Explore the published research on light, facial electrical stimulation and negative-pressure massage. Read the findings, see what was tested and follow the original sources.
Facial studies appear first, followed by related clinical and laboratory research. Each entry identifies the treatment studied, the participants and the measured outcomes.
Explore the research
Ordered by relevance to our approach
Facial studyMota et al., 2023
Amber and red light: measured changes in wrinkles
Randomized split-face trial · 83 women treated
Both 590 nm amber and 660 nm red light reduced measured wrinkle volume around the eyes after four weeks. Skin hydration and elasticity did not improve.
Study details+
Investigators randomized 137 women aged 40–65; 83 received treatment and were analyzed. Each woman received amber on one side and red on the other across ten sessions. There was no untreated side, and substantial attrition occurred before treatment.
Research context
Research on the 590 nm amber and 660 nm red wavelengths used in facial light therapy. The protocol consisted of ten light-treatment sessions over four weeks.
Cheek-muscle thickness increased in the stimulation group over 12 weeks. Participants also reported improvements in facial firmness and lift compared with the control group.
Study details+
The facial neuromuscular electrical stimulation device was used for 20 minutes, five days a week. Muscle thickness was measured by ultrasound. The control group received no stimulation rather than a sham device.
Research context
Facial electrical stimulation research linking a 12-week treatment schedule with measurements of cheek muscle and self-rated appearance.
The study recorded changes in skin appearance and fibroblast behavior after eight weeks. The primary comparison of sagging responders did not reach statistical significance.
Study details+
Adults aged 35–50 received 24 professional treatments on one side of the face. The LPG device combined sequential suction with motorized flaps. Skin biopsies and laboratory analyses accompanied clinical assessments.
Research context
Facial research using a professional suction-and-flap system. The paper reports both skin measurements and cellular findings.
Wrinkle measurements taken from skin replicas improved after 12 weeks with both red and white light. Neither light group outperformed the other; dermatologist assessments did not show a significant improvement.
Study details+
The study compared daily use of 660 nm red light with 411–777 nm white light. It did not include an untreated or sham-light group.
Research context
A comparison of 660 nm red and broad-spectrum white light. The paper distinguishes instrumental wrinkle measurements from dermatologist assessments.
Facial EMS, jawline measurements and skin elasticity
Controlled split-face trial · 24 women
After eight weeks, the treated side showed improvements in wrinkles, elasticity and several facial-shape measurements, including jawline angle and under-chin volume.
Study details+
Women aged 30–59 used a high-frequency NMES device with skincare on one side of the face, with skincare alone on the other. Treatment side was fixed; there was no sham device. A later correction clarifies the paper’s disclosures.
Research context
Facial EMS research measuring contour, skin elasticity and regional volume. Volume measurements describe shape; they do not identify which tissue changed.
Four weeks of device use with gel improved measured skin elasticity and facial sagging compared with gel alone. The study also assessed the appearance beneath the chin.
Study details+
Women aged 40–60 used the Medicube AGE-R Derma EMS Shot with adenosine gel for ten minutes at night. Groups were assigned by visit order. The device combined electrical and physical stimulation; authors included manufacturer employees.
Research context
Home-use facial EMS and massage research in women, with a gel-only comparison group. The combined intervention is relevant to multimodal facial routines.
Both facial rollers and gua sha changed measured facial contours over eight weeks. Rollers improved skin elasticity; gua sha reduced measured muscle tone and stiffness.
Study details+
Women aged 20–50 performed their assigned massage for ten minutes, five times a week. Researchers compared the two active methods without an untreated control group.
Research context
Research on repeated manual facial massage with rollers and gua sha, using facial-distance and skin-property measurements.
Red light reduced the length of some measured wrinkles compared with sham treatment. The overall wrinkle-rating scale did not differ significantly between groups.
Study details+
Women aged 45–60 received 660 ± 10 nm light two or three times weekly for four weeks. Sessions lasted 21 minutes. Both active schedules improved satisfaction; the study did not demonstrate a clear advantage for three sessions.
Research context
Research on treatment frequency using a 660 nm light mask. Its schedule is documented in the study details.
Controlled study · 42 women; separate tissue experiments
Adding a sonic massage device to a cream routine improved several facial-wrinkle and neck-appearance ratings compared with cream alone over eight weeks.
