What Is Red Light Therapy? A Detailed Beginner’s Guide
Let there be light — for your pain, skin, and injuries, that is. The possibilities of red light to treat a variety of health and aesthetic concerns are just emerging thanks to interest from researchers, universities, and hospitals, as well as at-home devices that make it more accessible.
Red light therapy (RLT) is a type of photomedicine, which is “the use of light to treat skin and other health conditions,” says Jared Jagdeo, MD, the founding director of the Center for Photomedicine at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn, New York.
Here, learn about the history of the therapy, how it works, its potential benefits, what to expect from treatment, and more.
History of Red Light Therapy
There’s another term for light therapy, and that is photobiomodulation (or PBM for short), says Praveen Arany, PhD, DDS, an associate professor at the University of Buffalo and the interim director of the Center of Excellence for Photobiomodulation at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Other terms for the same thing are low-level laser treatment (LLLT), photostimulation, and cold laser treatment, he says.
“Right now in the United States, red light therapy is still considered non-mainstream science. But there are growing academic and clinical centers adopting the technology and making it available to patients,” Dr. Arany says.
Centers like the one at Shepherd University are dedicated to educating healthcare professionals and scientists about the legitimacy of PBM as a clinical treatment, along with professional organizations, such as the North American Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy (NAALT) and the PBM Foundation. One of the more popular uses of red light therapy is in skin care, and the availability of affordable at-home devices has boosted its popularity.
How Red Light Therapy Works
Blue, green, and red light have all been effectively used for PBM treatment, he says. Near-infrared light, which is a longer wavelength light (up to 1,200 nm), is also used in PBM and is available in infrared saunas. While this light may appear red, in reality infrared light is not visible, and instead heats the body from within to drive physiological changes.
Red light therapy, in particular, has grown in popularity in recent years and is perhaps the best known and easiest to access. “Red light devices are easier to manufacture and are widely available,” Arany says.
For red light therapy to work, specific protocols and dosages have to be used, depending on your health issue, which is why a knowledgeable practitioner is so important, says Arany. If possible, get this treatment at a hospital, university, or doctor's office. He recommends against red light therapy at salons or spas.
Red light devices can be purchased and used at home for skin care, and these are typically safe to use as directed, says Dr. Jagdeo.
Types of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy devices feature LED red lights used as handheld devices, LED panels, or full-body beds, depending on the reason for treatment. Some devices use both red and near-infrared lights, but in general, there aren't different types of red light therapy.
Possible Benefits of Red Light Therapy
While research on red light therapy is promising, there are still conflicting studies — and some show no benefit for certain health conditions. In general, studies need more standardization across the board (in dosage and timing) for various conditions in order for scientists and practitioners to fully understand red light therapy's range of benefits. Below are potential promising uses of red light therapy, according to experts.
Enhances a Youthful Look in Skin
One of the more commonly cited benefits of red light therapy is its effects on skin. It can be used to address:
- Acne
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Hair growth
- Redness
Assists Sports Injury Rehabilitation
Red alert: there are devices that let you do red light therapy at home. Interested in trying it? We tested and reviewed the options, and picked our 5 favorites.
Helps Heal Wounds
Lessens Pain
Pain is notoriously difficult to treat, but light therapy may be a viable tool to help. “Red light acts on neurons that transmit pain,” says Arany.
Decreases Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
When used preventively before a chemotherapy or radiation treatment, red light therapy may help decrease side effects, such as pain, and their severity, says Arany, though more human studies are needed to fully understand this benefit.
May Improve Psoriasis Symptoms
A few small studies have tested red light therapy for?psoriasis treatment.
Researchers generally conclude that red light therapy shows promise for psoriasis treatment, but more and larger studies are needed to assess its efficacy.
Red Light Therapy Risks
It's also important to check in with the appropriate doctor (for example your dermatologist or PCP) to make them aware that red light therapy is in your treatment plan. Finally, seek treatment from a reputable practitioner. “Light can cause damage, but if the right protocol is used, you don’t see any side effects,” says Jagdeo.
Who May Want to Try (and Avoid) Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is designed as a supportive treatment. Meaning: It’s unlikely that red light therapy will be the only treatment you use to address a health or skin-care problem. For instance, along with red light, you may also use a topical (such as a retinoid) for acne or fine lines, notes Jagdeo.
If you are pregnant, you should avoid red light therapy, says Arany. And if you are treating a specific medical condition, get the okay from your doctor first.
How to Get Started With Red Light Therapy
Here’s what you may want to know before you try red light therapy under the guidance of your professional healthcare provider.
Usually, red light therapy will be done in a series of sessions over a certain span of time. For instance, says Jagdeo, when it comes to skin concerns, he recommends trying red light therapy three times per week for 10 minutes each time for a minimum of one month. “Some patients will see results in as little as one month, but often these results continue to improve with time,” he says.
