Best Red Light Therapy Device
[amazon table=”2378″]Red light therapy is the relatively recent idea that you can restore and repair body tissue through exposure to red lights.
The wavelengths of light given off by the red lights have been shown to positively affect the recovery and protection of skin.
The scientific process triggered by the red lights is an increase in mitochondrial function, which essentially means you are giving your body more cellular energy to work with.
There are all sorts of red light therapy devices out there that can help you deal with acne and reduce inflammation in the skin. There’s also some evidence that it can help with wrinkles by boosting your levels of collagen.
Here are our top picks…
👑 Our Pick for Best Overall
[amazon box=”B01034KQG0” title=”dpl lla Light Therapy Panel” description=”The dpl lla red light therapy device is great for tackling acne and addressing the signs of aging such as wrinkles.”]⭐ Our Other Top Picks for Red & Blue Light Therapy Devices
- Best of the Best: dpl lla Light Therapy Panel
- Runner Up: Bestqool Red Light Therapy Device
- Best on a Budget: Neutrogena Light Therapy
- Best Face Mask: NEWKEY LED Face Mask
- Best for Muscle Pain: Serfory Red Light Therapy Device
- Best High-tech: RedTonic Red Light Device B082QZG4SK
Best Red Light Therapy Device Reviews
dpl lla Light Therapy Panel (⭐ Best of the Best)
The best red light therapy device in our view is the acne reduction and prevention device from dpl lla.
This device is primarily geared towards acne sufferers, but also anyone concerned about the visible signs of aging like wrinkles. As an FDA-cleared and clinically tested device which is listed as an OTC Class II medical device, you don’t have to worry about any harmful side effects or nasty surprises with this red light therapy device.
Adopting the form of a book, this device is loaded with as many as 262 LED lights, which are spread out across the two sides which appear like two pages of an open book. You have 3 settings available to you with this device, one is for anti-aging, another for acne, and the last is for targeting both at the same time. This makes it suitable for several uses, and ideal for sharing with others in the house. It isn’t just suitable for use on the face either, as you can use it on your neck, chest, hands, legs, and back.
The LED lights are a combination of red and amber, and use the wavelengths of 880nm and 660nm. There are also blue lights which can be very useful for treating the underlying causes of acne, and helping to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm at night. The FAR infrared light promotes healthy skin, reduces signs of aging like wrinkles, and eliminates the bacteria that can cause acne.
With the red light therapy device, you’ll get a 1-year warranty, an instruction manual, an AC/DC power supply and a pair of relaxation goggles which you can use with the device.
Features:
- FDA-cleared, clinically tested, OTC Class II medical device
- Features 262 LED lights (red, amber, and blue)
- 3 treatment settings (acne, anti-aging, both)
- FAR infrared light
- 880nm and 660nm wavelengths
- 1-year warranty
- Includes instruction manual, AC/DC power supply and relaxation goggles
Bestqool Red Light Therapy Device (🥈 Runner Up)
This red light therapy device from Bestqool looks like a portable mini heater but instead of providing heat, goes to work on the signs of aging and joint pain.
If you suffer from joint pain or feel like your skin could benefit from accelerated recovery, then you could do a lot worse than this handy device from Bestqool. It uses a combination of red light therapy and near infrared light to penetrate the skin and stimulate collagen levels and the body’s defenses from environmental and elemental damage.
While the red lights will go to work on signs of aging like wrinkles in the face, the near infrared light will penetrate the skin at a deeper level and boost the body’s ability to recover from inflammation and joint pain. All you need to do is have the device running for around 15 minutes everyday, and you should notice a difference within a month or two.
This device is safe to use as it’s natural and drug free, the only thing coming into contact with your skin is wavelengths of natural light. The device is clinically tested, and the manufacturer claims you should see results within 1-2 months. The health risks are minimal compared to medications and invasive procedures, and you could even improve your health by reducing oxidative stress.
As a compact unit, you can bring this device with you wherever you are in the house. It comes with an adjustable rope and braided steel cables too, so you can hook it up to a door or adjust the angle when you want to use it in different positions. There’s a 2-year warranty that comes with this device, which means you can get it repaired free of charge.