Study details+
The clinical study involved women aged 65–75. Separate laboratory experiments examined proteins in skin tissue. The research had industry involvement and tested a device-plus-cream routine.
Research context
Mechanical massage research using sonic vibration alongside skincare. The paper includes a clinical study and separate tissue experiments.
Treated groups improved in skin roughness, complexion and ultrasound-measured collagen density after 30 sessions. Broad-spectrum light did not outperform the red-only spectrum.
Study details+
113 volunteers received either 611–650 nm or 570–850 nm light; 23 served as controls. Treatment durations varied. The study’s control allocation and industry involvement matter when interpreting the findings.
Research context
Research on red and broader-spectrum light with measurements of skin roughness, appearance and collagen density.
Independent assessors and investigators recorded greater improvement in crow’s-feet scores with the active mask than with the sham device.
Study details+
The mask combined 630 nm red and 850 nm near-infrared light. Treatment lasted 12 weeks with follow-up to week 16; 59 participants were analyzed. The sham device emitted reduced light output.
Research context
Periocular light research using a red and near-infrared mask, assessed with wrinkle measurements and clinical ratings.
The study recorded improvements in several skin-quality measures, including wrinkles, firmness, roughness and pore appearance during three months of red-mask use.
Study details+
Participants used a 630 ± 10 nm mask twice weekly for 12 minutes. There was no comparison group, so changes cannot be separated from other influences with the same confidence as in a controlled trial.
Research context
Exploratory red-light research examining skin quality beyond wrinkle appearance.
Neck-wrinkle ratings, hydration and elasticity improved during 16 weeks of daily LED use. Thyroid tests and ultrasound showed no significant changes in this study group.
Study details+
The neck device used 630 nm red and 850 nm near-infrared light for nine minutes daily. Follow-up continued for eight weeks after treatment stopped. There was no sham or untreated group.
Research context
Neck-specific light research with its own treatment source, placement and exposure schedule. Follow FLOW+'s placement guidance for neck use.
Investigator-rated neck wrinkles improved more with the active device. Participants’ own global-improvement ratings did not differ significantly from the sham group.
Study details+
The study used 630 nm and 850 nm light for nine minutes, five times weekly, across 12 weeks. It was published online in 2024. Manufacturer funding and baseline differences are documented in the paper.
Research context
A separate controlled cohort studying LED treatment for neck wrinkles, with the tested wavelengths listed in the protocol.
Both LED groups improved sensitive-skin symptom scores compared with emollient alone. The 590 nm group also improved redness, water-loss and sting-test measurements.
Study details+
Investigators compared 590 nm light, 590/630 nm combined light and an emollient-only control. Assessments continued through week eight. No adverse events were reported in this sample.
Research context
590 nm light-only research in people with sensitive-skin symptoms. Skin suitability for a combined massage and EMS routine requires its own use guidance.
Both wavelength combinations improved photoaging and wrinkle scores. The combination containing 570 nm yellow produced stronger wrinkle results than the 590 nm combination.
Study details+
Thirty participants were enrolled. Both groups also received 620 nm red and 850 nm near-infrared light three times weekly for eight weeks.
Research context
Research on a combined yellow, red and near-infrared protocol. The outcomes relate to the full combination studied.
Combined blue and red light reduced inflammatory acne lesions over 12 weeks. Its advantage over the other treatments varied by the outcome and assessment time.
Study details+
The study compared blue light, combined blue/red light, white light and benzoyl peroxide in mild-to-moderate acne. Differences in comedone improvement were not statistically significant.
Research context
Light-only acne research using 415 nm blue and 660 nm red light. Keep FLOW+ off active breakouts and irritated skin.
Active blue/red treatment reduced inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. Tissue samples also showed changes in inflammation and sebaceous glands.
Study details+
The home-use device combined 420 nm blue with 660 nm red. The treatment period was four weeks with follow-up assessments.
Research context
A second controlled blue/red light study for acne, with a sham-treatment comparison. Follow FLOW+'s guidance and avoid active breakouts.
Acne-lesion counts improved on the red-light-treated side compared with the untreated side during the study.
Study details+
Participants applied red light twice daily for eight weeks. This was a light-only protocol with substantially different exposure from a moving facial device.
Research context
Red-light-only research measuring acne lesions. Keep negative-pressure massage off active breakouts.
Two small human experiments · 12 and 14 participants
A five-minute cheek massage increased local skin blood flow for at least ten minutes. Five weeks of daily use improved the blood vessels’ response to heat.
