25 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Red Light Therapy
From Red Light panels and LED masks to red light combs, hats and helmets, LED therapy is a self-care and wellness trend set to continue. At-home treatments leave users wanting to know more about their red light devices to use them safely and effectively. Questions such as ‘Which skincare is good to combine with red light therapy treatments?’ Or ‘Can LED therapy be combined with other modalities? 'Will red light therapy make my Melasma worse?' And ‘Is red and near infrared light safe for eye health?’ are amongst the many queries which pop up on Google, Reddit and other forums.
We’ve compiled the Most Frequently Asked Questions about Red Light Therapy and answered them here in our blog – Top 25 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Red Light Therapy. Read on to learn everything you need to know about getting the most out of your red light device for healthy, radiant skin.
1. Q. Which is better, an LED panel or LED mask?
A. An LED panel and an LED mask each have unique advantages, making the best choice a matter of personal preference and lifestyle. The most important factor is consistency, as the best device is the one you will use regularly. While many assume panels are better due to higher irradiance (power density), this isn’t necessarily relevant to skin rejuvenation. Maysama’s Pulse40 LED Panel, for example, has an irradiance of over 200mw/cm² at 3 inches, whereas Maysama’s PRANA LED Mask delivers 40-45mw/cm². Since optimal dosing for skin healing is between 2-10 joules/cm², a ‘less is more’ approach is generally best. Masks offer ‘contact LED’, which means that the LEDs touch the skin allowing for better light penetration and less reflection losses. LED panels, on the other hand, have high degree of light diffusion and reflection losses, which greatly reduces the final dose.
The main benefit of an LED panel is its ability to treat larger surface areas at one time, like the face, neck, and décolletage simultaneously, making it a hands-free option. Some users, particularly those with sensitive skin or rosacea, prefer a panel because they don’t like anything touching their face. However, for those who travel frequently, a portable LED mask like the PRANA LED Mask offers more flexibility. Many users also love the convenience of wearing a mask while doing daily tasks, like cooking or watching TV.
The decision depends on your lifestyle, skincare goals, and what features are offered by the specific panel or mask.
If you are still in doubt, this blog may help you further; https://maysama.com/blogs/news/which-is-better-led-mask-or-led-panel
2. Q. Can I overdo my Red Light Therapy?
A. Whilst LED light therapy is safe, for best effect, stick within recommended treatment times. LED is a stimulus which elicits a biological response for health benefits but prolonging your treatment can lead to diminishing returns and even undo the good work of your red light device. This is due to a bi-phasic dose response which means that too much of a stimulus will eventually inhibit biological response.
There are too many variables to be able to pinpoint how much is too much but it is clear that there is a Goldilocks zone where you get the best results. For superficial tissue (skin), an optimal window for dosing has been established of between 2-10 Joules/cm2. So, yes, you can potentially over-do your red light therapy. You need to stay within recommended treatment windows to achieve the best results.
The reason for the reduction in efficiency with extended treatments is understood to be due to a build-up of free radicals. At low levels, free radicals act as signaling molecules and trigger bio-stimulation. But with prolonged LED exposure, an overabundance of free radicals can lead to oxidative stress and cell damage.
Pulsed LED light can extend the efficacy of Red Light Therapy by mitigating the build-up of free radicals, maintaining treatments in the Goldilocks zone for longer.
3. Q. Will Red Light Therapy make my Melasma better or worse?
A. A growing body of research supports LED light therapy as a non-invasive treatment for melasma, hyperpigmentation and freckles. This therapy uses specific wavelengths of red (600-660nm) and near infrared (800-1000nm) light to penetrate the skin, stimulate cellular activity, whilst inhibiting the key enzyme responsible for triggering melasma.
Despite numerous studies in support of using LED Light Therapy to treat pigmentation disorders, there is significant anecdotal evidence reporting that, for some individuals, LED therapy can exacerbate their melasma. Whilst it is evident that dosing plays an important part in optimising therapeutic outcomes from LED treatments, a recent review of published data suggests that skin type and tone, particularly based on melanin content, may play a significant role in determining the best treatment protocol. Check out this article for a deep dive into How to Best use Red Light Therapy for Melasma.
