How to Buy Red Light Therapy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Red light therapy (RLT) is a powerful wellness tool that supports skin health, pain relief, hair growth, and cognitive function. Choosing the right device ensures you get the best results for your specific needs. This guide will walk you through the selection process step by step.
CONCERN | HANDHELD | PANEL | HAT/ | WRAP/PAD/BELT | FACE MASK |
SKIN: Wrinkles, Sagging, Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea | |||||
PAIN: Acute | |||||
PAIN: Chronic | |||||
HAIR: Hair Growth | |||||
BRAIN: Dementia, Brain Injury, Parkinson's | |||||
WEIGHT: Fat Loss |
This process gives you the right wavelengths to pinpoint the best device for your situation. Take this shortcut for an easy way to buy red light therapy.
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How to Buy Red Light Therapy (3 Steps)
Here are the steps to choosing a red light therapy device:
- Name your therapeutic goals.
- Find the correct device types for those goals.
- Find devices for your goals that have the correct therapeutic wavelengths.
Step 1: Identify Your Therapeutic Goals
The first step is to name your therapeutic goals. Red light therapy is helpful for skin care, hair growth, pain relief, and brain issues. This guide shows you how to pick the correct acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, hair growth, pain relief, dementia, and brain injury for your needs.
Before purchasing a red light therapy device, it’s essential to determine what you want to achieve. RLT is used for a variety of concerns, including these below.
Therapeutic Goals:
- Skin: Acne, Wrinkles, Eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea, Dermatitis, Cellulite
- Pain: Acute, Chronic, Muscle, Nerve, Joint, Arthritis Pain
- Hair: Hair Growth
- Brain: Dementia, Parkinson’s, Brain Injury
- Weight: Fat Loss
Skin Health and Anti-Aging
Red light therapy is widely used to improve skin texture and elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and combat acne. It also helps with conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
Pain Management
Red and infrared light are effective for relieving muscle soreness, joint pain, and inflammation. These benefits make RLT popular among individuals with arthritis, chronic pain, and sports-related injuries.
Hair Growth
RLT can stimulate hair follicles, promoting hair growth and preventing thinning. It is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing hair loss due to aging or medical conditions.
Brain Health
Studies suggest that near-infrared light can support cognitive function and may help individuals with dementia, brain injuries, and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
Weight Loss
Some users turn to red light therapy for its potential fat-reducing effects, particularly when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Step 2: Choose the Right Device Type
Red light therapy devices come in various formats, each designed for specific therapeutic goals. Selecting the right type ensures effective treatment.
Best device types for therapeutic goals:
- Skin: Panel, Face Mask
- Pain: Handheld, Pad/Wrap/Belt
- Hair: Hat, Head Gear
- Brain: Headset, Pad/Wrap
- Weight: Pad/Wrap/Belt
Handheld Devices
Best for: Targeted pain relief and small skin treatment areas. Handheld devices are portable and allow for precise application, but they require manual operation and take longer to cover larger areas.
Panels
Best for: Full-body treatments, anti-aging, and workout recovery. Panels emit powerful red and infrared light, covering a large area at once. They are ideal for home use but require dedicated space.
Face Masks
Best for: Skin health and anti-aging. These wearable masks are designed to target the entire face, reducing fine lines, acne, and uneven skin tone.
Wraps and Belts
Best for: Pain relief and fat loss. These flexible devices wrap around the body, making them effective for joint pain, muscle recovery, and weight loss efforts.
Hats and Headgear
Best for: Hair growth and brain health. Red light therapy caps stimulate hair follicles, while specialized headgear supports cognitive function and neuroprotection.
Step 3: Select the Right Wavelengths
Different wavelengths of light penetrate the skin at varying depths, influencing their therapeutic effects. The most common wavelengths used in red light therapy include:
Red Light (630-660nm)
Best for: Skin rejuvenation, collagen production, and surface-level healing. Red light enhances skin texture, reduces wrinkles, and promotes a healthy glow.
Near-Infrared Light (810-850nm)
Best for: Deep tissue healing, muscle recovery, joint pain relief, and cognitive function. Near-infrared light penetrates deeper into the body, making it effective for pain management and brain health.
Blue Light (400-470nm)
Best for: Acne treatment. Blue light helps kill acne-causing bacteria, reducing breakouts and inflammation.
Green Light (520-530nm)
Best for: Hyperpigmentation and migraine relief. Green light is known for its ability to even skin tone and may help alleviate headaches.
Step 4: Consider Additional Features
Beyond wavelengths and device types, several factors can enhance your red light therapy experience.
Power and Intensity
Higher power output results in shorter treatment times. Look for devices with high irradiance levels for optimal effectiveness.
Size and Coverage Area
Larger panels and wraps provide broader coverage, reducing the time needed for treatment. If you only need spot treatment, a handheld device may suffice.
