Fda-approved red light therapy at home

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Red light therapy devices are in demand. Previously only accessible via our dermatologist’s office, LED treatments can now be carried out at home thanks to a new breed of high-tech tools.

Promising a clearer and brighter complexion, many studies support the skin-boosting benefits of red-light therapy skincare devices. “Red light stimulates the production of collagen and elastin to refine and strengthen the skin,” says Dr Maryam Zamani (opens in new tab), facial aesthetics doctor and founder of MZ Skin. “It boosts luminosity through improved circulation, calms redness, evens skin tone, and plumps up the complexion.” Featured in several at-home devices, including two tools from MZ Skin, red LED can be combined with other light therapies for supercharged effects. “Our anti-aging mode, which offers red and infrared light, is clinically proven to reduce wrinkle depth by 36% in just four weeks,” adds Zamani. 

Tempted to try red light therapy at home? Our round-up of devices spans a wide range of price points and skin concerns. We've also consulted with medical professionals to answer all your red-light therapy FAQs - namely how to choose the right at-home device for your needs and whether or not it's possible to overdo it.

How we tested these red light therapy devices

Many companies now offer red light therapy devices to use at home, so there were plenty of different devices for us to test and choose from. However, it's worth noting that even the best at-home red light therapy devices won't be as powerful as professional LED treatments that use light therapy for acne or collagen-boosting. With that said, we assessed these at-home alternatives for ease of use, comfort, the number of color modes, and results. Those devices that ranked highly (and are featured below) slotted easily into our daily regime without taking up too much time. They were also comfortable, and user-friendly and boasted several functions that really delivered results - coming close to those used in a salon setting. 

Best red light therapy devices, chosen by our beauty experts

(Image credit: Dr. Dennis Gross)

1. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

Best red light therapy device overall

Specifications

RRP: $435/£430

Type: Full mask

FDA-cleared: Yes

Target issues: Lines; redness; blemishes

Today's Best Deals

View at Amazon (opens in new tab)

View at Mr Porter UK (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+

Ideal for all skin types

Reasons to avoid

-

Slippery attachment strap

We found this to be the top performer of any red light therapy device we tried – one that very much justifies its price tag. This three-minute-long LED procedure targets a large range of skincare concerns: wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes, and dark circles, to name just a few. Dr Dennis Gross boasts a patented design that contours to the face and specifically targets areas in need. With red light to support natural collagen production and blue light to help get rid of acne and redness, this mask truly packs a punch. 

After testing, we would recommend starting with a dry and freshly cleansed face. Use the adjustable strap to place the mask on your face, which we noticed slipped a little during the treatment. Then let the red light and blue light combination therapy do its thing until the timer goes off. After, we followed up with one of the best vitamin C serums to boost brightness further. Expect an improvement in circulation and brightness within 12 weeks.

(Image credit: LightStim)

2. LightStim for Wrinkles

Best value red light therapy device

Specifications

RRP: $249/£99

Type: Handheld wand

FDA-cleared: Yes

Target issues: Lines; loss of firmness; enlarged pores

Today's Best Deals

View at Currentbody UK + IE (opens in new tab)

Check Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+

Best for all skin types, from forehead to lips

Reasons to avoid

-

Requires consistent use

Take advantage of the four different wavelengths of therapeutic light energy included in the LightStim for Wrinkles handheld device. As one of the more affordable red light therapy devices on this list (especially when it's on sale), you get great bang for your buck. As the name implies, this device targets aging skin - addressing fine lines, loss of firmness, and visible pores. 

The patented technology used here employs multiple wavelengths of light to give your skin a major boost of elastin and collagen for a more youthful appearance. Not only that, but this handheld device couldn’t be any easier to use and allows you to target every area of your face - from the jawline to the forehead - with ease. Three minutes is all it takes to get the most out of this LED tool, so making this a part of your daily routine is easy enough. We recommend incorporating it into your nighttime skincare routine to wake up with a brighter, plumper, and more youthful complexion as time goes on. 

