CuraYou's ProWave Deep Healing Pad™ delivers red and infrared light therapy for psoriasis in a device built for daily home use. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition driven by runaway inflammation and skin cells that replace themselves every three to five days instead of the normal monthly cycle. The clinical and laboratory research behind red and infrared light therapy for psoriasis shows that specific wavelengths of light can slow that abnormal cell turnover and reduce the inflammatory signals fueling it, but the research only translates into relief for the person dealing with plaques and flare-ups if it is built into something they can actually use at home, consistently. This article covers exactly how the Cura ProWave Deep Healing Pad™ does that: which wavelengths it uses, why it uses LEDs instead of lasers, how much power it delivers, and what treatment routine CuraYou recommends for psoriasis.
Part of our complete guide to Red and Infrared Light Therapy for Psoriasis.
Key Takeaways
- The wavelengths target the biological drivers of psoriasis. The Cura ProWave Deep Healing Pad™ delivers 850 nm near-infrared light from 240 light chips and 660 nm red light from 120 light chips, 360 in total, at 200 mW/cm² across an 18 × 8 inch flexible pad. Red light in the 630–660 nm range has been shown to reduce the abnormal keratinocyte proliferation that defines psoriasis, and near-infrared light addresses the deeper inflammatory processes driving the disease.
- LED evidence for psoriasis is direct and specific. A 2025 UC Davis and VA Medical Center study found that LED red light significantly reduced keratinocyte proliferation and epidermal thickening in psoriasis models by downregulating STAT3, a signaling pathway at the core of psoriasis pathology (Austin et al., 2025). An earlier clinical pilot using 830 nm and 633 nm LEDs in two 20-minute sessions per week over 4–5 weeks produced 60–100% clearance in patients with treatment-resistant psoriasis (Ablon, 2010).
- The protocol matches what the research supports. CuraYou recommends daily 20-minute sessions using the pre-set combined mode, consistent with the dosing parameters that produced results in the psoriasis literature. Three modes (red only, infrared only, or combined) let you target surface skin inflammation, deeper immune-driven processes, or both at once.
What the Research Requires
How Red and Infrared Light Therapy Help Psoriasis
Psoriasis is driven by an inflammatory cascade in which dendritic cells, macrophages, and T cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-22, triggering skin cells to reproduce at roughly six times their normal rate (Hamblin, 2017). Red and infrared light therapy (photobiomodulation) works on this condition through multiple pathways. Red light in the 630–660 nm range is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria, which restores normal cellular energy production and, critically for psoriasis, modulates the proliferative behavior of keratinocytes. Austin and colleagues (2025) demonstrated this directly: LED red light at 633 nm reduced keratinocyte proliferation without killing the cells, working instead through cell cycle modulation and by decreasing phosphorylation of STAT3, a signaling pathway that sits at the center of psoriasis pathogenesis. In a mouse model of psoriasis, the same LED treatment significantly reduced epidermal thickening. Near-infrared light around 850 nm penetrates deeper into the skin, where it can reach the dermal immune cells orchestrating the inflammatory cascade. Photobiomodulation has been shown to reduce the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) that drive psoriatic flares and to shift macrophage activity from a pro-inflammatory to a resolution-promoting state (Hamblin, 2017). The clinical evidence includes Ablon (2010), who treated nine patients with chronic, treatment-resistant psoriasis using 830 nm and 633 nm LEDs and found 60–100% clearance at the end of the follow-up period, and Kleinpenning and colleagues (2012), whose double-blind randomized trial found that both red light and blue light improved psoriatic plaques, with red light reducing scaling and induration. For the complete clinical and mechanistic evidence, see our guide to red and infrared light therapy for psoriasis.
Wavelength, Dose, and Protocol
For a device to deliver these benefits, the research points to specific requirements. Red light in the 630–660 nm range activates the mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, which drives the cellular response underlying photobiomodulation (Hamblin, 2017). Near-infrared light penetrates past the epidermis to reach the immune cells in the dermis that sustain the psoriatic inflammatory cycle. The Ablon pilot study used two 20-minute sessions per week at energy densities of 60 J/cm² (830 nm) and 126 J/cm² (633 nm) over 4–5 weeks and achieved meaningful clearance, establishing a practical dosing framework for LED-based psoriasis treatment. The Austin laboratory data used cumulative doses of 320–1,280 J/cm² of red LED light and found a dose-dependent reduction in keratinocyte proliferation and epidermal thickness, reinforcing that both the right wavelength and adequate energy matter.
Photobiomodulation follows a biphasic dose response, meaning both too little and too much light reduce the therapeutic effect (Hamblin, 2017). That makes consistent dosing within the effective range more important than simply maximizing treatment time. In the Ablon study, most patients saw meaningful improvement within 4–5 weeks of consistent treatment. The 2018 clinical review by Ablon confirmed that results typically emerge within 4–5 weeks for psoriasis, aligning with the general timeline seen in photobiomodulation research across skin conditions.
