The Best Red Light Therapy Devices for At-Home Use
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When it comes to skin health and wellness, you may have heard about red light therapy devices. These devices are becoming increasingly popular, and they’re marketed for everything from pain relief to reducing signs of aging to helping boost collagen production to supporting a more even skin tone. And while collagen supplements are beneficial, improving collagen production in the skin can go a long way.
But are these just gadgets, or do they really work? And is using red light therapy at home safe? We interviewed dermatologists to learn the truth behind red light therapy. We also outlined our top picks of 2024 for the best red light therapy devices that you can buy and use in the comfort of your own home. Read on to check out our top picks and learn about what you should look for in a red light therapy device.
Our Picks for the Best Red Light Devices of 2024:
- Best Red Light Therapy Facial Mask: Sun Home LED Face Mask
- Best Medical-Grade Red Light Therapy Device: Joovv Go 2.0
- Best Luxury Red Light Therapy Device: Artemis
- Best Budget Red Light Therapy Device: iTheraU Red Light Therapy Device for Body
- Most Comfortable Red Light Therapy Face Mask: HigherDose
- Best Red Light Therapy Device for Travel: Solawave Skincare Wand
- Most Versatile Red Light Therapy Device: TheraFace PRO
Best Red Light Therapy Facial Mask: Sun Home LED Face Mask
Sun Home Led Face Mask
Key Features & Specs:
- Treatment area: Face
- Treatment time: 10 minutes
- FDA cleared: Not specified
- Price: $399
The Sun Home LED Face Mask is designed to support facial complexion. It features 128 commercial-grade LEDs, and the mask’s design allows you to treat your entire face at one time. You can choose from red, deep-red, amber, near-infrared and blue wavelengths, and Sun Home states that the mask has a 100,000-hour lifespan.
The mask is simple and convenient to use. Sun Home recommends three to five 10-minute sessions per week, and the mask attaches with head straps for hands-free use. The digital control panel features a built-in timer, so you don’t have to worry about watching the clock, and you can choose from high, medium and low irradiance settings. The battery controller is rechargeable.
The mask includes the battery controller, plus power supply and plug adaptors, an USB-C line to USB-A connector, head straps and a carry bag, so you’ll receive everything you need to get started. It’s backed by a 45-day risk-free return policy and a one-year warranty.
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What we like
- Five wavelength options
- Rechargeable battery controller
- 45-day risk-free return policy
- One-year warranty
What to consider
- Difficult to wear goggles with the mask
Best Medical Grade Red Light Therapy Device: Joovv Go 2.0
JOOVV
Key Features & Specs:
- Treatment area: Any
- Treatment time: 10 minutes
- FDA cleared: Yes
- Price: $499
The Joovv Go 2.0 is a versatile handheld red light therapy device that delivers red and near-infrared wavelengths, so you can enjoy the benefits of both wavelengths simultaneously. Measuring 5.75 inches long by 3.75 inches wide by 1.47 inches high, the device is compact yet still large enough for efficient treatments. It features 12 LEDs with an output of up to five watts.
This device can be powered by a rechargeable battery, or it can be plugged into an AC adaptor. The battery charge lasts for up to two hours, but recharging it takes about 5.5 hours. After each session, the unit automatically enters a 10-minute cooldown mode, so you’ll need to budget some extra time if multiple people want to use it for consecutive sessions.
This device is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, so you can pair it to your smartphone for extra features like an ambient mode and an alarm clock. In addition to the device, you’ll get the travel case, a power adapter, a user manual and protective eyewear. The charging dock is an optional accessory.
What we like
- Simultaneously produces red and near-infrared wavelengths
- Features Bluetooth and an alarm clock function
- Includes protective eyewear
- One-year warranty
What to consider
- Additional cost for charging dock
- Requires 10-minute cooldown period after each session
Best Luxury Red Light Therapy Device: Artemis
Artemis
- Treatment area: Face and neck
- Treatment time: Factory setting is 10 minutes
- FDA cleared: Not specified
- Price: $2,500
The Artemis LED Mask and Neck System is designed with a focus on beauty. It features 720 face and 360 neck LEDs for comprehensive coverage. The mask combines near-infrared, red, blue, violet, green, yellow and sky blue light at a single irradiance of 45mW/cm². It is possible to use the mask and the neck portion separately, and the manufacturer also states that you can place the mask on top of your head to use it on your hair.
