What is red light therapy and how does it work? Averr Aglow

What is red light therapy and how does it work?

What is red light therapy?

You’ve probably heard of red light therapy—whether you’ve seen it at a skincare spa or on a celebrity’s Instagram (in the form of a crazy-looking face mask). You may be wondering: What is red light therapy—and is it right for me?


Also known as low-level laser therapy, low-power laser therapy, and photobiomodulation, red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses a low wavelength of red light to stimulate healing and tissue repair. The healing benefits of red light therapy were first discovered when NASA used red light to experiment with plant growth in space and discovered its ability to heal the wounds of astronauts. 


Research on the benefits of red light therapy is still ongoing, but it’s a safe treatment that’s been used in dermatology offices for over ten years. Today, red light therapy has been used for everything from skincare treatments to the reduction of chronic pain conditions. Read on to learn how red light therapy works and how it might benefit your skin.

How does red light therapy work?

Red light therapy works by exposing the body to red or near-infrared light, which activates the mitochondria and stimulates energy production in the cells. With more energy, your body’s cells work at a higher level and can more efficiently repair and rejuvenate the skin. 

Unlike lasers—which cause controlled damage to the skin to stimulate an inflammatory reaction—red light therapies don’t cause trauma to the skin. This means you can get skin-healing benefits with no discomfort, irritation, or downtime (a win in our book!).

Averr Aglow Skincare Quiz

What is red light therapy used for in skincare?

Red light therapy has been shown to address signs of aging and skin damage by stimulating collagen and elastin production, increasing circulation, and decreasing inflammation.

When it comes to skincare, red light therapy can help with:

  • Reducing fine lines and wrinkles. By boosting the skin’s fibroblasts and stimulating collagen production, red light therapy has been shown to minimize signs of aging, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote soft, smooth, and firm skin.

  • Treating acne. By decreasing inflammation, red light therapy can help treat redness associated with acne, as well as increase defenses against acne-causing bacteria. It’s also great for healing acne because of its ability to encourage regeneration and tissue repair. 

  • Minimizing scarring. By reducing inflammation, boosting circulation, and supporting tissue repair and regeneration, red light therapy can help improve and prevent scarring. 

  • Healing wounds. From ulcers to psoriasis lesions, red light therapy accelerates the body’s ability to heal, making it an effective tool for wound healing.

How do I use red light therapy?

While red light therapy is widely available at dermatologists’ and doctor’s offices, there are also LED red light masks and devices you can use at home (just keep in mind that they’re less powerful and therefore less effective than the professional one you’d find from an in-office treatment).


One thing to note about red light therapy is that it isn't (typically) a one-and-done treatment. To achieve the best results, it’s recommended as an ongoing treatment, often 3-5 times per week. Of course, everyone’s skin is different, and the number of treatments you’ll need will depend on your skin, as well as the type of red-light device you’re using. It’s always best to talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the best treatment plan for you, and if you’re using an at-home device, make sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions. 

It’s also important to note that red light therapy should be used as a supplemental treatment, Make sure you’re also practicing a good at-home skincare routine that’s tailored to your needs—whether it’s acne-fighting or anti-aging.

Averr Aglow Skin Care Quiz


Natural Solutions for Acne: Ditch Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a widely used topical medication primarily used to treat acne. It belongs to the class of medications known as keratolytics, which work by unclogging pores and reducing bacteria on the skin's surface. Keep reading to learn natural alternatives to Benzoyl Peroxide.

Read more
Does Vitamin C Help Acne

Vitamin C can indeed help with acne due to its antioxidant properties and its ability to promote skin health. It can be a valuable ally in the battle against acne. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C helps soothe irritated skin and reduce redness associated with acne lesions.

Read more
PCOS Acne

PCOS, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, acne refers to acne that occurs in individuals with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects people with ovaries, and one of its common symptoms is acne. PCOS acne tends to be more severe and persistent than typical acne.

Read more
Does Spearmint Tea Help Acne?

Spearmint, which restores balance to the body when your hormones are out of whack. Spearmint tea also slows your production of sebum or skin oil. Keep reading to get more into the benefits of spearmint tea for hormonal acne treatment.

Read more
Butt Pimples

Butt pimples, also known as buttne, is a skin condition that can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. We'll explore what butt pimples are, what causes it, how to get rid of it, how to treat it, and how you can prevent it.

Read more
Fungal Folliculitis

Fungal folliculitis, also known as fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis, is a skin infection affecting hair follicles. It occurs when hair follicles become inflamed due to an overgrowth of yeast or fungus, specifically the Malassezia species. This condition typically presents as small, itchy, red bumps or pustules that resemble acne, but unlike traditional acne, fungal folliculitis is caused by a yeast overgrowth rather than bacteria.

Read more