4. Q. Can Red Light Therapy cause Facial Fat Loss?
A. Red Light Therapy is not detrimental to fat pads in the face. Red and near infrared LED Light therapy is defined as non-thermal energy, so does not contribute to direct heating of tissue, in the same way as modalities like radio frequency. Fat tissue in the face is not unhealthy or dysfunctional in any way and is not impacted Red Light Therapy.
Conversely, red light therapy can help with fat loss (weight loss) in areas where we store excess fat, such as the abdomen. This is because Red Light Therapy has been shown to have lipolytic activity where adipocytes (fat cells) are unhealthy. Studies which support red light therapy driven weight loss relate only to diabetic and obese individuals. Here the ‘unhealthy’ or dysfunctional adipocytes take on a different morphology and become insulin resistant. Photobiomodulation (LED therapy) restores cells to optimal health by restoring homeostasis and restores normal insulin metabolism.
In support that red light therapy would have no effect on healthy fat tissue, McCollick used near infrared to reduce lipids in unhealthy fat cells. This study shows that once the health of the cell is restored, it doesn’t lose further fat. Additionally, Silver’s study uses Red Light Therapy to reduce fat in obese mice and confirms that, under the same conditions, healthy mice do not loose fat. These studies support that there is a threshold for photobiomodulation-driven fat loss and that red light therapy does not affect fat loss in healthy tissue.
For more information on this topic, read our blog; Can Red Light Therapy Cause Facial Fat Loss?
5. Q. Can I use Red Light Therapy with Retinoids [Tretinoin or Retinol]?
A. Yes, you can use red light therapy (RLT) with tretinoin or retinol, but you should take some precautions. Red Light Therapy can help reduce inflammation, promote collagen production, and accelerate skin healing, which may complement tretinoin’s effects on skin renewal. However, since tretinoin or retinol can cause skin sensitivity, dryness, and irritation, you should introduce Red Light Therapy carefully to avoid overstimulation.
For best results, use Red Light Therapy in the morning and tretinoin/retinol at night, as retinoids increases photosensitivity (light sensitivity), and some experts recommend keeping it away from any light exposure, including red light. If you experience irritation, reduce Red Light Therapy frequency or intensity.
6. Q. Can I use Red LED Light Therapy with Vitamin C?
A. Yes, you can safely use a Vitamin C serum with Red Light Therapy, and they may even complement each other for enhanced skin benefits. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten skin, reduce pigmentation, and neutralize free radicals, while Red Light Therapy boosts collagen production, improves skin repair, and reduces inflammation. Together, they can promote radiant, youthful-looking skin.
For best results, apply Vitamin C serum before Red Light to enhance its absorption and antioxidant protection. If you have sensitive skin, introduce them gradually to monitor for irritation. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only—consult your skincare professional for personalized advice.
7. Q. Is Red LED Light Therapy safe for Rosacea?
A. Yes, red LED light therapy is generally safe for rosacea. Many people with rosacea find that red light therapy helps calm redness, improve skin barrier function, and reduce flare-ups over time. Clinical studies support that Red (630-660nm) and near-infrared (810-850nm) reduce inflammation, strengthen blood vessels, and promote skin healing, which help reduce erythema, calm irritated skin and reduce skin sensitivity.
That said, there is always the caveat of ensuring the correct dosing and protocol. As with any treatment for sensitive skin conditions like rosacea, it’s important to proceed with caution and monitor your skin’s response. To minimize irritation, start with short sessions, use lower intensities, and monitor skin reactions. Gradually increase the time as your skin adjusts. Red Light Therapy generates some, low level heat so, if your rosacea tends to flare with heat, it might help to keep your skin cool before and after treatment.
If redness worsens, reduce frequency or consult a dermatologist.
Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only—speak with a skincare professional for personalized advice.
8. Q. Is Red Light Therapy Safe for Eyes?
Red and near infrared light can be beneficial to eye health at the correct dosing. Red-NIR have a positive impact on mitochondrial health and the retina is very rich in mitochondria because it is very energy demanding. There are several studies that support it can help with Age-related macular degeneration and improve visual acuity.
That said, there is a threshold for beneficial effects. High intensity or prolonged exposure to red-NIR can cause photochemical damage to the retina, so it is important to use devices that are optimized for eye health, not just any red-near infrared beauty devices intended for skin rejuvenation. Studies that support eye health use short, low doses, around 3-5 joules for 2-3 minutes.
