Red light therapy for skin uses red or near-infrared light. Dermatologists say it may help with fine lines, rough texture and redness. Most sources suggest one to three sessions a week for weeks or months, and results take time to show.
A Harvard Health dermatologist says to expect four to six months of regular use. That makes it a good fit as a steady, gentle part of a skin routine.
Our red light therapy sessions in Fenton run 10, 15 or 20 minutes in our red light lounge, on Mito Red Light LED panels. Below is what the research says for skin. You will also see how often to go, when results show, and who should ask a doctor first.
What Does Red Light Therapy Do for Skin?
Red light therapy shines red or near-infrared light on the skin. Researchers think the light acts on mitochondria, the parts of a cell that make energy. Cleveland Clinic lists the proposed effects as more collagen, more blood flow and less inflammation.
Brown Health says most sessions use a light wavelength between 630 and 700 nanometers. A Stanford Medicine dermatologist suspects the light also widens small blood vessels, which may explain smoother skin. Researchers are still testing that idea.
Collagen is the protein that keeps skin firm. The idea is simple: more collagen and better blood flow should mean skin that looks smoother over time.
Is Red Light Therapy Good for Your Skin? What the Evidence Says
Red light therapy has more research behind some skin goals than others. The list below shows each goal and how much research the sources describe.
Tap a skin goal to see what the sources say and how strong the evidence is.
Fine lines and wrinkles Strongest support
Stanford Medicine says wrinkle reduction has fairly robust evidence behind it, and blinded trials reported more collagen and plumper skin.
In one study listed by the American Academy of Dermatology, 90 patients had 8 LED red light treatments over 4 weeks. More than 90% said they saw some improvement.
Those were patient reports. Studies use different devices and timing, so the results do not line up side by side.
Rough texture, dark spots and redness Promising
The same study reported softer, smoother skin, less redness and lighter dark spots.
In a larger study, patients who had red light after laser treatment showed less discoloration and swelling. These are small studies, and most results come from the patients themselves.
Acne Promising
Cleveland Clinic, Harvard Health, Brown Health and the AAD all list acne as a use.
Cleveland Clinic says researchers are still studying acne and the other uses.
Scars and healing Early research
Stanford Medicine says the data on scars and healing is still developing. In an eyelid-surgery study, the treated group did slightly better.
In another study, a treated scar healed in half the time at first. Both sides had healed fully by week six.
Loose skin Early research
The AAD lists loose skin as a use people ask about.
It also says researchers are still working out how many treatments loose skin and crow’s feet need.
Use this list to shape your questions. For a medical concern, check with your dermatologist first.
How Often Should You Do Red Light Therapy for Skin?
The medical pages describe a range of schedules. This is what each one says.
On a small screen, slide the table sideways if a column is cut off.
| Source | What it says about how often |
|---|---|
| Cleveland Clinic | One to three sessions a week for weeks or even months, with possible touch-up visits. |
| Harvard Health | Its dermatologist says to expect four to six months of regular use, with a few sessions every week. |
| American Academy of Dermatology | Not a one-time treatment. Use it regularly as the device directions say. One study used 8 treatments over 4 weeks. |
| Brown Health | Several sessions over weeks or months, depending on the condition. |
| Stanford Medicine | No schedule given. It says clinic results vary with the light, the time and how often. |
Our own red light therapy page says most goals need at least 4 to 6 sessions before benefits show. Stubborn concerns need 6 to 12. The right number depends on your goal and your device.
At our spa, we have found that 2 to 3 sessions a week, 10 to 20 minutes each, work well for most skin goals.
Harvard Health says researchers are still working out the best dose for each skin concern, so ask your provider for a set number of visits and a date to review your skin together. For the full-body schedule and the home-versus-spa math, see our guide to at-home versus professional red light therapy.
When Will You See Results From Red Light Therapy?
Studies give two different answers, because they measure different things.
Harvard Health also says red light therapy works alongside sun protection, healthy eating, good sleep and a daily moisturizer. If a provider promises a result in a set number of days, ask what study that number comes from.
In our spa’s experience, many clients see age spots fade after 2 to 3 months of regular sessions. Scars can take longer, depending on their age, size and how severe they are.
One client in her mid-60s came in for age spots and saw them fade over 10 weeks of regular sessions. Results vary from person to person.
Red Light Therapy Side Effects and Who Should Ask First
The AAD and Harvard Health describe side effects as mild: temporary redness, mild pain or irritated skin. Brown Health says high levels can cause redness, swelling and blistering. Cleveland Clinic says researchers are still studying the long-term safety of these devices.
- A light-sensitive condition, such as lupus. The AAD says red light may make it worse.
- Medicines that make skin sensitive to light, such as certain antibiotics. Harvard Health says to avoid red light if you take them.