Features:
- 660 and 850 nm wavelengths
- Portable device with adjustable rope and braided steel cables
- 60 LEDs
- Near infrared light
- 2 year full warranty
Neutrogena Light Therapy (💰 Best on a Budget)
Neutrogena is a universally acclaimed skincare brand, so you know you can trust its budget-friendly red light therapy device.
This small device looks like a pen, and as such is incredibly easy to use wherever you are. This makes it effortless to integrate the red light therapy into your daily skincare routine, even while travelling. As well as being affordable and portable, this red light therapy device effectively addresses and treats acne without irritating the skin. It can reduce the appearance of breakouts, and help you keep your skin looking young and healthy.
This device also harnesses the power of blue light therapy, and is clinically proven to kill off the bacteria which causes acne. This two-pronged approach to preventing acne and reducing the appearance of it on the skin should leave you feeling as confident as ever that you can manage your acne.
There is no residue left behind, and the device is FDA-cleared and free from UV, chemicals so you know that what you’re getting isn’t going to harm your skin like some invasive procedures or medications could. This makes it suitable for use on sensitive skin, which is backed up by clinical testing.
You can use this handy light therapy device up to 3 times a day, depending on the severity of your acne. This is great news for those of use who want to do as much as possible to fight off acne, and feel like we’re staying on top of it as best we can.
Features:
- Portable compact device
- Combines red and blue light therapy
- Clinically proven for sensitive skin
- FDA-cleared
- Free from UV and chemicals
- Battery-powered
- Wavelengths of 445nm (blue) and 630nm (red)
NEWKEY LED Face Mask (🤖 Best Face Mask)
The NEWKEY LED face mask is our pick for the best face mask offering red light therapy.
While the thought of donning a slightly scary-looking mask that glows different colors sounds more like a Halloween ritual than a skincare one, this mask can do wonders for acne and skin rejuvenation. What’s great about this mask in particular is that it doesn’t only offer one form of light therapy, but 7. That’s right, this one product gives you access to blue, green, yellow, purple, light blue, red, and white light therapy. That’s a lot of value for a single purchase. It also means you can give your face the tools it needs to stay firm and healthy every day.
This multifunctional light therapy mask provides the benefits of red and blue lights for treating acne and wrinkles, and throws in green light for better pigmentation, yellow light for reducing redness, purple light for relaxation, light blue light for soothing and white light for accelerating tissue metabolism. That’s a lot of extra protection for your face, and should keep blemishes and outbreaks to a minimum. You can switch through the different colors easily with the remote control too.
This mask is perfectly suitable for all skin types, which includes sensitive and oily skin. There’s a 60 days money back service and a 1 year warranty that comes with this mask, which should make the decision a little easier from a financial perspective.
Features:
- Includes 7 types of color therapy (red, blue, green, yellow, purple, light blue, white).
- LED mask design
- Suitable for all skin types
- 60 day money back guarantee
- 1 year warranty
Serfory Red Light Therapy Device (💪🏼 Best for Muscle Pain)
This large red light therapy panel device from Serfory is one of the best for treating muscle pain.
Unlike other devices which focus on acne and anti-aging, this device is built to boost muscle tissue recovery so you can feel your best more often. The panel uses deep red 660nm wavelengths, and comes with safety goggles to protect your eyes.
The benefits you get from using this panel can be stronger or milder depending on how far you are away from it when you use it. This makes it easy to use whether you are suffering a lot with muscle pain or just have mild cramps. Red light therapy has been shown to help with muscle tissue recovery as well as joint pain and blood circulation which can also help with osteoarthritis.
Features:
- Red light panel
- 660nm wavelength
- 1 year assurance
RedTonic Red Light Device (💪🏼 Best High-tech)
The RedTonic red light device is our pick for the best high-tech red light therapy device given that it’s the only one which features Tri-Spectrum technology.
This handheld device is comfortable to use and has three different wavvelengths you can switch between. The Tri-Spectrum technology means that with this device you can use 630nm, 660nm, or 850nm to see what works best for you. The device is primarily intended for pain relief, so if you’re struggling to manage pain and you’re seeking temporary relief then the RedTonic device could be just what you need. Simply point the wand light that comes from the device over the affected area for up to five minutes at a time, and you should notice a reduction in pain before long. You can repeat the process up to three times in a day, so if you have an injury that causes constant pain you should be able to manage it well with the RedTonic device.
