How Long to Do Red Light Therapy on Face

Red light therapy (RLT) has surged in popularity as a non-invasive skincare treatment, praised for its ability to address wrinkles, acne, redness, and other signs of aging. If you’re considering incorporating RLT into your routine, one of the most common questions is: How long should you use red light therapy on your face to see results? The answer depends on factors like the device, treatment goals, and your skin’s sensitivity.

Understanding Red Light Therapy for Facial Use

Red light therapy involves exposing your skin to specific wavelengths of red light via an LED light therapy device. As you may already know, light comes in many wavelengths. Each color of light corresponds with a different wavelength. Different colors of light therapy offer various benefits for the skin due to the penetration depth on the skin. For instance, blue light therapy can help fade the appearance of breakouts, while red light therapy harnesses the benefits of red light specifically to encourage skin rejuvenation.

There are two main types of red light therapy: regular red light therapy and near-infrared light therapy.

Both are known for their ability to refresh aging skin's appearance, but near-infrared light can penetrate deeper than normal red light. Regarding skincare, red light therapy (also known as photobiomodulation and low-level laser therapy) is primarily known for smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It does this by encouraging skin rejuvenation and fueling the mitochondria in your skin, which can help the skin look fuller and smoother.

Red light therapy can also help promote blood flow, which can help your skin look more vibrant overall. This also helps minimize the appearance of other blemishes. One of the most significant benefits of red light therapy is its accessibility. Compared to other skin treatments like lasers and injections, red light therapy is more affordable and requires zero downtime. Additionally, this non-invasive treatment is pain-free and incredibly easy to perform at home with a handheld device - no need to schedule a spa appointment.

Recommended Duration for Red Light Therapy on the Face

The duration of red light therapy treatment can vary depending on the specific device and the condition being treated. Generally, for skin-related issues, such as acne or wrinkles, treatments can range from 5-20 minutes per session, a few times per week. Treating yourself to 10 to 15 minutes of red light therapy is enough in most cases, so use a timer (such as the one on your phone) to make sure you don’t spend too long in the light.

The general guideline for red light therapy sessions is 10-20 minutes, but there’s room for flexibility since every body responds differently. That said, sticking to just 5-minute sessions likely won’t yield noticeable results—though if that’s all you have on a busy day, it’s still better than nothing. On the flip side, longer isn’t always better. You might be tempted to extend your sessions or cram a week’s worth into one, but red light therapy doesn’t work that way. Red light therapy can result in burns or blisters from using the device for longer than 30 minutes or due to damage to the device or its parts.

How Often Should You Do Red Light Therapy on Your Face?

Most people will need 3-5 sessions per week, each 10-20 minutes long. Yes, you can do red light therapy daily, and your doctor may recommend it for the first week, especially if you’re recovering from an injury. However, it's better to switch to every other day for long-term use. This helps prevent overstimulation and allows your body to absorb the benefits better. This approach is supported by anecdotal evidence suggesting a slight break can enhance overall treatment results.

Yes, you can do red light therapy every day, providing you follow the recommended guidelines for intensity and duration of exposure to the red and infrared light. For some people, a daily session of 10-20 minutes is sufficient to achieve the desired benefits, but this may vary depending on the condition being treated and the intensity of the light.

While there may not be a significant risk to treating skin twice daily, it’s unlikely to produce more dramatic results and could irritate if the skin is overexposed to light. RLT follows a biphasic dose-response, meaning too little light has minimal effect, the optimal dose provides the best benefits, but excessive light can diminish those positive effects.

If you have highly sensitive skin, you may want to adjust how often you do treatments based on your individual skin needs and how you feel after each treatment. Red light therapy is a powerful tool for skin health but it’s not a quick fix, so don’t rush in and overdo it. Like most skincare, red light therapy requires consistent treatments to be effective. Skipping sessions can impact your results and you might not get the maximum benefits.

Tips for Safe and Effective Use

It’s super simple to use a Red Light Therapy Device at home because the treatment is non-invasive. Take before pictures so that you can observe the results as your skin improves over time. Make a schedule or pick a suitable time for your therapy so that you don’t forget to do it.