(Image credit: Unicskin)

3. Unicskin UnicLED Korean Mask

The best red light therapy device for different modes

Specifications

RRP: $470/£315

Type: Mask

FDA-cleared : Yes

Target issues: wrinkles, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, acne, sebum regulation, redness, sagging and inflammation

Today's Best Deals

View at NET-A-PORTER (opens in new tab)

Check Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+

Seven different color modes

Reasons to avoid

-

Has to be plugged in while wearing

If you’re after an LED mask that tackles every major skincare concern going, this is the one for you. With seven (yes, seven) different light modes, the device tackles wrinkles, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne, sebum regulation, redness, inflammation, and sagging. So, how does it work? Despite sounding complicated, we found it incredibly easy. Plug the mask in, set your preferred time and intensity (intensity level varies from 1-5), pick your color (choose from red, blue, green, purple, yellow, aqua blue, and white), then sit back and relax. 

It does have to be plugged in while wearing so we found it slightly less convenient than some others on the list, but it's comfortable to wear and sometimes it's nice to have an excuse to just kick back and relax. The best thing about this mask is that you can create a bespoke treatment depending on your skincare needs. For instance, if you want to treat pigmentation and acne, try the green light for 15 minutes followed by the blue light for 15 minutes. Clever!

(Image credit: MZ Skin)

4. MZ Skin LED 2.0 LightMAX Supercharged LED Mask

Best high-tech red light therapy device

Specifications

RRP: $595/£545

Type: Mask

FDA-cleared: Yes

Target issues: Skin lines, blemishes, collagen, inflammation

Today's Best Deals

View at NET-A-PORTER (opens in new tab)

View at LOOKFANTASTIC UK (opens in new tab)

View at Harvey Nichols (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+

Soft silicone contours to your face

Reasons to avoid

-

It's expensive

Dr Maryam Zamani is back with a brand-new LED face mask that looks - and feels -the part. Crafted from patented, medical-grade soft silicone in a millennial pink shade, this device molds to the contours of your face, a little like the best face masks, for a comfortable, sleek aesthetic. Looks aside, it’s also portable so we found we could pop it on and get on with our day uninterrupted. As for technology, it boasts two LED light modes: Anti-aging (using infrared and red light therapy) and Acne (combining red light and blue light therapy). 

Simply slip the mask on, adjust the strap at the back and select your chosen mode to begin your 10–30 minute treatment. Designed to rival the power of the tools used in-clinic, this mask delivers impressive results. Clinical trials revealed that in just four weeks, wrinkle depth was reduced by 36% and collagen fibers increased in just two weeks. Impressive, huh? We noticed a brighter, healthier-looking complexion almost immediately.

(Image credit: The Light Salon)

5. The Light Salon Boost LED Face Mask

The best plumping red light therapy device

Specifications

RRP: $495/£395

Type: Mask

FDA-cleared: Yes

Target issues: Skin tone, fine lines, wrinkles and hydration

Today's Best Deals

View at NET-A-PORTER (opens in new tab)

View at Harvey Nichols (opens in new tab)

Check Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+

Lightweight silicone material

Reasons to avoid

-

Adjustable strap is a little fiddly 

If you haven’t had a chance to visit The Light Salon in real life, we suggest rectifying that pronto. Situated in department stores across the US and UK, the station boasts an impressive menu of LED treatments from The Blue to fight acne to The Full-Body Signature for top-to-toe results. If, however, you can’t book in - invest in their at-home alternative instead.The Boost LED Face Mask delivers 10-minute treatments of near-infrared and red light to soften fine lines, calm inflammation, and plump up the skin. 

