Red Light Therapy & Microneedling: The Science Behind Better Recovery

Microneedling has become one of the most widely used in-clinic treatments for skin renewal; not just because it promises instant transformation, but because it works with the skin’s own repair intelligence.

Red light therapy is often discussed in the same breath, but for different reasons. Where microneedling creates a controlled signal for change, red and near-infrared light may support the skin’s recovery environment by encouraging cellular energy and overall skin vitality.

To understand how these two modalities work together, we spoke with Dr Shabana Daya, Physician in Integrative & Aesthetic Medicine, Dermatologist and Scientific Advisor here at BON CHARGE, who shared a dermatologist-led view of what’s happening beneath the surface and how to combine both with intention.

Microneedling Is Controlled Damage, Designed For Regeneration

Microneedling is often described as collagen induction therapy, but the mechanism is more specific than that. “The scientific basis for microneedling lies in its ability to create controlled damage at the cellular level while stimulating regenerative processes within the body,” explains Dr Shabana. “Through this process, it can help improve the appearance of skin concerns such as fine lines, uneven texture and the look of scarring over time.”

What makes microneedling so effective is that it doesn’t rely on forcing the skin into change. It prompts the skin to rebuild itself by initiating a wound-healing cascade that the body already knows how to complete.

The Three Phases Of Wound Healing And Why They Matter

Microneedling doesn’t fix your skin instantly. Instead, it activates the skin’s natural repair process over time. “Microneedling works on a cellular level by three phases of wound healing:” explains Dr Shabana. Each phase plays a distinct role, guiding the skin through a structured process of signalling, rebuilding, and strengthening. Here’s a closer look:

Phase 1: The Inflammation Phase

“Immediately following a microneedling procedure, the body's immune system activates. Platelets and immune cells like monocytes, neutrophils and macrophages rush to the site of ‘injury’,” explains Dr Shabana. “These then release a variety of growth factors, including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factors alpha and beta and fibroblast growth factor (FGF).” This is the signalling phase, where the skin recognises change and begins coordinating repair.

Phase 2: The Proliferation Phase

“The released growth factors stimulate fibroblast cells in the dermis layer of the skin to proliferate and migrate to the site of injury. Fibroblasts trigger synthesis of collagen (type 3 which is then gradually replaced by type 1) and elastin,” adds Dr Shabana. This is where rebuilding begins, with fibroblasts helping to lay down the structural proteins that support smoother, stronger skin.

Phase 3: The Remodelling Phase

“The newly formed collagen fibers are reorganised and cross-linked, strengthening the skin's structure. The epidermis also thickens which then leads to firmer and smoother skin,” says Dr Shabana. This is why microneedling results aren’t just surface-level, but structural. They take shape gradually as the skin repairs, rebuilds, and becomes more supported over time.

Where Red Light Therapy Fits In

Red light therapy works differently to microneedling. It doesn’t disrupt structure, but it can support how the skin responds once that process is underway. “Red light therapy works on a cellular level by stimulating mitochondria to produce more ATP,” explains Dr Shabana. “This cellular energy production powers cell metabolism, which enables cells to carry functions such as supporting overall skin function and vitality.”

This is the core idea behind red light therapy… not pushing the skin into change, but supporting the conditions that help it function more optimally. “Essentially through a process called photobiomodulation, red light therapy gives skin cells more energy to function and produce vital proteins, supporting overall skin rejuvenation,” adds Dr Shabana.

Why Post-Microneedling Skin May Benefit From Red Light

After microneedling, the skin is temporarily disrupted, which can change how other therapies interact with it. “Since microneedling creates controlled microinjuries in the skin, contactless treatments such as those involving near-infrared and red light wavelengths can reach the target cells (i.e. fibroblasts) more efficiently,” Dr Shabana says.

In other words, post-treatment skin can be responsive to these wavelengths because they’re able to reach the cells involved in recovery more effectively. “It’s for this reason that red light therapy is considered a gentle recovery tool under the guidance of a qualified professional after microneedling.”, says Dr Shabana. It’s important to remember that post-treatment responses can vary depending on individual skin type, which is why professional guidance is recommended.

And during recovery, cellular energy matters. “The red light wavelengths stimulate ATP production, which enables healthy cellular responses that may support the skin’s recovery process post-microneedling,” adds Dr Shabana.

Supporting Recovery Without Disrupting The Process

Microneedling relies on inflammation, but not the kind the body stays stuck in. It initiates a short, controlled inflammatory response to trigger repair. “The microneedling process relies on an acute, controlled inflammation to give results,” Dr Shabana explains.

This distinction matters. The goal isn’t to shut down the skin’s repair response, but to support comfort and skin balance as it settles. “Red light therapy may be used as a supportive step in a recovery routine, particularly when the focus is on soothing the skin and supporting overall skin function.”

One Treatment, Two Wavelengths

Not all light behaves the same way in the skin. Depth matters, tissue type matters and wavelength matters. Red light and near-infrared are often used together in wellness and skincare routines because they can reach different depths of the skin. “Red light (typically around 630–660nm) is commonly associated with more surface-level skin support,” explains Dr Shabana, “while near-infrared (around 850nm) is able to reach deeper layers.”

Used together, these wavelengths offer a layered approach, supporting comfort at the surface while supporting overall skin vitality deeper within the dermis.

Who May Benefit Most From Combining Microneedling With A Red Light Follow Up

Microneedling and red light therapy can be complementary when used under the guidance of a qualified professional, with the goal of supporting recovery and overall skin appearance. “Red light specifically stimulates cellular metabolism in the dermis, supporting cellular functions involved in overall skin vitality,” says Dr Shabana. “When combined with microneedling which mechanically triggers collagen remodelling, this can support the appearance of photoaged skin, fine lines, laxity and uneven skin texture.”

Always check with your trusted qualified practitioner if this pairing may also be relevant for those looking to support skin recovery after microneedling procedures used to treat breakouts. “Microneedling is a well known treatment used to improve the appearance of acne scarring, and red light therapy may be used as a supportive step during recovery,” says Dr Shabana. The intention here isn’t faster results. It’s supporting the repair process more effectively, so the skin has what it needs to rebuild well.

How To Safely Use Them Together

Individual skin responses can vary following treatment. For this reason, seeking your practitioner’s guidance is recommended to ensure outcomes are appropriate for your skin type and concerns. “After microneedling, the skin barrier is temporarily compromised so any red light protocol should avoid prolonged exposure and always prioritise barrier recovery over maximum stimulation,” Dr Shabana explains.

This means more isn’t better and where the approach and practitioner guidance really matters. The goal should be comfort, recovery and reduced downtime. “Red light is used to stimulate cellular metabolism, so it’s best to use a lower irradiance for a shorter time. Always follow the device instructions and practitioner guidance, especially when skin is sensitised post-treatment.”, says Dr Shabana.

Perhaps most importantly, it’s worth noting that the role of light here should be supportive, not an added layer of stress. “Red light therapy should be added to support recovery or as a biological support system rather than an additional procedure,” adds Dr Shabana.

BON CHARGE: This content is for general education and is not medical advice. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always follow product instructions and consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance tailored to you. Individual results may vary.