Seeing Red: Best Red Light Therapy Devices of 2024, Tested By Certified Coaches and Athletes

In the fitness and health world, new alternative methods to recovery are constantly being released and improved upon—from the best cold plunge tubs to the best acupressure mats, and everything in between. Some are simply fads, while others have been shown to produce results.

Here, I’m going to cover one of the latest biohacking products to gain momentum in the market: the best red light therapy devices. The team at Garage Gym Reviews has tried out top brands and different light therapy treatments to bring you a well-rounded list of top products to fulfill your needs for muscle recovery and skin care—and some benefits you may not know about yet.

With our team of certified personal trainers, CrossFit Level 1 trainers, weightlifting coaches, and athletes, we’ve tested these at-home devices looking for their effectiveness, ease of use, and their overall value. 

I myself, an Olympian and internationally competitive weightlifter, have used red light therapy for the past year in my recovery; I’ll go over my experience with these red light therapy devices, as well as the results found by the rest of our fitness experts. Along with the effectiveness, we looked at other factors including light intensity (irradiance), frequency (wavelength), ease of use, and overall value.

So with that said, let’s dive into the finer points of phototherapy and these devices.

The Best Red Light Therapy Devices

• Best Red Light Therapy Device Overall: NovaaLab Deep Healing Pad
• Best Red Light Therapy for Face: Therabody Theraface PRO
• Best Red Light Therapy Panel: Hooga Red Light Therapy Panel
• Best Red Light Therapy Wrap: LifePro Red Light Therapy Belt
• Best Deep Tissue Red Light Therapy: Kineon The MOVE+ Pro
• Best Red Light Therapy Device with Other Lights: Megelin Red Light Therapy Machine

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT) is a non-invasive treatment using low-level wavelengths of either deep red light or near-infrared light—or often a combination of the two. These frequencies, around 660 and 850 nanometers¹ respectively, are supposed to increase activity in the cell’s mitochondria and their production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which allows for faster healing and recovery.

Also known as photobiomodulation and low-level laser therapy, modern red light therapy was discovered by NASA in the 1990s² when astronauts who were studying plants in red and blue light noticed faster healing on minor cuts on their hands after constantly handling the plants under the lights.

With growing research showing benefits in muscle recovery, joint pain relief, and anti-aging, you can find red light therapy at the doctor’s office, health and beauty spas, and dermatology clinics. There’s been a recent boom of at-home red light therapy and LED light therapy devices. Without further ado, let’s look at our top choices.

Other Light Therapy Colors

If you’re curious about other light therapy color options, here is a quick breakdown: 

• Blue light treats the surface of your skin
• Yellow light treats just beneath the skin
• Red light treats deeper into your skin
• Near-infrared treats the deepest and can penetrate muscles

Best Red Light Therapy Device Overall: NovaaLab Deep Healing Pad

Good for: Anyone needing a red light therapy wrap for small joints or backs

Best RLT Overall

NovaaLab Deep Healing Pad

GGR Score: 4.48

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Product Highlights

• Light therapy pad designed to address knee pain 
• Benefits include decreased joint pain and inflammation, faster muscle and ligament recovery, and reduced arthritis and other chronic pain
• Includes Novaa light pad, remote control, type-C charging cable, stretchy strap, and user manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• HSA/FSA eligible
• 60-day money-back guarantee
• Free shipping within the United States
• Lightweight and portable
• FDA-approved

Cons

• Limited customer reviews
• Designed specifically for the knee
• Only available from company website
• The strap to secure the pad to body is not attached to the pad

Bottom Line

The NovaaLab light therapy pad uses red and near-infrared lights to decrease joint pain. It is designed to address knee pain but can also be used on other parts of the body. There are limited customer reviews but they are very positive. If you don’t find it effective Novaa has a 60-day money-back guarantee.

The NovaaLab Deep Healing Pad gets our top spot for red light therapy devices because it checks a ton of boxes for red light devices—a combination of deep red and near-infrared light, a versatile pad for joint and back use, decent power output, and a robust 2-year warranty and money-back guarantee. 