This device from RedTonic comes with the high powered red light pen, two rechargeable lithium ion batteries, a charger, and some protective eye wear. There’s also a 60-day money back guarantee and a 2 year warranty which makes it a risk-free investment.
Many customers on Amazon claim that the red light device is effective for tackling nagging pains and is easy to integrate into a daily routine. Others praise the fact that the device is portable, which makes it travel-friendly for those times you’re out and about and need some instant pain relief.
Features:
- Tri-Spectrum technology with 630, 660, and 850 wavelengths
- Includes red light pen, two rechargeable lithium ion batteries, a charger, and protective eye wear
- 60-day money back guarantee and 2 year warranty
Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Red Light Therapy Device
Red light therapy isn’t the most common type of skincare, so it’s only natural that you might have a lot of questions about it.
What exactly can it do for you?
Is it safe?
Can you use it every day?
These are common questions which are all completely valid, and we’re going to dive into each in depth in this guide.
From picking out the best red light therapy device for you, to knowing the ins and outs of the process, this guide should help you make an informed decision when it’s time to part with your cash.
The Basics
Before we dive into the potential benefits of red light therapy and the various devices available, we want to make sure you know exactly what it is and what you’re getting yourself into.
To do that, we’re going to go into what red light therapy is, whether or not it is safe, and how often you should do it.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy, or RLT for short, is a form of skincare treatment which can help repair and protect muscle and body tissue.
By emitting a low level of near infrared or red light, the waves can penetrate the skin and get to work on boosting recovery and cellular levels.
This form of light therapy is often produced by a portable device, which can be anything from a mask or pen to a small heater-like unit.
By boosting the mitochondria in your body, the cells are given more strength to regenerate and become more resilient. This is how this form of therapy can treat acne and reduce signs of irritation on the skin.
Unlike some forms of light therapy, red light therapy doesn’t use UV rays or anything potentially harmful to the skin.
This makes it a great substitute for other treatments for acne which might cause adverse effects, like certain medications for example.
Is it safe?
The good news is that since this is a natural form of light therapy there are few risks associated with it.
That means that it is very much safe for you to engage in red light therapy in the comfort of your own home.
If you are weary of trying it out for yourself, it’s possible to do it at some salons or at your local doctors’ office.
With that being said, there isn’t a wealth of research surrounding potential long term effects of red light therapy on the skin so it’s best to adhere to guidelines set by the manufacturers.
As you should do with any skincare product, use the red light therapy device as instructed.
How often should you do it?
While there isn’t a hard and fast answer to this question, the consensus is that you should do red light therapy on a daily basis.
This will depend based on which device you have and the suggestions of the respective manufacturers, but in general red light therapy is best when conducted regularly.
Some devices can and should be used as many as 3 times a day to get the best results, whereas others will only require 10-15 minutes a day.
As always, check the instructions of the device you are using before you integrate it into your daily skincare routine.
You should also test the red light therapy device on your skin before you start using it on a regular basis.
If it’s a small device like the one made by Neutrogena then you can focus on a small patch of skin and see if there are any signs of irritation the following day.
If it’s a device which is suitable for use on different parts of the body, then try it somewhere less visible so that if it does cause a reaction it won’t be as noticeable.
Type of Device
While there may not be officially recognised categories for the different types of red light therapy devices, we thought it’d be useful to see what each one brings to the table.
Not all red light therapy devices provide the same benefits, and some will be more suitable for your lifestyle and needs than others.
While looking for the best red light therapy device for your needs, it’s worth taking into account everything from practicality and portability to versatility and efficacy.
Mask
The mask is one of the most common forms of red light therapy devices.
While you may not be able to get your hands on the clinical strength LEDs used by doctors, a mask is one of the best ways you can get your fix of the good stuff as you go about your day. LED light therapy is an excellent way to get the red and near infrared light you need.
The mask is one of the easiest ways to do red light therapy because the light will be evenly distributed across your face in the areas that most need it.
While a lot of red light therapy devices require effort on your part to zero in on the affected skin, the mask will take care of that for you.
It will generally target the especially problematic oily T zone, as well as the cheeks and chin, and avoids sensitive areas like the nose, mouth, and eyes.