For best results, the brand recommends wearing the mask three times a week, over the course of four weeks. According to clinical trials, wrinkle depth is reduced by 36% in four weeks. We found that it’s super comfortable to wear with its soft silicone shell and adjustable straps. It’s also portable and boasts an impressive 5000 hours of use. If you’re a frequent flyer, this is a great choice as it can be laid out entirely flat in the protective bag and will rehydrate skin post-flight. Big tick!

(Image credit: Current Body)

6. CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask

The most convenient red light therapy device

Specifications

RRP: $399/£275

Type: Mask

FDA cleared: Yes

Target issues: Texture, firmness, lines, inflammation

Today's Best Deals

View at Amazon (opens in new tab)

View at Currentbody UK + IE (opens in new tab)

View at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+

Very flexible and comfortable

Reasons to avoid

-

Pricier than some other models

Not only is the CurrentBody Skin LED Mask one of the most comfortable red light therapy devices we have tried, but it's also the quickest to use and easiest to store. This comes down to its unique flexible silicone material, which hugs the face so you can sit up and pop it on for the required ten minutes while you watch television. The grippy material also ensures that the red and near-infra-red LED lights can reach and evenly penetrate every contour of your complexion. 

A combination of two light types boost collagen production and calms skin for long-term effects, but also revs up circulation so you get instant radiance. You can opt to use a hydrating hydrogel mask underneath for extra glow, or simply apply it after your best cleanser and before your best face moisturizer. Aside from a sizeable initial investment (as all LED masks generally involve), this mask ticks all our boxes. No wonder it won a woman&home Beauty Award and is loved by stars including Carey Mulligan. 

(Image credit: Diesse)

7. DÉESSE PRO LED Mask

Best ultra-luxe red light therapy device

Specifications

RRP: $2,318/£1,680

Type: Mask

FDA-cleared: Yes

Target issues: Firmness, skin texture, plumpness, pigmentation, acne

Today's Best Deals

View at DÉESSE PRO (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+

A-listers love this customizable mask

Reasons to avoid

-

It has a 4-figure price tag

We know what you're thinking—would you take a look at that price tag? It goes without saying that this red light therapy device is designed for the few, not the many. But if you're able to stretch to the sizeable initial spend, there are many justifications as to why you should.  The DÉESSE PRO LED Mask is as close as you'll get to a professional LED treatment at home. It boasts three times as many LED lights as its competitors (770 in total) and four different wavelengths, each performing its own function on the skin. You'll get classic red for collagen stimulation, brightening green, antibacterial blue and calming infra-red. There's also the option of six treatment types including Post Procedure and Anti-Ageing—each using a bespoke combination of lights and timings to tackle your chosen concern.

The super customizable experience extends to timings as well, and the mask can be worn for between 10-30 minutes, starting off twice a week. The materials are luxurious and feel nice enough on the face, although you will probably want to lie down while wearing it for the most comfortable experience. Our tester reported glowing results and softened fine lines within weeks. A-list beauty addict Kim Kardashian is a known fan, as is highly respected Beverly Hills aesthetician Shani Darden. 

(Image credit: Dr Dennis Gross)

8. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Pro

Best red light therapy device for the eyes

Specifications

RRP: $169/£175

Type: Hands-free glasses

FDA-cleared: Yes

Target issues: Dark circles; lines; crows feet

Today's Best Deals

View at Cult Beauty (opens in new tab)

View at NET-A-PORTER (opens in new tab)

View at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+

Full-spectrum of age-defying wavelengths

Reasons to avoid

-

Only targets eye area

This hands-free light therapy device is specifically built to target the eye area - including crow’s feet, eleven lines and general loss of elasticity in the skin around the eye area that comes with age. It is ideal for those with general skin texture and laxity concerns, as well as anyone dealing with dark circles, dullness, or fine lines overall. For those looking to supplement the best eye cream in their arsenal with a bit of tech, commit to daily use of this device and see a noticeable difference in a few weeks. 