Study details+
The acute experiment involved 12 participants; the repeated-use experiment involved 14. The researchers used a facial roller and measured skin circulation.
Research context
Manual facial roller research measuring local skin blood flow and vascular response. The reported endpoint is circulation.
An electrical patch and the tissues around the eyes
Uncontrolled pilot study · 14 analyzed
The study recorded increases in selected facial-muscle thickness measurements and changes in orbital-fat protrusion and temple contour after eight weeks.
Study details+
Fifteen women were enrolled. A thin-film EMS patch was applied in a fixed-side protocol without a sham group. The study had industry involvement.
Research context
Research on a specialized electrical patch for the eye area, measuring tissue position. Follow FLOW+'s eye-area restrictions.
Randomized placebo-controlled study · 32 participants
Researchers reported improvements in several facial-wrinkle ratings with the light-based treatment during follow-up.
Study details+
The study evaluated a proprietary KLOX light-and-gel system in a split-face design. Its photosensitive gel and light delivery were part of the intervention.
Research context
Research on a proprietary topical gel used together with light. The findings describe that combined intervention.
Measured postoperative facial swelling subsided faster with manual lymphatic drainage. Patients’ reported swelling and pain did not show the same clear advantage.
Study details+
The trial compared manual drainage with placebo sliding movements alongside usual postoperative care.
Research context
Clinical research on manual lymphatic drainage for swelling after jaw surgery. Postoperative care follows the treating clinician's instructions.
The drainage group showed a trend toward faster recovery, but differences in swelling and pain were not statistically significant.
Study details+
Patients received usual postoperative care with or without six manual lymphatic-drainage sessions. Researchers used three-dimensional facial scans and questionnaires.
Research context
A second trial of manual drainage after surgery, documenting the outcomes of a clinical postoperative protocol.
Negative pressure increased local skin blood flow. The measured response changed with treatment pressure and duration.
Study details+
Researchers applied suction to the upper arm and compared four pressure-duration combinations. They measured circulation rather than facial appearance or lymphatic drainage.
Research context
Physiology research measuring local circulation after suction on the upper arm. The treatment site and pressures are recorded in the paper.
Negative-pressure treatment for facial muscle pain
Randomized comparative trial · 60 patients
Both negative-pressure treatment and laser acupuncture reduced facial muscle pain and improved pain-free mouth opening. Overall pain relief was similar between treatments.
Study details+
The study treated masticatory-muscle trigger points in people with myofascial pain dysfunction. It compared two active approaches, rather than an all-sham control.
Research context
Clinical facial-pain research using negative pressure. Its endpoint is pain in a diagnosed condition.
Melasma severity and physician-rated improvement did not change significantly within or between groups over 12 weeks.
Study details+
Active amber light with placebo cream was compared with sham light and topical tranexamic acid. Early termination left the study underpowered. Both groups reported better quality of life.
Research context
An amber-light melasma pilot with a negative clinical result. It helps define the current limits of evidence for this concern.
Near-infrared light combined with microdermabrasion
Split-face pilot · 7 patients
The treated side showed greater pigment reduction in a small study of persistent melasma.
Study details+
Treatment combined microdermabrasion with pulsed 940 nm light once weekly for eight weeks. Assessments included pigment measurements and melasma scores.
Research context
Research combining 940 nm near-infrared light with microdermabrasion, included as broader context for combined skin procedures.
Negative pressure, circulation and lymphatic transport
Preclinical imaging and animal research
Lower-pressure suction increased local circulation and accelerated dye clearance, a measure used to investigate lymphatic transport. Higher pressure caused capillary damage, bleeding and swelling.
Study details+
The researchers used photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging in experimental tissue and animal models. The study also investigated inflammatory responses in mice.
Research context
Experimental research on negative pressure, circulation and lymphatic transport. It investigates mechanisms using the model and pressures described in the paper.
Vacuum massage did not improve scar elasticity, redness, pigmentation, thickness or skin water loss beyond usual care. Participants nevertheless rated the treatment positively.
Study details+
Nineteen burn survivors enrolled; 16 completed 12 weeks. Each person had matched scars assigned to vacuum massage plus usual care or usual care alone.
Research context
Vacuum-massage research in burn-scar rehabilitation. Objective measurements and participant satisfaction are reported separately.
