Does Home Red Light Therapy Work?

Red light therapy (RLT) has surged in popularity as a non-invasive treatment promising a range of health benefits, from smoother skin to reduced pain. With affordable at-home devices now widely available, many are asking: does it really work? Below, we’ll explore the science, benefits, risks, and practical aspects of using red light therapy at home, drawing directly from expert insights and research-backed content found across the web.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT) is a therapeutic technique that uses low level wavelengths of red light to help treat skin conditions, such as wrinkles and psoriasis. Though the treatment seems promising, more research is needed. Red light therapy (RLT) is a type of phototherapy that may help: treat skin issues, like stretch marks and wrinkles · treat skin conditions, such as psoriasis, scars, and acne. RLT is commonly referred to as photobiomodulation. It was · accidentally discovered by Endre Mester in 1967 at the Semmelweis Medical University in Budapest, Hungary. He noticed that laser light helped promote hair growth and wound healing in rats.

Red light therapy works by stimulating the cell’s energy source: mitochondria. This improves cell function, which can: increase the production of collagen, which gives skin its structure, elasticity and rigidity; help improve skin conditions, including acne, acne scarring, eczema and psoriasis. When undergoing red light therapy, the area of your skin or body that you want treated is exposed to low levels of red light. The light affects the mitochondria in your cells. Mitochondria are known as cell energy generators. Mitochondria are responsible for generating energy, which is stored as the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Over time, our mitochondria produce less ATP due to changes related to aging, illness, and lifestyle factors. Red light therapy may improve healing in the body by stimulating your mitochondria to produce more ATP and therefore helping your cells work more efficiently.

How Does It Work at Home?

There are many different types of red light therapy devices, some of which can be used at home. But home devices are usually less powerful than those used in clinics and may be less effective or take longer to work. Red light therapy devices include: Red light therapy mask. This fits over your entire face and has red LED lights on the inside, pointed toward your skin. It is designed to be worn for a short length of time several times a week. It's used as a treatment for acne, wrinkles, or other facial skin concerns. Red light therapy bed. This looks like a tanning bed but has red LED lights instead of UV lights. It is big enough for you to lie down inside, and your whole body is exposed to red light. Red light therapy panel. This is a panel of red LED lights that you can mount on a wall or place on a table, either at a clinic or home. Panels range in size from small to large.

If you decide to use a red light therapy device at home, note that it may not be as powerful or effective as devices used by doctors or other professionals. When choosing an at-home device to purchase, you can check whether it has been cleared by the US FDA, which means that it is safe and equivalent to other devices already on the market. When using a red light therapy device at home, make sure to use proper eye protection and follow all directions on the device.

Investing in a Red Light Therapy Panel is a great way to keep long-term costs down. In comparison - the money you invest results in a product that you own for a lifetime. You can enjoy as many sessions as you wish. And share the therapeutic benefits with friends and family! Rather than going to a spa, it makes financial sense to invest in a panel for the lifetime benefits of LED Light Therapy, and flexibility in use. Infrared Light Therapy at home is just as effective as going to a salon or spa which has a Red Light Therapy Panel. The beauty of LED Light Therapy is that it is a non-invasive skin procedure. This means the treatment is painless and super easy to do at home.

Does It Really Work? The Evidence

Research shows red light therapy may smooth your skin and help with wrinkles. Researchers think it does this by stimulating collagen production, which helps improve skin elasticity. Research shows it also helps improve signs of sun damage. A review of multiple studies found that red light therapy can be an effective treatment for androgenic alopecia, a genetic disorder that causes hair loss. Another review of 11 studies found similar promising results. In some studies, hair thickness improved as well as hair growth.

Clinical research shows that Red Light Therapy significantly improves collagen production, fine lines, wrinkles, skin complexion, skin tone, and smoothness. The findings of the LED light therapy study found that three weekly sessions for a year significantly improved unwanted skin issues that are common from sun damage and premature aging. It was noted that Red LED Light Therapy can be effectively used for facial and body skin rejuvenation and restoration. Participants reported satisfaction with the results, and improved skin health, complexion and feeling. The research shows that Red LED Light Therapy is a great way to get results.

