What Red Light Therapy Does for Skin

A clear, evidence-based look at what red light therapy does for collagen, radiance, and smoother-looking skin, plus how to start safely at home.

Key Takeaways

  • Red light therapy, or photobiomodulation, uses red and near-infrared light that FDA-cleared at-home devices can deliver to help address visible signs of skin aging.
  • The light boosts cellular energy to help increase collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Clinically, it is absorbed by mitochondria to raise ATP and activate fibroblasts.
  • The American Academy of Dermatology considers most at-home LED devices safe for home use, though people with light-sensitive conditions or on photosensitizing medication should consult a doctor first.
  • In an 8-week consumer perception claims validation study on the Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand with LightBoost Wand Activating Serum, 97% of participants saw more radiant skin and 100% saw smoother-looking skin.
  • A simple starting routine is: cleanse and pat dry your skin, apply a LightBoost topical (serum or moisturizer), use the FDA-cleared device 3-5 times weekly (3 minutes for our Wrinkle Retreat Pro Face Mask and 12 minutes for our Solawave Wand - 3 minutes per quadrant of the face), then follow up with the rest of your skincare.
  • Note: if you use retinol or tretinoin, we recommend using light therapy at the opposite time of day.
Reveal radiant, smoother-looking skin and soften fine lines with consistent red light therapy. An FDA-cleared device boosts cellular energy to naturally stimulate collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.

How Red Light Therapy Works on Skin

Red light therapy boosts cell energy to repair skin (peer-reviewed research), stimulating collagen and elastin. It is completely UV-free and non-invasive.

What Results Can You Expect?

Consistent use is clinically shown to improve the look of fine lines and skin radiance. In studies, 97% of wand users saw more radiant skin, while 100% saw smoother-looking skin.

How to Choose Your First Device

Choose an FDA-cleared device to support your routine. For best results, pair your device with the hydrating LightBoost Wand Activating Serum.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe for Everyone?

At-home LED devices are generally safe, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Consult a doctor if light-sensitive, and darker skin types should begin with lower doses, per Harvard Health.

How to Start Your Routine at Home

Start by applying serum, using an FDA-cleared device, then moisturizing. Try your new routine risk-free with a 1-year warranty and 60-day money-back guarantee, plus bundle savings on curated starter kits.
What does red light therapy do?
It's used to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and boost radiance by supporting the skin's natural collagen and elastin production, while also helping calm inflammation.
How long until you see results?
Many people notice visible changes within several weeks of consistent use. Third party studies of the Solawave Wand and Wrinkle Retreat Pro LED Face Mask each showed visible improvement in fine lines, with wand users also seeing boosted radiance, though results vary and aren't guaranteed for everyone. Fortunately, Solawave offers an industry-leading 60 day return period if you don't love your results.
Is it safe for darker skin?
Yes. Dermatology guidance suggests people with darker skin types start with lower doses, and a patch test on a small area first is a good habit for anyone trying a new device.
Red light versus blue light therapy?
Red light targets aging concerns like fine lines and collagen support, while blue light is more associated with blemish-prone skin. For a deeper look at blue light's role, see Solawave's blue light therapy guide.
Do you need a pairing serum?
A serum isn't required, but pairing your device with a formulated option like LightBoost Activating Serum cushions the glide and adds hydration, rounding out a more complete routine.