What Is Red Light Therapy and How Does It Work?
Red light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT), uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to energize cells and improve skin health. The mitochondria—your cells’ powerhouses—absorb these wavelengths to produce more ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy source your cells need to function optimally.
With increased ATP, skin cells become more efficient at essential tasks like collagen production, DNA repair and reducing inflammation. That’s why red and infrared light therapy have been widely studied for skin rejuvenation, acne reduction and wound healing.
Optimal Wavelengths for Skin Benefits
- Red light: ~640 nm (±25 nm)
- Near-infrared light: ~880 nm (±50 nm)
The quality of your device matters more than the number of wavelengths it offers. While blue, green and yellow lights are often marketed for skincare, the clinical evidence supporting their use is weaker. For most skin goals—like collagen support, wrinkle reduction and inflammation control—red and near-infrared light remain the most effective.
At-Home Red Light Masks vs. In-Office Treatments
Home devices aren’t replacements for professional lasers or energy-based devices, but they are excellent for maintenance. In fact, using red light therapy before and after in-office procedures may help:
- Accelerate healing
- Reduce redness and inflammation
- Prolong the benefits of in-office treatments
Consistent at-home use can improve results and reduce the frequency of professional treatments over time.
Who Should Avoid Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is generally very safe—but it’s not for everyone. Consider modifying or avoiding treatment if:
- You have melasma-prone skin: Use devices with lower irradiance and longer treatment times. Avoid blue light or heat, which can worsen pigmentation.
- You're sensitive to light: Conditions like migraines, epilepsy or certain medications may trigger light sensitivity—even with eye protection.
- Your skin reacts to heat: If you flush easily or tend to get dry, opt for low-irradiance settings and moisturize before and after use.
Tips for Choosing a Red Light Therapy Device
- Look for lower irradiance (<50 mW/cm²): Slower treatments at lower power levels are more effective and better tolerated than short, high-intensity sessions.
- Prioritize comfort and fit: Devices that contour closely to your face or body deliver more consistent results.
- Choose a device you’ll actually use: Consistency is more important than features or price.
My Top Picks: Celluma Pro vs. Omnilux Contour Face
There are many devices on the market. I’ve reviewed dozens, and the two that consistently stand out are Celluma and Omnilux—both are effective, user-friendly, and backed by strong clinical data.
Celluma Pro $1795
Pros
- Gold standard in LED light therapy; winner of more awards than any other device
- FDA-cleared to treat signs of aging, acne and pain
- Clinically shown to improve texture, reduce fine lines, inflammation, pigmentation and acne
- Flexible panel design treats the face, neck, chest, back or joints
- No need for eye protection (but goggles are included for comfort)
Cons
- High upfront cost
- 30-minute sessions may be hard to fit into a busy schedule
- Must lie still with eyes closed during treatment
- Recommended use: 30 minutes, 2–3 times per week, or daily for post-procedure healing. Lay the panel close to your skin (touching is fine). Goggles are optional.
Omnilux Contour Face $395 (Use “DRROGERS10” for 10% off)
Pros
- FDA-cleared for treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris
- Clinical shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation and redness
- Lightweight, wearable design allows for multitasking during treatment
- Short treatment time: just 10 minutes per session
- Rechargeable and cordless for added convenience
Cons
- Only treats the face (Omnilux sells separate devices for neck, chest, and hands)
- Not ideal for body acne or joint treatment
- Also expensive—and area-specific, so you may need more than one device
Recommended use: Use 10 minutes, 3–5 times per week. Strap snugly to clean, dry skin. Eye protection isn’t required but optional.
Takeaways
Celluma Pro is ideal for those who want a full-body, clinic-grade LED device and are committed to longer sessions. It’s especially effective post-procedure and for treating more than just the face. I find it works faster and produces better results for me than any other device.
Omnilux Contour Face is a great option, particularly if you need a quick, hands-free and targeted option that easily fits into a busy routine and a significantly better price point.
Both deliver results when used consistently—choose the one that fits your lifestyle and you will use regularly.
How Do I Use My Red Light?
Like most things that actually work, consistency is key. To make the investment in a red light device worthwhile, you’ll need to create a routine that fits your life.
For red light therapy to be effective, the light needs to penetrate your skin. Makeup and sunscreen can block the wavelengths, so it’s best to use your device on clean, bare skin. I recommend using it first thing in the morning or at night after your evening skincare routine has had time to be absorbed BUT not during the day, because I expect you to be wearing sunscreen!
Some people worry that red light might degrade retinoids like tretinoin. While it's true that UV and shorter blue-violet wavelengths (around 420 nm) can break down retinoids, red light at ~640 nm is much longer and less likely to do so. Still, if you're concerned, you can either do your red light in the morning or use a light-stable night treatment like mine, which contains Bakuchiol and glycolic acid—both of which play well with red light.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, red light therapy can sometimes leave your skin feeling a bit tight or parched. In that case, apply a supportive moisturizer like my face cream 15 minutes before (to make sure it has time to be absorbed) you start and then another application after your session.
What About Blue Light for Acne?
Blue light targets P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for inflammatory acne, making it most effective for pustules and papules—not blackheads, whiteheads or cysts.
However, because blue light sits closer to the UV spectrum, it carries more risk of irritation, dryness and activating unwanted pigmentation, especially in melasma-prone skin. It’s not a treatment I recommend in most cases.
Can Red Light Therapy Help with Hair Growth?
Yes—red light therapy can stimulate hair follicles by increasing cellular energy (ATP production). It’s FDA-cleared for treating hair loss in both men and women, especially androgenetic alopecia.
As for facial use, while some worry about peach fuzz growth, this is uncommon. If you notice more facial hair and find it bothersome, stop using it and consult your dermatologist.
Final Thoughts
Red light therapy is a safe, evidence-based way to support your skin’s natural function. While it doesn’t replace in-office lasers, it’s a valuable tool to:
- Boost collagen production
- Reduce inflammation
- Support post-procedure healing
- Maintain a healthy, radiant glow
The key is consistency, proper use, and choosing the right device for your goals and lifestyle.
All product recommendations on this site are not sponsored and reflect the independent opinion of Dr. Heather D. Rogers, MD, based on her evidence-based research and extensive clinical experience as a practicing dermatologist. Links are provided for your convience. Some may include discounts or commissions. Please shop wherever works best for you.
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