Over the years, I’ve become more and more interested in holistic tools that enhance both beauty and well-being from the inside out. Red light therapy is one of those rare practices that truly bridges the gap between skincare, self-care, and deep cellular healing. It’s something I’ve incorporated into my own routine and the results have been noticeable: clearer skin (goodbye bacne!), more even skin tone, better sleep, and a calm, grounded energy.

If you’ve been curious about red light therapy benefits and how it can benefit your skin, hair, or overall appearance, this post is for you. I’ll walk you through what it is, how it works, and why it’s become one of my favorite beauty rituals. I’ll also share the exact red light device I use and love, so you can try it too if it feels aligned with your journey.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (also called photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy) uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing and regeneration in the body. It’s completely non-invasive, safe, and backed by a growing body of research. You simply sit or stand in front of a red light device, allowing the light to penetrate your skin and cells.

It’s commonly used in dermatology clinics and wellness centers… but the good news is, you can now bring the benefits of red light therapy into your home! Whether you’re an athlete, biohacker or beauty lover. Red light therapy is a wonderful addition to your daily routine.

How It Works on a Cellular Level (Don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple)

Your cells have mitochondria. Think of them as tiny power plants. Red and near-infrared light stimulate these mitochondria to produce more ATP (cellular energy). More ATP means your cells have more fuel to repair, regenerate, and function optimally.

Red light therapy:

• Increases circulation
• Reduces inflammation
• Stimulates collagen and elastin production
• Supports detoxification at the cellular level

This combination of effects is why red light therapy has become a beauty and wellness essential for me.

Red Light Therapy Beauty Benefits

Here’s how red light therapy can enhance your natural beauty:

Glowing Skin

• Boosts collagen and elastin to smooth out fine lines and plump the skin.
• Reduces inflammation, which helps with conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema. I’ve notice I get less bacne the more I use it. And my skin is overall less red.
• Speeds up healing from breakouts or skin irritation.
• Improves texture and tone, giving that radiant “lit from within” glow.

Healthier Hair

• Stimulates hair follicles to encourage growth (especially helpful if you’ve experienced stress-related or postpartum hair loss)
• Improves scalp circulation, delivering more nutrients to the roots, which is essential for healthy hair.
• Thickens strands over time and can help with shine and strength

Brighter, More Rested Eyes

• Helps reduce under-eye puffiness and fatigue
• Softens crow’s feet and fine lines
• Gives a more lifted, refreshed look to the overall face

Beauty is Also How You Feel

Looking radiant starts from within. Red light therapy helps regulate your nervous system, reduce stress, and improve sleep. All of which naturally reflect in your appearance.

• More sleep = brighter eyes and calmer skin
• Less stress = fewer breakouts and less inflammation
• Hormonal support (especially if you target areas like the thyroid or lower abdomen)

The beauty-related red light therapy benefits are what first drew me in… but the energy boost and mood support made me stay.

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of red light therapy, I highly recommend reading The Ultimate Guide To Red Light Therapy.

How to Use It in Your Routine

• Use on clean, dry skin (no makeup, sunscreen, or skincare products)
• Depending on your device. Start with 10–20 minutes per session, 3–5 times a week
• Morning use can boost energy and mood, while evening use supports healing and sleep
• You can even stack it with things like journaling, meditation, or facial massage
• Be consistent! The more regularly you use it, the more you’ll notice the benefits. This isn’t something you do once or twice. It should become a regular part of your routine. That’s why having your own device at home is amazing.

Why I Chose a Panel Over an LED Face Mask

LED face masks have become incredibly popular in recent years, and for good reason. If your main goal is to improve facial skin tone, reduce fine lines, or even out your complexion, a high-quality LED face mask can definitely be effective.

That said, I personally chose to invest in a full panel red light therapy device instead. Here’s why:

1. Full-Body Benefits

With a panel, I can treat not just my face but my entire body. This is especially helpful for:

• Increasing collagen and elasticity on the chest, neck, or stomach
• Targeting areas of inflammation or breakouts on the back or body
• Supporting hormonal balance and gut health by targeting the abdomen
• Improving circulation in legs and arms

2. More Power, Faster Results

Most panels offer higher irradiance. Meaning they deliver more light energy in less time. That means:

• Shorter treatment sessions
• Deeper penetration into the skin and muscles
• Faster results with consistent use

3. Greater Versatility

I love that I can use my panel while doing other things like stretching, journaling, meditating, using my massage gun, or applying body oil. You’re not limited to lying still with a mask on your face.
It also works beautifully for stacking wellness habits together, which makes me more consistent.

The Device I Use: Joovv

After researching the many red light therapy devices out there, I chose to invest in a few Joovv panels. I started with one, but eventually upgraded to the whole quad system, so I could target my entire body in one go! I truly feel blessed every time I stand in front of that glowing red light!

Here’s why I recommend joovv:

• It’s FDA-cleared and medical-grade
• Uses clinically-backed wavelengths of red and near-infrared light
• Has modular designs (so you can start small or go full panel)
• I noticed results in my skin tone and mood within a few weeks

If you’re ready to try red light therapy for yourself, you can check out their full line of devices here.

Check out more of my beauty and wellness favorites here.

Final Thoughts

Red light therapy is one of the most effective and gentle ways to support your skin, hair, and overall radiance. If you’re ready to glow naturally, feel more energized, and make your beauty routine feel like a healing ritual, I can’t recommend red light therapy enough.