The pad consists of 300 infrared lights and 150 deep red light-emitting diodes across its surface area. Its irradiance (a measurement of the energy your body receives in a certain area) is 200 milliwatts per square centimeter at contact, making it a powerful wrap for deep tissue repair. It earns a 5 out of 5 for its irradiance.

I used the NovaaLab Deep Healing Pad to help recover from a knee injury. I was under a time constraint in trying to successfully prepare for the upcoming World Championships, so I tried it for the first time. While I used other methods to recover—dry needling, physical therapy, and even a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection—I found the healing pad effective in aiding with a time-sensitive recovery. I rate its effectiveness a 4.5 out of 5.

RELATED: Red Light Therapy Benefits

The Deep Healing Pad is simple to use, with a velcro strap securing the pad around your limb or torso. Simply press the button and the red lights turn on; they automatically last for a 20-minute session. My one complaint? The pad felt a bit small for me. I am a larger guy, but still felt like the pad could’ve covered more of my knee at once. Since I would’ve liked a bit more length, I rate the coverage and use a 3 out of 5.

NovaaLab’s pad is currently marked down to about $250, half of its original price of $500. This might be clever marketing, though, as it was the same slashed price when I got the healing pad a year ago. Either way, there’s a good chance you’ll find it “marked down.” At its lower price I give it a 4 out of 5 for value. It’s worth it, although larger athletes may want to consider their XL pad.

Price	$249
Type of device	RLT wrap
Irradiance	200 mW/cm2 at 0”
Type of lighting	Near-infrared and deep red light
Number of LEDs	450
Warranty	2 years

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Best Red Light Therapy for Face: Therabody Theraface PRO

Good for: People needing help with blemishes, fine lines, and other skin conditions

Best RLT for Face

Therabody TheraFace Pro

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Device for both facial massage and facial therapies
• Listed benefits: reduce wrinkles around eyes, relax facial muscles, increase circulation, reduce inflammatory acne, relieve tension
• Included: TheraFace PRO, 3 percussive attachments (cone, micro-point, flat), microcurrent ring, LED light therapy ring (red, blue, and infrared light), cleansing ring, TheraOne conductive gel, soft carrying bag, stand, charging cable

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6 attachments included: 3 percussive and 3 LED light
• FDA Cleared Type II Medical Device
• Available in black and white
• Includes a carrying bag

Cons

• Limited reviews
• Additional attachments expensive at $100 dollars
• Contraindicated for pregnancy, cancer, skin rash, metal plates or pins in the application area, and other circumstances.
• Short warranties for device (1 year) and attachments (90 days)

Bottom Line

Therabody TheraFace PRO uses six included attachments to provide both facial massage and facial therapies. According to Therabody, the device can reduce wrinkles around the eyes, relax facial muscles, increase circulation, reduce inflammatory acne, and relieve tension. Hot and cold rings are available for an additional $100. There are a variety of contraindications for each attachment, so check the Therbody website prior to purchasing.

While we did test most products for their use on muscle recovery, the Therabody Theraface PRO is mostly used for skin care—particularly the face. While it may not compare to the treatments you’d see at a dermatologist’s office, it provides a substantial amount of features for facial health and wellness. Plus, the handheld device has been FDA-approved as a type II medical device.

There are three different LED light therapies on the Theraface PRO—red light, near-infrared light, and blue light. Blue light therapy has potential to help treat inflammatory acne breakouts, although a 2021 review³ also notes that more clinical trials should be performed before coming to a definite conclusion.

The Theraface PRO also has percussive technology similar to their Theragun line, but the vibrations won’t go as deep into muscle tissue. The shallower percussion makes the Theraface PRO ideal for skin-surface facial massages. The gun also includes a cold and hot ring, a microcurrent, and a cleansing ring for hydration.

It’s a lot to choose from, but lead reviewer of GGR Everything Lindsay Scheele, CPT, found it easy enough to work with, rating its ease of use a 4 out of 5. She says, “I’d use this right before going to bed, mostly the infrared and microcurrent ring attachments. A session takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and is pretty simple.”

At about $400 (currently marked down to $319), the Theraface PRO earns good value due to its versatility; Lindsay rates the value a 4 out of 5. “The price seems comparable to other red light therapy devices on the market,” she adds.