The therapy carries a strong safety record. The psoriasis-specific studies reported no adverse events and no side effects from LED treatment (Ablon, 2010; Kleinpenning et al., 2012). A 2025 umbrella review of randomized clinical trials by Son and colleagues supports photobiomodulation as a non-invasive, well-tolerated therapy across a wide range of conditions. The effectiveness of the therapy, however, depends on delivering the right wavelengths at sufficient power with consistent daily use. These parameters vary widely across consumer devices.
Psoriasis is fundamentally an inflammatory disease, and what drew my attention to photobiomodulation for this condition is the specificity of the mechanism. The Austin data showing that LED red light downregulates STAT3 in keratinocytes is significant because STAT3 is not a peripheral target in psoriasis; it is central to the disease pathway. When you combine that with the anti-inflammatory effects of near-infrared light on dermal immune cells, you have a therapy addressing psoriasis at two different tissue depths through two distinct but complementary mechanisms. The key for home use is getting the parameters right: enough power, the correct wavelengths, and consistent daily application.— Dr. William Carter, MD
Why the Cura ProWave Deep Healing Pad™ Uses LEDs Instead of Lasers
Most published research on photobiomodulation for skin conditions, including some of the broader anti-inflammatory evidence that applies to psoriasis, has used professional laser devices in clinical settings. So if lasers dominate the published literature, why does the Cura ProWave Deep Healing Pad™ use LEDs?
The Biology Does Not Require a Laser
The cellular response to light therapy depends on the wavelength and dose delivered to the tissue, not on the type of device generating the light. A photon at a given wavelength triggers the same mitochondrial response whether it comes from a laser or an LED. Hamblin (2017) established that the biological effects of photobiomodulation depend on wavelength, dose, and intensity, not on coherence or the laser-versus-LED distinction. The most thorough review of this question, by Heiskanen and Hamblin (2018) of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard, concluded that photobiomodulation does not depend on lasers or coherence, and that LED therapy appears as effective as laser therapy for surface-tissue applications when wavelength and dose are matched.
The LED Evidence in Psoriasis Is Direct
For psoriasis specifically, the most targeted evidence available was generated using LEDs, not lasers. Austin and colleagues (2025) used LED red light in their keratinocyte, 3D skin, and mouse model studies and found that LED-RL reduced the hallmark features of psoriasis: excessive keratinocyte proliferation and abnormal epidermal thickening. Ablon (2010) used LED arrays delivering 830 nm and 633 nm to treat patients with chronic, treatment-resistant psoriasis and achieved 60–100% clearance. Kleinpenning and colleagues (2012) used LED-delivered red and blue light in a double-blind randomized comparison and found clinical improvement in psoriatic plaques with both wavelengths. This is not a case of extrapolating from laser data; the evidence base for psoriasis photobiomodulation includes LED-specific research at each level from molecular to clinical.
LED Covers the Affected Area at Once
Psoriasis plaques can appear across large areas of the body: knees, elbows, lower back, scalp, and torso. A clinical laser treats one small spot at a time, which is impractical for covering the broad surface areas that psoriasis typically involves. An LED array built into a flexible pad delivers light across the full treatment area simultaneously, ensuring uniform coverage without repositioning or a trained practitioner.
LED Makes Daily Home Use Possible
Consistency matters in psoriasis management more than in many other conditions, because the disease is chronic and cyclical. Clinic-based laser treatments mean scheduling appointments and paying per session, which makes daily treatment impractical over the weeks and months that psoriasis demands. A home LED device lets you treat every day at the frequency the research supports, without specialized training or ongoing clinical costs.
Safe for Unsupervised Use
Clinical lasers are Class 3B or higher devices that require trained operators, protective eyewear, and direct supervision. LED devices operate at power levels that do not carry those risks. The Cura ProWave Deep Healing Pad™ is an FDA Class 2 Medical Device and ISO Certified, with 0 V/m EMF output, so it can be used safely at home every day without clinical supervision.
How the Cura ProWave Deep Healing Pad™ Delivers Light Therapy for Psoriasis
Wavelengths
The Cura ProWave Deep Healing Pad™ is built around 120 medical-grade triple-chip LEDs: 240 light chips at 850 nm near-infrared and 120 light chips at 660 nm red, 360 in total. Both wavelengths fall within the ranges documented in the psoriasis research. The 660 nm red light sits in the band where the mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome c oxidase absorbs light and initiates the cellular response. This is the same wavelength range used in the Austin et al. (2025) study that demonstrated reduced keratinocyte proliferation and STAT3 downregulation in psoriasis models. The 850 nm near-infrared reaches deeper into the skin, past the epidermis and into the dermis where the immune cells driving the psoriatic inflammatory cascade reside. The Ablon (2010) pilot that produced 60–100% clearance used both near-infrared (830 nm) and red (633 nm) wavelengths, and CuraYou's 850 nm and 660 nm LEDs sit within those same therapeutic ranges.
