Red Light Therapy For Face: Top Devices & Before/After

Red light therapy is one of the latest trends in beauty treatments. This therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to improve various aspects of your skin health. 

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of red light therapy for the face, and provide you with information about the best devices on the market. We will also show you some before and after photos to give you an idea of what this treatment can do for you.

Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

Winner category:
Best anti-aging device

– The most effective for the treatment of age-related changes, thanks to the technology of deep action on all layers of the skin;
– Three modes for combining light exposure based on your needs (treatment of wrinkles, acne, or both).

Jump to the detailed review

LightStim for Acne

LightStim for Acne

Winner category:
Best for acne treatment

– The most effective acne treatment device due to patented MultiWave technology to use multiple wavelengths that target bacteria;
– Reduces scarring and improves skin texture after healing acne.

Jump to the detailed review

LightStim for Acne

MZ Skin Golden Facial Treatment Device

Winner category:
Best all-in-one device

– The best multifunction device thanks to 5 different modes;
– Adjustable strap for ease of use.

Jump to the detailed review

LightStim for Acne

Skin Gym Revilit LED

Winner category:
Best device for pigmentation treatment

– Fastest treatment for pigmentation thanks to a combination of red, blue, and green light to brighten and improve the complexion;
– Safety goggles come in a kit to increase eye protection.

Jump to the detailed review

What are the benefits of red light therapy for face?

Red light therapy (RLT) is a treatment that uses low-level red and near-infrared light to treat various medical conditions. RLT is also called “low-level light therapy” or “photobiomodulation“.

Red light therapy is an effective and safe way to improve the appearance of your skin. Below are some of the benefits:

  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles are one of the first signs of aging skin. Red light therapy can help reduce this appearance by stimulating collagen production. This can help to fill in wrinkles and give your skin a more youthful appearance.

  • Improves skin texture and tone

If you have dull, uneven skin, red light therapy can help to improve your complexion. The light penetrates the skin and stimulates cell turnover. This helps to even out the skin tone and give it a healthy glow.

  • Reduces inflammation

Red light therapy is beneficial for conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema. It can help to calm the skin and reduce the appearance of redness and irritation.

Reduces inflammation
  • Improves circulation

Improved circulation helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells. This can help to improve the health of the skin and give it a radiant appearance.

  • Reduces pore size

Large pores can give the skin an uneven appearance. Red light therapy can help to reduce pore size by stimulating collagen production. This can help to tighten the skin and give it a smoother appearance.

Overall, red light therapy is an effective and safe way to improve the appearance of your skin. It can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, reduce inflammation, and stimulate collagen production. Also, it can improve circulation and reduce pore size. If you are looking for a way to improve your skin, red light therapy is a great option.

Our top picks

Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

Winner category:
Best anti-aging device

– The most effective for the treatment of age-related changes, thanks to the technology of deep action on all layers of the skin;
– Three modes for combining light exposure based on your needs (treatment of wrinkles, acne, or both).

Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro is an at-home LED device that uses clinically proven technology to deliver powerful, professional results. It is used to treat a range of skin concerns including acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.

Its unique design is optimized to deliver the most even distribution of light across the entire face, and the device’s 162 medical-grade LEDs (blue and red lights) work together to target all layers of the skin.

Due to the large number of LEDs (4.5 times more than in LightStim) and their deep penetration, this device is especially effective for the treatment of age-related changes. It promotes the production of collagen, which is a key element for smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines.

Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro is charged via USB cable and on average one charge is enough for about ten weeks of daily use, so it is also a great option for using the device away from home.

It is recommended to wear protective goggles to avoid eye damage.

LightStim for Acne

LightStim for Acne

LightStim for Acne

Winner category:
Best for acne treatment

– The most effective acne treatment device due to patented MultiWave technology to use multiple wavelengths that target bacteria;
– Reduces scarring and improves skin texture after healing acne.

LightStim is a unique acne light therapy device that uses multiple wavelengths to target and kill acne-causing bacteria with its patented MultiWave technology. This innovative device has been clinically proven to be safe and effective for all skin types and is FDA approved for the treatment of skin conditions.

This device has two types of LEDs, like Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, but in this case, blue light has a key role. Due to this, the LightStim helps not only to cure existing acne but also to prevent its appearance in the future, destroying the bacteria that provoke inflammation.

In addition, the LightStim is portable and can be used at home or on the go in just а few minutes. You can use it on problem areas for up to three minutes per session, during which different light waves are transmitted to the treated area. This allows you to focus on areas of extreme concern.

MZ Skin Golden Facial Treatment Device

LightStim for Acne

MZ Skin Golden Facial Treatment Device

Winner category:
Best all-in-one device

– The best multifunction device thanks to 5 different modes;
– Adjustable strap for ease of use.