That said, we weren’t fans of the warranty, with one year’s coverage on the gun and only 90 days on the attachments—it earns a 3 out of 5 from us on its warranty and policies. Also, this isn’t the ideal therapy device for muscle tissue. Still, if you have skin concerns, this might be worth adding to your daily routine.

Price	$399
Type of device	RLT gun
Irradiance	Not disclosed
Type of lighting	Red light, infrared light, and blue light therapy
Number of LEDs	N/A
Warranty	1 year (device), 90 days (accessories and attachments)

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Best Red Light Therapy Panel: Hooga Red Light Therapy Panel

Good for: Those wanting a versatile panel for a variety of treatment areas

Best RLT Panel

Hooga HG300 Red Light Therapy for Face & Body

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• A part of Hooga’s entry level full-body light therapy line 
• Emits red light and near-infrared at 1:1 ratio
• Benefits include improved skin health and anti-aging, wound healing, decreased pain and inflammation, improved muscle recovery and joint health, improved hair growth, mood improvement, and more. 
• Includes HG300, hanging kit, eye protection, and instruction manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• More affordable than competitors
• HSA/FSA eligible
• 3-year warranty
• Free shipping
• 60-day trial period and full refund if you’re not satisfied

Cons

• Customers had issues returning item when purchased from Amazon
• Need to change distance from machine for different use cases
• Requires protective goggles

Bottom Line

The Hooga HG300 is an affordable option for at-home red light/near infrared light therapy. Since it is a whole body device and not focused on a body part it will require safety goggles. You also have to adjust your positioning to treat different body parts. Most customers were satisfied with the device and thought it was effective. If you’re one of the customers that doesn’t like the device they have a 60-day period for full refunds when purchased from their site.

Red light therapy panels can come in all shapes and sizes, with some freestanding or wall-mounted panels being as tall as some users. However, a more compact panel can provide a bit more versatility, which is why we chose the Hooga Red Light Therapy Panel as our pick for the best RLT panel.

At just over 12 inches tall and 8 inches wide, the Hooga panel was easy and versatile to use according to GGR Editor Frieda Johnson, NASM-CNC, ISSA-SET. “Being a panel, it’s easy to use for any area of the body,” she says, adding, “It also has three different settings for treatment times, as well as the ability to use just the red light or the infrared light independently or together.” The panel also has a hanger for easy storage and more versatility. She rates the ease of use a 5 out of 5.

The panel has a total of 60 LED lights, alternating between red and infrared lights in a 1:1 ratio. The type of lighting earns a 5 out of 5 for having both light frequencies available. 

However, the irradiance, like all red light therapy devices, varies depending on the distance from the light-emitting diodes. On the panel’s surface, the brand says there is much more than 100 milliwatts per square centimeter, although it drops to 73 milliwatts per square centimeter from about 6 inches away. That level of irradiance isn’t ideal for deep tissue relief, earning it a 3 out of 5.

RELATED: Best Muscle Pain Relief Cream

Frieda says that the panel felt good while in use, but she didn’t feel any long-term improvement from it. “My husband used it more regularly over the course of a month and had a similar experience,” she explains. “He felt it helped soothe muscle and joint pain while it was in use, and for a little while afterward. It still didn’t have the lasting effects of the similar, infrared-light-only device my husband typically uses, though.” She rates the effectiveness a 3.5 out of 5.

Still, for a versatile red light therapy panel, the Hooga panel is a good choice, and at an affordable price—under $200.

Price	$170
Type of device	RLT panel
Irradiance	73 mW/cm2 at 6”
Type of lighting	Red light, near-infrared light
Number of LEDs	60
Warranty	3 years

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Best Red Light Therapy Wrap: LifePro Red Light Therapy Belt

Good for: Those looking for a large wrap to target large muscles and joints

Best RLT Wrap

LifePro Red Light Therapy Belt

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Infrared red light therapy belt 
• Claims to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, decrease muscle tension, ease discomfort, and accelerate recovery 
• Use 15-20 minutes per day 
• Claims to see results as soon as 3 weeks

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Use with wall outlet or USB power bank
• Included carrying bag
• Can use while sitting, lying down, or walking around
• More affordable than other red light therapy devices
• 100% lifetime warranty
• HSA/FSA eligible

Cons

• Some customer ordering from Amazon received defective device or missing components
• Reviews had difficulty with customer service when issues arrived
• Not durable according to customer reviews

Bottom Line

The LifePro Red Light Therapy Belt is designed to help improve your recovery. The belt’s circumference ranges from 8 to 43 inches so it can be used on various parts of the body. Customer reviews generally found it helpful. However, multiple customers had issues with the belt malfunctioning within a year of ownership. They also had difficulty reaching customer service to use the lifetime warranty.