By pairing the LED light therapy mask with the app, which is available for iOS and Android, you can customize its use. You’ll have the ability to choose up to 16 treatment zones, tailoring the type of light you use for different areas of your face and neck. The app can also deliver personalized usage setting recommendations based on your local weather, taking some of the guesswork out of its operation.
This mask and neck device includes a pair of built-in eye guards, so you don’t have to worry about remembering your eye protection. It also includes two straps, two USB cords, two silicone pads and two user manuals. The device is backed by a one-year warranty.
What we like
- 1,080 LEDs
- Covers both the face and neck
- Connects to an app for customizable use
- Backed by a one-year warranty
What to consider
- Expensive
- No option to adjust irradiance
Best Budget Red Light Therapy Device: iTheraU Red Light Therapy Device for Body
ITheraU
Key Features & Specs:
- Treatment area: Knee, belly, back, waist
- Treatment time: Not specified
- FDA cleared: Not specified
- Price: $169.99
The iTheraU Red Light Therapy Device for Body is marketed for joint pain relief. The included straps convert it into a wearable device, which allow for hands-free use. Measuring 21.2 by 13.3 inches, this flexible pad is also large enough to simply prop up against your back. It’s a versatile choice, suitable for the knee, belly, waist and back, but is so large that it’s not ideal for the face or neck.
The pad features 210 red lights and 420 infrared lights for maximum coverage. The LEDs are energy efficient, and 660 and 850 nm wavelengths promote muscle relaxation and reduced pain.
Your purchase includes the LED pad plus two stretchy straps, a controller, a power adapter, a power cord and a user manual. The controller is relatively simple and user-friendly. Keep in mind that the device doesn’t have any included battery power, so it will need to be plugged in while in use. It does feature a USB plug, so you could potentially pair it with your own portable power source.
What we like
- Wearable for hands-free use
- Two wavelength options
- Affordably priced
- 30-day money-back guarantee
What to consider
- Not ideal for the face or neck
- No battery power option included
Most Comfortable Red Light Therapy Face Mask: HigherDose Red Light Face Mask
HigherDose
Key Features & Specs:
- Treatment area: Face
- Treatment time: 10 or 20 minutes
- FDA cleared: No
- Price: $349
The HigherDose Red Light Face Mask is designed for those with an active lifestyle. The mask features three straps and functional eye holes, so you can wear it while you’re active and multitasking. Since it’s cordless, you can do yoga or walk around while wearing the mask. It’s made of medical-grade silicone, so it’s easy to sanitize in between uses, and the cordless design adds to its convenience.
The red light therapy mask is equipped with 132 LEDs and features program times of 10 or 20 minutes. It delivers red light and near-infrared light, but it offers only one power setting. HigherDose backs the mask with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What we like
- Features red and near-infrared light
- Two programmable treatment times
- Handy cordless design
- Designed to be worn while you’re active
What to consider
- Only one power setting
Best Red Light Therapy Device for Travel: Solawave Skincare Wand
Solawave
Key Features & Specs:
- Treatment area: Face, neck
- Treatment time: Five minutes
- FDA cleared: Yes
- Price: $149
The Solawave Skincare Wand offers precise red light therapy for the face and neck. The wand provides less coverage than options like masks, but it’s ideal when you want to target more specific areas, like under the eyes. It’s marketed as helping to decrease puffiness, smooth fine lines, reduce blemish appearance and otherwise support skin health and appearance.
In addition to red light therapy, the wand also heats up and provides a low-vibration facial massage. It includes a charging cord and is available in two colors. Solawave recommends using a conductive gel to prepare your skin, and then gliding the wand across your skin. Several reviewers described issues with the wand turning off during use, as well as sporadic problems with the heat and vibration functions.
Solawave offers an impressive 30-day trial. According to the website, if you don’t see any results using the product, you may return it for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it. Solawave allows the return of used products and even covers return shipping costs, and the company also backs the wand with a one-year warranty.
