Red light therapy and your skin: what can you expect
In short
Plenty of stories go around about red light therapy and the skin. This is what you notice of it in practice.
- Red light is mainly a calm moment for yourself
- Keep your expectations sober and realistic
- A fixed time and distance make it easier
- Protect your eyes from bright light
Red light therapy and your skin is a topic many people are curious about. All sorts of stories circulate online, from very enthusiastic to very sceptical, and that makes it hard to know what you can actually expect.
In this article we keep things calm and honest. We make no promises and share no claims. What we do explain is how people use red light in practice as part of a relaxing wellness routine, and what to pay attention to when you start.
Red light therapy as a wellness moment
Many people mainly see red light therapy as a quiet moment for themselves. The soft light feels pleasant and easy going to many, and it asks very little: you sit or lie down, switch it on and do not have to do anything else for a while. That is exactly why it fits well into a relaxed routine. You do not need to free up time that you have to take from somewhere else, because a session is short.
Keep your expectations realistic
It is important to say what red light therapy is not. It is not a medical treatment and not a guarantee of results. People who use it calmly as part of their self care usually experience it mainly as pleasant and relaxing. If you expect something else, the chance of disappointment is high. So see it as a pleasant habit and not as a solution, and it will stay a pleasant habit.
Make it a calm ritual
Many people like to link red light to a fixed, calm moment in the day. That way you do not have to think about it again every time.
- A calm start to the day, before things get busy
- A relaxing moment in the evening
- Linked to other self care, such as your usual skincare routine
- Straight after a warm moment of rest with a sauna blanket
However you fill it in, regularity makes it easier to keep up than a long session you rarely plan. You can read more about building that up in the article on a wellness routine you can stick to.
Distance, length and regularity
With red light therapy, three practical things determine how your session feels: how far you sit from the lamp or panel, how long your session lasts and how often you do it. Keep to the distance given in the manual for your device, because it differs per model. Start with a short session and see how it goes before you build up. A fixed spot at home helps: the device is then always at the same distance and you no longer need to measure anything.
Your skin and the moment itself
For a pleasant feeling, clean, dry skin is the nicest starting point, without makeup or a thick layer of cream. Beyond that you do not need to do anything special. Sit or lie comfortably, relax your face and shoulders and let your breathing slow down. If the light feels too bright or too warm, sit a little further away or keep the session shorter. Comfort is always the yardstick.
What red light mainly gives you is a few minutes in which you do not have to do anything.
Protect your eyes from bright light
If you use red light therapy close to your face, many people find red light glasses pleasant for shielding the bright light. That makes the moment more comfortable, especially if you want to close your eyes and really relax. Either way, do not look straight into the lamps.
Put your panel or lamp in a fixed spot with a chair at the right distance in front of it. Then all you need to do for each session is sit down and start the timer.
Who should pay extra attention
If you have specific questions about your skin or your situation, it is always wise to get advice from an expert. Red light is meant as an addition to relaxation, not as a replacement for care.
- Red light panel with 7 wavelengths and touchscreen
- Built in timer, so your session stops by itself
- 60 days to change your mind and 2 year warranty
In conclusion
Red light therapy and your skin: what you can mainly expect is a calm, pleasant wellness moment. By keeping your expectations realistic and choosing a fixed place and time, it stays a relaxing part of your routine. Want to get to know red light at your own pace? Take a look at the Lumi 110 red light panel or read on in the knowledge base.
Frequently asked questions
What can I realistically expect from red light?
Mainly a calm and pleasant moment for yourself. Red light isn't a medical treatment and comes with no guarantee of results. Many people simply use it because it feels pleasant and fits well into their self care routine.
How long does a session usually last?
That depends on your device and on what feels good. Start short and see how that goes before you extend. The manual for your lamp or panel says what's usual for that model.
At what distance should I sit?
Keep the distance the manufacturer gives for your model, because it differs per lamp and panel. A fixed spot at home helps, then you're automatically in the right place every time and don't need to measure anything.
Do I need red light glasses?
Need is a big word, but many people like them when the light is close to their face. Glasses shield the bright light, which makes it easier to relax. In any case, don't look straight into the lamps.
Do I need to prepare my skin?
Clean, dry skin without make up or a thick layer of cream feels best for most people. Other than that you don't need to do anything special. Mainly make sure you're sitting or lying comfortably.
Can I combine red light with a sauna blanket?
That's perfectly fine, many people do them one after the other rather than at the same time. Keep it comfortable and drink enough water. If you notice the combination is too much, choose one of the two per day.