Portability and Convenience
Battery-powered options allow for mobility, while corded devices typically offer more power. Consider your lifestyle and where you’ll use the device.
Safety Features
Look for built-in eye protection or consider using safety goggles, especially for high-intensity devices. Some models offer automatic shut-off timers to prevent overuse.
Step 5: Compare Brands and Pricing
Investing in a quality red light therapy device ensures durability and effectiveness. Compare top-rated brands based on customer reviews, warranty policies, and scientific backing.
Reputable Brands
Brands such as Mito Red Light, Novaa Lab and Red Light Man are known for high-quality devices with strong performance.
Price Range
Entry-level handheld devices start at around $100, while high-powered panels and full-body systems can cost $500 or more. Consider your budget and the features you need before making a decision.
Step 6: Make Your Purchase
Once you’ve identified the best device for your needs, check for promotions or discount codes. Some brands offer seasonal sales or bundle deals for added savings.
Table: Best Red Light Therapy Device Types for Specific Therapeutic Goals
CONCERN | HANDHELD | PANEL | HAT/ | WRAP/PAD/BELT | FACE MASK |
SKIN: Wrinkles, Sagging, Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea | |||||
PAIN: Acute | |||||
PAIN: Chronic | |||||
HAIR: Hair Growth | |||||
BRAIN: Dementia, Brain Injury, Parkinson’s | |||||
WEIGHT: Fat Loss |
A face mask, for example, is excellent for wrinkle reduction but not practical for exercise recovery.
Sometimes, you will need two devices to get the best therapy. However, you might find a device that works well for multiple goals. I’ll show you how to do that below.
Guide to Choosing Red Light Therapy Face Masks
Face Mask Facts
- Face masks are excellent for the skin.
- They deliver light directly to the face, so there’s no question that the light is reaching the target.
- Unlike a handheld, face masks deliver light to the whole face rather than one spot at a time.
- Get a silicone mask; the plastic ones are uncomfortable.
- You should keep your eyes closed to protect them from bright light.
Face Mask Pros
- They deliver light directly to the skin, making them better at reaching your skincare goals.
- They deliver light to the entire face at once, not one spot at a time.
- Battery-operated face masks allow you to move around.
- Face masks are easy to pack.
Face Mask Cons
- Some masks don’t have mouth or nose holes, so it’s hard to get air.
- Masks can be tight. Eye protection under the mask can make the mask too tight for comfort.
- Corded masks tether you to the wall. Battery-operated masks are portable.
- Masks are too bright to view your phone or a TV during therapy.
- Face masks are hard to use for other jobs such as pain relief and brain therapy.
Red Light Therapy Panels
Panel Facts
- Panels are excellent for skincare and exercise recovery.
- Panels usually come in Handheld, Tabletop, half-height, full-height, and mega sizes. I’ve separated handhelds and panels, but handhelds, panels, and tabletops are all similar, just different sizes.
- Panel red light tends to be too bright. Wear eye protection or at least close your eyes.
- Panels run on electric power and not batteries.
- The distance from the panel to your body affects the dose of light. Most manufacturers prescribe a 6 inch distance.
- Panels can sit on the floor, hang from a door, hang on the wall, or get a stand to hold the panel.
- Stands with wheels allow you to move panels around.
Panel Pros
- Panels deliver whole-body therapeutic light.
Panel Cons
- Panels are large, and so is a storage problem. You need to have room for them.
- Panels tend to be very bright. Wear eye protection.
- The red panel light is bright and obscures a TV or phone screen. Infrared light without red does not have this problem.
- Panels are more expensive than smaller red light therapy choices.
- Panels do not sit directly on the skin. Over time, they relieve pain and inflammation, but on-skin devices are better for immediate pain relief.
- You must stay in one place.
- Panels don’t travel well.
Red Light Therapy Flexible and Plastic Domes
Flexible Pad/Dome Facts
- A dome is either a hard shell or a flexible pad secured to a stand.
- Flexible pads are great for pain relief as they touch the skin and wrap around any body part.
- Plastic shell domes are fixed in place with no flexibility.
Flexible Pad/Dome Pros
- Domes are excellent for skincare, concentrating light on the face and neck.
- Domes are hands-free.
- Flexible-pad domes are also good for wrapping around body parts for pain relief.
Flexible Pad/Dome Cons
- Plastic domes are hard to use on other body parts.
Red Light Therapy Belts (Wraps/Pads)
Belts (Wraps/Pads) Facts
- Wraps are excellent for pain relief.
- Most wraps are neoprene and have Velcro-like attachments.
- Wraps can be battery-powered or corded.
Belts (Wraps/Pads) Pros
- Belts are excellent for pain relief.
- Most belts are neoprene and have Velcro-like attachments.
- Belts can be battery-powered or corded.
Belts (Wraps/Pads) Cons
- Corded belts are not portable.