What we like
- Heat for soothing therapeutic warmth
- Low-vibration facial massage
- 30-day trial
- One-year warranty
What to consider
- No setting customization options
- Potential operational issues
Most Versatile Red Light Therapy Device: TheraFace PRO
Theraface
Key Features & Specs:
- Treatment area: Face
- Treatment time: Eight minute maximum
- FDA cleared: Yes
- Price: $399
The TheraFace PRO is more than just a red light therapy device. It also becomes a facial cleanser, a facial massager and a microcurrent device depending on the attachment that you use. The unit includes a total of eight head attachments. A cone, micro-point and flat percussive head attachment allow you to customize the massage. A cleansing ring helps to remove dirt, oil and debris, and a microcurrent ring delivers gentle stimulation to support skin firmness and muscle tone.
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Three light attachments also convert it into a LED light therapy device. The red light LED setting can be paired with percussive attachments, while the blue light attachment should be used alone. The unit also features a red and infrared light attachment for warming properties, and it can be paired with percussive attachments.
This handheld device is a highly versatile choice. It includes plenty of accessories like a stand, charging cable, conductive gel and carrying bag. While it might be tempting to use the device on multiple areas of the face and neck, the device will automatically turn off after eight minutes. It is not fully waterproof, so it needs to be wiped clean.
What we like
- Eight attachments for customizable use
- Offers red, blue and infrared light therapy
- Beeps every 15 seconds to move to a new area
- Includes lots of accessories like a stand and conductive gel
What to consider
- Can only be used for eight minutes at a time
- Only the cleansing ring is waterproof
What Is Red Light Therapy?
According to Faranak Kamangar, M.D., Board Certified Dermatologist, President of the San Francisco Dermatological Society and founder of The Future of Dermatology podcast, red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment. “It uses red or near-infrared light to promote skin health and healing,” she explains. “It involves exposing the skin to specific wavelengths of light that penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin.
The Cleveland Clinic explains that red light therapy is known by several names, including non-thermal LED light, soft laser therapy, cold laser therapy, photobiomodulation, phototherapy and low-level laser light therapy. Interest in red light therapy began when NASA started to experiment using red light therapy on plant growth in space and to promote wound healing for astronauts. It’s believed that red light works on the mitochondria in a body’s cells, providing more energy and helping cells to work more efficiently. As a result, red light therapy may stimulate cells and support skin rejuvenation.
Shailee Patel, M.D., FAAD, Board Certified Dermatologist and Cutaneous Surgeon at Minars Dermatology in Hollywood, Florida, explains that red light therapy affects the body in several ways. “The light penetrates deep into the skin and can help stimulate collagen production, improve circulation and decrease inflammation,” she says. “Red light is used to accelerate wound healing in ulcers, help treat precancerous skin lesions and smooth fine lines and wrinkles by increasing skin density.”
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How to Use a Red Light Therapy Device
When using a red light therapy device, it’s important to refer to the instructions that come with your specific device. Devices have different strengths and are designed for sessions of different lengths and frequencies. Always defer to the operating instructions for your specific device.
Many brands recommend a 10 to 20-minute daily treatment. You will need to expose the area of your body that you are treating directly to the device’s light. That means that you should plan to remove any clothing and makeup from that part of your body before using the light. If you plan to use the device on your face, close your eyes, since the lights are bright. Additionally, be sure to care for the device as specified by the instructions. Proper maintenance and storage will help prolong the device’s lifespan.
Benefits of At-Home Red Light Therapy
Patel notes that there are several benefits of red light therapy devices. “Red light is used for at-home skin rejuvenation to target wrinkles, acne and androgenetic alopecia,” she explains. “Benefits of at-home devices include an easy adjunct with medications, user-friendly, convenient, painless and low potential for adverse effects. [These devices] also provide acne patients an antibiotic sparing option in addition to their treatment regimen. Some of the devices are more obvious versus some of the options for androgenetic alopecia are discreet and look like a baseball cap.”
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“Some benefits of at-home red light therapy devices include convenience, cost-effectiveness and potential improvements in skin conditions,” Kamangar says. “It’s important to note that the specific benefits of at-home red light therapy devices may vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. It is recommended to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional before starting any at-home light therapy treatment.”
