How Red Light Therapy Works and 6 Benefits to Know, According to Dermatologists

If you’re wondering if you should incorporate red light therapy into your skincare routine, here’s what dermatologists say you should know—including the lowdown on its touted benefits, safety, and risks, and whether at-home treatments are truly worth the money.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy usually takes the form of a face mask, light panel, or wand equipped with LED lights, which you place near your skin to let your cells “absorb” the light. “Red light therapy is theorized to work on the mitochondria of our cells—the engine,” explains LoGerfo. “This gives the cells of the body more energy, allowing other cells to function with maximum productivity. For the skin, this includes skin restoration and repair which can help increase new cell growth and intensify the restoration process.”

Red light therapy benefits

Red light therapy benefits may include the following, according to experts:

• Reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It benefits elastin and collagen in the skin, causing the skin to feel smoother, more toned, and also appear less wrinkled, says Anthony Youn, M.D., a plastic surgeon and author of Younger for Life Feel Great and Look Your Best with the New Science of Autojuvenation​.
• Increase circulation
• Decrease inflammation
• Address acne. LoGerfo says red light therapy may help treat acne. “They also can decrease redness and help acne marks to fade faster,” adds Diane Madfes, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
• Help with hyperpigmentation and psoriasis.
• May help with hair loss. LoGerfo says that red light therapy may increase hair growth and density.

LED light therapy isn’t just limited to red light, either; various wavelengths can have varying effects on your body, explains Dr. Madfes. “Blue light is anti-microbial, red light decreases inflammation and induces collagen remodeling, orange/amber, and green light [is good] for soothing and calming,” she notes.

Red light therapy side effects and safety

Red light therapy is considered to be completely safe—as long as you make sure to wear eye protection goggles. “Damage to the eyes can occur from long-term blue or red-light exposure,” warns LoGerfo.

Side effects from red light therapy are minimal—and if there are any, they’re usually mild—but there are certain conditions in which it might be best to avoid the treatment. Specifically, anti-aging and regenerative medicine doctor Neil Paulvin, D.O.doesn’t recommend it if you have seizures or eye disorders. “Flicker (changes of frequency of light) at a high rate can lead to headaches, dizziness, and possible seizures at worst,” he notes.

Similarly, Dr. Madfes doesn’t recommend red light therapy for anyone with photosensitizing medical conditions, such as lupus, or anyone taking a photo-sensitizing drug (including tetracycline, doxycycline, hydrochlorothiazide, and naproxen). You should also avoid it if you have any open wounds or lesions on your skin.

Does red light therapy work?

There is an emerging body of research that shows the potential of red light therapy to help improve skin health and treat certain skin conditions, including a small 2014 study that showed that light therapy led to improved skin complexion and feeling, reduction of skin roughness and wrinkles, and increased collagen density. However, more extensive research needs to be conducted. “Although there are some studies regarding their benefit, they are not abundant, and we are not entirely sure how they work,” says LoGerfo.

One thing that’s important to note about the effectiveness of red light therapy, says Dr. Paulvin, is that it may take consistency and time to notice results. Even then, LoGerfo says that you should have realistic expectations. “People should know that results you usually see with these treatments are mild,” she says. “They aren’t a game changer when it comes to fine lines, wrinkles, hair loss, etc.”

Still, red light therapy definitely shows promise in the field of dermatology, especially due to its safe, noninvasive nature and its minimal side effects.

Can I use red light therapy at home?

If you want to head to a specialist and receive red light therapy, in-office treatments are available. “Some offices have full red light beds that you can lie down in and treat your whole body, not just your face and neck,” says Dr. Youn.

If you prefer to forego a doctor’s visit, now there are LED red light masks and handheld devices you can purchase and use at home. Keep in mind, though, that “the masks that are for at-home use are less powerful than the ones available at a dermatologist’s office,” says LoGerfo—which means you may not see the kind of results you might get from an in-office treatment.

If you are looking to purchase a red light therapy device to use at home, LoGerfo recommends looking for ones that are from a reliable company and are labeled as “FDA approved.” A personal favorite of Dr. Madfes is the Priori Skincare UNVEILED LED Red Light Face Mask, which she says is not only backed by science for efficacy, but is portable, rechargeable, and comfortable to wear.

When undergoing red light therapy, Dr. Madfes advises cleansing your face before using, and always applying an antioxidant serum immediately after your session.

How often should you get red light therapy?

“Typically, the LED face masks are left on the skin for 20 to 30 minutes—the treatment can be done two or three times a week,” says LoGerfo. “If you are using a handheld device, it can be used three to five times a week for 10-20 minutes each time.” Dr. Paulvin himself recommends undergoing red light therapy four to five times per week, ideally, as it takes consistency to get more noticeable results. “There is no maximum or limit to exposure,” he adds.

The number of treatments you need may vary depending on the specific red light therapy device you’re using. If you’re using an at-home device, you should always be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

The bottom line

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. However, if you have severe acne, skin disease, or hair loss, you should always consult a healthcare professional, says LoGerfo.

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Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.