I'll admit it: I sometimes startle myself when I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror while donning my red light mask. Nevertheless, I've come to appreciate the ritual and find joy in the whimsicality of wearing my red light mask during my evening routine. Why endure the mild hassle of wearing this mask? The benefits speak for themselves. It not only zaps hormonal acne as it emerges but also helps diminish hyperpigmentation, leaving me with a radiant glow. Seriously, the compliments about my skin are truly remarkable—red light therapy has earned its spot in my skincare regimen.
As the beauty industry evolves, full-body red light therapy is gaining traction. From saunas to specialized panels in wellness centers and spas, the demand is rising. Thankfully, new at-home options make this targeted treatment accessible for pain relief, scar care, and an all-over glow. To learn more, I consulted experts on maximizing the benefits of full-body red light therapy.
Featured image from our chat with Janessa Leoné by Teal Thomsen.
What Can Full-Body Red Light Therapy Achieve?
Lauren Berlingeri, co-founder and CEO of HigherDOSE, explains that red light boosts cellular energy, optimizing their functionality.
In case you need a quick biology refresher, red light therapy activates the mitochondria—the “powerhouse of the cell.” This activation jump-starts cellular repair and regeneration, which leads to increased collagen production.
“This energy boost enhances circulation, lowers inflammation, aids lymphatic detox, and accelerates muscle recovery and tissue healing—working from within,” Berlingeri elaborates.
Different wavelengths yield various advantages:
- Red Light (630–650nm): Energizes skin cells, enhancing collagen production and circulation for a glowing, even complexion.
- Red Light (810–850nm): Reaches deeper layers to facilitate muscle recovery and lessen inflammation.
Advantages of Full-Body Red Light Therapy
Double Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Morayo Adisa, MD emphasizes that red light therapy is a gentle, non-invasive option—suitable for all skin types, any time of year, with minimal downtime.
So, what can full-body red light therapy do for you? According to Dr. Adisa, it helps reduce inflammation, combat acne and breakouts, speed up healing, stimulate hair growth, and improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
To maximize your investment, Dr. Adisa recommends selecting a red-light device tailored to your specific needs.
Integrating Full-Body Red Light Therapy Into Your Routine
Red light therapy is a commitment. While you won't see immediate changes, there are strategies to amplify the effects of your full-body red light therapy.
First and foremost, Berlingeri insists that “consistency is crucial! Engaging in red light therapy 3-4 times a week is the ideal approach for noticeable results after a month.”
She also suggests pairing red light with “lymphatic drainage and microcurrent” for a comprehensive detox experience.
For instance, the new HigherDOSE Microcurrent Body Sculptor “helps detox lymphatic fluid, relieve fascia tension, tone muscles with microcurrent, and ignite glowing skin with red light.”
Top Full-Body Red Light Devices
To enhance your red light therapy journey, clarify your objectives. Are you targeting pain relief? Seeking to promote scalp hair growth? Looking for an all-over glow? Different devices produce different outcomes.
Best for contouring
HigherDOSE Microcurrent Body Sculptor Ritual Set
$399 at HigherDOSEBest for scar healing
$5,995 at DermstoreBest for targeted treatment
$59.99 at Target $499 at HigherDOSESkin Gym LED Stimulating Hair Brush
$79.99 at Skin GymFOREO FAQ 301 LED Hair Strengthening Scalp Massager
$299 at Foreo $549 at Recharge HealthTherabody ThermBack Heat, Vibration & LED Wrap
$329.99 at Therabody $109 at Target
