Dermatologists Say These Red Light Therapy Devices Really Work

Of all the skincare gadgets that are readily available today (dermaplaning tools, microdermabrasion kits, jade rollers, etc), we’d prioritize a red light therapy device. While it was once only available via doctors, red light therapy has now become widely accessible to the masses, and the benefits are endless—from increased radiance to reduced signs of aging. Whether you're looking for a tool that will treat your entire body or a small area on your face, there's an option for you. Scroll on to learn all about red light therapy and the best at-home devices to shop now.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy, also known as LED light therapy or RLT, is a treatment that uses a very specific and low wavelength of energy—called infrared light—for therapeutic purposes, says Nina Desai, a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan Beach, California. In this therapy, red light penetrates both upper and deeper levels of the skin, where it’s absorbed by skin cells and turned into energy. With this influx of energy, skin cells have an improved ability to repair themselves, minimizing visible signs of aging, among other benefits.

What are the benefits of red light therapy?

"Clinically, we can use red light therapy for several different purposes," explains Desai. Anti-aging is the most widely known benefit of LED light use. "Because of the way red light therapy improves cellular function, studies show it can be used to increase the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, which helps with tone and texture, as well as fine lines and wrinkles," she says.

But red light therapy is also a great treatment for the blemish-prone. "Lo- energy red light can help calm redness and inflammation associated with mild to moderate acne," says Desai. (Blue light therapy helps kill the bacteria associated with acne.) There are other applications that are often used as adjunct treatments for conditions like male and female pattern hair loss and precancerous lesions.

Can you use red light therapy at home?

Yes, for the more standard use cases—aging, acne, and hair loss—you can experiment with red light therapy at home. "Red light therapy is considered relatively safe, because the spectrum of light is not in the UV spectrum," says Desai. Many at-home red light therapy tools are also FDA-approved for your peace of mind.

What's more, you can't really overuse red light therapy at home. While most devices will provide a recommended time frame, Desai says treatments generally range from about five to 30 minutes.

How long does it take for red light therapy to work?

These treatments are cumulative, so don't expect results overnight, says Desai. It takes time and multiple treatments to see results—especially with at-home devices that aren't typically quite as intense as medical-grade devices in dermatologist offices.

That said, at-home treatments can still be very beneficial if you use the right device and are consistent, says Desai. First and foremost, "look for a device that has a wavelength of somewhere between 600 and 900 nanometers," she says. And make sure it's easy to use, since this will help you use it consistently.

Our Top Picks