“Will it hurt?”: Everything you need to know about red light therapy

Show me the light.

The first time I heard about red light therapy, it was from a friend. She was saying how much she looked forward to her regular treatment because as part of it, she would get 20 minutes to “just sit” under the warm glow of a red light therapy device. That was the best bit, she told me, “and the results are insane”.

The next time I booked in for a facial (this was before the cost of living crisis) I added red light therapy to my treatment. She was right, it was glorious to sit under the glow of the lights and yes, my skin looked all the better for it. Long story short, I loved it. But if it weren’t for the confidence that only comes with a word-of-mouth recommendation, I never would have jumped.  Instead, I’d have been riddled with questions. Would it hurt? Would it work? Would it all be worth it? 

We like nosy people. Don’t be shy, head to our Beauty section for more. 

Many tout the benefits of red light therapy but as with many beauty treatments, it can feel a little intimidating. We’ve been sold treatments that prick, pierce and even run a mild electric current through your skin, promised to be safe and effective in-clinic as well as for use at home. Now we have the addition of infrared light too. If you’re nervous about trialling red light therapy, here’s what you need to know.

What exactly is red light therapy?

An accidental discovery after a scientist noticed laser light helped wound healing in rats (insert rat girl joke here), red light therapy is now a firm fixture in the skincare world. It’s used to target the appearance of wrinkles, treat skin conditions like psoriasis and acne, reduce inflammation and promote healthy ageing in skin. 

It works by exposing your skin to low levels of red and near-infrared light which penetrate the skin and work to strengthen your mitochondria. Those who studied health in year 12 may remember that mitochondria are the ‘powerhouse’ of your body’s cells; they generate most of the chemical energy needed to power a cell’s biochemical reactions. Red light therapy strengthens your mitochondria by increasing levels of ‘adenosine triphosphate’ (ATP) a compound that provides energy to support many of the processes in living cells. Increasing ATP can lead to better cellular function which can, in turn, help improve the overall texture and tone of your skin. 

The red light itself is delivered at a particular frequency (it varies depending on the treatment, clinician or device), with different frequencies delivering different results. In-clinic treatments are typically stronger, but you can still get results at home. 

For example, the frequencies of light in the at-home Red Light Face Mask by Bon Charge are enough to penetrate the skin and boost ATP production, providing more energy for regenerative processes in the skin. That’s great news for anyone looking for results on a budget. 

What are the benefits of red light therapy?

Beyond healing wounds in rats, red light therapy is showing promise in the realm of skincare. Past studies have shown it may promote tissue repair (good for healthy ageing or those with acne and blemishes), reduce psoriasis, improve hair growth, diminish wrinkles and fine lines and reduce inflammation. 

Anecdotally, as my friend will tell you, it can also be incredibly relaxing as you take a moment to yourself for some self-care. And no, it won’t hurt, as the red light is delivered at such a low wavelength that it’s barely enough to generate heat. 

The downsides are fairly minimal, with red light therapy considered both safe and painless. That said, anyone looking to get red light treatments in-clinic may find it a hassle. There are often limited appointments outside of office hours, meaning you need to book well in advance. Clinics are often located in high-traffic areas, making parking a headache, and the time required can be significant, not to mention the cost. This is where at-home options may be worth considering. 

Can I do red light therapy at home?

Yes, even with Australia’s stringent safety requirements on beauty devices, red light therapy products are available for at-home use. 

You’ll first need to outlay for a product that works and there are a few on the market to consider. There are red light face wands that combine heat and sonic vibrations to support facial contouring, and specialised red light neck and chest masks for those areas that are all too often forgotten in your skincare routine. 

For those looking to dip their toe into red light therapy, the best entry point may be a red light face mask. It’s great for beginners as it’s designed for convenience; you can simply strap it on as part of your regular skincare routine (make sure your skin is clean and dry) and go about your day. 

Look for a model that contours to your face, which increases the effectiveness of the treatment. We like this one from Bon Charge. It’s cordless, unlike other models on the market, and suitable for all skin types. In terms of red light delivery, it delivers optimised frequencies of both red light (630 nanometers) and near-infrared light (850 nanometers) to maximise results.

How do I incorporate red light therapy into my routine?

A good at-home device should be easy to use, easy to charge and easy to clean. Be mindful of that when purchasing.

Once you’ve decided which red light therapy device is for you, it’s pretty straightforward. Most are designed to integrate into your skincare routine. First cleanse your face (it’s best to avoid oil cleansers, which can leave a residue on the skin) then pat dry. Before applying serums, use your red light therapy device for the recommended duration. Usually, 10 to 20 minutes a few times a week is enough.

Each device will have slightly different settings, so read the manual first. For example, Bon Charge allows you to choose from red light, near-infrared light or both for maximum results.

Finish with the remainder of your skincare routine, layering each product and giving each time to absorb before moving on to the next step. Use these gaps to clean your device: anything you’re putting onto your skin you want to ensure is clean and bacteria-free. 

For more red light therapy products ready for at-home use, try Bon Charge.