In a 10-week daily-use clinical study, 97% of subjects showed visible improvement. We can get on board with those odds. The adjustable strap that stretches around the back of the head ensures this device is comfortable for heads of all sizes. And as with all beauty regimens and products, the more consistent you are, the better your results will be. In just two weeks of daily use, we noticed the eye area looked brighter, smoother and somewhat firmer - we're impressed. 

(Image credit: LŪMM)

9. LŪMM GlowPanel 2.0

Most comfortable red light therapy device

Specifications

RRP: $99 (US only)

Type: Wearable face shield

FDA-cleared: Pending

Target issues: Loss of elasticity and collagen, acne, puffiness, uneven texture

Today's Best Deals

View at LŪMM (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+

Super light, wearable, and affordable

Reasons to avoid

-

Needs external eye protection

The LŪMM GlowPanel 2.0 is the latest in viral LED device trends, and it's not hard to see why. Offering three different frequencies to target a myriad of skin concerns (red wavelength for collagen production, blue for acne and bacteria-fighting, and yellow for puffiness and blotchiness), it's basically three devices for the price of one. On first wear, the GlowPanel 2.0 is one of the more comfortable LED masks we've tested, with sunglass-like nose bridge support and ear stems. 

It's also lightweight - not too snug, not too tight - and dare we say it... cool? We tested it for the recommended 15 minutes, twice a day for one week, both times with eyes closed to be safe (a caveat being the device offered no eye protection). As for results, we noticed a definite change in inflammation and uneven texture. However, the recommended 20-30 days of use is said to bring even more impressive results such as a tighter, more supple complexion, acne reduction, and even dewiness. We'll report back!

(Image credit: LightSim)

10. LightStim for Acne

Best red light therapy device for acne

Specifications

RRP: $169/£169

Type: Handheld wand

FDA-cleared: Yes

Target issues: Acne; redness

Today's Best Deals

View at Revolve (opens in new tab)

Check Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+

Good for all skin types

Reasons to avoid

-

Targets bacteria rather than collagen

Due to hormonal changes and external stressors, acne can be a problem at any stage of life. And it doesn’t ever seem to get any less frustrating, despite our best efforts at following a skincare routine for acne to a T. Instead of investing in another topical acne treatment, consider a red light therapy device specifically designed to target both existing acne and new underlying blemishes threatening to pop up. 

The LightStim for Acne is our top red light therapy device pick for acne-prone skin. Utilizing multiple wavelengths, this device uses a mix of blue light to combat acne-causing bacteria and red light to soothe redness and inflammation. The 3-minute built-in timer will let you know when your session is up to ensure you reap all the benefits without going overboard. After testing this device for one week, we saw a marked improvement in the appearance of dark spots and existing blemishes. 

(Image credit: Foreo)

11. Foreo UFO 2

Best red light therapy device for dryness

Specifications

RRP: $179/£111

Type: Handheld orb

FDA-cleared: Yes

Target issues: Dryness; fine lines

Today's Best Deals

View at Amazon (opens in new tab)

View at NET-A-PORTER (opens in new tab)

View at Cult Beauty (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+

Heats, cools, and pulsates 

Reasons to avoid

-

Doesn't hold a long charge

Using ultra-fast heating, cooling, pulsations, and full-spectrum LED lights, the famous Foreo UFO 2 Smart Mask is a multi-tasking wonder. It starts by warming and prepping the skin before cooling and lifting to add firmness and reduce puffiness. We found this combination of temperatures felt both relaxing and refreshing and was one of the most enjoyable experiences we had throughout our testing. 

Using the FOREO For You app, we synced the mask to our phone using a unique barcode to activate the red light therapy. Talk about futuristic skincare. Oh, and the best part? This device ensures every last drop of essence is well spent on our faces, as opposed to ending up on our hands. Women of all ages have taken the leap and purchased this more expensive red light therapy mask because it actually delivers on its promises. Great for those of us who seek skincare for dry skin, our skin felt plumper after just four weeks of use. 

