If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve seen influencers and celebs wearing light-emitting diode (AKA LED) masks. Red light therapy (RLT) is a wellness trend that’s becoming increasingly popular.
It stimulates mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, to increase ATP production, which enhances cellular activity and repair. This allows topical and oral treatments to work better, says Jagdeo.
Skin Care
Red light therapy works well for both skin rejuvenation and to decrease inflammation so topical skincare and oral acne medications work better. It also promotes collagen production, a great benefit for fine lines and wrinkles and sun damage.
Increased collagen is great for skin aging, but can be bad for scars (keloid scars, for example, are thicker than the surrounding skin). Red light therapy can help to regulate this, making sure there is enough but not too much.
Whether you get an in-office treatment or a home device, it’s recommended that you start out slow, three to five times per week, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor before starting. Red light is also not recommended if you have any photo-sensitizing medical conditions like lupus, or are taking photosensitizing medications like tetracycline, hydrochlorothiazide or naproxen. It can also cause eye irritation. This may include pain, swelling, tingling or itching.
Pain Relief
Red light therapy may help relieve pain, stiffness and aches by strengthening your mitochondria, the powerhouse of your cells. The treatment boosts your energy on a microscopic level and may encourage cell regeneration and tissue healing, says Jagdeo.
Studies suggest it can reduce inflammation in arthritic joints by modulating cytokine levels and encouraging anti-inflammatory processes, as well as accelerate healing of superficial wounds by promoting blood circulation, says Arany. Unlike oral pain medications, which can cause unwanted side effects like stomach issues and rebound symptoms, red light therapy is noninvasive.
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Red light therapy is available in dermatology offices and at home with a dedicated device. While it’s generally safe, always use a professional practitioner and follow specific protocols. The devices can be handheld wands, LED panels or full-body beds and are often marketed at beauty salons and tanning spas. However, you can also get it at a gym or wellness center. Just be sure you’re buying from a reputable source and that the equipment is FDA-cleared.
Full Body
Red light therapy benefits before and after for the full body range from skin rejuvenation (including boosting collagen production, shrinking pores, lessening wrinkles and pigmentation) to pain relief. It can also decrease inflammation, aid in weight loss and speed wound healing.
Low-level light modalities like RLT work by stimulating the mitochondria of cells, which is where your cells get their energy, says Ilyas. It boosts the transport of electrons and oxygen, and increases ATP, or energy, to help your cells regenerate and repair themselves more efficiently.
Red light therapy is safe for most people, but it’s important to follow the guidelines for pre- and post-treatment care, says LoGerfo. “A knowledgeable practitioner should be able to guide you on proper application for your specific needs and address any concerns or questions you may have,” she says. It’s also helpful to find an in-office or at-home device that is FDA approved, she adds. This way, you can be sure you’re getting the best results.
Face
For a simple option that’s been around for years and is an at-home favorite among dermatologists and estheticians, go with the FDA-cleared LightStim wand. It’s easy to hold and offers a timed three-minute session before automatically turning off. It’s a budget-friendly choice for upkeep following in-office red light therapy and can also be used for the whole body, too.
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If you follow a ton of celebs and skinfluencers on Instagram, you've likely seen them wear one of the many freaky-looking red light therapy masks and wands that have flooded the market in the past year. The tools typically emit red and near-infrared wavelengths to stimulate collagen and soften fine lines, says Dr. Bodemer.
He adds that the treatments have also been reported to reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for acne-prone skin. But, it's still unclear if the treatment is truly effective for all of its claimed benefits—it's mostly just been used as a complementary tool to other facial treatments and in place of chemical peels.