The LifePro Red Light Therapy Belt is a 49-inch long red light therapy wrap capable of treating large areas—the back, legs, and arms. Using a combination of red and near-infrared light, this wrap is great for deep tissue pain relief; while it’s not a full-body treatment, it can be pretty close.

Certified Personal Trainer and GGR Director of Content Kate Meier says the wrap is great for her back. “It’s big, thick, and easy to apply with massive coverage,” says Kate, adding, “But almost too much. It’s great for your back, core and legs, but it’s harder to laser a small area like a wrist or an ankle.” She rates the coverage and ease of use a solid 4 out of 5. Larger users may prefer this, but may struggle with smaller joints.

The irradiance of the red light therapy belt isn’t disclosed, but another good indicator of the power output is the device’s wattage. A unique feature of the LifePro belt is that it has five levels of intensity, maxing out at 16 watts from each LED light, earning it a 4 out of 5 for its irradiance—or in this case, its wattage.

RELATED: Does Red Light Therapy Work?

Kate rates the effectiveness of the wrap a 4 out of 5 as well. She explains, “This has been great for my lower back pain, but I haven’t really used it anywhere else because my lower back is all I can really put it on effectively.” Kate adds, “I don’t know if I can totally attribute it to the device, as I also do a lot of stretching and rehab exercises; but I do think it’s a good complement to what I do.”

Because it’s a less versatile wrap, Kate rates the value a 3 out of 5. Still, for larger areas and your choice of intensity, this is a solid red light therapy wrap for under $200 on Amazon.

RELATED: LifePro Coupon Code

Price	$189
Type of device	RLT wrap
Irradiance	Not disclosed
Type of lighting	Deep red light, near-infrared light
Number of LEDs	N/A
Warranty	Lifetime

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Best Deep Tissue Red Light Therapy: Kineon The MOVE+ Pro

Good for: Those who are looking to target joint and muscle aches

Best Deep Tissue RLT

Kineon The MOVE+ Pro LED & Laser

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Light therapy device that includes 3 modules per unit and 2 emission areas per module 
• Claims an 80% reduction in pain within 4 weeks  
• Use 3-5 times per week for 5-15 minutes per day over 4 weeks 
• Includes travel case, 3 LED and laser modules, adjustable strap, charging case, charging cable, and user manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 30-day at-home trial
• HSA/FSA eligible
• Can be used at multiple joints
• FDA-cleared

Cons

• 1 year warranty, which is shorter than competitors
• More expensive than competitors
• Numerous customers had delays receiving their device
• Anticipated lifespan is only 5-7 years

Bottom Line

The Kineon MOVE+ Pro is a light therapy device designed to decrease your joint pain. It uses 3 light emitting modules that are inserted into an adjustable strap. Many customers experienced pain relief using the device. However, some did not see results. You can try the device at home for 30 days, if it doesn’t help your pain you can get a refund.

Looking to relieve some specific aches and pains? The MOVE+ Pro from Kineon uses small modules to pinpoint targeted areas. The near-infrared light therapy can penetrate 5 to 6 centimeters, which will get deep into muscles and joints for recovery.

GGR Director of Content Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, has used the MOVE+ Pro on a nagging ankle injury; likewise, Jacob Penner, NCSA, USAW-L2, CF-L1, used it to treat an elbow injury from weightlifting. Kate says it helped both of them get over the pain, rating the effectiveness a 5 out of 5. 

“We are obsessed with this,” Kate explains. “It really seems to have made a difference with my ankle. I started using the laser, and within a week, I no longer had pain walking. 

“Jacob’s elbow injury included some small ligament tears,” Kate continues. “Not enough for surgery, but enough to sideline him. He has worn this laser almost every day since, and he is back to lifting weights—not as heavy as before, but being able to get back on the barbell within a few weeks was big.”

