The global light therapy market size reached USD 1.06 billion in 2023 and is estimated to hit around USD 1.52 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 3.67% from 2024 to 2033. The market is driven by the increasing adoption of non-invasive treatments and the growing prevalence of skin diseases.
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The U.S. light therapy market size was valued at USD 290 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach around USD 420 million by 2033, poised to grow at a CAGR of 3.71% from 2024 to 2033.
North America had the largest market share of 37% in 2023 in the light therapy market due to increased seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or winter blues symptoms and psoriasis. Light therapy, conducted under medical supervision, exposes the skin to artificial ultraviolet light. UVB and UVA light, either alone or combined, alleviate inflammation, slow down the growth of skin cells, and improve symptoms. The Canadian Dermatology Association estimates that around 1 million people in the region have psoriasis, contributing to the growing demand for these devices.
The North American light therapy market is growing due to several factors. The increasing prevalence of mental health and skin disorders, along with growing research and development efforts, rising investments, frequent product launches, and key initiatives by market players, are driving this growth. The market is mainly boosted by rising skin issues like acne, psoriasis, and vitiligo, which light therapy effectively addresses. Furthermore, new light therapy products and services are launched in the region.
Asia Pacific is projected to expand at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, primarily due to the growing awareness of the benefits of light therapy and increased investments in telemedicine. Adopting light therapy devices in hospitals, clinics, and home care settings also contributes to this expansion. The market is expected to keep growing, fueled by the rising prevalence of sleep disorders and the increasing use of light therapy devices for treating skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
Light therapy, or phototherapy, involves exposure to artificial light or equivalent light sources. It is primarily used to treat conditions such as major seasonal affective disorder, depressive disorders, and various skin conditions. This technology has shown significant results in treating skin disorders. Different light therapies include red light therapy, blue light therapy, and white light therapy. They are often used to alleviate the effects of jet lag and also help individuals adapt to shift work schedules by resetting the body's internal clock.
The treatment can also be explored as a non-invasive option for managing specific types of pain disorders. Light therapy can involve exposure to natural sunlight, full-spectrum light bulbs, or specialized lamps emitting particular wavelengths.
| Report Coverage | Details |
| Global Market Size in 2023 | USD 1.06 Billion |
| Global Market Size by 2033 | USD 1.52 Billion |
| U.S. Market Size in 2023 | USD 290 Million |
| U.S. Market Size by 2033 | USD 420 Million |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Forecast Period | 2024 to 2033 |
| Segments Covered | By Product, By Application, By Light Type, and By End User |
| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa |
Driver
Advancement in healthcare technology
The light therapy market is expected to grow due to the increasing advancements in healthcare technology, skin issues, and depressive disorders like winter blues and seasonal affective disorders. Clinical depression, marked by persistent feelings of loss of interest in daily activities and sadness, is a common health issue. It also leads to physical symptoms such as fatigue, lack of focus, appetite, and sleep disorders. A combination of environmental, genetic, biological, and psychological factors influences the development of depression.
Increase in preference for non-invasive procedures
The light therapy market is growing as patients increasingly prefer non-invasive procedures like LED therapy and low-level laser therapy. These treatments are gaining popularity due to their safety, effectiveness, minimal discomfort, and downtime, making them convenient for individuals with busy schedules who seek effective options without surgery. Developed economies with established healthcare infrastructure and a focus on advanced medical treatments provide a favorable compensation scenario. This encourages the development of innovative medical technologies, especially in areas like oncology, cardiology, and neurology. Favorable reimbursement remains a crucial driver for growth and innovation in the healthcare industry.
Restraint
Possible skin damage due to exposure to UV light
While light therapy has made notable progress in treating skin conditions and depression, it has potential drawbacks. Although generally safe, some patients may experience side effects such as irritability, headaches, eye strain, sleep disturbances, and insomnia. Clinicians express concerns about the heightened risk of UV light exposure during light therapy, leading to undesirable outcomes such as skin dryness and itching. Prolonged exposure may even increase the risk of developing skin cancers. These factors pose significant challenges to the future expansion of the light therapy market.
Opportunities
Red light prospectives
Red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation, is a promising treatment for addressing acne, scars, wrinkles, redness, and signs of aging. This non-toxic and non-invasive therapy utilizes low-wavelength red light to enhance skin appearance and treat various medical conditions. The light therapy market is expected to experience growth due to the introduction of new RLT products and services, increased adoption, substantial investments, strategic initiatives by major players, and ongoing research and development studies. Notably, collaborations, partnerships, acquisitions, and other critical strategies by major players, such as the UFC Performance Institute and GameDay Ready Recovery Zone, are anticipated to boost the segment.
Surging insomnia cases
As sedentary lifestyles become more common, the prevalence of sleep disorders is on the rise. Insomnia has severe consequences, including depression, impaired work performance, accidents, and diminished quality of life. Fortunately, various treatment options are available to prevent and address this condition. The light therapy market uses methods that aim to regulate an individual's circadian rhythm, a crucial aspect of the body's internal clock that dictates alertness during the day and sleepiness at night. When applied appropriately, light therapy can reset the circadian rhythm, improving sleep outcomes. Several companies, including Re-Timer, have taken the lead in providing light therapy solutions designed to address insomnia, catering to individuals struggling with sleep issues and those working night shifts.
The light therapy market is segmented into various products, including handheld devices for skin treatment, light therapy lamps, lightboxes, dawn simulators, light visors, and floor and desk lamps. In 2023, the handheld devices segment led the market. This segment is popular due to its portable nature, efficient technology, and user-friendly features. Widely used for skin treatment, these devices employ ultrasonic waves and microcurrents to enhance skin appearance.
The light visor segment is estimated to expand at the fastest CAGR over the projected period. This growth is linked to the rise in air travel, causing conditions like eye fatigue, insomnia, and jet lag due to changes in time zones and sleep patterns. Light visors, worn on the head, are portable and user-friendly. They help regulate melatonin hormones and enhance the body's circadian rhythms. Furthermore, new product launches by market players are contributing to market growth.
The sleeping disorder segment held the largest market share in 2023. Various conditions related to sleep disorders, including hypersomnia, insomnia, and sleep-disordered breathing, are linked to unhealthy lifestyles, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and excessive screen time.
The SAD/winter blues segment is projected to experience the fastest rate of expansion in the light therapy market during the forecast period. This can be linked to increased screen time and unhealthy lifestyles, including lack of physical activity, poor diet, and prolonged indoor stays during winter.
The blue light segment holds the largest market share in the global light therapy market in 2023. Blue light therapy is employed to address various concerns, including skin issues, acne, seasonal affective disorders, and clinical depression. The duration of treatment sessions varies based on the specific condition and treatment area, ranging from 15 to 90 minutes.
The global light therapy market is divided into home healthcare and dermatology clinics. The home healthcare segment led the market in 2023 due to increased consumer awareness and technological advancements such as remote patient monitoring. The segment also experienced growth due to higher healthcare spending on various needs during the pandemic.
The dermatology clinics segment is expected to experience the most rapid growth during the forecast period. These clinics address skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 900 million people are affected by skin diseases, contributing to the growing demand for dermatology clinics. Moreover, the rising preference for non-invasive treatments and advancements in technology, such as laser technology, is anticipated to fuel the market's growth in the coming years.
Segments Covered in the Report
By Product
By Application
By Light Type
By End User
By Geography
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