Interestingly, timing plays a part. They saw best results when LED treatment was performed first thing in the morning. This fits in with other studies that show that mitochondria have working patterns and produce most of their ATP in the morning, so potentially this is the best time of day to do our treatments.
9. Q. Do I need to clean or wash my face before Red Light Therapy?
A. For the best results, ensure that your face is clean and free from makeup, SPF, dirt and emollients before you start your Red Light Therapy. Some emollients can reduce light penetration, reducing the efficacy of our treatment. If you are wearing makeup, SPF or have recently used emollients, it is best to cleanse your face before you start your Red Light Therapy session.
10. Q. Should I apply skincare before Red Light Therapy?
A. Yes, absolutely! Hydration improves light absorption in skin tissues by reducing light scattering and providing a more uniform skin surface. Applying hydrating skincare before your Red Light Therapy can improve outcomes for skin rejuvenation.
You can use any antioxidant mist or toners, water-based antioxidant serums, or hyaluronic acid serum to improve skin hydration. Maysama’s Green Rooibos Serum is proven to accelerates and amplifies the effects of Red Light Therapy.
11. Q. Do I need to remove my nightly (PM) skincare routine before I do my red LED light therapy in the morning?
A. For the best light penetration, ensure that your skin is ‘clean’ and free from emollients before you start your red LED Light Therapy. Serums and moisturizers used in the evening would be considered fully absorbed overnight, so it is not necessary to use a cleanser to remove these, but we would recommend showering to ensure your face is fresh. If you normally use a cleanser in your morning routine, then this is also fine.
12. Q. Can I combine Red Light Therapy with Microneedling?
A. Yes, red light therapy (RLT) is safe and beneficial after microneedling as it speeds up healing, reduces inflammation and boosts collagen production. Red light therapy (630-660nm) and near-infrared light (810-850nm) enhance cellular repair and regeneration by stimulating ATP (cell energy) production. If used with antioxidant serums (like green tea or growth factors), RLT also helps absorption and enhances their effects.
Use Red Light Therapy immediately after microneedling (low intensity and pulsed mode) to soothe inflammation. Then use daily for 3-7 days, with red (630-660nm) for surface healing and near-infrared (810-850nm) to support healing and collagen production.
13. Q. Can I use Red LED Light Therapy if I’ve had Botox?
A. Red LED light therapy is generally considered safe and can be beneficial after receiving Botox injections. It may help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Some experts recommend waiting at least 24-48 hours post-injection before starting Red Light Therapy to allow the Botox to settle properly. However, studies have shown that immediate use of certain light therapies does not decrease the efficacy of Botox.
While concerns exist about Red Light Therapy potentially dispersing Botox, current evidence does not support this. Whilst there are no studies which directly combine LED light therapy with Botox, studies which combine laser and Botox have shown to enhance overall skin rejuvenation by stimulating collagen production and reducing post-treatment inflammation.
As always, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
14. Q. Can I use Red Light Therapy with Hyaluronic Acid fillers?
A. Yes, you can use red light therapy with facial fillers, and it may even support skin health by reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and stimulating collagen production. Red Light Therapy does not break down hyaluronic acid-based fillers (like Juvederm or Restylane) or affect their placement.
If using Red Light Therapy immediately after having fillers, for healing benefits, avoid excessive heat or prolonged exposure near filler-treated areas for the first 24 hours.
Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only—consult your injector for personalized advice.
15. Q. Can I use Red LED Light Therapy with Glutathione Injections?
A. Yes, red LED light therapy can be used with glutathione injections, and they may complement each other for skin brightening, detoxification, and anti-aging benefits. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress, brighten skin, and support overall skin health, while RLT stimulates collagen production, enhances cell repair, and reduces inflammation.
There are no known contraindications between Red Light Therapy and glutathione injections. However, since glutathione supports detoxification, using Red Light Therapy may further enhance cellular repair and antioxidant activity, potentially improving skin clarity and radiance. If you experience sensitivity, adjust session duration or consult your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only—consult your injector for personalized advice.
