration and temporarily soften the appearance of finer lines. Appropriate retinoids and other dermatologist-directed skincare may help with certain aspects of photoageing.
Topical products should not be represented as guaranteed solutions to significant volume-related folds.
Professional skin procedures
Some professional treatments aim to address texture, wrinkles or laxity through mechanisms distinct from those of home LED masks. Their effectiveness, suitability, recovery requirements and risks vary considerably.
A consultation should establish the treatment target and discuss the realistic degree of improvement before a procedure is selected.
Volume-related treatments
Dermal fillers and other volume-oriented procedures are sometimes considered for selected facial creases and contours. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes hyaluronic-acid fillers among the options used for facial creases such as nasolabial folds. [8]
Injectable procedures are medical interventions and carry risks, including potentially serious vascular complications. They require careful assessment by an appropriately qualified, experienced practitioner. They should not be portrayed as a casual skincare substitute.
When professional assessment matters
Seek an individual assessment if your concern is significant facial asymmetry, rapidly changing facial appearance, a persistent unexplained lesion, substantial volume change or a deep fold for which you want meaningful structural correction.
If one side of your face suddenly droops or you experience new facial weakness, this is not an ordinary cosmetic wrinkle concern. Seek urgent medical assistance.
Where does an at-home LED mask fit?
For someone who values non-invasive skincare and wants to focus on the appearance of fine lines, texture or overall skin quality, LED may be a reasonable complementary option after reviewing suitability and instructions.
If your objective is to change the depth of a major nasolabial fold, you should not rely on a home LED mask as an established correction.
For related concerns, explore our article on red light therapy for jowls and sagging skin .
The safety principles that matter more than a beauty trend.
At-home red-light devices are generally described as well tolerated when appropriately designed and used according to their instructions. Mild temporary irritation can occur, and longer-term evidence remains limited for some uses. [9]
Device suitability depends on individual circumstances. People with photosensitive conditions, relevant medications, significant eye conditions or unexplained skin reactions should seek appropriate professional guidance.
Always follow the manufacturer-specified eye protection, session duration and frequency. Do not remove protective eye components to expose more facial skin.
Stop treatment if you experience burning, significant skin irritation, eye pain or other concerning symptoms. Seek appropriate medical care, particularly for changes in vision.
For comprehensive precautions, see LED Face Mask Side Effects, Eye Safety and Risks .
Red light therapy for smile lines: the complete FAQ.
Clear answers to the questions that commonly arise when comparing LED skincare, facial wrinkles and deeper nasolabial folds.
1. Does red light therapy really work for smile lines?
It may help the appearance of some fine wrinkles and skin texture, based on research using particular red and near-infrared light devices. Direct evidence showing that a home mask reliably corrects deeper nasolabial folds is insufficient. [1] [3]
2. Can an LED face mask get rid of nasolabial folds?
There is no sound basis for promising complete removal of established nasolabial folds with an at-home LED mask. Deep folds can involve facial anatomy and volume distribution that light therapy has not been shown to restore or reposition.
3. Is red light therapy effective for laugh lines around the mouth?
Some fine lines around the mouth may share characteristics with the superficial wrinkles studied in broader facial-rejuvenation research. However, strong mouth-area-specific evidence remains limited. A modest surface improvement is more plausible than a dramatic structural transformation.
4. Does red light therapy stimulate collagen?
Certain controlled light-therapy studies have observed collagen-related tissue changes and improvements in some measures of skin appearance. These findings are tied to tested light exposures. They do not prove that every LED mask restores collagen to the same degree or lifts deep folds. [3] [10]
5. Is near-infrared light better than red light for nasolabial folds?
There is not enough direct comparative evidence to call near-infrared categorically better for nasolabial-fold correction. Studies have examined red, near-infrared and combined wavelengths using different protocols. The best choice cannot be established from wavelength alone.
6. How long does red light therapy take to improve smile lines?
No universally established treatment period exists for smile-line improvement. Some controlled facial wrinkle studies have reported changes over several weeks. A 2025 home-mask study assessed crow's-feet outcomes at 8, 12 and 16 weeks, but those results cannot be converted into a guaranteed nasolabial-fold timetable. [4]
7. Can red light therapy reduce marionette lines?
Direct evidence specifically supporting a home LED mask for structural marionette-line correction is limited. Improvements in overlying skin appearance should not be confused with restoration of lower-face tissue support.
8. Will an LED mask work better if I use it daily?
Not necessarily. Treatment frequency must follow the instructions for the exact mask and mode you use. Some devices permit daily sessions, while others use less frequent schedules. More frequent exposure has not been shown to be universally more effective for smile lines.
