You have probably seen red light therapy a lot lately. It is very popular on social media now. There was a big jump in interest after 70 million TikTok views. Look at how much the market has grown:

Many people want to try it for anti-aging or better skin. But you should know it has some real downsides. These can be side effects, health risks, or times when it does not work for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• Red light therapy may make your skin sensitive. It can also cause irritation or acne. Watch how your skin reacts. Stop using it if your skin gets worse.

• You must protect your eyes during red light therapy. Looking straight at the light can hurt your eyes badly. Wear goggles or keep your eyes shut.

• Using red light therapy too much can harm your skin. It can also give you headaches or make you tired. Use it only as much as experts say.

• Not everyone gets the same results from red light therapy. Your skin type and health can change how well it works. Be patient and talk to a doctor if you need help.

• Think about how much red light therapy costs and if you can get it. Going to a professional can cost a lot. Home devices need care and regular cleaning.

Red Light Therapy Side Effects

Skin Sensitivity and Irritation

After a session, your skin might feel different. Some people say their skin gets sensitive or irritated. You could see redness, itching, or a burning feeling. These problems happen a lot, especially if your skin is sensitive or you use the device too long.

Here’s what clinical trials found:

If your skin is darker, you might see dark patches more often. Most side effects go away by themselves, but they can bother you.

Redness, Swelling, and Blistering

Red light therapy can make your skin look red or swollen. Sometimes, you might get a small blister, but that is rare. These problems usually happen if you use the device too much or set it too high.

• Redness often shows up right after a session. It usually goes away in an hour.

• Swelling can last up to a day.

• High settings or long sessions can cause more irritation, even blisters.

If you see these symptoms, stop and let your skin rest. Always follow the instructions for your device.

Eye Damage Risks

Never look straight at the light during a session. Your eyes are sensitive to bright lights, and these devices can be very strong.

A University of Houston researcher says even three minutes of looking at a red light therapy device can hurt your retina. The safety for your eyes is not fully known, and you could get damage from the light or heat.

Always wear goggles or keep your eyes closed during treatment. This is extra important for kids.

Headaches and Discomfort

Some people get mild headaches after their first few sessions. The bright light can feel harsh, especially if you are not used to it. You might also feel dizzy or uncomfortable.

• Headaches usually stop as your body gets used to the therapy.

• If you keep getting headaches, try lowering the brightness or making sessions shorter.

Paying attention to your body helps you avoid these problems.

Photosensitivity Reactions

Red light therapy can make your skin react more to sunlight or other lights. This is called photosensitivity. It happens more if you take certain medicines or have some health problems.

If you know you are sensitive to light, talk to your doctor before starting red light therapy.

Acne Breakouts

You might hope for clearer skin, but sometimes red light therapy can cause acne breakouts. This does not happen to everyone, but it can. Your skin may react to the heat or light, especially if you already have acne-prone skin.

If you see more pimples after starting therapy, stop for a while and see if your skin gets better. You can also try using the device less often.

Red light therapy can help some people, but you need to watch out for these side effects. Always start slow, pay attention to how your skin feels, and talk to a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Red Light Therapy Risks

Overexposure Effects

Some people think using red light therapy more is better. But too much can cause problems. If you use the device for a long time, your skin might get irritated. It could even burn. Some people say they get headaches after long sessions. Others feel tired. You might notice more pain or swelling where you use the device. Here are some things that can happen if you use it too much: Skin irritation or burning feelings, headaches, feeling tired, more pain or swelling in treated spots. If you notice any of these problems, take a break. Let your body rest. Always follow the instructions for your device. Do not use it more than you should.

Hyperpigmentation and Erythema

Red light therapy can sometimes change your skin color. More than 30% of people in studies got dark spots called hyperpigmentation after treatment. These spots usually go away in three months. But they can be annoying. Erythema means redness. The heat from the device can make your skin react and get darker. If you see these changes, stop using the device. Talk to a doctor. Hyperpigmentation happens more in people with darker skin. Erythema can make skin color changes worse. Most changes do not last forever, but they can stay for weeks.

Device Misuse Dangers

Using your device the wrong way can be dangerous. If you do not follow safety rules, you might hurt your skin or eyes. Some devices do not use the safe wavelength range, which is between 630 and 700 nm. If you use the wrong intensity or treat sensitive areas, you could get redness, burns, or skin damage. Not wearing eye protection can also hurt your eyes.

Tip: Always check if your device has goggles. Use them every time.

Here are some dangers if you misuse your device: Skin irritation, eye strain, and burns, discomfort or lasting skin damage from wrong intensity, using it too much can stress your skin, low-quality devices may not be safe or work well.

Health Condition Risks

Some health problems make red light therapy more risky. If you have a condition that makes you sensitive to light, like lupus, you should not use this treatment. People who take certain medicines that make their skin sensitive to light need to be careful. If you have had melanoma or are at risk for cancer, talk to your doctor first. Red light therapy could make cancer cells grow faster because it increases cell turnover and blood flow. Light-sensitive conditions, such as lupus, photosensitizing medications, history of melanoma or cancer risk. If you have any of these health issues, ask your doctor before trying red light therapy. Your safety is most important.

Effectiveness Limits

Inconsistent Results

You might hear stories about people who love their results. Others say they saw no change at all. Red light therapy does not work the same for everyone. Your skin type, age, and health can all affect what happens. Some people notice smoother skin or less pain. Others see no difference, even after weeks of use. You may need to try it for a while before you know if it helps you.

