[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/02\/red-light-therapy\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/02\/red-light-therapy\/","headline":"Shedding Light on Red-Light Therapy: Benefits, Uses, and Risks","name":"Shedding Light on Red-Light Therapy: Benefits, Uses, and Risks","description":"

<\/p>","datePublished":"2025-02-07","dateModified":"2026-01-05","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/GettyImages-1920066101.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/GettyImages-1920066101.jpg","height":867,"width":1997},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/02\/red-light-therapy\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Skin Care"],"wordCount":930,"articleBody":"Red-light therapy is a trending therapeutic technique that claims to use low-level red light to help heal the body and various skin conditions. Whether you\u2019re looking to improve your skin or stimulate hair growth, the marketing for many at-home red-light devices suggests they can help.Though red-light therapy is becoming popular for treating certain conditions, more clinical research is necessary to support its claimed benefits.Let\u2019s explore red-light therapy, how it works, and what you need to know before trying it.What Is Red-Light Therapy?Red-light therapy, also referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, uses red light to treat various health conditions. It’s a noninvasive treatment usually applied through a device emitting red light wavelengths.These wavelengths can penetrate the skin and reach deeper tissues.How Does Red-Light Therapy Work?Red-light therapy works by repeatedly exposing your skin to low levels of red and near-infrared light, stimulating the cells in your body.The effects of red light claim to make your cells produce more energy, which can speed up healing and reduce inflammation. Proponents of red-light therapy say this process helps with various health issues, including skin problems and muscle pain.What are the Potential Benefits of Red-Light Therapy?A 2018 review of existing studies found encouraging results, but more research is necessary to fully confirm the benefits of red-light therapy.The claimed benefits of red-light therapy include:Hair growth \u2014 It might help stimulate hair growth in people with hair loss.Mental health \u2014 Some studies suggest it may improve mood and reduce depression and anxiety symptoms.Pain relief \u2014 It may reduce pain and inflammation in muscles and joints. It may also soothe arthritis, muscle pain, and joint pain.Skin health \u2014 It may help reduce wrinkles, scars, eczema, and acne by promoting collagen production.Wound healing \u2014 It may help speed up the healing of cuts, burns, and other injuries.Is Red-Light Therapy Effective?The effectiveness of red-light therapy can vary depending on the condition you’re treating. Several studies have demonstrated positive outcomes, particularly for skin health, pain relief, and wound healing.A 2014 trial found skin rejuvenation and improved skin feeling and complexion in certain patients after using red-light therapy devices.However, more research is necessary to fully understand its benefits and limitations.How Often Do You Have to Use Red-Light Therapy?The frequency of red-light therapy sessions can depend on the treated condition and the device used. Generally, treatments happen several times a week over a few weeks to achieve noticeable results. However, guidance on this varies.Make sure you follow the guidelines provided by your health care provider or your device’s manufacturer.Is Red-Light Therapy Safe? Risks and Side EffectsRed-light therapy is generally safe when used correctly. However, there are potential side effects, including skin irritation and redness. Make sure you avoid direct exposure to the eyes and use protective eyewear during your red-light therapy treatments.When choosing a red-light therapy device, make sure the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it. The FDA-listed designation means that the FDA has reviewed the device and determined it’s safe. Possible risks and side effects include:Eye safety \u2014 Direct exposure to the eyes can harm them, so wearing protective eyewear is essential.Overuse \u2014 Using the therapy too often can lead to skin damage.Skin sensitivity \u2014 Some people may experience redness or irritation.The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) cautions that individuals with darker skin tones are more sensitive to visible light than those with lighter skin tones. This includes red light.This increased sensitivity can cause hyperpigmentation, resulting in more intense, longer-lasting dark spots than those invisible light (such as sunlight) causes.Talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment.What Precautions Should You Take if You Want to Use Red-Light Therapy at Home?If you\u2019re considering using red-light therapy at home, make sure you ease your way into it. Some dermatologist-recommended precautions to keep in mind include:Consulting your doctor \u2014 Before starting treatment, talk to your health care provider. This is especially necessary if you have any medical conditions or are taking medications that could make your skin more sensitive to light.Following instructions \u2014 Always follow the instructions provided with your device.Protecting your eyes \u2014 Always use protective eyewear to prevent eye damage.Starting slowly \u2014 Begin with shorter sessions to see how your skin reacts.Is Red-Light Therapy Right for You?Before trying red-light therapy, reach out to your doctor. They can help you decide if it\u2019s a good option for your health needs. Here are some questions to consider before starting treatment:Are you taking any medications? Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to light.Do you have any skin conditions? Certain skin conditions may react differently to red-light therapy.What condition are you treating? Red-light therapy may prove more effective for some conditions than others.Red-light therapy is a promising therapy with many potential benefits. However, it\u2019s important to understand that research is still evolving.Consider the risks and talk to your doctor before starting so you can make an informed decision about whether red-light therapy is right for you.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on February 7, 2025, and was last reviewed on January 5, 2026.SourcesPhotochemical & Photobiological Sciences. Photobiomodulation: Lasers vs Light Emitting Diodes? LinkAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association. Is Red Light Therapy Right for Your Skin? LinkPhotomedicine and Laser Surgery. A Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment in Patient Satisfaction, Reduction of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Roughness, and Intradermal Collagen Density Increase. Link"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2025","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"02","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/\/02\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Shedding Light on Red-Light Therapy: Benefits, Uses, and Risks","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/02\/red-light-therapy\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]