RELATED: The 7 Best Infrared Saunas

The FDA-cleared laser modules have 50 milliwatts of near-infrared light and 80 milliwatts of deep red light, earning it a 4 out of 5 for its irradiance. Kate rates its ease of use a 4 out of 5 as well, since the laser points are easily adjusted and secured by Velcro straps. An added bonus is that the device is wireless; one charge lasts for 24 10-minute sessions.

The main downside is the price, about $500 to $700, depending on if it’s on sale or not. Still, Kate says it’s worth it, rating the value a 5 out of 5. “Jacob and I saw benefits and we continue to use this every week. It’s an investment, but a worthwhile one,” she says.

Price	$699
Type of device	RLT modules
Irradiance	50 mW near-infrared, 80 mW deep red light per module
Type of lighting	Near-infrared light, deep red light
Number of LEDs	18 (10 infrared laser diodes, 8 deep red)
Warranty	1 year

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Best Red Light Therapy Device with Other Lights: Megelin Red Light Therapy Machine

Good for: Anyone wanting phototherapy using a broad array of LED lights 

Best RLT with Other Lights

Megelin LED Light Therapy Machine

GGR Score: 4.06

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Product Highlights

• 8-in-1 color light therapy device designed to improve skin 
• Claims to decrease active acne, redness, pigmentation, and wrinkles in skin
• Can also decrease inflammation and pain in the body
• Includes light therapy machine, power adapter, goggles, and user manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Free shipping
• Can be used on face and body
• Longer LED lifespan than competitors
• 7 different wavelengths/colors with different benefits

Cons

• Limited customer reviews
• Requires eye protection
• No trial period or money-back guarantee
• Requires assembly
• Only 1-year warranty

Bottom Line

The Megelin LED light therapy machine includes seven different wavelengths of light, each with a different benefit. This machine was designed primarily to improve the health of skin; however, it can also be used on other parts of the body to reduce inflammation and pain. Customer reviews were generally positive and people noted improvements in the appearance of their skin. Still, there were complaints about the quality of the customer service when there were issues.

Red light and near-infrared light therapy run on specific wavelengths; for different wavelengths of light, we recommend the Megelin Red Light Therapy Machine. This machine doesn’t only project red and infrared lights, but can also use other color light therapies: blue, yellow, green, cyan, purple, and white light.

While LED chromotherapy still needs more research and studies, recent reviews⁴ show different colors showing promise in wound-healing and treating some psychiatric diseases.

The Megelin machine is a rounded panel unit that’s freestanding; simply set your head or arm or leg under the unit and turn on the machine. “This thing is great,” says GGR Staff Writer Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC, after testing out the red light therapy machine. “The panel’s big enough for me to fit over my head, arms, or legs, but a little too narrow for my torso.” He rates the coverage and use of the Megelin Red Light Therapy Machine a 4 out of 5.

Its irradiance is stated at 40 milliwatts per square centimeter, which is on the lower end of irradiance, earning it a 3 out of 5. This level of irradiance is best for surface level recovery, notably skin health.

Matt has mostly been trying it out for skin blemishes and anti-aging benefits, and rates the effectiveness a 4 out of 5. “I think I see benefits, but it’s hard to say,” he explains. “I believe I see improvements, but it’s hard to measure small differences from one day to another.”

RELATED: Sunlighten Solo Sauna Review

The machine costs nearly $400, but Matt was able to get it on sale for $160. He notes that it still is marked down, so it may be a marketing tactic. He rates the value a 4 out of 5, though, as at the sale price, it’s pretty good value. Despite its lackluster warranty of 1 year, the lower price and multiple lighting options make this a solid option for red light therapy. 

Price	$399
Type of device	RLT panel machine
Irradiance	40 mW/cm2
Type of lighting	7 different colors and near-infrared light therapy
Number of LEDs	287
Warranty	1 year

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How We Picked and Tested Red Light Therapy Machines

To construct our list of the best red light therapy devices, our team of fitness experts tried out several top brands in the industry. Being that we all have fitness backgrounds, we looked at red light therapy more for muscle and joint recovery; however, we still tested and made picks that can help with certain skin conditions and anti-aging.