MZ Skin Golden Facial Treatment Device is an at-home treatment device that uses different wavelengths of light to improve the appearance of the skin.

This device has a large number of modes compared to others on our list and is considered an all-in-one treatment. It has five settings, each of which has a different effect on the skin of the face.

  • Red light: stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, has an anti-inflammatory effect, and reduces signs of aging;
  • Blue light: fights acne-causing bacteria;
  • Green light: soothes the skin and reduces pigmentation, fights age spots;
  • Yellow light: counteracts redness and stimulates blood circulation
  • White infrared light: suppresses inflammation and sensitivity, leaving skin healthy and clear.

And due to the convenient adjustable strap, you can easily fasten the mask and do other things. You can use the MZ Skin Golden Facial Treatment Device once or twice a week for the best results.

The best budget light therapy facial masks that really work.

Skin Gym Revilit LED

LightStim for Acne

Skin Gym Revilit LED

Winner category:
Best device for pigmentation treatment

– Fastest treatment for pigmentation thanks to a combination of red, blue, and green light to brighten and improve the complexion;
– Safety goggles come in a kit to increase eye protection.

Skin Gym Revilit LED is an LED light therapy device that can be used to improve the appearance of your skin. This device is similar to Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, however, due to the presence of green light, Skin Gym Revilit LED has a positive effect on pigmentation, helping to improve the complexion and enriching the skin with oxygen. It is also great for rosacea, relieving irritation and redness. The device is FDA-cleared and clinically proven to be safe and effective. 

Also, using Skin Gym Revilit LED will help you achieve a more youthful appearance and can be used as a preventative measure to keep your skin looking its best.

The device is easy to use and can be used in the comfort of your own home. And thanks to the protective glasses that come with the kit, unlike other devices listed here, you can not worry about the negative effects of light on your eyes.

Red light therapy before and after

There are many benefits to red light therapy, including the ability to improve skin texture and appearance, increase collagen production, and reduce inflammation. Many people see a noticeable difference in their skin after just a few sessions of red light therapy. 

Here are some before-and-after photos of real people who have seen results from treatment.

Result of red light therapy treatment for acne
Result of red light therapy treatment for acne
Result of treating wrinkles and fine lines with red light therapy
Result of treating wrinkles and fine lines with red light therapy
Result of treating wrinkles and fine lines with red light therapy
Result of treating wrinkles and fine lines with red light therapy
Result of red light therapy treatment for acne
Result of red light therapy treatment for acne

As you can see, red light therapy can have a significant impact on the appearance of your skin. If you’re looking for an effective way to improve your skin health, red light therapy will be right for you.

Effects of red light therapy on the face based on scientific research

Red light therapy can offer a host of potential benefits, including improved skin texture and reduced wrinkles. But does it work? We take a closer look at the science behind red light therapy and its effectiveness.

Anti-aging

The study [1] was involving elderly patients and individuals with incipient photoaging. One side of their skin was irradiated with red light (660 nm) for 12 treatments. The results showed that more than 90% of people experienced a reduction in the depth of wrinkles and skin roughness. No side effects were reported.

The next study [2] was involving 113 participants. They were randomly divided into four treatment groups and were treated twice weekly with 611-650 or 570-850 nm laser light and compared with controls (23 patients). The radiation intensity and duration of treatment varied in all treatment groups, but there were no more than 30 sessions. As a result, the treated subjects showed a significant improvement in complexion and skin feel, as well as collagen density.

The result of treatment of age-related changes using red light therapy
The result of treatment of age-related changes using red light therapy

Another study [3] involved 31 patients with facial wrinkles. There were nine procedures in total, which combined the wavelengths of 633 nm and 830 nm. The improvement in skin surface was assessed at 9 and 12 weeks. The results showed significant improvements — 52% of the patients showed an improvement in photoaging indicators by 25-50% by the 12th week; 81% of patients reported a significant reduction in wrinkles at the end of the follow-up.

What is infrared light therapy and how does it work? Read on to find out.

Acne treatment

In this study [4], 28 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris were treated with red light therapy (630 nm) and infrared laser (890 nm) on the right and left sides of the face, respectively, twice a week for 12 sessions. As a result, ten weeks after treatment, acne was significantly reduced on the 630 nm red therapy-treated side, but this reduction was not significant in the 890 nm infrared laser-treated area.

Result of red light therapy treatment for acne
Result of red light therapy treatment for acne

The next study [5] involved 24 patients with mild to moderate facial acne. They were treated with LED therapy with alternating blue (415 nm) and red (633 nm) light. The treatment was carried out twice a week for 4 weeks. The results showed an impressive improvement in non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions, which were 34.28% and 77.93%, respectively. Measurements also showed that melanin levels dropped significantly after treatment. As a result, 14 patients reported improved skin tone and texture.

