How Red Light Therapy Is Moving Beyond The Face Mask And Into Every Room Of The Home

Red light therapy has been a popular skincare solution for a few years now. If you’ve spent any time scrolling through social media, you’ve probably seen celebrities and influencers posing in glowing red face masks, all in the name of healthier-looking skin. These days, you’ll also find a range of red light devices in bedrooms, home offices, workout spaces, and more.

Also known as photobiomodulation, red light therapy uses low-level red or near-infrared wavelengths to energize skin at a cellular level. When cells have more energy to work with, processes like skin repair, new cell growth, and overall skin rejuvenation are better supported.

At-home red light therapy devices quickly became a staple in many millennial and Gen Z skincare routines. The global light therapy market was valued at $521.1 million in 2021 and is expected to reach $802.8 million by 2031. Much of the demand in the mainstream could come from its ability to improve signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and loose skin. You can now find various FDA-cleared devices on the market to treat these skin concerns.

Red light therapy proves to be more than just a trendy skincare product. Although face masks are still the most recognizable device, the therapy has expanded to meet a broader range of needs. As people continue to invest more in their health — the global wellness market has doubled since 2013 — it is no surprise that the technology is growing alongside them. Research on the benefits of the red light is ongoing, but here are the four main ways people are using it at home, beyond face masks.

Red light therapy is gaining attention as a supportive option for hair growth. With more than half of women experiencing hair loss at some point in their lifetime, it’s easy to see why. Research suggests that near-infrared light stimulates hair follicles, reducing hair loss and encouraging new growth. You can now find several FDA-cleared at-home devices for your hair, including combs, caps, and helmets.

The bedroom is another place where red light therapy has found a following. A small study shows that it may improve sleep quality and reduce next-day drowsiness. Many people also use red light therapy as part of their evening routine to support a healthier sleep-wake cycle during the winter months. Doing so can help boost your energy levels and ease symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.

Red light therapy is becoming a go-to for post-workout recovery, with more and more people adding the device to their home fitness routine. According to research published in the International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science, it can support muscle strength, better endurance, and faster recovery.

There are many ways to boost your cognitive health, including eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. Today, you can also use a red light therapy headset or helmet to do so. Short, consistent sessions have been associated with improvements in cognitive performance with no significant adverse effects, including among people with mild to moderate dementia.

Like any wellness tool, red light therapy devices work best when used thoughtfully. Keep the following in mind before buying an at-home device:

• Only use red light therapy to complement existing wellness or medical routines.
• Look for devices the FDA has approved.
• Wear eye protection when using the device close to your face.
• Check with your doctor before starting, particularly if you are managing a medical condition.

While red light therapy can spark debate at times, it has become a flexible, low-effort way to support everyday wellness. Make sure to use the devices properly and follow the recommended guidelines, and you should be able to enjoy the benefits.