What does red light therapy do, and what is it actually cleared for?
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- FDA-cleared LED face mask for wrinkles. Best for: Adults who want to try red light for fine lines on the face. See options on Amazon
- FDA-cleared laser or LED hair growth cap. Best for: People with early pattern thinning at the crown or hairline. See options on Amazon
- Red and near-infrared wrap for a single joint. Best for: Trying light on one sore knee or shoulder alongside other care. See options on Amazon
What red light therapy is
Red light therapy (RLT), also called photobiomodulation, uses devices that give off red or near-infrared light aimed at the skin. Harvard Health explains that the light is believed to stimulate mitochondria, the small structures that power cells, which may reduce inflammation and boost collagen production.
It is not the same as a tanning bed. Cleveland Clinic notes that, unlike sunlight and tanning beds, RLT does not use ultraviolet (UV) light. Harvard Health adds that red light has not shown the skin cancer risk that UV light carries.
It is also different from photodynamic therapy, a medical procedure where a doctor applies a light-sensitizing drug and then activates it with light. Cleveland Clinic describes that procedure as widely accepted for some skin cancers, acne and psoriasis, but it depends on the drug, so it is not what a home panel or mask does.
What it is used for, and how strong the evidence is
Cleveland Clinic says published studies show some potential for certain conditions, but there is not enough evidence to support most uses. Many studies were small, had no placebo group, or were done in animals or cells. Here is how the main uses sort out.
| Use | Where it stands |
|---|---|
| Fine lines and wrinkles | FDA has a cleared device category for over-the-counter light-based wrinkle reduction, mostly for the face, head and neck |
| Pattern hair loss | FDA has a cleared category for laser hair growth devices in men with androgenetic alopecia |
| Acne, scars, redness, wound healing | Promoted and studied; Harvard Health says research suggests it can help, but the best dose is not known |
| Joint and tendon pain | Under investigation for knee osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, per Cleveland Clinic |
| Weight loss, cellulite, depression, seasonal affective disorder, cancer | No scientific evidence, according to Cleveland Clinic |
If you want the evidence in more detail, see our guide to whether red light therapy works.
What FDA clearance actually covers
A device being "FDA-cleared" means the FDA allowed it to be sold for a specific intended use. It does not mean the FDA has endorsed every claim on the box.
- Wrinkles: the FDA product code for "light based over the counter wrinkle reduction" is a Class II category, described as mostly intended for the face, head and neck.
- Hair: the FDA code for laser hair growth devices is also Class II. Its definition is promoting hair growth in men with androgenic alopecia at Norwood Hamilton stages IIa to V, the common receding and crown pattern.
A body panel sold for "energy" or "recovery" may not be cleared for any medical use at all. When a listing says FDA-cleared, look for which use the clearance names.
The kinds of devices you can buy
- Face masks and handheld wands: aimed at wrinkles, texture and acne.
- Caps and helmets: aimed at thinning hair. See our red light therapy cap guide.
- Wraps and belts: strap onto a knee, shoulder or lower back. See our red light therapy belt guide.
- Mats and panels: cover more of the body at once. See our red light therapy mat guide.
- Full-body beds: found at gyms and spas and sold for home. See our red light therapy bed guide.
Harvard Health cautions that over-the-counter devices may be weaker than professional ones, and that professional versions likely control the dose better. Cleveland Clinic makes the same point: a less powerful device may not give the results people hope for.
What to expect if you try it
Red light therapy is not a one-time fix. Cleveland Clinic describes treatment one to three times a week for weeks or even months, often with touch-up sessions. Harvard Health says home devices need to be used multiple times a week for four to six months. Health insurance typically does not cover it.
Side effects are usually minimal when it is used as directed. Harvard Health lists temporary skin redness. Cleveland Clinic warns that misuse, such as using a device too often, could damage the skin or eyes, and that long-term safety is not yet known. Shield your eyes with home devices, and read about eye protection before you start.
What to look for when you buy
FDA-cleared LED face mask for wrinkles
Best for: Adults who want to try red light for fine lines on the face
Over-the-counter light-based wrinkle reduction is an FDA-cleared device category aimed at the face, head and neck, so a cleared mask has had its intended use reviewed.
Watch out: Harvard Health notes results take months of regular use, and home masks may be weaker than a dermatologist's device.
See options on AmazonFDA-cleared laser or LED hair growth cap
Best for: People with early pattern thinning at the crown or hairline
Laser hair growth devices have their own FDA-cleared Class II category for androgenetic alopecia, so look for a cap that names this use.
Watch out: It is meant for pattern hair loss, not sudden or patchy shedding, which needs a doctor.
See options on AmazonRed and near-infrared wrap for a single joint
Best for: Trying light on one sore knee or shoulder alongside other care
Cleveland Clinic lists joint and tendon pain among the uses still under investigation, and a small wrap lets you test it on one area without a large panel.
Watch out: Evidence for pain is still limited, so treat it as an add-on, not a replacement for care your clinician recommends.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is red light therapy in simple terms?
- It is low-level red or near-infrared light shone on the skin from a mask, cap, wrap, panel or bed. It is thought to help cells make energy, which may calm inflammation and support collagen.
- What does red light therapy do for your face?
- It is mainly used for fine lines, texture and redness. The FDA has a cleared category for over-the-counter light-based wrinkle reduction, and Harvard Health says results need regular use over four to six months.
- Does red light therapy help you lose weight?
- Cleveland Clinic lists weight loss and cellulite removal among uses with no scientific evidence. Be wary of belts or wraps sold for slimming.
- Is red light therapy the same as a tanning bed?
- No. Cleveland Clinic notes that red light therapy does not use the ultraviolet light found in sunlight and tanning beds.
- Who should not use red light therapy?
- Harvard Health advises against it for people with light-sensitive conditions such as lupus or those on light-sensitizing medicines, and suggests people with darker skin check with a dermatologist first.
Sources
- Red Light Therapy: Benefits, Side Effects & Uses (my.clevelandclinic.org), Cleveland Clinic
- Red light therapy for skin care (health.harvard.edu), Harvard Health Publishing
- Product Classification: Light based over the counter wrinkle reduction (OHS) (accessdata.fda.gov), U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Product Classification: Laser, comb, hair (OAP) (accessdata.fda.gov), U.S. Food and Drug Administration