LED lights don’t contain UVA or UVB rays, but it is still a good recommendation to protect your eyes with protective eyewear when using your Red Light Therapy Device. Try a 10-20 minute session 3 times a week, and move up to 5 sessions a week if you have time. Sit somewhere comfortable where you can relax whilst you enjoy your LED Light Therapy. One clinical study found that using your Red Light Therapy Device three times a week for a duration of 20-minutes can show results in as little as three weeks.

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Expected Timeline for Results

Red light therapy typically takes a month or more to work. How soon you see results depends on various factors, including the severity of your skin condition, the device you choose, and how you use your device. To achieve the best results with an at-home device like an LED face mask, you should use it for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, two or three times a week.

Red light therapy, which is also referred to as low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT), can be a great tool in skin rejuvenation, but usually takes about a month for the therapy to work and for you to start seeing results. With regular treatments, you’ll likely see the full benefits of red light therapy in one to three months.

Some people may notice results immediately from red light therapy, but for others, it takes at least a few weeks. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see an effect right away. Keep in mind that red light therapy requires time and consistency to work — the more you stick with it, the better your results will be. For reduced redness or improved skin tone, results may appear in 1-3 weeks. For skin texture, firmness, and reduction of fine lines/wrinkles, expect 4-8 weeks with consistent use of 3-5 sessions per week.

To maximize your treatment, consider using red light therapy in the morning before applying makeup or at night after washing your face. The ideal distance for red light therapy isn’t an exact science just yet, so finding what works best for you may take some trial and error.

As a general rule, for skin-related benefits, positioning yourself 12-36 inches from the device is recommended, while deeper tissue concerns call for a closer range of 6-12 inches. Adjust as needed to optimize your results! There’s no need to put anything on your face before you undergo red light therapy. Using cosmetic products may even hinder your results by causing adverse effects or blocking how deeply the light can penetrate.

Take extra precautions when you spend time in the sun. While wearing sunscreen is always essential, red light therapy treatments can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. This side effect can last up to 48 hours. Full-body sunscreen application can also help your skin look youthful for longer, as sun exposure is one of the main contributors to premature aging.

FAQs About Red Light Therapy on the Face

1. Can I do red light therapy on my face every day?

Yes, you can do red light therapy every day, providing you follow the recommended guidelines for intensity and duration of exposure to the red and infrared light. For some people, a daily session of 10-20 minutes is sufficient to achieve the desired benefits, but this may vary depending on the condition being treated and the intensity of the light. However, it's better to switch to every other day for long-term use to prevent overstimulation and allow your body to absorb the benefits better.

2. Can I do red light therapy twice a day?

While there may not be a significant risk to treating skin twice daily, it’s unlikely to produce more dramatic results and could irritate if the skin is overexposed to light. Red light therapy follows a biphasic dose-response, meaning too little light has minimal effect, the optimal dose provides the best benefits, but excessive light can diminish those positive effects.

3. How long does it take to see results from red light therapy on the face?

Red light therapy typically takes a month or more to work. For reduced redness or improved skin tone, results may appear in 1-3 weeks. For skin texture, firmness, and reduction of fine lines/wrinkles, expect 4-8 weeks with consistent use of 3-5 sessions per week. With regular treatments, you’ll likely see the full benefits of red light therapy in one to three months.

4. Are there any risks or side effects?

Red light therapy is generally considered safe and has no known side effects when used as directed. Unlike UV light, it does not damage the skin, even when absorbed into deep layers. However, some customers report migraines and eye aches. These usually cause slight discomfort and go away by themselves.

5. Should I apply anything to my face before or after red light therapy?

There’s no need to put anything on your face before you undergo red light therapy. Using cosmetic products may even hinder your results by causing adverse effects or blocking how deeply the light can penetrate. After your treatment, using specific products can help enhance your results. Look for products that contain ingredients like antioxidants, and always apply sunscreen to maintain your results, as red light therapy can make your skin more sensitive to the sun for up to 48 hours.

6. How far should I position my face from the red light therapy device?

The ideal distance for red light therapy isn’t an exact science just yet, so finding what works best for you may take some trial and error. As a general rule, for skin-related benefits, positioning yourself 12-36 inches from the device is recommended, while deeper tissue concerns call for a closer range of 6-12 inches.