TLDR Home-based skin care devices are generally safe and effective for hair removal, promoting hair growth, treating wrinkles and acne, but results for psoriasis treatment are mixed.
The systematic review analyzed 37 clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of home-based dermatological devices. The study found that home-based intense pulsed light devices were effective for hair removal, reducing hair count by over 50% in all randomized controlled trials. Laser diodes were found to increase hair growth in individuals with androgenic alopecia, while low power radiofrequency devices were effective for treating wrinkles. Light-emitting diodes were also found to be safe and effective for treating acne vulgaris. However, the evidence was mixed regarding the use of ultraviolet B phototherapy for psoriasis at home. All devices had favorable safety profiles with few significant adverse events. The review noted limitations, including a limited number of randomized controlled trials and a lack of data on long-term efficacy and safety.
45 citations,
December 2018 in “Lasers in Medical Science” LLLT promotes hair growth and improves hair density safely in men and women.
33 citations,
March 2017 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Low-level laser therapy effectively treats female hair loss, increasing hair count by 51%.
147 citations,
January 2014 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” Laser device increases hair density, safe for treating hair loss in men and women.
117 citations,
September 2013 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine” Red light therapy at 655 nm significantly improved hair growth in men with hair loss.
106 citations,
April 2013 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Low-level light therapy safely improves hair growth and thickness for androgenetic alopecia.
10 citations,
January 2013 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” The home-use IPL device effectively reduced hair and delayed its regrowth after six months of use, with users happy and no negative side effects.
75 citations,
August 2003 in “International journal of cosmetic surgery and aesthetic dermatology” The HairMax LaserComb made hair grow more and get stronger for people with hair loss.
41 citations,
December 2017 in “Lasers in Medical Science” Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a safe and effective treatment for common hair loss, but more research is needed to find the best power and wavelength for treatment.
81 citations,
August 2014 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine” Red light therapy is safe and effectively increases hair growth in women with hair loss.
19 citations,
September 2011 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” At-home laser and light skin devices are less effective than professional ones, with limited scientific evaluation, but some show promise for wrinkles, hair growth, and acne.
8 citations,
November 2020 in “Optics and Laser Technology” LED light therapy is effective for skin and hair treatments but requires careful use to minimize risks.
31 citations,
June 2018 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Low-level light therapy safely improves hair coverage, thickness, and count in androgenetic alopecia patients.