Research has found that red light therapy can be effective for acne treatment. This may have to do with its ability to help reduce inflammation. In addition to helping with active acne lesions, red light lasers may also help treat old acne scars. Red light therapy is also used for pain relief and muscle recovery. It can help reduce chronic pain, like arthritis, by lowering inflammation and increasing blood flow to the affected areas. Athletes often use red light therapy to speed up recovery times and reduce muscle soreness after workouts. Another benefit of red light therapy is improved circulation or blood flow.

However, more research is needed to determine if red light therapy is a safe and effective treatment option. If you’re interested in trying red light therapy, talk with a healthcare provider. They can discuss expected results and any special considerations you should take. Many researchers say more clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness as a treatment. Despite thousands of studies, research still lacks definitive answers on whether red light therapy alleviates pain.

Benefits of At-Home Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy is generally considered a safe and effective method for all skin types, but there are a few common sense caveats. “If you plan to use your red light therapy device consistently, it can definitely be worth the investment due to its effectiveness,” Engelman says. “With its multi-functional benefits, red light therapy allows you to target several skin concerns at once. This is a great investment for those who aren’t able to regularly visit a dermatologist for in-office treatments. While professional red light therapy sessions will offer stronger results more quickly, a high-quality at-home device can provide similar benefits over time, making them a more affordable and effective alternative.”

Red light therapy offers a range of benefits, from enhancing skin health to promoting recovery and well-being. Whether you're looking to improve your complexion, alleviate pain or boost your mental health, this innovative therapy might be worth considering. Red light therapy is a promising and emerging treatment option for rejuvenating skin and treating conditions such as acne, psoriasis, hyperpigmentation, and even hair loss. It’s generally considered to be safe with minimal side effects, and can also be safely practiced at home, in addition to standard in-office treatments.

Practical Tips for Using Red Light Therapy at Home

Frequency and duration of red light exposure depend on the “what” and “where” of your red light therapy device. “In-office red light devices are significantly more powerful than the devices you can get at home, and the at-home devices that are FDA-cleared are safer and more effective than the ones that are not FDA-cleared,” says Bowe. “When we are referring to at-home devices, I recommend patients stick with regular use (daily or 3-4x/week) for at least 6 weeks to give the device a chance to work.” Bowe goes on to note that skin-firming results can require up to three months of a regular red light routine.

You can use your red light therapy device morning or night, but ideally, it should be done on clean, dry, product-free skin after you cleanse your face. However, Dr. Patel notes that if you use a red light therapy tool after a serum, it'll help the product penetrate more deeply in to the skin—just patch test on some skin before you do it on the whole face. "The most common instructions say to use red light therapy for either three or 10 minutes," says Silberstein. Our panel of doctors and dermatologists often suggest their clients start at three to five sessions per week, working their way up to daily treatments if their skin reacts positively and if they have the time to do so.

FAQs About Home Red Light Therapy

1. How long does it take to see results from home red light therapy?

It varies depending on the condition you’re treating and the device’s strength. For skin benefits like reduced wrinkles or improved tone, you might notice subtle changes in 2-4 weeks with consistent use (3-5 times per week). Pain relief or inflammation reduction could happen faster, sometimes after a single 10-20 minute session. Long-term benefits, like collagen production, may take up to 6-12 weeks.

2. Is home red light therapy as effective as professional treatments?

Not quite. Home devices are less powerful than those used in clinics, so they may take longer to deliver results or be less dramatic. However, with regular use, high-quality FDA-cleared at-home devices can still offer significant benefits, especially for skin rejuvenation and mild pain relief.

3. Can I overuse red light therapy at home?

Yes, overdoing it can lead to skin irritation, redness, or even blisters if the device is too intense or used too long. Stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines—typically 10-20 minutes per session—and avoid exceeding recommended frequency to stay safe.

4. Do I need eye protection for home red light therapy?

Yes, it’s a good idea. While the light isn’t as harmful as UV rays, prolonged exposure near the eyes can cause discomfort or strain. Most devices come with goggles, or you can simply close your eyes during treatment.

5. Who should avoid red light therapy?

People with photosensitivity conditions (like lupus), those on medications that increase light sensitivity, or individuals with active skin infections should consult a doctor first. Pregnant women might also want to check with a healthcare provider due to limited research on safety.

Conclusion

Red light therapy at home holds promise for improving skin health, reducing inflammation, and even aiding recovery, backed by a growing body of research. While not as potent as professional treatments, consistent use of FDA-cleared devices can yield noticeable results over time. It’s safe for most, with minimal risks when used correctly, though patience is key—don’t expect overnight miracles.