(Image credit: MZ Skin)

12. MZ SKIN Light Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device

The best red light therapy device for multifaceted rejuvenation

Specifications

RRP: $625/£385

Type: Mask

FDA-Cleared: Yes

Target issues: Skin texture, lines, collagen, inflammation

Today's Best Deals

View at NET-A-PORTER (opens in new tab)

View at Harrods (opens in new tab)

View at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+

Combined four LED wavelengths

Reasons to avoid

-

While not the most expensive device on this list, this product is still a pricy investment

The MZ Skin Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device has visual appeal in abundance. It's hard to make skincare tech look desirable but you could display this slick gold-toned mask on a shelf, should you wish. The red light therapy device isn't just a pretty face. It's been created by a highly respected Aesthetic Doctor and Oculoplastic Surgeon, Dr Maryam Zamani, and combines not one but four LED wavelengths (red, blue, green, and yellow) to achieve results on skin texture, tone, and firmness in one hit. 

You only need to wear it for ten minutes per day, a couple of times a week at first, then build up to longer 30-minute sessions over time. Unlike some LED masks, this fits securely to the face, thanks to a robust adjustable strap at the back. While it's not the cheapest red light therapy device on our list, it's far from the priciest either. And given its medical pedigree, multitasking results, and user-friendly feel—it is a great investment in your skin. We're hooked!

(Image credit: Hooga)

13. Hooga Red Light Therapy Device

Best for red light therapy beginners

Specifications

RRP: $169 (US only)

Type: Standalone lamp

FDA-cleared: In progress; manufactured in a FDA-registered facility

Target issues: Wrinkles; inflammation; body pain; fatigue

Today's Best Deals

Check Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+

Easy to use

Reasons to avoid

-

Bulky and lacks a timer

The Hooga Red Light Therapy device is one of the original devices to land on the shelves. Aiming to make expensive light treatments more accessible, Hooga created this efficient, powerful, and affordable red light therapy device that’s as easy to use as it is effective. As you can tell from the image above, this piece of tech is quite different to the newer at-home light therapy devices to hit the market. Instead of a mask, it's a standalone lamp that emits red light. Because of this, it can be used further away from the face which makes it a great pick for beginners who want to ease their way in to red light territory. 

On testing, we found that the sheer size of this device allowed us to target larger areas in one sitting, making it ideal for those of us who thrive on multi-tasking. Prop it up on a table for ten minutes while working or watching your favorite Netflix series. The warm glow of this red light therapy device had a noticeable impact on our skin's inflammation and elasticity after just a few weeks of use. We recommend this device for anyone who wants to tackle wrinkles, elasticity, inflammation, and even hair loss. 

(Image credit: TrophySkin)

14. Trophy Skin RejuvaliteMD High-Power Ageless LED Treatment

Best red light panel for those short on time

Specifications

RRP: $249/£161

Type: Standalone lamp

FDA-cleared: Yes

Target issues: Fine lines, poor circulation, discoloration

Today's Best Deals

View at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+

Ideal if you'd rather not wear a mask

Reasons to avoid

-

Must use consistently for marked improvements

If you're re-considering whether you want to put a mask directly onto your face after reading through this guide, the standalone Trophy Skin RejuvaliteMD High-Power Ageless LED Treatment will target your most troublesome skin woes in as little as five minutes per day, several times per week, without any mask-wearing needed. This particular model stands out for featuring four UV-free wavelengths (red, yellow, amber, and infrared) to tackle wrinkles, discoloration, and poor circulation. 

To use this red light therapy device, simply wash your face, don a pair of UV goggles to protect your eyes, and position the panel 4 to 6 inches away from your skin. You can use the time to meditate on your bed, sofa, or even the floor (if that's where you're most comfy). You will need to use this device consistently in order to see marked results. (TrophySkin recommends starting off with five treatments per week within the first two months.) However, the results don't lie, we found that a combined 25 minutes per week is all it takes to start noticing firmer, more supple skin.

