You’ve probably seen the glowing red masks or full-body panels online — but does red light therapy actually work? At Red Glo Labs, we test these devices ourselves, and in this guide, we’ll break down what the research says, what to expect, and what we’ve experienced.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT) uses low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate your body at the cellular level. It’s completely non-invasive and painless — most people describe it as warm, relaxing, and a little futuristic.
It’s sometimes called:
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Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
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Photobiomodulation (PBM)
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LED light therapy
What Does It Help With?
Here’s what clinical studies — and real users — say red light therapy can help with:
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Skin: Improves tone, reduces acne, smooths texture, and boosts collagen
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Hair: May stimulate follicles and support regrowth (especially paired with scalp massaging)
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Muscle Recovery: Speeds up recovery and reduces soreness
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Mood & Sleep: Some people report deeper sleep and less brain fog
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Joint Pain or Inflammation: May reduce stiffness and swelling with consistent use
How Long Until You See Results?
Consistency is key. You won’t see magic overnight — but users (including us) often notice:
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Skin glow in 1–2 weeks
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Hair thickening or less shedding in 4–8 weeks
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Mood, sleep, and soreness relief within days to a few weeks
We test most devices for at least 4 weeks to assess real-world results.
What Should You Look for in a Device?
There’s a lot of noise out there. Here’s what actually matters:
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Wavelengths: Look for 630–660nm (red) and 810–850nm (near-infrared)
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Power Output: You want measurable irradiance, not just bright lights
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Treatment Area: Full-face or body vs spot treatment
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Ease of Use: If it’s annoying to use, you won’t stick with it
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Safety: Low EMF and quality materials are a must
We use our Glow Score to rate devices on all of this — from science to comfort.
Is It Safe?
Yes — when used properly, red light therapy is considered very safe. You should:
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Avoid looking directly at the light
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Follow manufacturer guidelines
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Keep sessions to recommended lengths (often 10–20 minutes)
Our Take: Worth It (With the Right Device)
We’ve personally seen skin improvements, mood support, and better recovery from workouts. Like any wellness tool, it’s not a miracle overnight — but with the right device and consistency, it works.
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