Power Density: Why It Matters
The Cura ProWave Deep Healing Pad™ delivers 200 mW/cm², which is among the highest power densities available in a home-use LED device. Power density determines how much light energy reaches each patch of skin per second. This matters for psoriasis because the therapeutic response depends on delivering adequate energy to the tissue. The Ablon pilot study used energy densities of 60 J/cm² and 126 J/cm² to achieve its clearance results, and the Austin laboratory study found dose-dependent improvements up to 1,280 J/cm². Photobiomodulation research consistently shows that underpowered treatments produce weaker or null results (Hamblin, 2017). At 200 mW/cm², the Cura ProWave Deep Healing Pad™ delivers energy to the skin efficiently within each 20-minute session, ensuring that the therapeutic dose reaches both the epidermis (where keratinocyte hyperproliferation occurs) and the dermis (where the inflammatory immune response originates).
Coverage for Psoriasis-Affected Areas
The pad measures 18 × 8 inches and is built from flexible neoprene that wraps around different body parts and conforms to contours. Psoriasis plaques commonly appear on the knees, elbows, lower back, and other curved surfaces that rigid panel devices cannot treat evenly. The wrap design keeps the LEDs in close contact across the entire treatment area, delivering consistent light to every part of the plaque. The adjustable strap system was designed for ease of use, particularly for older adults who may need to position the device without help.
Three Treatment Modes
The device runs in three modes: red only (660 nm), infrared only (850 nm), and combined. Red light works directly on the epidermal keratinocytes that are overproliferating in psoriatic skin, the same target demonstrated in the Austin et al. (2025) research. Infrared reaches into the dermis to address the immune cells and inflammatory mediators sustaining the disease. Combined mode delivers both wavelengths simultaneously, targeting psoriasis at two tissue depths through two complementary mechanisms. The ability to run each wavelength alone or together means treatment can be adapted to the situation and to guidance from CuraYou's support team.
Pre-Set Modes and Guided Routine
The Cura ProWave Deep Healing Pad™ includes pre-set modes with treatment parameters selected to land within the effective dosing range, removing the guesswork that undermines generic light-therapy devices. Because photobiomodulation follows a biphasic dose response where both too little and too much light reduce the therapeutic effect (Hamblin, 2017), the pre-sets keep treatment within the therapeutic window. The device also comes with a cellular restoration protocol and progress tools to help build a daily habit and track response over time. Consistency is one of the most important factors for psoriasis management: the Ablon pilot achieved its clearance results through a structured multi-week treatment course, and sporadic use will not reproduce those outcomes.
CuraYou's Recommended Routine for Psoriasis
Based on the research parameters and how light interacts with psoriatic skin, CuraYou recommends daily 20-minute sessions in the combined red-and-infrared mode for psoriasis management. Combined mode delivers both wavelengths simultaneously, addressing the epidermal hyperproliferation with red light and the underlying dermal inflammation with near-infrared. For plaques in different body areas, the flexible pad wraps to conform to knees, elbows, lower back, or other affected regions. CuraYou's human support team can help tailor the routine, since the severity and distribution of psoriasis varies between individuals and may call for different mode and duration settings.
Medical-Grade Quality and Real Support
The Cura ProWave Deep Healing Pad™ is an FDA Class 2 Medical Device and ISO Certified, with precise wavelengths within the documented therapeutic ranges. Its 0 V/m EMF rating means no electromagnetic field exposure during treatment, and the LEDs are rated for 50,000 hours, holding their output across years of daily use. The device can be purchased with an HSA or FSA card and is backed by up to a 3-year warranty. CuraYou is not a large brand behind chatbots and ad campaigns. Real people are available to help tailor your routine and answer questions, and hundreds of verified customer reviews document the results people experience.
Conclusion
The Cura ProWave Deep Healing Pad™ takes the research behind red and infrared light therapy for psoriasis and builds it into a device made for daily home use. Its 660 nm red and 850 nm near-infrared LEDs sit within the wavelength ranges shown to reduce keratinocyte hyperproliferation, downregulate the STAT3 signaling pathway central to psoriasis, and lower the pro-inflammatory cytokines that sustain the disease. Its 200 mW/cm² power density is built to deliver the kind of dosing the research shows is needed, and its 360-LED, 18 × 8 inch flexible pad treats the affected area fully rather than one spot at a time. The published psoriasis research shows meaningful improvement within 4–5 weeks of consistent treatment. That fits comfortably within CuraYou's 60-day risk-free return guarantee, which gives you time to see results for yourself, or a full refund if it is not for you.