While many at-home red light therapy devices are available for purchase, it’s always best to talk to a dermatologist or pain specialist before you try red light therapy on your own. A conversation with a qualified healthcare provider will help you not only establish your wellness goals and determine if red light therapy is right for you but also find the specific at-home device that's worth the cost.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Red Light Therapy
It likely won’t hurt.?Red light therapy is noninvasive and is painless for most people. A handheld device may be pressed against the skin at the site of the injury or pain. If you are lying in a full body bed or pod that uses both red and near-infrared light, you may feel warmth from the near-infrared bulbs. You should not expect to experience side effects from treatment, says Arany.
Watch your eyes.?Ask the practitioner if it’s necessary to wear eye protection during treatment.
You may feel at ease.?One of the big perks of red light therapy is how relaxed people say they feel after treatment, says Jagdeo. Consider this time your time and lean into the soothing effects.
You may need more than one treatment.?Talk to your practitioner ahead of time to understand how many sessions you will need (and how often), so you can fully understand the scope of treatment. This will differ widely depending on the health concern you’re addressing. “In certain scenarios, even a single treatment has been shown to be effective, while the most intense PBM treatment is three times per week for four weeks, minimum, to see a prominent effect,” says Arany.
With all this said, keep in mind that the world of phototherapy is evolving, and more research is needed to determine the best uses for the various wavelengths, doses, and devices for specific health conditions. It’s best to consult a dermatologist, pain specialist, or your doctor if you have questions or before you commit to any high-cost treatment. Medical guidance will help you weigh the benefits and risks of red light therapy for your specific health goals.
Common Questions & Answers
The Takeaway
Red light therapy is gaining popularity as a supportive treatment for various skin and health concerns like acne, wound healing, and pain management. While research shows promise, results and protocols can vary, so working with a knowledgeable healthcare provider is essential. Always start with guidance from a professional to ensure red light therapy is right for you and to learn how to use your device safely and effectively.
Resources We Trust
- Mayo Clinic: Dermatologist Explains Light Therapy for Skin
- Cleveland Clinic: Red Light Therapy
- National Library of Medicine: Mechanisms and Applications of the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Photobiomodulation
- PBM Foundation:?What Is PBM?
- American Acne Association: Light Therapy — Blue and/or Red Light
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Sources
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- Wavelength of Blue and Red Light. National Center for Atmospheric Research.
- Chromophore. Britannica.
- Photobiomodulation. American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.
- Red Light Therapy. Cleveland Clinic.
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- Mosca RC et al. The Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Improving Tissue Resilience and Healing of Radiation Skin Damage. Photonics. December 2021.
- Zecha JAEM et al. Low-Level Laser Therapy/Photobiomodulation in Management of Side Effects of Chemoradiation Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer: Part 2: Proposed Applications and Treatment Protocols. Support Care Cancer. June 2016.
- Ablon G. Combination 830-nm and 633-nm light-emitting diode phototherapy shows promise in the treatment of recalcitrant psoriasis: preliminary findings. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. February 2010.
- Kleinpenning MM, Otero ME, van Erp PE, et al. Efficacy of blue light vs. red light in the treatment of psoriasis: a double-blind, randomized comparative study. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology: JEADV. February 2012.
- Tehranchinia Z, Barzkar N, Riahi SM, et al. A Comparison of The Effects of Clobetasol 0.05% and Photodynamic Therapy Using Aminolevulinic Acid With Red Light in the Treatment of Severe Nail Psoriasis. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences. Winter 2020.
- Doctors Increase Use of Light Therapy to Manage Pain. PBM Foundation. May 9, 2022.
Grant Chu, MD
Medical Reviewer
Grant Chu, MD, is an assistant clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Dr. Chu is also the associate director of education at the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine, using technology to further medical education.
He is board-certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a diplomate of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
He received a bachelor's degree in neuroscience from Brown University, where he also earned his medical degree. He has a master's in acupuncture and oriental medicine from South Baylo University and a master's in business administration from the University of Illinois. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of California in Los Angeles and a fellowship at the Center for East-West Medicine at UCLA.
He has held academic appointments at the University of California in Irvine and the University of Queensland in Australia.
Jessica Migala
Author
Jessica Migala is a freelance writer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, and beauty. She has written extensively about vision care, diabetes, dermatology, gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular health, cancer, pregnancy, and gynecology. She was previously an assistant editor at Prevention where she wrote monthly science-based beauty news items and feature stories.
She has contributed to more than 40 print and digital publications, including Cosmopolitan, O:The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Woman’s Day, Women’s Health, Fitness, Family Circle, Health, Prevention, Self, VICE, and more. Migala lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two young boys, rescue beagle, and 15 fish. When not reporting, she likes running, bike rides, and a glass of wine (in moderation, of course).