Typically, as is the case with the NEWKEY mask, you would use this mask for around 15-20 minutes several times a week.
Since it has broad coverage of your face, you won’t need to use it multiple times a day every day as is the case with other red light therapy devices.
The convenience of the mask is appealing too, since you just have to remember to stick it on first thing in the morning or straight after your skincare routine.
Some masks, like the one we reviewed from NEWKEY, will allow you to switch between different lights and as such provide a plethora of health benefits for your skin.
The downside to using a red light therapy mask is that it can cause some side effects. For example, some users of the NEWKEY mask reported blurry vision after removing the mask.
Pen
The pen style design is highly convenient, and the most portable of all red light therapy devices.
This is a style which has been perfected by top skincare brand Neutrogena, and also tends to be the most affordable option.
What’s great about having this type of red light therapy device is the ability to take it with you wherever you go.
Unlike the other devices, the pen is lightweight and small, meaning you can easily pack it for overnight getaways or business trips.
This makes it incredibly straightforward to implement in your existing skincare routine, which will help you get the most out of it.
The other main benefit is that, unlike devices like the mask, you can specifically target the areas that most need the red light therapy.
The downside to this type of red light therapy device is that you won’t get the same broad coverage as with the others, and perhaps not as strong a treatment.
Lamp
The red light therapy lamp is a medium to large device which has large LED lights fitted inside of it.
The main benefit of this type of red light therapy device is the sheer size and number of the lights, each LED light is large which should provide even coverage. The Bestqool device which we reviewed for example has as many as 60 large LEDS.
Plus, depending on how close you are to the device, you can receive different levels of strength with regards to the wavelength.
This allows you to get the exact experience you’re looking for to recover from joint pain or boost your cellular energy production.
The other benefit to lamps like the one from Bestqool is that you can set it up more or less how you want it to get the most out of it.
This specific device is fitted with height adjustable rope and braided steel cables, which gives you the flexibility to use it while you find the most comfortable position to rest in.
This makes it easy to roll around the house and use in whatever room you prefer.
The downside to using the red light therapy lamp is that you won’t be able to travel with it easily.
Handheld
The last type of red light therapy device we’re going to look at is the handheld one.
A great example of a handheld device is our top pick in this review, which is made by the brand dpl.
This particular device is fitted with an incredible 262 LED lights, which makes it able to provide a very powerful form of red light therapy.
What’s great about the handheld device is that you can hold it in the way that’s most comfortable for you, but unlike the pen, you can get wide coverage of your skin.
It’s also a portable option so you can integrate it into your daily skincare routine with no issues.
The downside to this type of red light therapy device is it can get hot sometimes since there’s a lot of power packed inside a relatively small device.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Now to the benefits of red light therapy, make sure you’re sitting comfortably as there’s quite a few on offer.
Light therapy is commonly used for all sorts of skin conditions, and red light therapy specialises in acne treatment and anti-aging, although these are just a few of the many benefits it can provide.
Acne
Acne is one of the biggest skin conditions that affects a lot of people.
If you’ve had it before, you’ll know how frustrating it can be to try various treatments to no avail.
Red light therapy, along with blue light therapy, has been shown to treat mild to moderate outbreaks of acne effectively.
You can either go to your local dermatologist or doctor for red light therapy treatment, or if you’re looking to save some money and stay on top of it yourself, then you can consider investing in a red light therapy device.
There’s no known cure for acne unfortunately, but light therapy is one of the best ways to treat and control the skin condition.
Red light therapy goes to work reducing the appearance of acne and irritation. It can also diminish the visibility of scarring caused by acne and alleviate inflammation.
It will penetrate your skin and repair body tissue in a way that should help your face look healthy and irritation-free.
Blue light therapy is a useful supplementary tool to use alongside red light therapy. This type of light therapy can kill off the bacteria which causes acne.
The clinical evidence for the efficacy of blue light therapy is convincing, so an approach that utilises the two forms of therapy is recommended for anyone who suffers with acne.
That’s why a lot of the red light therapy devices we’ve reviewed combine both red and blue lights, so you can get the best results.
Anti-aging
We’re all looking for that elixir of youth.
However, that magic pill that will keep us looking young and full of energy doesn’t exist.
Don’t lose hope though, there are certainly some things you can do to slow down the aging process as far as wrinkles go.
