Side Effects of Red Light Therapy

In general, there are really no major side effects of red light therapy, according to Dr. Ilyas and Dr. Eells. However, individuals who have a condition with photosensitivity like Quality Therapy lupus or who are on medications that make them photosensitive shouldn’t use red light therapy, according to Dr. Debra Jaliman M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York and author of the book, Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist.

Dr. Kelley also warns that pregnant women may wish to steer clear for now because red light therapy hasn’t been well studied in relation to pregnancy.

Additionally, in recent years, there have been clinical reports that show visible light can induce melanin migration from the basal layer of the skin to the surface in darker-skinned individuals. “This means that visible light. which includes red light, can potentially aggravate hyperpigmentation and melasma in darker-skinned people,” says Dr. Kung. However, more studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

As a result of this potential side effect, Dr. Kung suggests that people should remain aware of how long and how often they are using red light therapy, especially those with darker skin tones.

How to Use Red Light Therapy
LED red lights vary greatly in terms of strength and quality, making it difficult to give a blanket recommendation on frequency and duration of use, says Dr. Ilyas. Generally, each device will provide safety guidelines based on the dose and power of the LED red light.

Those looking to get the most benefit from red light therapy should first consider experiencing it in a clinical setting. Most studies are based on in-office medical-grade devices for which energy output and duration of therapy can be accounted, says Dr. Ilyas.

However, trying red light therapy at home—which might come in the form of a mask, lamp, or wand—may also be safe and effective.

“They’re not dramatic treatments, but they’re safe and easy to use at home and gradually improve skin quality, so many people find it more convenient than going to a dermatologist’s office,” says Dr. Jaliman. She adds it’s probably okay to do red light therapy at home three to five times a week, as long as the manufacturer’s instructions are carefully followed. However, Dr. Jaliman stresses that using eye protection, like LED-shielding goggles, is important.

Also, one needs to be realistic about the benefits a person can glean from a personal unit.

“Read the instructions, and don’t overpush your at-home device thinking that if you use it more or longer than the recommended time it will lead to better results,” says Dr. Kung. “Bottom-line is red light units at home are a no-harm no-foul type of thing, but, be realistic—a $200 device on Amazon can’t deliver wow-factor results like an $180,000 laser.”