16. Q. Can I combine Estriol cream with my Red LED Light Therapy?
A. Yes, you can safely combine estriol face cream with red light therapy, and it may even enhance skin benefits. Estriol, a mild form of estrogen, improves skin elasticity, hydration, and fine lines, while RLT stimulates collagen production, enhances cell repair, and reduces inflammation. Together, they can promote firmer, more hydrated skin with a stronger barrier and reduced redness.
For best results, apply estriol cream after red light therapy. Ensure the cream does not contain light-sensitive ingredients like retinoids or citrus oils. Monitor your skin for any irritation and adjust use if needed. There are no known contraindications, making this a safe and effective combination.
Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only—consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
17. Q. Can I use Red LED Light Therapy with Pregnancy?
A. Red light therapy is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but research on its effects in pregnant women is limited. Red Light Therapy is non-invasive, drug-free, and does not emit harmful UV rays, making it a potentially beneficial therapy for reducing inflammation, improving circulation, relieving joint pain, and supporting skin health.
However, as a precaution, many healthcare providers recommend avoiding direct use on the abdomen or lower back during pregnancy due to the lack of studies on fetal effects. There are no clinical trials with red light therapy which include pregnant women as participants. For this reason, most Red LED Light Therapy brands cannot recommend using Red Light Therapy whilst pregnant because the device has not been tested under these conditions.
If you are pregnant and you are considering Red Light Therapy for facial rejuvenation, pain relief, or general wellness, always consult your doctor first.
18. Q. Is Red Light Therapy good for treating Acne?
A. Studies confirm that a combination of blue and red light (magenta) is best for the treatment of acne and blemishes. Studies have shown that blue light can significantly reduce the bacterial load in acne lesions, resulting in fewer breakouts and milder acne symptoms. Blue light effectively targets Propionibacterium acnes (now renamed Cutibacterium acnes), a bacteria commonly associated with acne.
While blue light is effective against bacteria, it doesn’t penetrate deeply into the skin and is less effective at reducing inflammation, which is why a combination of red and blue is best.
Red light penetrates deeper into the skin, reaching sebaceous glands and helping to reduce inflammation associated with acne. It works by modulating cytokine production (molecules involved in inflammation), reducing swelling and erythema (redness). Red light also promotes collagen production, which can help with skin texture and scarring that often accompanies acne.
19. Q. Is Red Light Therapy a good treatment for eczema?
A. Red Light Therapy may help manage symptoms but is unlikely to be a cure for eczema, especially in severe cases. It should be considered as an adjunctive therapy alongside conventional treatments like moisturizers, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants. Since eczema is partly driven by inflammatory processes, Red Light Therapy could potentially help alleviate symptoms like redness, swelling, and irritation.
Eczema patients often have a compromised skin barrier. Some studies suggest that Red Light Therapy can improve skin regeneration and increase collagen production, leading to better skin structure and barrier function. This may help reduce moisture loss and irritation, which are common in eczema.
Red light therapy has also been shown to promote anti-inflammatory cytokine release and decrease pro-inflammatory markers, which may help in relieving itch and discomfort, key symptoms in eczema.
Science studies provide consistent evidence that Red light therapy can be beneficial as an adjunctive treatment for reducing eczema symptoms and improving quality of life. Its action helps to reduce inflammation and itching, whilst improving skin barrier function and promote healing. However, it’s essential for patients to work with their dermatologist or healthcare provider to integrate Red Light Therapy effectively into their treatment plan, ensuring it's safe for their specific case and used in conjunction with other recommended therapies.
20. Q. Is Pulsed Red Light Therapy better than Continuous Wave [non-pulsed]?
Science studies support that pulsed LED light therapy out performs continuous wave (non-pulsed) red light treatments, with various pulsed light frequencies. Benefits include;
- Better absorption of your skincare products for increased efficacy of your skincare
- Mitigates over-production of free radicals, increasing the efficacy of your device and reduces incidence of oxidative stress
- Upregulates ATP production – more cellular energy to drive all cellular processes
- Accelerates proliferation of dermal fibroblasts, which produce collagen and elastin for pro-aging benefits
- Increases light penetration reaching deeper layers of the skin
- Allows for cooling of skin between pulses, reducing heating of tissue and reduces risk of triggering melasma
21. Q. Does Red Light Therapy encourage Facial hair?
A. Red Light Therapy does not increase Velux facial hair. Red Light Therapy enhances cellular energy (ATP production) and improving blood flow to hair follicles, which can help promote hair growth on the scalp. It has been shown to help with androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) and hair growth generally.
