Given these treatments' popularity, at-home LED devices are probably on your radar if you spend any time consuming skincare content. It’s not just the Instagram factor; these devices really can make a difference to your complexion – but it's still important to understand the red light therapy benefits before investing in one.
Great though they can be, the best red light therapy devices are expensive, so understanding these benefits the investment is worth it. Knowing what light therapy is is also key to understanding these red light therapy benefits. “LED – light emitting diode – is a type of light treatment that utilises visible and/or infrared light to promote skin rejuvenation,” explains consultant dermatologist Dr. Alexis Granite. “It’s a very versatile treatment, suitable for many different types of patients."
On that note, ahead Dr. Granite and two more skin experts explain the key skin benefits that you should know before buying a red light therapy device. Here are the need-to-knows...
10 incredible red light therapy benefits you need to know about
1. Building collagen production
This was the main benefit that all of our experts mentioned. Red light therapy will speed up the skin's collagen production, which will leave it firmer. An increase in collagen (which naturally depletes as we age) has a whole host of extra benefits-within-benefits, as skin expert and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Maeve O'Sullivan explains.
"Red light therapy has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen, a crucial protein for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness," she tells us. "Increased collagen can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a smoother, plumper and more elastic complexion."
2. Repairing damage
It's worryingly easy to damage your skin, either from sun exposure or overdoing it with high-potency ingredients like retinol or skincare acids. One of the most impressive red light therapy benefits is its power to heal and repair skin. According to O'Sullivan, "Red light therapy accelerates the healing process by promoting cellular repair and regeneration.
Red light is believed to stimulate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which provides energy for cellular activities, facilitating faster recovery from wounds or skin injuries."
3. Boosting skin hydration
According to surgeon and facial aesthetics doctor Dr. Maryam Zamani, red light therapy will also soothe damaged skin by boosting its hydration levels.
"Evidence shows that light therapy can help the skin retain moisture by promoting the production of hyaluronic acid," she says. "Well-hydrated skin tends to appear plumper and healthier, which in turn will help you look younger."
4. Improving skin texture
Improvements in your skin texture are another benefit associated with red light therapy. "[It] enhances blood flow and promotes cellular regeneration, contributing to improved skin tone and texture," says O'Sullivan.
"It can also help minimise the appearance of blemishes, scars, and uneven pigmentation, leading to a more even and radiant complexion."
5. Calming inflammation
"Red and blue light helps calm inflammation by targeting the skin's oil glands," explains Dr. Zamano. O'Sullivan agrees: "red light therapy has anti-inflammatory effects, helping to calm and soothe irritated skin. This can be beneficial for individuals with conditions such as rosacea or redness, providing relief and promoting a more even skin tone."
6. De-puffing
Speaking of inflammation, this can also leave your face looking puffier, another skin concern that red light therapy can target. O'Sullivan explains that it's another one of those red light therapy benefits-in-a-benefit. "Red light therapy enhances hydration by stimulating cellular activity," she says. "This in turn promotes lymphatic drainage, which can lead to a reduction in facial puffiness – this can be noticeable immediately after the session."
7. Improving circulation
"Red light therapy improves blood circulation, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach the skin cells more efficiently," O'Sullivan notes. She goes on to explain that, "enhanced circulation can contribute to a healthier complexion and a natural glow."
8. Strengthening sensitive skin
The repairing red light therapy benefits, as well as circulation and collagen production, will help strengthen your skin. This also means that LED can have an extra calming influence on your skincare routine for sensitive skin.
"The red light strengthens and firms the skin to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin," explains Dr. Zamani. "This makes LED a wonderful device to help soothe redness-prone, sore or sensitive skin."
9. Supercharging other treatments
"The great thing about light therapy is it can be combined with many other treatments," explains Dr. Granite. "We often use red light therapy in my clinic following procedures to calm the skin. It can be a great standalone treatment, but it also works brilliantly when combined with other treatments such as facials and micro-needling, to amplify their effects.”
Dr. Zamani agrees that this red light therapy benefit also applies to your at-home skincare routine. "LED red therapy can enhance the penetration of skincare products into the skin. This allows for a better absorption of active ingredients which can be applied immediately after use."
10. Supporting healthy hair growth
Dr Zamani explains that one of the lesser-known red light therapy benefits is its ability to encourage healthy hair growth. "Some individuals experiencing hair loss or thinning hair may use red light therapy to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair regrowth," she notes.
Which is the most immediate red light therapy benefit?
While the slow and steady approach works best when it comes to your complexion, if you're spending hundreds of pounds on the best skincare devices, you're probably going to want to see some results. So, which of the red light therapy benefits can you expect to see soonest?
"The most immediate effect will be a radiant glow immediately after the session, increased hydration and reduction in puffiness," explains O'Sullivan. "Red light therapy's ability to boost cellular energy also contributes to a radiant glow immediately after the session."
Dr. Zamani agrees that you'll see an immediate glow in your skin after just one use. "Red light improves blood circulation to the skin, so the skin appears more youthful and radiant immediately after treatment. It can penetrate deeper in the skin in comparison to other treatments and as a result, skin will appear more lifted and smoother, shortly after treatment."
Our beauty editor's top 3 red light therapy devices
RRP: £465
I've waxed lyrical about this mask in my Dr Gross Spectralite Faceware Pro review and will gush similarly about it to pretty much anyone – colleagues, friends, strangers on the street. It uses red light therapy but it also has a brilliant blue light setting to beat blemishes. For me, the key is its convenience; it only takes three minutes daily, making it is easy to incorporate into your routine. If you're looking to really see those red light therapy benefits and can afforda a premium tool, this is where you should start.
RRP: £299
This is, in my opinion, the best entry-level LED mask. I know it feels quite wild calling something that costs £300 "entry-level", but the best LED tools are always an investment. This is an effective treatment tool that's incredibly easy to use. The flexible mask also means it's comfier to wear, and a bit more user-friendly. This is a brilliant all-rounder that also has the A-list seal of approval; it's been spotted on the likes of Suki Waterhouse, Carey Milligan and Lily Collins.
RRP: £750
Is this incredibly expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes – if you have the spare budget to spend. The reason it's on this list is that it's as close to a salon-grade treatment as you can get, making a noticeable difference to skin after just a few uses. It's designed to feel comfortable to wear while being travel-friendly and easy to use. If you have the money to spend, I'd argue that after a couple of weeks of use, the price balances out – in-salon LED treatments are around £100 a go.
