What is Red Light Therapy (RLT)?
The red light therapy may be used to heal skin, muscle tissue and other areas of the body. Low levels of red light are used to target skin and cells. The theory is that it works by increasing mitochondrial production, the energy source of your cells. This could improve cell repair and function.
Low-power laser therapy or red light therapy can also be called low-level lasertherapy, photobiomodulation, low power laser, etc.
How the Red Light Therapy Works?
Red light therapy involves exposing your skin to red light from a device, lamp or laser. The LED emits the right spectrum of light. The red LED light penetrates the skin deeper than blue LED, and is used for treating skin conditions like acne. Your mitochondria absorb the light and produce more energy when it enters your skin. This helps your cells repair themselves.
The red light therapy is a very low-level heat that does not hurt or burn skin. It does not expose your skin, unlike the tanning booth light, to harmful UV rays.
Red Light Therapy Devices
Some of these devices can be used in the home. Home devices are often less powerful and less effective than those used by clinics. Devices that use red light therapy include:
Red light therapy mask The mask fits over the entire face, and it has red LEDs on the inside. They are pointed at your skin. The device is intended to be worn for short periods of time, several times per week. It is used to treat acne, wrinkles or other skin problems on the face.
Red light therapy bed. This bed looks similar to a tanning booth, but instead of UV light it has red LEDs. You can lie down in it and be exposed to the red light.
Red LED lights for light therapy Panel . This is a red LED light panel that can be mounted on a wall, or placed on a desk in a clinic or at home. The panels range in size, from small to very large. The panels come in different sizes. Small panels are for specific areas, such as the face. Large panels are more suitable for larger areas.
Red light therapy wand. They are handheld devices with red LED lights on one end. The wand is used to move over the skin on the area you wish to treat. These are designed to treat small areas such as the backs of hands, the knees, or specific spots on the face.
What are the benefits of red light therapy?
Red light therapy continues to be studied. There is still more research to be done but there are some indications that red light therapy may help with a variety of health and beauty issues.
Red light therapy for dementia
In a 2025 review of research, all 10 studies that were included showed red light therapy to be beneficial for those with dementia. Five people with dementia were treated for 12 weeks by regular light therapy through the nose and on their heads. They had improved memory, better sleep, and a reduced tendency to be angry.
The review stated that most of these studies are small and lack controls. Larger trials will be needed before any benefit can be confirmed.
Red light therapy for pain
Red light therapy has been shown to be effective in relieving certain types of pain. This includes pain caused by inflammation (irritation of tissues and swelling). The authors of a review of 11 studies that looked at the effects of red light on pain concluded that the results were mostly positive, but they said more research is needed. After red light therapy, patients with TMD experienced less pain, jaw tenderness, and clicking.
Red light therapy for arthritis
Review of studies revealed that red light therapy could be an effective short-term treatment to relieve pain and stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It doesn't appear to be helpful for other types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis.
Red light therapy for tendinopathy
Tendinopathy causes pain in the tendons and a loss of function. The review of 17 studies that looked at the effects of red light in treating tendinopathy revealed low-to moderate-quality evidence that it can relieve pain or improve functionality.
Red light therapy for hair loss
Multiple studies have shown that red light therapy is an effective treatment of androgenic hair loss, a genetic condition that results in hair loss. A second review of 11 studies also found promising results. In some studies hair growth and hair thickness both improved.
Researchers have found that red light therapy can help reduce wrinkles and smoothen your skin. Researchers believe it works by stimulating collagen, which improves skin elasticity. It also appears to help reduce sun damage.
Red light therapy for acne
Red light therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for acne. It may be because it can reduce inflammation. Red light lasers can also be used to treat acne scars.
Red light therapy for weight loss
Red light therapy is used by some providers as a treatment for weight loss. It is also known as body sculpting or contouring. The red light therapy can help you reduce your circumference in the treated area, but this is only temporary.
The risks of red light therapy
When used properly, red light therapy is generally safe. This is especially true in the short-term. In many cases, red light therapy is more effective in a doctor's clinic than at home. This is because doctors are able to use stronger light sources.
There are still risks, even in a doctor's clinic. In an early stage clinical trial, it was found that red LED light sources such as those used for red light therapy could cause skin redness and blistering at high levels. In some cases, red light therapy can cause eye damage. It is therefore best to use protective goggles while using the device.
Can it cause cancer?
Red light therapy does not cause cancer. The red light therapy does NOT use ultraviolet rays. This is a type of radiation that is found in sunlamps and tanning booths which can cause skin cancer.
Cost of red light therapy
Costs can vary depending on whether or not you use a device in your home, or if you go to a clinic for treatment. Red light therapy can be expensive. Treatments may cost up to $80 per session.
Red Light Therapy at home
Note that if you use a device for red light therapy at home, it may not have the same power or effectiveness as those used by professionals or doctors. You can verify if the device you are considering purchasing has been approved by the US FDA. This means it is safe, and comparable to other devices on the market. Use proper eye protection when using a home red light therapy device.
Takeaway
The non-invasive red light therapy may be beneficial for a variety of health conditions, including acne, wrinkles, rheumatoid arthritis, and hair loss. Other conditions are also being studied. Red light therapy can be done at home with devices such as masks and wands. However, it is more effective in a doctor's clinic where the lights are stronger. Although it can be costly, it's generally considered safe.
Red Light Therapy FAQ
Who shouldn't use red light therapy?
Red light therapy is not recommended for people who are taking medications that can increase skin or eye sensitivity. Before using red light therapy, people with a history or skin cancer and eye disease should consult their doctor.
How many treatments of red light therapy do you require?
How many treatments of red light therapy you require depends on the condition you are being treated for. You will need to continue sessions for several weeks or months.
Can you get too much red light therapy?
The use of red light therapy for skin conditions is generally considered safe. However, at high intensities, it can cause skin to become red and even blister.
How much weight loss can you expect with red light therapy
Red light therapy can temporarily alter the shape of your skin, but it doesn't cause weight loss.