(Image credit: Qure Skincare)

15. Qure Skincare Q-Rejuvalight Pro LED Light Therapy Mask

Best innovative red light therapy device

Specifications

RRP : $329/£250

Type: Mask

FDA-cleared: Yes

Target issues: Blemishes, fine line, wrinkles, redness, inflammation and age spots

Today's Best Deals

Check Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+

Combines five different wavelengths of light

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

This innovative light therapy mask ticks all of our boxes and then some. Boasting five different wavelengths of light (including infrared, deep red, red, amber and blue), this mask targets various skincare concerns including blemishes, fine lines, redness and works as a hyperpigmentation treatment. Impressive, right? What’s even more impressive is the fact that this mask comes with a compatible app that allows you to tailor your treatment to different facial areas. 

For instance, you may want to treat an oily T-zone and tackle fine lines around your eye area. With this mask, you can do both - and at the same time - by selecting different treatment modes for different areas of your face. Clever! While the brand recommends using this device for 12 weeks to see significant results, we noticed impressive changes in just two. Our skin looked smoother, brighter and our dark spots were less prominent. Oh, and another thing we loved when testing this – each treatment session is just three minutes long. 

(Image credit: Skin Gym)

16. Skin Gym Revilit LED Therapy Tool

Best handheld red light therapy device

Specifications

RRP: $80/£79

Type: Handheld device

Target issues : blemishes, redness, fine lines and pigmentation

Today's Best Deals

View at Urban Outfitters (UK) (opens in new tab)

View at Beauty Bay (opens in new tab)

View at Oliver Bonas (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+

Reasonable price point

Reasons to avoid

-

Requires you to move the device

While this red-light therapy device is one of the more affordable options on the market, it truly delivers on results. Simple and chic, the millennial pink tool features three different color modes to tackle various skincare concerns. Blue is ideal for treating blemishes while green can calm inflammation and improve the appearance of pigmentation. Then there’s red – the ultimate collagen-boosting light to soften fine lines. To select or change the color mode, you simply press the pink button positioned on the handle. 

As with many of the other devices listed here, this tool allows you to customize your experience for a bespoke treatment. For example, if you want to soften fine lines on your forehead – apply the red light for three minutes. Chin breaking out? Opt for the blue light and again, hold it there for three minutes. We found that this device does require a little more arm work than a face mask design (there’s no sitting back and relaxing), but the results speak for themselves. We noticed a big improvement in the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation in just three weeks.  

(Image credit: Solawave)

17. Solawave Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy

Best travel-friendly red light therapy device

Specifications

RRP: $149/£135

Type: Wand

Target issues: Wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles, blemishes, and dark spots

Today's Best Deals

View at Beauty Bay (opens in new tab)

View at Currentbody UK + IE (opens in new tab)

Check Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+

Multi-tasking device 

Reasons to avoid

-

Requires you to move the device

Although this device looks like a razor, it is in fact a four-in-one skincare tool that combines red light therapy with therapeutic warmth, facial massage, and microcurrent to brighten and smooth skin. Intrigued? Us too! Let us break it down for you – the four technologies get to work together to tackle myriad skincare concerns in as little as 5 minutes per day, three times a week. 

All we had to do was move the device around our face in upward and outward motions. The microcurrent stimulates the muscles to boost firmness. Red light therapy reduces the appearance of fine lines and sun damage by boosting collagen production. Low vibrations provide a very pleasant, gentle massage to help take down puffiness. We particularly loved the warming head, which helped reduce redness and gave the device the ultimate feel-good factor. It's super lightweight and a total joy to use, and would make a worthy investment for anyone who likes to do a facial at home. As for results, expect brighter, plumper and smoother skin after a few weeks of use. 

