A beginner's guide to: Red light therapy

RLT, light therapy, infrared

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level red wavelengths of light to promote tissue restoration, reduce inflammation and improve skin health.

In a hurry and don't have any questions?

  1. Check out our safety recommendations.

  2. Remove any makeup, oils or moisturiser from your skin – it should be dry.

  3. Find a comfortable space.

  4. Position the device at the recommended distance from your skin.

  5. When you are ready, head to our Practice Guides and get started.

Looking for detailed practice guides? Hang tight, they are coming soon!

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT) is a versatile and innovative treatment that uses the power of specific red light wavelengths to benefit your body at a cellular level. Originally used by NASA for plant growth in space, it has evolved into a popular method for enhancing skin health, reducing pain and accelerating recovery from injuries. This non-invasive treatment works by penetrating the skin to stimulate rejuvenation in the cells, which can lead to improved soft tissue repair, reduced inflammation and a more youthful appearance.

Whether you're looking to treat a specific condition or simply boost your overall wellbeing, red light therapy offers an accessible and effective solution that can easily be integrated into your routine, either at home or in a professional setting.

Why red light therapy is good for you

Red light therapy offers more than just surface-level benefits; it supports your overall health by enhancing cellular function and promoting repair from within. Regular sessions can contribute to both physical and mental health, making it a valuable addition to your weekly routine.

Enhanced skin health

Physical well-being

Reduced inflammation

Physical well-being

Pain relief

Physical well-being

Improved muscle recovery

Physical well-being

Mood enhancement

Emotional well-being

People who love red light therapy

Margot Robbie

Actor

Miranda Kerr

Person

Cristiano Ronaldo

Sports

The Office

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Real people's experiences

Starting red light therapy? Read this first

You've seen the masks, read the research and you're eager to dive in. While red light therapy is generally safe, there are some key details to consider. We've compiled the essential information to help you enjoy this activity successfully and safely.

Common styles

Home devices

Clinical treatments

Sports recovery

Beauty treatments

Safety

⚠️

Listen to your body, start gradually and practise with care to minimise risks. If you are pregnant or have a health condition, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider.

⚠️

Ensure you are using the correct equipment and it’s not faulty.

⚠️

Discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions.

What you might experience

🤔

"How does light help my body?"

😊

"This feels warm and relaxing."

😬

"Am I supposed to feel something more?"

😌

"This is more calming than I thought."

😊

"I can see how this could become a habit."

Getting started guides coming soon...

Are you ready to try red light therapy?

We are busy working on detailed getting started guides and individual practice guides to follow.

What you need to know about red light therapy

Let's see how to start red light therapy for the first time: self-led using online guides, in a group (IRL) and 1:1 with an Instructor (online or IRL).

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Recommendation for first-timer

Availability

Average cost per session

Special equipment required

Potential for socialisation & community

Safety & skill building

Space or privacy required

Ease of scheduling

Setup time

Active practice time

Unexpected advantages

Ancestry, history, facts and other trivia

Red Light Therapy is thought to help cells produce more energy by enhancing mitochondria.

Red Light Therapy is based on ancient healing practices that used sunlight for skin health.

Red Light Therapy was initially developed by NASA to grow plants and to help astronauts with healing wounds, in space.

Some studies suggest Red Light Therapy can help with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

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1 facts

Popular memes

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4 memes

Academic research we rate

Red light and the sleep quality and endurance performance of Chinese female basketball players.

Zhao, J., Tian, Y., Nie, J., Xu, J., & Liu, D. (2012). Red Light and the Sleep Quality and Endurance Performance of Chinese Female Basketball Players. Journal of Athletic Training, 47(6), 673–678. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-47.6.08

Light emitting diode‐red light for reduction of post‐surgical scarring: Results from a dose‐ranging, split‐face, randomized controlled trial

Kurtti, A., Nguyen, J. K., Weedon, J., Mamalis, A., Lai, Y., Masub, N., Geisler, A., Siegel, D. M., & Jagdeo, J. R. (2021). Light emitting diode‐red light for reduction of post‐surgical scarring: Results from a dose‐ranging, split‐face, randomized controlled trial. Journal of Biophotonics, 14(7). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.202100073

The Anti-Acne Effect of Near-Infrared Low-Level Laser Therapy

Szymańska, A., Budzisz, E., & Erkiert-Polguj, A. (2021). The Anti-Acne Effect of Near-Infrared Low-Level Laser Therapy. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, Volume 14, 1045–1051. https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s323132

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7 research pieces

Introduction guides from around the web

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