What is Red Light Therapy?
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What is Red Light Therapy?

Maya Deiss
August 21, 2025
10 MINS READ

You may have seen it on your social media feed or heard about it from your favorite celebrity—a futuristic-looking mask emitting a soft, red glow. This is red light therapy, and it's quickly becoming one of the most sought-after skincare treatments available. But what exactly is it? In simple terms, red light therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses low-level wavelengths of red light to rejuvenate the skin at a cellular level. It’s a science-backed way to address common skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, all from the comfort of your home.

As a brand with over 30 awards, Solawave is focused on making these effective, science-backed rituals accessible. Recommended by dermatologists and estheticians, our devices bring professional-level treatments into your daily routine.

The Science Behind the Glow: How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

The idea of using light to improve skin might sound complex, but the science is quite straightforward. Our skin, and indeed all our cells, react to light in different ways. Red light therapy uses specific, clinically-proven wavelengths of light that can penetrate the skin deeper than other colors. When these light waves reach your cells, they are absorbed by mitochondria, often called the "powerhouses" of our cells.

This absorption stimulates the mitochondria to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy source for all cellular functions. Think of it as giving your cells a clean energy boost. With more ATP, cells can work more efficiently to repair damage, regenerate, and perform their functions at an optimal level. This enhanced cellular activity leads to several key benefits, most notably an increase in the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen provides structure and firmness to the skin, while elastin allows it to bounce back. 

As we age, our natural production of both declines, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Red light therapy helps to naturally revitalize this production process, leading to visibly smoother and firmer skin over time. Some advanced devices also incorporate near-infrared light, which has an even longer wavelength and can penetrate deeper to help reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.

Unveiling the Benefits: What Can Red Light Therapy Do for You?

Consistent use of red light therapy can bring about a noticeable improvement in your skin's health and appearance. The benefits go beyond just anti-aging, helping to create a clearer, more radiant, and resilient complexion.

Smooths Fine Lines and Wrinkles

One of the most celebrated benefits of red light therapy is its ability to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By stimulating collagen and elastin production, the therapy helps to plump the skin from within, smoothing out the lines that come with age. This process doesn't just fill in existing wrinkles; it helps rebuild the skin's supportive structure, making it more resilient against future signs of aging. For a comprehensive treatment that targets the entire face, many of our customers turn to our hero product, the Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Mask. It uses both red and near-infrared light, which are highly effective wavelengths for encouraging fibroblast activity, the cells responsible for creating new collagen.

Improves Skin Tone and Texture

Beyond wrinkles, red light therapy can help improve your overall skin tone and texture. It increases blood flow, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the skin's surface, promoting healing and giving you a healthy glow. The therapy has also been shown to reduce inflammation and redness, which can help calm conditions like rosacea and minimize the appearance of broken capillaries. Over time, it can even help reduce hyperpigmentation and sunspots by promoting cellular turnover and helping to regulate melanin production, leading to a more even and luminous complexion.

Reduces Blemishes and Inflammation

While blue light is often associated with targeting acne-causing bacteria, red light plays a significant role in managing breakouts by addressing inflammation. It calms the redness and swelling that make blemishes so noticeable and painful. By improving circulation and cellular repair, red light therapy can also accelerate the healing of post-acne marks and scars, preventing the long-term discoloration that can linger after a breakout. This makes it a great complementary treatment for those with occasional breakouts or persistent skin irritation.

Enhances Product Absorption

To get the most out of your skincare products, they need to penetrate deeply into the skin. Red light therapy can help with that. Some devices, like our Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand, combine red light with other technologies like galvanic current. This specific current uses a safe, low-level electrical charge to enhance the skin's permeability, allowing water-based serums and creams to be absorbed more effectively. For the best results, we recommend pairing the wand with a conductive product. Our LightBoost Red Light Therapy Hyaluronic Serum is specially formulated to conduct the current while deeply hydrating your skin, ensuring the wand glides smoothly and the technology works at its best.

Your At-Home Red Light Therapy Ritual

Bringing red light therapy into your home is simple and convenient. Unlike in-office treatments, at-home devices are designed for easy, regular use, which is the key to achieving the best results.

Getting Started

Before any red light therapy session, it’s important to start with a clean, dry face. Remove all makeup and wash your face with a gentle cleanser to ensure there are no barriers between the light and your skin. Pat your skin dry gently, avoiding any harsh rubbing that could cause irritation. If using a device with galvanic current like the wand, apply a conductive serum to the area you'll be treating. For this, you can use products specifically designed to enhance light therapy, such as Solawave’s LightBoost Face & Neck Serum or the LightBoost Red Light Therapy Hyaluronic Serum. For added hydration, you can also apply the LightBoost Face & Neck Cream before your session.

A Consistent Commitment

Results from red light therapy are cumulative, meaning they build over time. For this reason, consistency is more important than the length of any single session. We recommend our customers use their devices for about 10 minutes per session, several times a week. A few minutes each day is all it takes to start seeing a difference. Sporadic use once a week is unlikely to produce the visible results you're looking for. Think of it like exercise for your skin—regular workouts yield the best outcome.