Because we were focused on muscle recovery, we kept our devices to panels, wraps, and guns. Although LED hats are made to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth, we didn’t try any out. The same goes for light therapy masks and LED masks, since these devices solely focus on facial treatments and not so much muscle recovery. 

We looked at certain aspects of each red light therapy device according to our fitness equipment testing methodology—including customer service and reviews, as well as policies on warranty, returns, and financing. Here are some other criteria we used to rate and rank our red light therapy devices:

• Irradiance: Does the red light therapy provide enough energy to penetrate into muscles and joints?
• Frequency: Does the RLT device offer a range of wavelengths from the red light and near-infrared part of the light spectrum (about 600 to 850 nanometers)?
• Effectiveness: Does the device work as intended and did it provide effective results (especially when it comes to muscle recovery)? 
• Coverage: How much area can the device treat, and how versatile is its use?
• Ease of use: How easily can you apply the device and begin your red light therapy treatment?
• Value: Does the price match the versatility and effectiveness of the device?

Benefits of Red Light Therapy

While it’s not a magical medicine that solves every problem, red light therapy has quite a few benefits, some of which are surprising. Adding it to other recovery methods—using a home sauna, for example—can prove to have several benefits.

Reducing Inflammation

While using a turmeric supplement with a balanced diet can help to ease up chronic inflammation, red light therapy seems to help as well. In particular, a study from 2017⁵ showed that one of the most reproducible benefits of red light therapy is a reduction of inflammation. Not just inflamed muscles, either: the study particularly pointed out a reduction of inflammation in the brain, abdominal fat, wounds and injuries, spinal cord, and lungs, too.

Aiding Muscle Recovery

Red light therapy can prove to be an effective muscle recovery tool, repairing the micro-tears that occur from weight lifting. One review from 2017⁶ that analyzed several randomized control trials and case studies found that deep red and near-infrared light therapy can help heal and regenerate damaged muscle tissue. It went even further and showed that it could also increase the muscle mass gained after training, too.

Providing Pain Relief

As a competitive weightlifter, I deal with chronic pain from overuse injuries, such as tendinitis. Red light therapy can help alleviate chronic joint and tendon pain, as seen in a 2022 study⁷. In the study, red light therapy treatments didn’t only help with acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, but also relieve other pain-related conditions like fibromyalgia, low back pain, and non-specific knee pain.

Speeding Up Wound Healing

Red light therapy—particularly deep red light—has been shown to speed up wound healing, as seen by NASA scientists in the 1990s. The wavelengths help stimulate cells called fibroblasts to form connective tissues. A study from 2023⁸ demonstrated that wound healing was sped up on an in vitro sample of tissue, showing that the same results could happen to an in vivo sample (a living organism).

Helping With Fine Lines and Wrinkles

While it’s not the legendary fountain of youth, red light therapy has been shown to help rejuvenate your skin with certain anti-aging effects, like lessening wrinkles. According to a study from 2020⁹, low-level laser light therapy can be an effective treatment for aging skin, as the fibroblasts stimulated during the treatment also aid in collagen production, a vital component to the elasticity and structural integrity of your skin…and nails, hair, and more.

Treating Skin Conditions

Phototherapy has been shown to be helpful in treating certain skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. In particular, a 2018 study¹⁰ had patients with plaque psoriasis clear up between 60% and 100% of their skin after two weekly red light therapy sessions for one month. 

Promoting Hair Growth

Photobiomodulation can be an effective tool for hair loss, too, according to a 2021 study from the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery¹¹. The study found that red light therapy was able to stimulate hair growth in both men and women, meaning RLT may prove to be a safe, non-invasive treatment for those suffering from hair loss or alopecia.

Side Effects of Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy is non-invasive and generally considered a safe practice and treatment. However, there are certain precautions you may want to take to keep it safe.

For one, near-infrared light can produce warmth and heat. Over time, that heat can irritate your skin, or in rare cases, cause blisters or burns. Never use a red light therapy device longer than the recommended time (usually between 10 and 20 minutes), as using it for longer in a single session may increase your chance of skin irritation or burns.