If you're using red light therapy for skin rejuvenation or other cosmetic purposes on your face though, it's highly unlikely to cause excessive hair growth in areas without existing active hair follicles or even to promote the growth of more facial hair.
Red light is a biostimulator and it helps restore homeostasis. This means that it restores cells to normal health. It helps optimize cell health, but once health is restored, it has little impact. So, whilst it can help stimulate hair growth on the head making hair thick and voluminous as this is associated with a healthy status, it will not affect facial hair. Velux hair or facial hair growth in women is not representative of a healthy status. It is heavily influenced by hormones, not by light stimulation.
22. Q. What are the benefits of Green or Yellow LED Therapy?
A. If we look at the visible light spectrum, we have the full rainbow from red, to orange, to yellow, green and blue light. The longer the wavelength, the deeper the light penetrates the skin.
Red light, for example, has a wavelength between 600 to 660nm. Red light penetrates the epidermis to a depth of around 2-3 mm and can help with brightening of the skin as well as stimulating collagen production.
Blue light, being a shorter wavelength (400’s nm), treats the surface of the skin. It doesn’t penetrate the epidermis. Blue light has antibacterial action and can be helpful in treating skin issues at the surface of the skin, like acne.
Whilst there is some data around the brightening action of yellow and green light, there are no studies which directly compare green/yellow light to red light. As red and near infrared light penetrate deeper into skin, they would likely outperform yellow and green light for brightening skin.
23. Q. Can I use Red Light Therapy if I’m taking Blood Pressure Medication?
A. Red light therapy is generally safe to use while taking blood pressure medication, but caution is advised. RLT can cause vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which may enhance the effects of blood pressure medication and lead to a further drop in blood pressure. This could cause mild dizziness or lightheadedness, especially if you’re already prone to low blood pressure. Some medications may also increase sensitivity to light, though this is rare with red/NIR wavelengths.
To use red light therapy safely, start with short sessions (5-10 minutes), stay seated or lie down to prevent dizziness, and drink plenty of water. Monitor how you feel and, if you experience any discomfort, reduce session time or stop use.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. Please consult your medical advisor before starting red light therapy, especially if you take blood pressure medication or have any health concerns.
24. Q. Is Red Light Therapy safe for Cancer patients?
A review of the published literature investigated the safety of LED therapies, indicating that no direct evidence was found linking LED therapy to cancer initiation. The study highlights that LEDs, at normal dosing levels, primarily promote anti-inflammatory effects and tissue repair without significant mutagenic risk.
Photobiomodulation has also been used on breast cancer patients experiencing lymphedema, with positive outcomes in reducing inflammation, with no reported increase in cancer recurrence. That said, when it comes to people with a history of cancer, including skin and breast cancers, careful assessment is necessary.
LED therapy is of a non-ionizing nature so, unlike UV light, there is a very a low risk of DNA damage. However, caution must be exercised because of the potential for cellular activation and stimulating any remaining cancer cells.
Close monitoring by a medical professional and individualized risk assessment is always recommended.
25. Q. What is the best treatment time, frequency and time of day for Red Light Therapy?
A. Treatment time is just one parameter which contributes to the overall dose. Dosing is made up of the irradiance (light intensity) of your red light device, together with the treatment time. For superficial tissue, such as skin, it is best to treat low and slow.
Treatment times will typically vary from 3 minutes to 10 minutes but check with the manufacturer of your device because it will depend on the irradiance of the device and the specific application.
Frequency of use is generally recommended as 3 to 5 times per week. Daily use is also possible but not always necessary as red light therapy is understood to have a systemic effect, which lasts more than 24 hours.
Whilst multiple studies support that the effects of red light therapy can be experience regardless of time of day, a couple of studies suggest that there may be more benefit in doing your red light therapy in the morning. This is believed to be due to mitochondrial capacity, which is higher in the morning than later in the day.
If you've not yet started your own personal journey with Red Light Therapy, now is the time to try it and reap the benefits. Experience the proven benefits of Red Light Therapy with Maysama's high-quality Red light therapy devices and check out our green rooibos skincare products proven to supercharge your red light therapy for even better results.
