One early-stage clinical trial found that at high levels, red LED lights such as those used in red light therapy can cause blistering and redness on the skin. Red light therapy may also cause eye damage in some cases, so it is best to wear protective goggles when using a red light therapy device.
Using red light therapy daily is generally considered safe, and can be incorporated into your regular morning or evening skincare routine. Daily sessions can help maintain consistency and potentially enhance the appearance of the skin over time.
Generally, 10-20 minutes of exposure to red light is enough time for the wavelengths to penetrate the tissue and be absorbed by the cells. When it comes to the number of sessions/week, again, it's up to you. 3-6 sessions per week will give you the most bang for your buck.
Can too much red light therapy be a bad thing? Unlike other treatments, you really can't overdo it when it comes to red light therapy. Now, we're not saying that you need to come in every day for a session, but you're not at risk of health issues if you make a habit of red light therapy.
What do dermatologists think of red light therapy?
The red light that dermatologists offer is more powerful than that found in devices sold for at-home use. To give their patients the best results, dermatologists typically recommend red light as a complementary therapy. This means, it's part of a treatment plan that uses standard therapy.
A 2022 study published in the journal Photomedicine and Laser Therapy found that RLT using red light (630 nm) improved cardiac function, reduced heart size, and mitigated other negative effects in mice with heart failure. Reduced Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for heart disease.
Identifying the “best” FDA-cleared Red Light Therapy devices can be subjective, depending on specific needs and preferences. However, some popular FDA-cleared devices include the dpl® Deep Penetrating Infrared FlexPad Light Therapy System, Medlight 630 Pro Hand Held Red Light Therapy, and others.
There's no scientific evidence to support red light therapy use in weight loss, cancer, cellulite removal or mental health conditions like depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Red light therapy treatments, with both red and near infrared wavelengths, aren't just safe for eyes. They're also a proven way to help heal eye injuries, reduce inflammation, and protect against vision loss, as shown in numerous peer-reviewed clinical studies.
The red and near-infrared light photons penetrate through the skull and into brain cells and spur the mitochondria to produce more ATP. That can mean clearer, sharper thinking, says Naeser.
After in-office or at-home LED light therapy, you can return to your regular activities with one exception: Stay out of the sun for several days and apply extra sunscreen.
To this end, some potential risks of light therapy include premature aging of the skin and an increased possibility for skin cancer development later in life. Eye strain and temporary headaches caused by the light are also often reported, although these symptoms do not seem to indicate any permanent injury.
The recommended frequency of use for red light therapy will vary depending on the condition being treated, but most people will see benefits with 2-3 sessions per week. However, it is important to note that seeing a healthcare professional before starting any treatment with red light therapy is recommended.
Red light therapy works by stimulating the cells in your body to produce more energy. This increased energy production can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote healing. In addition, red light therapy is also thought to stimulate the release of endorphins, natural pain-relieving substances.
So, do at-home red light masks actually work? Sawaya says studies have shown red-light therapy can benefit the skin, but seeing results depends on using the devices regularly.
A 2017 study published in Dermatologic Surgery, showed that red light therapy effectively improved hair regrowth and density by stimulating follicular activity and prolonging the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle.
An Infrared session is a more holistic solution to wellness because it can provide skin rejuvenating benefits (like those of Red Light LED), but it can also help you burn calories, release toxins, increase blood flow, ease pain and put you in a state of utter relaxation.
Red light therapy is generally considered safe and suitable for all skin types. Light is applied to the skin for around 10-30 minutes, with no down time needed. Side effects, if there are any, tend to be minimal -- such as mild redness or a slight tingling.
To effectively reduce wrinkles with red light therapy on your face, you need to use it for 10-20 minutes per session, 3-5 times per week. You can expect to notice improvements after 4-6 weeks of consistent use.
The consequences of exposing your eyes to intense light can range from eye strain and discomfort to potential retina damage. To reduce these risks and ensure a safe treatment, it's vital to protect your eyes with black out goggles or eye shields.
Red light therapy can be an affordable, nonmedical method for improving many conditions that may not respond to conventional treatments alone. It's safe for most people, but more research is needed to show it is truly effective. If you're exploring treatment options, ask your provider about trying red light therapy.