Also, wear eye protection if you’re using a LED face mask or red light therapy bed, as lights on these devices can irritate your eyes.

Talk to a board-certified dermatologist before using a red light therapy device if you are concerned about skin sensitivity. Also, don’t use red light therapy if you’re pregnant, or if you have a heightened eye sensitivity. 

RELATED: Red Light Therapy Dangers

What to Look for in Red Light Therapy Devices

There’s a lot of different devices in the world of chromotherapy, and it can be a hassle to determine exactly what you want or need. To help you out in your search, here are some things to consider before making your red light therapy purchase.

Light Intensity

The irradiance (aka light intensity) of a red light therapy device is a measurement of the light energy your body can receive from a certain distance of the LED lighting. This measurement is typically given in milliwatts per square centimeter. The larger the number, the more power and energy the light can bring, meaning it’ll be easier to penetrate the skin’s surface for deep tissue therapy.

An irradiance of 25 to 120 milliwatts per square centimeter is best for skin treatment, while an irradiance over 120 milliwatts can also penetrate to deeper muscle tissues and joints.

The distance of an irradiance reading is also important, as the irradiance dissipates the farther away from the light it goes. For a light therapy wrap, you’ll want to know the irradiance at 0 inches, since that’s how far the wrap will be while in use. Panels may have several measurements, since you may have it at different distances while in use, depending on the treatment area and purpose.

Finally, irradiance isn’t always disclosed by brands. In that case, wattage is a good indicator of power output. While there aren’t exact numbers, the main thing is that a higher wattage is usually better.

RELATED: What Is Red Light Therapy?

Frequency

Deep red light and invisible near-infrared light are on specific wavelengths: around 660 and 850 nanometers, respectively. Red light doesn’t penetrate as deep as infrared light, so it’s typically used more for surface-level treatments, while infrared light is for deep tissue recovery.

Red light therapy devices can use red light, infrared light, or a combination of the two. We prefer devices that use both. Bonus points if a RLT device has extra features, like intensity levels or the option to use red light or infrared light only.

Red Light Coverage

During your comparison shopping process, you’ll want to think about where you’ll want to apply red light therapy and how well will a device cover your desired treatment area. The size and coverage can vary, from laser-like pinpoints to a full red light therapy bed, which surprisingly looks a lot like a tanning bed. While they can work for in-office use at the doctor’s, these larger options often aren’t a viable option for at-home use.

Effectiveness

Before you buy, consider some of the benefits I listed in the section above (pain relief, skin treatment, wound healing, etc.). If a brand is claiming its RLT device can treat or cure diseases, I’d say that’s a red flag.

Value

Although red light therapy devices for home use can vary from a couple hundred bucks to $1,000 or more, the bottom line is that they can be pricey. We found that larger devices like full-length panels and light therapy beds can cost thousands of dollars.

Whatever device you choose to go with, make sure it can still fit within your budget. Also, make note of any financing options, or if devices are HSA- or FSA-eligible. 

Intended Use

What kind of benefits are you looking for? Typically, deep red lights can help with skin care, while near-infrared light can help more with muscle and joint recovery or healing. For more surface-level treatments, look for a device with a lower irradiance (usually between 25 and 120 milliwatts per square centimeter) or with primarily red LED lights. For more deep tissue benefits, search out a higher irradiance and primarily near-infrared bulbs.

Device Type

The type of device you choose should reflect your intended purpose. If you’re looking to use it for your back or large joints, a large wrap may be ideal. For smaller areas or to pinpoint the pain, a smaller module device might be your better choice. If you’re looking for facial rejuvenation, a face mask or light therapy gun may be your best bet.

Best Red Light Therapy: FAQs

References

1. Tafur, J., & Mills, P. J. (2008). Low-intensity light therapy: exploring the role of redox mechanisms. Photomedicine and laser surgery, 26(4), 323–328. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2007.2184
2. NASA research illuminates medical uses of light | NASA spinoff. (n.d.-b). https://spinoff.nasa.gov/NASA-Research-Illuminates-Medical-Uses-of-Light
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Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1

Caine Wilkes is an Olympian, placing 9th in weightlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A former gym owner, he also has more than 15 years of experience coaching other athletes in weightlifting, CrossFit, and functional fitness.

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