About Red Light Therapy

For most goals, 3 sessions per week are recommended until you achieve the desired results. Afterward, you can shift to 1–2 sessions per week for maintenance.

The number of sessions varies based on individual needs:

Acute injuries (like sprains or abrasions) often show improvement in 2–4 sessions.

Chronic conditions may require up to 10 sessions to see significant results.

Athletes may benefit from 3–5 sessions per week for optimal recovery.

For general wellness, begin with 3 sessions per week for 3–4 weeks, then adjust to maintenance sessions based on your goals. 

Set Realistic Expectations and Goals

Keep in mind that red-light therapy works best with consistent sessions over time, so manage your expectations accordingly. Results can vary depending on skin type, condition, and frequency of treatment, but setting clear goals will help you track progress.

Wear something easy to remove, as the therapy is most effective on bare skin. In your session, you will want to take off all clothing since light will not penetrate through fabric.

1. Cleanse Your Skin

Wash your skin gently to remove any makeup, lotions, oils, or sunscreen, as these can block the light from penetrating deeply. Use a gentle cleanser to ensure your skin is free of residues that might reduce the therapy’s effectiveness.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water before your session helps keep your skin hydrated, improving its ability to absorb and benefit from the red light. Hydrated skin is generally more responsive to the light’s rejuvenating effects.

3. Exfoliate (Optional)

Lightly exfoliating your skin the day before your session can help remove dead skin cells, allowing the red light to penetrate more effectively. Avoid harsh exfoliation, though, as you don’t want your skin to be overly sensitive.

4. Avoid Applying Products with SPF or Heavy Oils

Skip products containing SPF, as they are designed to block light, and avoid heavy oils that can create a barrier between the light and your skin. These can interfere with the red-light wavelengths reaching deeper skin layers.

5.Remove Jewelry or Accessories

Remove any jewelry, especially metal, as it can reflect light and potentially disrupt even coverage. Metal objects may also get warm under the light, so it’s best to avoid wearing them during the session.

After a red-light therapy session, taking a few simple steps can help you maximize and extend the benefits of the treatment. Here’s what you should do:

1. Stay Hydrated

Continue to drink water after your session to keep your skin hydrated. Hydration helps support cellular repair and regeneration, enhancing the overall effects of red-light therapy.

2. Moisturize Your Skin

Apply a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to your skin to lock in moisture and keep it soft. Avoid products with harsh chemicals or fragrances, as your skin may be slightly more sensitive after the session.

3. Avoid Heavy Makeup or Harsh Products

Skip heavy makeup, retinoids, or exfoliating products for a few hours post-treatment, as your skin may be more receptive to irritation. If you need to apply makeup, choose gentle, non-comedogenic options.

4. Avoid Intense Workouts Immediately After

Red-light therapy can be very relaxing, so consider keeping your post-session activities low-key to let your body and skin continue benefiting from the session. Vigorous exercise right afterward may reduce some of the immediate relaxation benefits.

5. Allow Your Skin to Breathe

If possible, let your skin stay makeup- and product-free for a few hours to give it time to absorb the therapy’s full effects. Avoid wearing tight clothing or heavy accessories over treated areas.

6. Don’t Overdo It

Resist the urge to schedule multiple sessions in a short time frame; red-light therapy is most effective when spaced out according to the recommendations (typically a few times per week). Give your skin and cells time to recover and rejuvenate between treatments.

7. Monitor Your Skin’s Response

Pay attention to how your skin feels and looks in the hours and days following your session. Tracking your results can help you adjust your session frequency to best meet your goals.

8. Consider Complementary Skincare Products

After a few hours, if you’d like, apply products like serums with antioxidants (like Vitamin C) or hyaluronic acid, as these can complement the anti-aging and skin-rejuvenating effects of red-light therapy.

By following these post-care steps, you can extend and enhance the benefits of red-light therapy, keeping your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing. Enjoy the results!

Wearing eye protection during a red-light therapy session is generally recommended, especially if you're sensitive to light or have a session focusing on the facial area. While red light are not harmful to the eyes like UV light, they can still be intense, especially at close range, and may cause discomfort or mild eye strain.

Red-light therapy works gradually, so seeing results may take a few weeks or even months, depending on your goals and frequency of sessions. Here are some signs that red-light therapy is working and what to look for based on common uses:

1. Skin Health and Appearance

Reduced Fine Lines and Wrinkles: With regular sessions (usually over a few weeks to months), you may notice a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles as collagen production is stimulated.

Improved Skin Texture: Your skin may feel smoother and firmer as the red light encourages collagen and elastin production, contributing to a plumper appearance.

Diminished Redness and Inflammation: Red-light therapy can help reduce skin inflammation, so if you have conditions like rosacea or general redness, you may notice your skin tone becoming more even.

Reduced Acne and Scarring: If using red-light therapy for acne, you might see fewer breakouts and gradual fading of acne scars. This effect may take several weeks to become noticeable.

2. Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery

Less Pain and Soreness: If you’re using red-light therapy for pain relief or muscle recovery, you may notice reduced muscle soreness or joint pain in the hours or days following each session.

Improved Range of Motion: For joint pain or stiffness, you may experience improved mobility and reduced inflammation as the red-light therapy helps with cellular repair and blood flow.

Faster Recovery Times: Athletes or those recovering from injuries often report shorter recovery times between workouts or after minor injuries with consistent red-light use.

3. Mood and Energy Levels

Enhanced Mood and Relaxation: Some people report an improved mood and increased relaxation after red-light therapy sessions, particularly when used for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or general wellness.

Improved Sleep Quality: Exposure to red light, especially in the evening, may support melatonin production, helping with improved sleep patterns and quality.

4. Hair Growth (if applicable)

Reduced Hair Shedding: When used for hair regrowth, red-light therapy can lead to less hair shedding and promote fuller, thicker hair growth over time (typically seen after several months).

Tracking Your Progress

Take Photos: Before-and-after photos can be incredibly helpful, especially for skin or hair improvements, as gradual changes may be hard to notice day-to-day.

Track Symptoms: For pain or inflammation relief, keep a log of symptoms before and after sessions to better see improvements.

Consistency is Key: Red-light therapy is generally effective with consistent use, so sticking to a regular schedule (often a few times per week) will yield the best results.

Generally, red-light therapy results are subtle and progressive, but you should start seeing some of these signs within a few weeks to months if it's working effectively.