Key takeaways

  • Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to enhance cell function and promote rejuvenation, with potential benefits for skin, inflammation, and pain.
  • While generally considered safe, red light therapy’s effectiveness is still under scientific investigation, and individual risk factors or improper device use can lead to adverse effects.
  • Before trying red light therapy, it’s crucial to consult a doctor, as most devices are not FDA-approved for specific conditions, and insurance coverage is often limited.

Red light therapy (RLT) is a type of phototherapy touted by many for its potential benefits, including improving skin complaints, reducing inflammation, reducing muscle pain, and boosting weight loss.

It uses light-emitting diode (LED) technology and various wavelengths of light that penetrate into the cells in your skin.

Though some people report that RLT improves various conditions, more research is needed to confirm the benefits.

RLT repeatedly exposes your skin to low levels of red and near-infrared light for a certain period of time. It’s also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation.

Red and near-infrared light are similar, but near-infrared light penetrates slightly deeper. However, both are too short-wavelength to generate heat, so they do not burn the skin when used correctly.

RLT is thought to work by targeting certain parts of your cells, causing them to function more efficiently, rejuvenate, and repair themselves.

Potential benefits include for improving:

  • skin conditions
  • inflammation
  • muscle pain
  • weight loss
  • sleep
  • hair growth
  • cognitive function

However, though RLT is gaining traction as a treatment for many conditions, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Red light therapy and insurance

Many insurance companies don’t cover RLT.

If you have health insurance, contact your provider to see whether RLT is covered to help treat your condition.

If you don’t have health insurance or your plan does not cover RLT, speak with someone from the doctor’s office to see whether they offer payment plans or reduced rates for self-payers.

RLT is typically safe and painless when done correctly.

However, certain factors may make your skin more sensitive to potential negative effects.

These factors can include:

  • having a darker skin tone
  • having hyperpigmentation
  • being pregnant
  • taking certain medications

Check with your doctor or dermatologist first before using RLT.

There’s also a potential risk of eye damage. Although LEDs are safer on the eyes than traditional lasers, proper eye protection should be worn during RLT.

There have also been some reports of burns, lesions, and blistering from using RLT units. These generally happened due to misuse or device malfunction.

Some people developed burns:

  • after using the device for 30 minutes
  • after falling asleep with the unit in place
  • due to broken wires or device corrosion

Some tanning salons, gyms, and local day spas now offer RLT.

You can also find FDA-cleared devices online.

However, “FDA-cleared” means the device is deemed a low risk to safety, but it does not mean it’s effective at treating any condition.

“FDA-approved” would mean a device has been tested for certain conditions and accepted to be effective. Most RLT devices are not FDA-approved.

RLT is gaining media attention and has shown promising results in treating certain skin conditions.

Although there are many red light devices online, it’s best to speak with a doctor about any symptoms you may have before trying any treatment on your own.

There is no consensus among the scientific community about RLT’s benefits. A doctor can help determine whether it might be an option for you.