Note: Results can depend on the device, how often you use it, and your unique body.

Lack of Scientific Consensus

Doctors and scientists do not all agree about how well this therapy works. Some studies show promise, but many questions remain. Here is what research says so far:

• Red light therapy shows potential for treating skin conditions like psoriasis.

• It may help wounds heal, reduce pain and swelling, and improve skin appearance.

• Some research suggests it can ease side effects from cancer treatments.

• More clinical trials are needed to prove these benefits.

1. A 2018 review found promising results but said more research is needed.

2. A 2019 review suggested it might help with cancer treatment side effects.

3. Many studies use animals, so we need more tests on people.

You should know that experts want more proof before they recommend it for everyone.

Not a Medical Substitute

You should never use red light therapy instead of seeing a doctor. It cannot replace real medical care. There have been cases where people had problems because they skipped proper treatment. For example, a 12-year-old girl lost vision after using a red light device for months. Her sight got better after she stopped, but she had other eye problems too. Always talk to your doctor if you have a health issue. Use this therapy as a possible extra, not your only treatment.

Who Should Avoid Red Light Therapy?

Pregnant Women

If you are pregnant, you need to be very careful. Doctors usually say not to use red light therapy when you are pregnant. This is especially true for your belly or lower back. There is not enough research to know if it is safe for you or your baby. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists does not have a clear rule about this therapy. Most experts say it is better to be safe and avoid it.

• Do not use red light therapy on your stomach.

• Only use devices that the FDA has approved.

• Keep each session short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and only do it a few times a week.

• Always check your skin for any changes or problems.

Tip: Always talk to your doctor before you try red light therapy if you are pregnant.

Light Sensitivity Disorders

Some health problems make your skin very sensitive to light. If you have lupus or another disorder that reacts to light, red light therapy can make things worse. You might get rashes, pain, or other skin problems.

• Lupus and similar conditions can get worse with light.

• Some medicines, like certain antibiotics, can also make your skin more sensitive.

If you know you have a light sensitivity disorder, it is best not to use this therapy.

Photosensitizing Medications

Some medicines can make your skin react badly to light. If you take these, red light therapy may not be safe for you.

• Some antibiotics

• Acne medicines like Accutane

• Common anti-inflammatory drugs

If you are not sure about your medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you start red light therapy.

Certain Skin Conditions

Red light therapy does not help everyone. Some skin problems can get worse with this treatment. If your skin is already sensitive to light, you could see more redness or dark spots. People with darker skin might notice more dark patches.

• Conditions like lupus can get worse with red light.

• Darker skin may react with more sensitivity or color changes.

Note: If you have any skin problem that reacts to light, you should not use red light therapy or talk to a skin doctor first.

Practical Downsides

Cost and Accessibility

Red light therapy can get expensive fast. If you visit a clinic, you pay for each session. Some places offer packages or memberships, but the costs add up. Here’s a quick look at what you might spend:

If you want to do red light therapy at home, you still face a big price tag. Entry-level lamps start around $25, but larger panels or full-body devices can cost thousands. Here are some common options:

• Lamps: $25 to $250

• Half-body panels: $300 to $3,000

• Full-body panels: Up to $7,000

• Specialist devices (belts, mats, wands): $300 to $1,000

• Face masks: $300 to $500

Not everyone can afford these prices. Some clinics are only in big cities, so you might have to travel far just to try a session. This makes red light therapy hard to access for many people.

Device Maintenance

You need to take care of your device if you want it to last. Dust and dirt can build up on the lights. If you do not clean them, the device might not work as well. Some devices need special cleaning sprays or wipes. You also have to check for loose wires or broken bulbs. If something breaks, repairs can cost a lot. Sometimes, you need to replace the whole device.

Tip: Always read the manual before you start cleaning or fixing your device. This helps you avoid damage and keeps your warranty safe.

Keeping up with maintenance takes time and effort. If you forget, your device might stop working when you need it most.

Red light therapy has some real downsides you should know about. Here’s a quick look at the main risks:

Before you start, talk to your doctor - especially if you have skin issues or take certain medicines. Think about your own needs, costs, and how your skin reacts. Weigh the pros and cons to see if this therapy fits you.

FAQ

Can red light therapy make my skin worse?

Yes, it can. You might see more redness, dark spots, or even acne breakouts. If your skin feels irritated or looks worse, stop using the device and let your skin rest.

Do I need to wear eye protection during red light therapy?

You should always protect your eyes. The light can hurt your eyes if you look at it directly. Wear goggles or keep your eyes closed during every session.

Is red light therapy safe for kids?

Red light therapy is not recommended for children. Kids have sensitive skin and eyes. They can get side effects more easily. Always talk to a doctor before letting a child try it.

What should I do if I get a headache after a session?

Take a break and drink some water. Lower the brightness or shorten your next session. If headaches keep happening, stop using the device and talk to your doctor.

Can I use red light therapy if I take medication?

Some medicines make your skin more sensitive to light. This can cause bad reactions. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start red light therapy if you take any medication.

Medical Disclaimer

The information shared by MicroENE, including testimonials, research summaries, or case studies, is for informational use only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual responses to light therapy may vary, and results from studies or customer experiences do not guarantee similar outcomes with MicroENE devices. Always consult your physician before starting light therapy, and do not alter any medical treatments without professional guidance.