Maximizing Your Routine

To truly boost the effects of your red light therapy, you can use revolutionary products designed to work together to enhance the treatment. Solawave’s LightBoost line is specifically formulated for this synergy.

Before your session, you can prime your skin by layering these products. Start with the LightBoost Collagen + Caffeine Eye Cream to target the delicate eye area. Follow with the lightweight LightBoost Niacinamide Face and Neck Serum to improve tone and texture. Finish by applying the LightBoost Face and Neck Cream for deep hydration. Using these products together before your treatment creates the ideal environment for your skin to receive the full benefits of the light, leading to enhanced, radiant results.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe? What You Need to Know

Safety is a primary concern for anyone trying a new skincare treatment, and rightfully so. The good news is that red light therapy is widely considered to be very safe and gentle.

It's a 100% gentle treatment that comes with no downtime. You can go about your day immediately after a session without any recovery period. A major point of distinction is that it does not use harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, so there is no risk of sun damage or skin cancer associated with this therapy. The warmth you may feel during a session is gentle and therapeutic, not the kind of heat that damages skin tissue.

  • The Importance of FDA Clearance

When choosing an at-home device, it's critical to select one that is FDA-cleared. This designation means the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reviewed the device and determined it to be safe. At-home options like Solawave are FDA-cleared, making them safe and reliable for regular use. More brands are launching without this clearance, leading to murky safety protocols, so it is important to purchase a device that has been vetted.

  • Eye Safety and Side Effects

For most people, there are no side effects. In rare cases, some may experience temporary redness, which quickly subsides. When using a mask, you can simply close your eyes during the treatment. The light is not harmful, but as with any light-based treatment, you should not stare directly into the LEDs. Our masks, including the red light therapy eye mask, are designed for safe, comfortable use.

  • Pregnancy and Precautions

While red light therapy is generally safe, there is limited research on its use during pregnancy. Because of this, we always recommend that you consult your doctor before beginning any new treatments, including red light therapy, if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

Medical Conditions Red Light Therapy May Help

While renowned for its cosmetic benefits, research suggests red light therapy’s ability to boost cellular energy and reduce inflammation may be beneficial for other concerns. Its therapeutic effects on circulation and tissue repair show potential for supporting conditions such as:

  • Psoriasis and Eczema

  • Arthritis and joint pain

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)

  • Wound healing and scar reduction

At Solawave, our mission is to empower everyone to feel confident in their own skin. We believe that science-backed, effective skincare should be accessible to all, which is why we’ve created a range of FDA-cleared, award-winning devices that deliver professional-level results from the comfort of your home. From our targeted wands to our full-coverage masks, every product is designed to be user-friendly, travel-ready, and a delightful addition to your self-care routine. Explore our complete collection of innovative tools and skincare on our shop all page.

Why So Many Choose Solawave

There's a reason Solawave has become a leader in at-home skincare. Our devices are not only celebrity-loved but also recommended by skincare professionals who trust our technology. We are dedicated to merging patented technologies with advanced skincare ingredients to create rituals that are effective and easy to incorporate into your life. Our commitment to innovation and effectiveness earned us the ELLE Tools and Treatments award in 2024. You can see real results and join our community by following us on Instagram.

Frequently Asked Questions about Red Light Therapy

Q. How often should I use red light therapy?

We recommend using your Solawave device for at least 5 minutes per session, 3-5 times per week. Our masks offer a complete, hands-free treatment in just 10 minutes.

Q. How long does it take to see results?

With consistent use, most people begin to see a reduction in fine lines and improved skin tone within 4 to 6 weeks. Results can vary based on individual skin type and condition.

Q. Is red light therapy safe for my eyes?

Yes, the treatment is safe for the skin around the eyes. You should not look directly into the LEDs, but simply closing your eyes during a mask session is sufficient.

Q. Can I use red light therapy if I'm pregnant?

While red light therapy is generally considered safe, we recommend consulting your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as there is limited research in this area.

Q. Can RLT help with psoriasis or joint pain?

Studies have shown that red light therapy can help reduce inflammation and promote healing, which may provide relief for conditions like psoriasis and arthritis. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Q. Are there any conditions that prevent someone from using it?

People with certain photosensitive disorders or those taking medications that increase light sensitivity should consult their doctor before use.

Q. Is the cost of Solawave devices covered by insurance?

Making the investment even more accessible, many Solawave purchases may be eligible for coverage with FSA/HSA funds, making it a cost-effective choice for your long-term skin health.

Q. Does red light therapy hurt?

No, it does not. Red light therapy is a gentle and relaxing treatment. You may feel a mild, soothing warmth on your skin during the session.

Q. Does red light therapy use UV light?

No, it does not. Red light therapy uses specific, visible red light wavelengths and does not emit any harmful UV radiation.

Q. Can I use this with retinol?

Yes. We recommend applying retinol products after your red light therapy session, not before, to avoid any potential sensitivity.

Q. Can I use red light therapy with my other skincare products?

Yes, you can. It's best to use red light therapy on clean skin, but you can apply your serums and moisturizers immediately after your session. In fact, some devices can even help your products absorb better.

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