9. Should I stretch the skin around my mouth while using an LED mask?
No special stretching technique has been established as a way to improve LED treatment of nasolabial folds. Use the mask as designed and follow its fit instructions. Do not manually distort the device or your skin to try to direct more light into a crease.
10. Can I combine red light therapy with retinol or hyaluronic acid?
These ingredients serve different skincare functions. Compatibility depends on the product, your skin tolerance and the device instructions. Do not automatically apply strong actives beneath a mask or assume combining treatments will produce superior results. Seek professional advice for prescription retinoids or reactive skin.
11. Can an LED face mask replace dermal filler for nasolabial folds?
No established evidence supports that equivalence. An LED mask and a volume-oriented injectable procedure use fundamentally different mechanisms. Fillers have their own limitations and medical risks, so treatment decisions should be made through an appropriately qualified clinician.
12. Will red light therapy help smile lines caused by weight loss?
Weight-related changes in facial volume can make existing folds appear more pronounced. LED may be relevant to selected skin-quality concerns, but it has not been shown to restore lost facial fat or reverse structural hollowing.
13. Is red light therapy safe for sensitive skin?
Many properly used red-light devices are generally well tolerated, but sensitivity varies. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and seek advice if you have a photosensitive condition, relevant medication or active skin problem. Stop use if significant irritation occurs.
14. What should I do if my nasolabial folds do not improve?
First review whether your photographs and treatment schedule are comparable and whether the expected outcome is actually supported by evidence. If the main concern is a prominent structural fold, a qualified dermatologist or appropriate medical practitioner can assess other options. Do not keep extending LED exposure in pursuit of an unproven result.
Sources and evidence notes.
This article distinguishes evidence for general facial skin rejuvenation from evidence specifically measuring smile lines and nasolabial folds. Clinical results belong to the populations, equipment and protocols actually studied.
- Efficacy and Safety of At-Home Light-Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation for Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2026. Eight studies, 365 participants. Read on PubMed . Relevant to overall facial-ageing outcomes; not proof of correction of deep nasolabial folds.
- Raef HS and colleagues. Home-Based Dermatologic Devices for Acne and Rejuvenation: Evidence-Based Insights. Dermatologic Surgery, 2026. DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000005252. Read on PubMed . Review of the strength and limitations of home-device evidence.
- Lee SY and colleagues. A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blinded, and Split-Face Clinical Study on LED Phototherapy for Skin Rejuvenation. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B, 2007. Read on PubMed . Controlled facial-wrinkle and elasticity outcomes.
- Park SH and colleagues. Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Home-Used LED and IRED Mask for Crow's Feet. Medicine, 2025;104(7):e41596. Read on PubMed . Home-use mask research evaluating crow's feet, not specifically nasolabial folds.
- Efficacy and Safety of Intelligent Microfocused Ultrasound in Lifting Facial Laxity: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Split-Face Study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026. DOI: 10.1111/jocd.71106. Read the full study . The ultrasound-plus-red-light treatment and red-light-only comparison must not be confused with a controlled trial of a home LED mask.
- The Anatomy of the Aging Face: A Review. 2016. Read on PubMed . Background on the role of skin, bone, ligaments, muscles and facial fat in age-related changes.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Wrinkle Remedies. Patient guidance on sunscreen, moisturising and practical approaches to signs of skin ageing. Read the guidance .
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What Are the Different Types of Fillers? Background on selected filler applications including nasolabial folds. Read the guidance . Procedures require individual medical assessment.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Is Red Light Therapy Right for Your Skin? Guidance on effectiveness, treatment limitations, medical suitability, precautions and eye safety. Read the guidance .
- Wunsch A, Matuschka K. A Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment in Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Roughness and Collagen Density. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 2014;32(2):93-100. DOI: 10.1089/pho.2013.3616. Read on PubMed . Controlled light-treatment outcomes; not a direct trial of the Beauty by Light mask.
- Light-Emitting Diodes in Dermatology: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 2018. Read the systematic review . Useful context on mixed trial findings and evidence limitations.
Commercial disclosure: Beauty by Light sells LED skincare devices mentioned and linked in this article. References to independent clinical research are provided for general educational context. Unless expressly identified as such, those studies are not clinical trials of Beauty by Light products.
Medical disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a personalised treatment plan. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about an individual medical or cosmetic concern. Always read the label and follow your device's directions for use. Individual results vary.
Image disclosure: Editorial lifestyle photographs are illustrative only. They do not depict verified treatment results, clinical patients or authentic before-and-after outcomes.
Editorial review: Research and public source information reviewed for this article on 2 November 2026. No individual medical authorship or specialist endorsement is claimed.