Is it safe to have Red Light Therapy at home?

Is Red Light Therapy safe?

Red Light Therapy is a gentle risk-free and non-invasive treatment that will not burn, cut, or hurt your skin as with laser treatments. RLT will not cause skin inflammation or erythema after treatments and is safe enough to do at home.

Red Light Therapy has been subject to thousands of peer-reviewed medical studies and clinical trials. The studies have shown extremely positive results, and an almost total lack of side effects or developed complications on non-risk groups.

See our related blog post for information in depth.

You can also dive into literature for various clinical studies and researches on red light therapy in PubMed.gov/red_light_therapy

How do I prepare my skin for a session?

You should not use your panel and/or mask after heat-based treatments.

Use on freshly cleansed, clean, and dry skin. Remove all makeup or aftershave. You may prepare your skin, with your prescribed cleanser or exfoliator, after consulting your dermatologist.

You may use a hydrogel mask or a light water-based serum before the treatment if you have marginally dry skin. Remember such agents will reduce the skin's absorption of light waves. Use with moderation and if only necessary. Other products may result in skin reactions.

It is not necessary to apply anything after treatment. However, if you choose to enrich your skincare routine, you should always apply your skincare or post-shave products, after the treatment.

Please review the contra indications for a list of products and ingredients to avoid using with LED.

My skin is sensitive and I have issues. How do I adjust my routine and maximize benefits?

On your first days, start slow with the lowest power with the automated 20 minute session, for your skin to adapt the light, and review your skin's reaction (if any). Increase the power in moderation. Highest power output is absolutely safe for regular skin types, and red light therapy does not include any harmful UVs.

You should target acne and pigmentation (low wavelength, Blue light) initially for better results. Improvements in skin health and restoration are more visible once the skin is dry.

Excessive exposure may lead to itchiness, discomfort, and swelling, due to increased derma-cellular activity. If you see any of these symptoms, stop your routine until fully recovered, and consult your dermatologist.

Is Red Light therapy safe for my eyes?

Red Light Therapy devices do not emit ultraviolet rays. Visible and NIR wavelengths are not harmful to the eyes. However intensity of the light may cause discomfort.

Red Light Panels come with eye protection googles, and Red Light Therapy Masks are equipped with eye patches to avoid the discomfort.

Recent studies that suggest red light therapy is very healthy for the eyes and will help slow down the aging of eyes and improve eyesight, but therapy masks are optimized to treat skin conditions, not eyesight, therefore we do not suggest looking directly into the light. You should consult to your doctor if you suffer from sensitivity to light.

Can I use my Red Light Therapy Mask combined with micro needling procedures?

Visible red light and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths stimulate cellular activity in hypodermis tissue, recovering uncomfortable and unsightly redness or inflammation. A 10-minute session will reduce post-operative inflammation after micro needling.

Is it possible to over use Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy?

There are numerous animal studies and cell culture experiments demonstrating a biphasic dose response; where low levels of light have a much better effect on stimulating and repairing tissues than higher levels of light.

Several review articles suggest this could be linked to an overproduction of reactive oxygen within the mitochondria of cells, whereas some others suggest that red light acts as a mild stressor to cells, prompting an adaptive response that strengthens them against red light influence.

While a high-dose is typically safe, it may not be as effective or efficient, and can undo or delay benefits.

Similar to many other wellness routines, the benefits of Red Light Therapy occur in the recovery period.

Who should NOT use Red Light Therapy?

Red Light Therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is generally considered safe for most people. However, there are a few cases where caution is recommended or the therapy should be avoided altogether:

Photosensitivity: People with photosensitive conditions, such as lupus or porphyria, should avoid Red Light Therapy as their skin may be more sensitive to light exposure and could cause an adverse reaction.

Pregnancy: Red light therapy is not suitable for pregnancy. Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider for limited or targeted use before using Red Light Therapy.

