Red Light Therapy Benefits: What the Science Supports (and What It Doesn't)

Red light therapy is the use of low-level red and near-infrared light on the skin. You'll also see it called photobiomodulation, LED light therapy or low-level laser therapy.

Red light therapy doesn't use UV light. The light is thought to act on mitochondria, the energy centers of cells, and on collagen and inflammation.

Red light therapy is not the same as photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy is a medical procedure that combines a drug with light, done by a doctor.

The best-supported red light therapy benefits are cosmetic: skin appearance and some types of hair loss.

Skin appearance. Research suggests red light therapy may reduce fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and redness. The American Academy of Dermatology describes "subtle to noticeable results." In one study of 90 patients who received 8 facial treatments over 4 weeks, over 90% noticed some improvement, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (updated 2024).

Hereditary hair loss. FDA-cleared caps, combs and helmets exist, and some large randomized trials show regrowth, according to the AAD (2024).

Acne. Dermatologists offer in-office red light for acne. Harvard Health Publishing (2025) notes research suggests red light may ease acne and boost hair regrowth, but that it "isn't a miracle fix."

Many popular red light therapy claims — weight loss, cellulite removal, depression and seasonal affective disorder — have no scientific evidence behind them, according to Cleveland Clinic (medically reviewed 2021).

A lot of red light therapy studies are small, lack placebo groups, or were done in animals or cells. That makes big promises hard to back up.

"FDA-cleared" is also easy to misread. Clearance means a device is low risk, not that it's proven to work, according to the AAD (2024). If you want a framework for weighing claims like these, see how to judge wellness research claims.

Red light therapy appears safe in the short term when used as directed, and no UV-type cancer risk has been found. Long-term safety is still an open question.

"The long-term safety of devices that use red light therapy isn't yet known," according to Cleveland Clinic (2021).

• Protect your eyes: sunglasses aren't a substitute for proper goggles.
• Light sensitivity: avoid red light therapy with light-sensitive conditions like lupus or with photosensitizing medications, according to Harvard Health (2025).
• Skin tone: darker skin tones may be more prone to hyperpigmentation.

Red light therapy needs repetition. Sessions are often 1–3 times a week for weeks or months, according to Cleveland Clinic (2021).

For skin results specifically, Harvard Health (2025) says red light needs to be used "multiple times a week for four to six months."

Clinic devices are usually stronger than home devices, so results and timelines can differ depending on where you go. Results vary from person to person.

Red light therapy is popular in Clearwater because it fits a sunny, active lifestyle as a relaxing add-on.

Pinellas County gets lots of sun. Red light therapy is not UV and does not replace sunscreen — keep using SPF.

Locals into golf, beach volleyball or boating often add red light on a recovery day. Snowbirds also look for wellness routines to keep up during the winter season.

Red light therapy is one of the wellness services at Pulse. Learn more about red light therapy in Clearwater.

You can combine red light with EMS or other recovery services — ask the studio about scheduling. If you're curious, you can pair red light with EMS training.

New clients get a free first EMS session and 3D body scan. For red light options and packages, ask the studio — your first session is free.