- Belts are excellent for pain relief but are not as powerful as handhelds.
Red Light Therapy Handhelds
Handheld Facts
- Handhelds are excellent for pain relief.
- Most handhelds are battery-powered.
Handheld Pros
- Handhelds are easy to pack.
- Handhelds are portable.
- Handhelds can press on the skin to ensure little or no light escapes.
- Handhelds are excellent for pain relief in humans and animals.
Handheld Cons
- Handhelds treat small areas and take longer than other devices to cover everything.
Red Light Therapy Hats and Headgear
Hat and Headgear Facts
- Hats are excellent for ed light therapy hair growth r.
- Brushes and bands also work for hair growth.
- Head wraps and headsets work well for brain injury and dementia therapy.
Hat and Headgear Pros
- Hats and headgear are easy to pack.
- Hats and headgear are portable.
- Hats and headgear can press on the skin to ensure little or no light escapes.
- Hats and headgear are excellent for head-centered therapy.
- Soft hats and wraps are comfortable to wear.
Hat and Headgear Cons
- Hats and headgear are not easy to use on other body parts.
- Hard helmets and headsets can be uncomfortable to wear.
- Helmets tend to be heavy.
Step 3: Find the Correct Wavelengths
Red light therapy is more than red light. The visible colors and infrared (primarily invisible) have healing properties. Every therapeutic goal I’ve covered on this website responds to red and infrared light. Some also respond to other colors. Acne does well with blue light. Reducing migraine headaches does well with green light. These extra wavelengths are unnecessary for a significant red light therapy experience, but they will optimize your results.
Skin Wavelengths
Handhelds, panels, tabletops, and face masks are best for skin issues. The best wavelengths for hyperpigmentation are red and green or red and yellow. The best wavelengths for skin dullness are near-infrared, red, green, or yellow.
Acne and Eczema Wavelengths
The best wavelengths for acne and eczema are near-infrared, red, and blue.
HANDHELD |  RED, BLUE |  RED, BLUE, INFRARED, GREEN |  RED, BLUE, INFRARED Coupon: RED |
FACE MASK |  RED, BLUE, INFRARED, YELLOW | ||
TABLETOP |  RED, BLUE, INFRARED Coupon: RED | ||
PANEL |  RED, BLUE, INFRARED Coupon: RED | ||
DOME |  RED, BLUE, INFRARED, YELLOW |
Wrinkles and Sagging Wavelengths
The best wavelengths for wrinkles, lines, and sagging are near-infrared and red.
HANDHELD | RED, BLUE, INFRARED, GREEN | |
FACE MASK | RED, BLUE, INFRARED, YELLOW |  RED, INFRARED |
TABLETOP |  RED, INFRARED Coupon: Red | |
PANEL |  RED, INFRARED Coupon: Red |  RED, INFRARED |
DOME | RED, BLUE, INFRARED, YELLOW |
Hair Growth Wavelengths
Caps and specialized handhelds are best for hair growth. The best wavelengths for hair growth are near-infrared and red.
CAP |  RED, INFRARED | |
HEADGEAR |  RED, INFRARED |  RED, INFRARED |
Pain Wavelengths
Handhelds and wraps are best for pain and inflammation relief. The best wavelengths for pain and inflammation are near-infrared, red, and optionally green.
HANDHELD | RED, GREEN, BLUE, INFRARED |  RED, INFRARED | ||
WRAP |  RED, INFRARED Coupon: RED |  RED, INFRARED Coupon: RED |  RED, INFRARED |  RED, INFRARED |
MAT |  RED, INFRARED Coupon: RED |
Brain Injury and Dementia Wavelengths
Handhelds and specialized headsets are best for brain injury and dementia. The best wavelength for brain injury and dementia is near-infrared. Red light helps indirectly.
WRAP |  RED, INFRARED Coupon: RED |
HEADSET |  RED, INFRARED Coupon: EMFCHANNEL |
HANDHELD |  |
Table: Best Red Light Therapy Wavelengths
CONCERN | NEAR INFRARED | RED | YELLOW* | GREEN* | BLUE |
SKIN: Wrinkles, Lines, Sagging | |||||
SKIN: Acne, Eczema | |||||
SKIN: Hyperpigmentation | |||||
SKIN: Dullness | |||||
PAIN: Pain, Inflammation | |||||
HAIR: Hair Growth | |||||
BRAIN: Dementia, Brain Injury | |||||
*Choose EITHER Yellow or Green. You don’t need both. For pain relief, green is optional. | |||||
How to Easily Choose Wavelengths (Video)
Final Thoughts
Red light therapy is a versatile and effective wellness tool, but choosing the right device is key to achieving your desired results. By identifying your goals, selecting the right type of device, and ensuring it has the appropriate wavelengths and features, you can confidently invest in a product that supports your health and well-being.