What is red light therapy? Your FAQs answered

Professionals have been using red light, as well as other wavelengths like blue and yellow LED, for years in salons and clinics, but what is red light therapy and how does it benefit your skin? 

"LED light therapy encourages wound healing, boosts collagen production, and kills P-acne bacteria, addressing a multitude of concerns," explains Genevieve Knodell (opens in new tab), aesthetic practitioner at Stratum Dermatology Clinic. "It's great for skin prep, before or after any procedure to accelerate healing by stimulating collagen and elastin, suppressing melanocyte activity, and providing anti-inflammatory benefits that will repair and strengthen the skin."

How do I choose a good red light therapy device?

"For at-home LED devices, you should look for a device that incorporates red and blue LED and sits flush to the face—this allows the LED to penetrate the skin," says board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Dr. Dennis Gross (opens in new tab) who is also the creator of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare.

"The key to designing the device is to maximize energy, allowing the surface of the skin to be touched by the lights. 415nm is the most effective wavelength for blue light—successfully targeting and killing acne-causing bacteria. For red LED, look for a device that is in the spectral range of 600-1300nm (red and infrared)—these wavelengths stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and diminish hyperpigmentation," he adds.

"To ensure you are using a high-quality device, look for medical-grade, FDA cleared device that has clinical studies that clearly show the device’s effectiveness," Dr. Gross recommends. "There are strict regulations for the strength of red LED at-home devices, however, some devices are more effective than others. Ultimately, you want the device to lay flat on the skin surface without heat or risk of burning." 

Here are some key terms and features to look out for:

• Wrinkle reducing: If one of your main skincare concerns ties back to wrinkle reduction, be sure to keep an eye out for a device that targets wrinkles in particular. 
• Plumping: Seeking a more youthful, glowing appearance overall? Look for a device that targets aging skin concerns with red and yellow light specifically. 
• FDA-approved: While red light therapy has been proven to address a wide range of skincare concerns, this form of therapy is still relatively young. Be sure to keep an eye out for FDA-approved devices. 
• Acne solutions: Acne-fighting red light therapy devices will combat acne-causing bacteria and soothe existing redness and inflammation.

Is red light therapy safe?

(Image credit: Future)

Experts maintain that red light therapy is generally considered safe for use, save for some people reporting blistering and burning from faulty units or from going over the recommended time usage. Eye protection is also recommended when using a facial red light therapy device for extra precaution. 

LŪMM (opens in new tab)co-founder Ryan McCarthy concurs: "LED light therapy has been around for decades, used for a wide array of cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. At this time, there are no known adverse side effects of the use of LED light therapy. Each product is different; you should always read the instruction manual thoroughly before use. If you have any further questions, contact the brand directly and consult your physician."

"Unlike harmful UV rays used in tanning beds that can burn and damage skin, LED light therapy uses a safe, lower intensity, non-UV infrared light," says McCarthy. He does note that it is not recommended to use red light therapy if you're pregnant.

How often should I use red light therapy?

There's no hard and fast recommendation for the frequency of red light therapy use, although most devices recommend once daily, for around 15 minutes, for best results. Several devices will also automatically turn off after a certain amount of time. We strongly encourage checking the specific instructions for your chosen device and following the recommended usage. If you see a dermatologist, take your device to them for assessment before using and following their advice in regards to usage. 

Can you overdo red light therapy?

Yes, it is possible to overdo red light therapy. Side effects of overuse may include inflammation and tissue damage. Dr. Tom Ingegno (opens in new tab), Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, and owner of Charm City Integrative Health in Baltimore says for most cases, 20 minutes of RLT daily should be sufficient. "Of course, always consult with your primary care doctor before electing to start any new treatment to find what'll work best for you."

However, as Ingegno reminds us, red light "is a relatively low-risk therapy. It is important to remember that RLT is on the opposite end of the light spectrum and does not have the same issues as heavy amounts of UV light." Thus, the likelihood of any severe side effects is slim — but you'll still want to be careful.

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