Red light therapy

Red light therapy involves standing or sitting near a panel of LEDs that emit red and near-infrared light, typically for several minutes at a time with the panel positioned close to the skin. Home panels range from small handheld units meant for a single area, like the face or a shoulder, to larger standing panels meant to cover more of the body at once.

The light wavelengths used are chosen because they penetrate the skin to some depth without the heat of a traditional heat lamp, and users typically feel nothing more than mild warmth during a session. Interest in red light therapy has grown quickly, but it is worth being cautious about specific claims, since the research on any individual benefit is still developing and results reported by users vary a great deal from person to person.

When choosing a panel, look at the coverage area and the mix of wavelengths offered rather than brightness alone, and follow the manufacturer's recommended distance and session length since standing too close for too long is a common mistake. Eye protection is often recommended for higher powered panels. Red light therapy is not a substitute for medical treatment, and anyone considering it for a specific skin or health concern should discuss it with a doctor first.