More information about blue light therapy, its effectiveness, and the best devices — in our article.

What to expect during treatment

Red light therapy treatment for the face usually takes place in a spa, clinic, or doctor’s office. The treatment can last for as little as 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.

Most people report feeling warmth during red light therapy treatment, but there is no pain or discomfort. After the treatment, your skin may look and feel softer and smoother. Also, there is no downtime following red light therapy, so you can immediately resume your normal activities.

Red light therapy treatment

At-home vs professional red light therapy treatment

If you're considering red light therapy to improve your skin, there are a few things to consider before you decide whether at-home or professional treatment is right for you.

🏠 At-home treatment:

At-home treatments are typically much less expensive than professional treatments. You may also find them more convenient, as you can do them in your own time and don't need to travel to a salon or clinic.

On the downside, at-home treatments tend to be less powerful than professional treatments. This means that you may need to use them for longer to see results. However, you can use them at your own discretion, making individual care.

Most of the home light therapy devices you will find on the market, use red light, blue light, or a combination of the two. Some come as masks that cover a larger treatment area (such as the entire face or chest), while others offer more targeted treatment.

At-home vs professional red light therapy treatment

🏢 Professional treatment:

Professional treatments are usually more expensive than at-home treatments, but they're also generally more effective. This is because the devices used in professional treatments are usually stronger than at-home devices, and the treatments are carried out by trained professionals.

One downside of professional treatments is that they can be time-consuming, as you need to travel to a salon or clinic for each session. Another downside is that you may not be able to control the strength of the light, which could increase your risk of side effects.

So, which is better — at-home or professional red light therapy?

There is no easy answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including your budget, your skin concerns, and your lifestyle. If you're looking for a more powerful treatment that can be tailored to your specific needs, professional treatment may be the better option. However, if you're on a budget or prefer the convenience of at-home treatment, then at-home devices can be a solution for you.

Is red light therapy safe?

Red light therapy is generally considered safe for most people. However, there are a few potential side effects that you should be aware of. These include:

  • Skin irritation: Some people may experience skin irritation or redness after treatment. This is usually mild and temporary.
  • Eye damage: If the light from the therapy device enters your eyes, it could damage your retina. This is why it's important to wear eye protection during treatment.
  • Photosensitivity: People who are photosensitive or have a history of skin cancer should avoid red light therapy. 

Overall, red light therapy is safe for most people. However, it's important to talk to your doctor before beginning treatment, especially if you have a medical condition.

red light therapy is save

Summary

The use of red light in skin care is one of the biggest beauty trends this year, as it is used primarily to restore and rejuvenate the skin. In addition, red light accelerates skin renewal, and therefore, under its influence, the effect of the active ingredients of cosmetics appears faster and stronger.

Another effect of red light is the treatment of acne. It acts on the skin by killing bacteria, has an anti-inflammatory effect, and can reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands.

Facial light therapy is completely painless and has no downtime. However, it is worth considering that the results will be visible after 6-12 weeks. Also, we recommend that you consult with a specialist to see if this treatment is right for you.

FAQ

📅 How often should you use red light therapy on your face?

That depends on what you're using it for. If you're using it to treat acne, you can use it every day. But if you're using it for anti-aging purposes, you should use it three times a week. Also, make sure you're using sunscreen during the day, as red light therapy can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

⏳ How long should you use red light therapy on your face?

Depends on the condition being treated. If you're using it for anti-aging purposes, you should use it for about 10 minutes a day. If you're using it to treat acne, you can use it for 20-30 minutes a day.

👵 Will red light therapy improves the appearance of wrinkles on my face?

Red light therapy can help to stimulate collagen production, which can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. In addition, red light therapy can help to increase blood circulation, which can also help with aging skin.

🔍 Can red light therapy help with acne?

Red light therapy can help to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, both of which can help to treat and prevent acne.

📍 Can I use red light therapy on my face if I have sensitive skin?

Yes, you can. In fact, red light therapy is often recommended for people with sensitive skin, as it can help to reduce inflammation and redness.

Jose Diego Mier

Dermatology Expert

Dr. Jose Diego Mier is a board-certified dermatologist with over a decade of experience in light therapy, dermatology, and skin care. As the founder of the Heliotherapy Research Institute, Dr. Mier has dedicated his career to the study and application of light-based therapies for various skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, and skin aging. He is renowned for his extensive research contributions, numerous publications in leading dermatology journals, and his work has been recognized with awards for excellence in research and innovation. He has been invited to speak at national and international conferences, sharing his expertise and insights on light therapy and skin care.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Doctor Mier