Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2026 May;42(3):e70090. doi: 10.1111/phpp.70090.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Sensitive skin (SS) is a prevalent condition characterized by exaggerated sensory responses to environmental stimuli. Emerging evidence suggests that light-emitting diode (LED) therapy may alleviate SS symptoms by modulating inflammation and enhancing skin barrier function. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 590 nm yellow LED monotherapy versus the combination of 590 nm and 630 nm red-yellow LED therapy in SS patients.
METHODS: A single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 30 volunteers diagnosed with SS. Participants were randomized into three groups: Group A (control, emollient only), Group B (590 nm yellow light, 10 mW/cm2, 11 min, thrice weekly), and Group C (590/630 nm dual light, 30 mW/cm2, 10 min, thrice weekly). Outcomes were assessed using the Laurent Misery sensitive scale-10 (SS-10) questionnaire, Thinkview imaging, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pH value, erythema index (EI), melanin index (MI), and lactic acid sting test (LAST). Participants were evaluated at baseline and at follow-up visits during Weeks 2, 4, and 8.
RESULTS: Both LED treatment groups showed significant improvements in SS-10 scores compared to the control (p = 0.0025 and p < 0.0001). The 590 nm LED yellow light treatment markedly reduced EI (p = 0.0282), MI (p = 0.0109), TEWL (p = 0.0479) and showed superior improvements in LAST (p = 0.0013) compared with control, while 590/630 nm LED irradiation reduced lactic acid sting scores significantly compared with control (p = 0.0239). No adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSIONS: LED light therapy, particularly 590 nm yellow light, is a safe and effective modality for alleviating SS symptoms, with dual-wavelength therapy showing complementary benefits.
PMID:41947316 | DOI:10.1111/phpp.70090
