Can red light therapy be done at home?

A woman doing red light therapy

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Table of Contents Show

Get high-tech beauty treatment at home with red light therapy
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
What Does It Treat?
What Are the Risks?
Where Do You Get Red Light Therapy?
Can I do red light therapy at home?
How long should I do red light therapy at home?
Should I put anything on my skin before red light therapy?
Is there any downside to red light therapy?
What happens if you use red light therapy everyday?

If you're struggling with acne, using ointments and oral medications can help zap those zits for you, but when it comes to signs of aging, like fine lines and sagging skin, creams and serums can only do so much. While many skincare products claim to be a Botox in a box, we have yet to see concrete proof. Then, when it comes to skin treatments, facials are super popular. However, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, facials might feel good but don't do much, so it's better just to use "sunscreen, Vaseline, and retinoids" for antiaging benefits (via the National Library of Medicine).

If you're looking for serious antiaging results, you might just have to turn to in-office treatments like microneedling, lasers, or even a face-lift, depending on your age and skin condition. The medical procedures done by dermatologists can give impressive results, but they don't come cheap. LED light therapy is an example of a non-invasive and non-surgical treatment where they use lights of different wavelengths to penetrate the various layers of the skin to make it better, per the Cleveland Clinic. Blue light helps with acne, and red light increases collagen production.

Red light therapy (RLT) is FDA-approved and does help fight signs of aging by diminishing fine lines and tightening your skin (via Red Light Therapy News). It's pricey to get done professionally, but you can also try it with an at-home device.

Get high-tech beauty treatment at home with red light therapy

LED light therapy mask

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There was a time when you could only get red light therapy (RLT) at doctor's offices and spas, but now you can buy your little device to use in the comforts of your bedroom. "The primary benefit of red-light therapy is its antiaging properties and ability to help improve skin damage," Natalie Aguilar, a dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician, told Family Proof. Aquilar added that regular use can "minimize fine lines and wrinkles, improve collagen production, and improve skin elasticity." It's completely safe to use at home as long as the device is FDA-approved, so make sure to check that.

Make sure your skin is clean, keep your eyes protected, and start by using it for 10 to 20 minutes by placing it about 6 to 8 inches from your face, per Platinum Therapy Lights. You should use it three to five times a week to begin seeing changes, and once you have achieved your results, try two to three sessions a week to maintain it. Depending on your skin condition and desired outcomes, the number of sessions can vary.

You must be patient because it takes time; you might not see immediate results. RLT users could see an improvement in their skin as early as two weeks into usage (via Healthy Voyager). While most people don't get have side effects, it's possible that you might experience redness and irritation after use. Results can depend on the individual, so if you're unsure, consult a dermatologist first.

Red light therapy (RLT) is a treatment that may help skin, muscle tissue, and other parts of your body heal. It exposes you to low levels of red or near-infrared light. Infrared light is a type of energy your eyes can’t see, but your body can feel as heat. Red light is similar to infrared, but you can see it.

Red light therapy is also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT), low-power laser therapy (LPLT), and photobiomodulation (PBM).

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

With red light therapy, you expose your skin to a lamp, device, or laser with a red light. A part of your cells called mitochondria, sometimes called the “power generators” of your cells, soak it up and make more energy. Some experts think this helps cells repair themselves and become healthier. This spurs healing in skin and muscle tissue.

Red light therapy uses very low levels of heat and doesn’t hurt or burn the skin. It’s not the same type of light used in tanning booths, and it doesn’t expose your skin to damaging UV rays.

What Does It Treat?

Researchers have known about red light therapy for a while. But there aren’t a lot of studies on it, and they don’t know if it’s better than other types of treatment used to help you heal. Red light therapy may help with:

Dementia. In one small study, people with dementia who got regular near-infrared light therapy on their heads and through their noses for 12 weeks had better memories, slept better, and were angry less often.
Dental pain. In another small study, people with temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome (TMD) had less pain, clicking, and jaw tenderness after red light therapy.
Hair loss. One study found that men and women with androgenetic alopecia (a genetic disorder that causes hair loss) who used an at-home RLT device for 24 weeks grew thicker hair. People in the study who used a fake RLT device didn’t get the same results.
Osteoarthritis. One study found red and infrared light therapy cut osteoarthritis-related pain by more than 50%.
Tendinitis. A very small study of 7 people suggests RLT lessens inflammation and pain in people with Achilles tendinitis.
Wrinkles and other signs of skin aging and skin damage. Research shows RLT may smooth your skin and help with wrinkles. RLT also helps with acne scars, burns, and signs of UV sun damage.

What Are the Risks?

Red light therapy is generally considered safe, even though researchers aren’t exactly sure how and why it works. And there are no set rules on how much light to use. Too much light may damage skin tissue, but too little might not work as well.

Where Do You Get Red Light Therapy?

It’s usually done in a doctor’s office. But some salons and dental offices do it, too. You can also buy your own red light therapy device. Salon and at-home treatments are more likely to cause side effects or injury. Talk to your doctor if you’re thinking about red light therapy.

Can I do red light therapy at home?

Is Red Light Therapy At Home Effective? 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.

How long should I do red light therapy at home?

You may need a treatment each week for about a month. Then you might need maintenance treatments every month or every few months. Some at-home devices may also require a substantial time commitment. You might need to use your device twice a day for 30 to 60 minutes for four to five weeks.

Should I put anything on my skin before red light therapy?

Guide to Preparing Your Skin for Red Light Therapy Treat your skin nicely—avoid irritating your skin with aggressive exfoliant products or sun exposure. Clean your skin with a gentle, non-drying cleanser before treatment to remove any mineral-based sunscreen or makeup containing zinc.

Is there any downside to red light therapy?

Even though this type of treatment is generally very safe, negative effects may occur. As a consequence of light therapy, patients can complain of irritability, headaches, eye strain, sleep disturbances, and insomnia. Mild visual side effects are not unusual but remit promptly.

What happens if you use red light therapy everyday?

Red light therapy is generally considered safe, even though researchers aren't exactly sure how and why it works. And there are no set rules on how much light to use. Too much light may damage skin tissue, but too little might not work as well.