- Darker skin tones. The AAD says darker skin may react more to visible light, including red light. Dark spots can be stronger and last longer than from sunlight. Harvard Health suggests starting with lower doses.
- A history of skin or eye cancer. Brown Health says to ask your oncologist or primary care doctor first.
- Your eyes. The AAD says to wear the protective goggles that come with the device, not sunglasses. At our spa, we provide glasses or goggles.
- Pregnancy. None of the five medical pages above covers it, and our spa does not recommend red light during pregnancy, so ask your own doctor.
- Open wounds or active cancer. Our intake does not recommend red light for either.
- Epilepsy. Some of the light can flicker, so we caution people with epilepsy.
If you can say yes to any line above, ask a doctor before you book. This is general information, not medical advice.
Red Light Therapy for Skin at Home: What FDA Cleared Means
Home devices come as masks, wands and panels. The AAD says they often cost $100 to more than $1,000. Harvard Health says masks, caps and wands usually cost several hundred dollars or more.
Office light is usually stronger than home light, say the AAD, Cleveland Clinic, Brown Health and Stanford Medicine. Harvard Health adds that home devices vary a lot. It is hard to know how much light you are getting.
Look for the words "FDA cleared" on the box. The AAD says that means the FDA sees the device as low risk. It says nothing about whether the device works.
The AAD also says "FDA approved" and "FDA certified" are not the right terms for these devices. Some health pages still use the word approved.
Pick a device made for your goal, such as wrinkles. Follow the directions exactly and wear the goggles it calls for.
Not sure whether to buy or book? Read our guide to at-home versus professional red light therapy.
How to Prep Skin for Red Light Therapy
None of the medical pages above gives a skin-prep routine. So the useful prep is a set of questions. Take these to your first visit.
- Do I have a light-sensitive condition, a medicine or a cancer history that means I should ask my doctor first?
- Which eye protection will I wear, and does the spa provide it?
- How many visits are in this plan, and when do we check my skin together?
- Should I skip any skin products before or after a session?
- What should I do if my skin turns red, sore or blistered?
A good provider will answer each one in plain words. Write down the answers so you can compare them with the next place you visit.
Red Light Therapy With Microneedling and Chemical Peels
The AAD says dermatologists often add red light to a plan that also uses creams, microneedling or peels. They may also suggest a home device after office treatment to help you keep results.
We offer microneedling in Fenton and chemical peels. Before you combine any of them with red light, ask your esthetician whether it makes sense and when. For the evidence on microneedling, read does microneedling work.
Skin that is healing needs its own care. Read our microneedling aftercare guide first, or see the benefits of chemical peels.
Book Red Light Therapy in Fenton
Our red light therapy sessions run 10, 15 or 20 minutes in our lounge at 50 Fenton Plaza. We provide the eye protection, glasses or goggles. We serve Ballwin, Arnold and Valley Park from our Fenton spa.
See session lengths, bundles and prices on our red light therapy page, or call 1-636-492-2668.
Red Light Therapy for Skin Questions, Answered
These are questions the sections above do not answer.
No. It uses red or near-infrared light, not the ultraviolet light linked to skin cancer. The AAD says research has not found that red light causes any type of cancer. Cleveland Clinic calls the therapy non-toxic and non-invasive.
Usually not. Cleveland Clinic and Brown Health both say insurance typically does not cover it, so call your insurer before you book. Brown Health puts clinic sessions at $25 to $200 each, depending on the area treated.
Brown Health says it is offered most often in dermatology offices, and also at spas, estheticians and even yoga studios. Cleveland Clinic adds salons, tanning salons and gyms. Both say to check who is giving the treatment, and Cleveland Clinic says to ask about their experience.
Probably, for skin aging. The AAD says you need follow-up treatments, in an office or at home, because skin keeps aging. Ask your provider what a maintenance visit looks like.
Mostly, yes. Cleveland Clinic lists low-level laser therapy, cold laser therapy and photobiomodulation as other names for it. The AAD says most home devices use LEDs and some use low-level lasers.
Photodynamic therapy is different. Stanford Medicine explains it pairs red light with a medicine to treat precancerous and early skin cancers.
The medical sources focus on skin, pain and healing. Cleveland Clinic says there is no scientific evidence yet for weight loss, cancer, cellulite removal, depression or seasonal affective disorder, so book it for skin and comfort.
Want more on the spa side? Read about Sarah Hankammer, who owns the spa, or compare red light with microneedling.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Is red light therapy right for your skin?
- Cleveland Clinic: Red Light Therapy
- Harvard Health Publishing: Red light therapy for skin care
- Stanford Medicine: Red light therapy, what the science says
- Brown Health: Red Light Therapy, benefits, safety and things to know
General information only, not medical advice. Speak to a licensed professional about your own skin.