Red light therapy can be an effective way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as increasing the elasticity and firmness of the skin.
The way red light therapy can help is by boosting the collagen and elastin production in the skin which can keep it healthy and youthful.
These proteins, found in the dermis layer of the skin, are very important for fighting the signs of aging in the skin.
As you age, your levels of collagen start to decline, so whatever you can do to boost this protein can help you look as young as possible.
Red light therapy can also reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation on the skin which can make it appear clean and healthy.
Hair loss
Red light therapy can even help with hair loss, as it can get into your scalp tissues and promote hair growth.
This is a good way of dealing with hair loss naturally and without the need to undergo an invasive surgery or procedure.
This is not a guarantee though, as with many products which claim to boost hair growth, so it’s best to take this benefit with a pinch of salt.
Although if you do have a red light therapy device for another reason, and you want to see if it helps boost hair growth, then it’s worth a try.
Osteoarthritis
Red light therapy can be a natural way to help manage osteoarthritis, and is safer than other forms of treatment.
Those who suffer with osteoarthritis would benefit most from using red light therapy with wavelengths in the range of 600-860nm.
It works well because it provides the body with the tools to strengthen itself and more importantly, reduce inflammation.
By encouraging the mitochondrial production in the body’s cells, red light therapy can boost energy levels and recovery rates.
Red light therapy can also increase production of the protein collagen in the body which will strengthen muscle tissue and aid with recovery in the joints and cartilage.
Other Forms of Light Therapy
There are many forms of light therapy, and it can be difficult to keep track of what they all are and which benefits each offers.
You can find as many forms of light therapy as colors in the rainbow, and each one could help you in a different way.
While some light therapy devices like the NEWKEY mask offer a whole range of light therapy options, most devices will only provide 1 or 2.
Red Light
Red light therapy as we’ve established in this guide is best for reducing irritation and inflammation in the skin related to acne, as well as tackling signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.
It is one of the most common forms of light therapy. and when used in the right wavelength range of between 625-940nm has the best results.
It can also help to treat pain in the muscles and joints, which makes it a great natural way to deal with osteoarthritis.
This form of light therapy has minimal side effects, and is perfectly safe to use on a daily basis.
This is what makes it so popular for home use.
Best For: Reducing inflammation caused by acne and appearance of wrinkles
Blue Light
Blue light therapy effectively kills off the bacteria that causes acne due to its antimicrobial properties.
It has also been shown to reduce the appearance of sun damage, and help protect against skin cancer.
It works fantastically well in combination with red light therapy, since they address different issues related to acne.
Best For: Killing bacteria that causes acne
Green Light
Green light therapy is still undergoing research, but initial findings have shown that it may be able to reduce the frequency and effect of migraines.
As you might imagine, green light can have a calming influence, and so this is what makes it a viable contender for use relieving pain caused by migraines.
Best For: migraines
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Light Therapy Devices
What is the best wavelength for red light therapy?
The best wavelength for red light therapy is considered to be somewhere in the range of 625-940nm.
Within this range you can expect the best results for your skin and body tissue.
Is it safe to do red light therapy everyday?
It is safe to do red light therapy everyday, and even encouraged.
Unlike many other skincare routines, using red lights on the skin can provide the best results with multiple uses daily.
Once you find out whether or not you have light sensitivity with a test run, you’re clear to use the red light therapy several times a day if you feel like you need to.
Which light therapy is best for wrinkles?
Red light therapy is considered to be the anti-aging light therapy, and can tackle wrinkles and fine lines on the face.
This form of light therapy can decrease inflammation in the skin and potentially boost collagen levels, which is necessary for keeping the skin youthful and healthy.
What are the benefits of red light therapy?
The main benefits of red light therapy are reduced inflammation in the skin, more youthful-looking skin, and reduced appearance of stretch marks and sun damage.
The main reason you’d want to try red light therapy is if the skin on your face has been affected in any way by the environment or the process of aging.
If you have acne or other forms of inflammation, then red light therapy can help alleviate them.
A Final Word from Wellness Nova
Selecting the right red light therapy device is imperative for achieving the best results for you.
Find the type of device that you can see yourself using daily, and make sure you’re confident it can work for you before you part with your cash.