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Precautions
Patel explains that while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirms that red light LEDs are a safe treatment, not all devices are rigorously tested. “It is important to find devices that are FDA-approved for this reason,” she says.
Patel highlights the importance of using the red light device as instructed. “There are reports of unwanted adverse effects like burns and scars from using red light therapy,” she says. Make sure not to use the device if it’s damaged, and don’t use it while sleeping or for longer periods than recommended. “[Red light therapy] is considered safer than traditional lasers, but there is a potential risk of damage to the eyes,” she says. “Ask your eye doctor before initiating any kind of treatment near the eye and utilize proper eye protection during at-home treatments.”
Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, DCNP, Board Certified Dermatologist at Orentreich Medical Group, explains that while red therapy devices are often safe, it’s important to be aware of some precautions. “LED face masks and handheld devices are generally safe for everyone to use,” LoGerfo says. “If there are any side effects, they are usually mild.” Additionally, it is important to wear eye protection goggles. Damage to the eyes can occur from long-term blue or red light exposure,” she explains.
How to Choose the Best Red Light Device for You
Red light devices are available in many different forms and for various applications. Consider the following qualities when deciding which device is right for you.
Use
Consider your intended use for a red light device. For example, do you want to use the product to address face wrinkles, pain, scarring or another issue? Red light devices are available in many different forms, from face masks to larger panels and more. Choosing a device intended for your specific use will usually not only be convenient, but will help to focus the light on your target area.
Size
Think about how you will be using the device, as well as where. A larger device like a mask or wrap can deliver red light therapy to a larger area of your body, but these larger devices aren’t easily portable. A smaller wand can more easily fit into a bag when you’re on the go, but it will take longer to treat a larger area with a smaller device.
Strength
Red light therapy devices can vary greatly in their power output levels, and different wavelengths give you more customization options.
With the larger coverage area, more of the body can be exposed to the light treatment, which means more cells are able to absorb the light.
FDA Approval
The FDA rigorously tests medical devices, including red light therapy devices, to ensure that they are safe. After testing, the FDA reviews the device and, if considered safe for human use, approves it.
However, there are red light devices for sale that haven’t undergone the FDA testing and approval process. Patel recommends consumers seek out FDA-approved devices, which are confirmed to be safe treatment options.
Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Red Light Devices
When choosing the best red light devices, we considered several criteria. Our top picks were based on cost, customer reviews, the device’s functionality, the light strength and the device’s popularity. We also considered the brand’s reputation, including whether the brand has received positive customer feedback and whether the device has certifications, including FDA approval.
FAQs
Is it safe to use red light therapy devices at home?
LoGerfo notes that while LED face masks and handheld devices designed for home use are generally safe, it’s important to choose a product that is FDA-approved. “Red light therapy is best for someone with mild skin or hair issues,” she says. “If you have any open wounds or lesions, you should not use it. Additionally, if you have severe acne, skin disease or hair loss, you should always see a healthcare professional.”
How long does it take to see results with red light therapy devices?
The Cleveland Clinic reports that it can take four to five weeks for red light therapy to work. LoGerfo explains that everyone is different, so it’s not possible to specify exactly how many treatments are needed.
How often should you use a red light therapy device?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, you might need to use an at-home device twice a day for 30 to 60 minutes at a time. Patel explains that red light therapy devices can be used daily, and the treatment time depends on the device protocol.
What do dermatologists say about red light therapy at home?
LoGerfo notes that it’s important to acknowledge that the results usually seen with at-home red light therapy devices are mild. “They aren’t a game changer when it comes to fine lines, wrinkles and hair loss,” she says. “You have to have realistic expectations. Although there are some studies regarding their benefit, they are not abundant, and we are not entirely sure how they work.”
Takeaway: Do Red Light Devices Work?
Promoted as helping with everything from your skincare routine to pain relief, red light therapy devices are increasingly popular. With devices designed for at-home use, you can easily and conveniently enjoy red light therapy. Whether you’re looking to treat your face, back or other areas of your body, we’ve highlighted some of the best red light therapy devices that you may want to consider.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