Epilepsy: People with epilepsy, a history of seizures or a light-associated hypersensitivity should be cautious as the pulsing lights in some Red Light Therapy devices may trigger a seizure.

Cancer: For individuals with cancer, especially skin cancer, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using Red Light Therapy. Some studies suggest that Red Light Therapy may promote cell growth, which could be detrimental for those with cancerous tumours. You should not use Red Light Therapy whilst being treated or recovering from cancer.

Certain eye conditions: While Red Light Therapy is generally safe for the eyes, those having a genetic predisposition to light, those with pre-existing eye conditions, or who are taking medications that increase light sensitivity should exercise caution and consult their healthcare provider.

Medications: Some medications can cause increased sensitivity to light, including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and retinoids. If you are taking medications that increase photosensitivity, consult with your healthcare provider before using Red Light Therapy.

Pacemaker / other implanted electronic device: If you have a pacemaker or any other implanted electronic device, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider or the device manufacturer before using Red Light Therapy. Although Red Light Therapy does not typically interfere with pacemakers, it is always best to seek professional advice to ensure your safety. It may also be worth considering using from a distance of 6" away or more to minimize any possible EMF interference.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting Red Light Therapy, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns. They can provide guidance on whether the therapy is appropriate for your specific situation and ensure that you are using it safely.

What are the risks and side effects?

The American Academy of Dermatology deems Red Light Therapy safe. Since LEDs do not contain UV rays, this is considered a safer form of light therapy that will not cause longterm damage to your skin with regular use. The procedure is also noninvasive and has few risks.

Unlike more invasive procedures such as chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser therapy, LEDs do not burn your skin. They also do not cause any pain.

Some oral acne medications and products like retinoids (i.e Accutane) can increase skin sensitivity to light and may cause scarring in some instances.

Do not use LED Light Therapy if you are using anything on your skin that makes you sensitive to sunlight.

You also might consider avoiding this treatment if you currently have an active rash. Talk with your doctor if you have psoriasis. Red Light Therapy could help but only if you use it in conjunction with your regularly prescribed treatments.

Side effects from LED Light Therapy are rare and were not noted during clinical trials. Consult with your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms post-treatment; increased inflammation, redness, rash, pain, tenderness, or hives; comparatively with your current medications and topical products.

How does Red Light Therapy impact plastic surgery?

If you have had plastic surgery, consult your surgeon before using Red Light Therapy.

Is Red Light Therapy safe for infants and children?

We recommend consulting with a doctor to make sure they approve of any new health protocols such as Red Light Therapy.

If approved by the doctor, then infants and children must always be supervised by an adult.

What is EMF? How does it relate to output of your devices?

All electric devices have some degree of electromagnetic field, due to the nature of their power source. The light source (visible and NIR spectrums) in Red Light Therapy devices emit Non Ionizing radiation, that does not have enough energy to break up (ionize) atoms or molecules.

The EMF output of our devices are very low and drops down to 0.0 µT at 15 cm (6"). This means that at 6" and beyond, you are receiving zero EMF exposure.

Will I get a tan with red light therapy?

Red light therapy does not include UV wavelengths, and therefore will not give you any tan.

What about the Basics of Red Light Therapy?

You can visit our Basics Page for technology, features, background, and more.

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Best In-Class Safety

PiriRed Panels hold several prestigious certifications, validating quality and safety:

  • JAS-ANZ Compliance
  • ROHS Compliance
  • CE Certification
  • FDA (Class II) Approval

These certifications affirm the panels' performance, reliability, and electrical safety. promoting PiriRed Panels a trustworthy option for those seeking an effective and secure at-home therapy solution to enhance their well-being.

See Flagship
  • UV FREE

    Red Light Therapy does not include harmful ultraviolet rays.

  • NON-INVASIVE

    Red Light Therapy does not burn, cut or hurt tissue.

  • CONVENIENT

    Red Light Therapy is affordable and easy to do at home.