IN THIS ARTICLE

• 01 What is red light therapy?
• 02 Can red light therapy help depression?
• 03 How do you use red light therapy for depression at home?
• 04 How do you choose the right red light device?
• 05 Is red light therapy proven to combat depression?
• 06 How often should I use a red light mask for wellbeing and skin?
• 07 Can I use RLT at night (and still sleep)?
• 08 Do I need eye protection?

Summary:

Red light therapy (RLT) benefits have been well-documented when it comes to skincare. Whether you use a certified at-home red light therapy mask or undergo red light therapy treatments in a professional clinic, RLT functions to stimulate collagen production, treat breakouts, target signs of ageing, reduce inflammation, and brighten the complexion.  

Beyond skin health, red light therapy benefits include wound healing, pain relief, and improved sleep cycles. Research also suggests red light therapy can offer mental health support for those battling depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and anxiety.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses different light wavelengths, including red, infrared, and deep light, to address beauty and wellness concerns.  These wavelengths are absorbed by the skin’s cells, which stimulates cellular energy production (ATP) and kickstarts the body’s natural healing processes. Medical Director of Jorja Healthcare, Dr. Mohammed Najjar, explains: “Red light therapy (RLT) uses low levels of red light to promote healing, improve skin quality, and treat pain, inflammation, and muscle injuries.”

Red light therapy treatments can be delivered through home face masks, such as the LumaLux Face Mask, and the LumaLux Face+ Pro Face and Neck Mask, or LED panels, including the LumaLux Dome, and the Alora Age Renewal LED Light Therapy Panel.

Can red light therapy help depression?

Numerous medical reports claim red light therapy can have a positive impact on reducing depressive symptoms. One study noted an improvement in depression scores among patients with SAD after using light therapy treatments for one hour. The report reads: “Rapid mood improvement with bright light suggests complex efficacy, probably by immediately stimulating major neurotransmitter systems involved in mood regulation, in addition to longer-term chronobiological effects.”

However, he believes “more research is needed” to determine if red light therapy can treat depression. Dr. Najjar urges patients battling depression not to replace professional medical support with red light therapy, though it can be used as a complementary wellness treatment.

How do you use red light therapy for depression at home?

There is an array of red light therapy tools safe for home use, such as Project E Beauty’s LumaLux Face Mask, the LumaLux Face+ Pro Face and Neck Mask, as well as the LumaLux Dome. While home tools are not as powerful as in-clinic red light treatments, home tools can still be effective when used consistently. Plus, they are easy to weave into your daily routine.

How to use red light therapy devices at home can vary depending on the tool. The LumaLux Face Mask and LumaLux Face+ Pro Face and Neck Mask are gently fastened around the head to wear hands-free for a few minutes every day. The LumaLux Dome is positioned over the face when you’re lying down, while the Alora Age Renewal LED Light Therapy Panel can be used while reading, working, or completing your daily routine. Simply prop it up at a slight angle in front of you to avoid looking directly at the light. 

Dr. Najjar recommends using at-home red light therapy tools in the morning. However, he advises people with depression to “consult a doctor or mental health practitioner before undergoing RLT.”

HOW TO USE:

1. Ensure your skin is clean and dry before use
2. Fasten the face mask securely around your head, or position the tool safely on a flat surface
3. Connect the power adaptor to the panel
4. Plug the power adapter into an AC outlet
5. Press the power button to activate the device
6. Select your treatment using the light mode control 'MODE'
7. Set the desired treatment time using the 'TIMER' button (10 minutes per area is recommended, but no longer than 30 minutes per area per day)
8. Secure the protective goggles over your eyes and begin your treatment
9. Continue your AM/PM skincare routine

How do you choose the right red light device?

There are a few factors to consider when shopping for the best at-home red light therapy device:

• Your goals: Are you seeking skin health benefits, mental health support, or both? How do you intend to use the device? Would you prefer to wear a mask, sit under the dome, or in front of a stationary panel?
• Design: If you prefer a wearable design, consider a mask with adjustable straps for comfort, easy-to-use control, and numerous programmes.
• Price: It’s crucial to consider your budget without compromising on quality and safety.
• Certification: Always purchase a tool from a trusted retailer that has been clinically tested, backed by positive user reviews, and verified for the correct wavelengths and independent tests.

FAQs

Is red light therapy proven to combat depression?

A Harvard study has claimed sitting in close proximity to an FDA-approved light therapy source every morning for 30 minutes can improve depression in “40 to 60% of people.” However, several experts believe further research is needed to determine if red light therapy is a clinically proven treatment for depression.

How often should I use a red light mask for wellbeing and skin?

Dr. Najjar recommends using an at-home red light therapy mask designed for “three to five times a week for 10-20 minutes per session, although this varies depending on the specifications of your mask and your specific needs.” Just be sure not to overdo RLT.

Can I use RLT at night (and still sleep)?

Research claims red light therapy can support your sleep quality when used in the daytime, as it can regulate your circadian rhythm. However, Dr. Najjar doesn’t advise wearing a red light mask when sleeping. Dr Prabhakar echoes this, and told The Sleep Foundation that “continuous exposure may increase microarousals and negatively affect sleep architecture and mood.”

On a practical level, red light masks automatically switch off after a 10 to 30-minute session, so there is no added benefit to sleeping in it. More importantly, sleeping in the red light mask could damage the LEDs and distort the structure, which could be detrimental to the wearer’s safety.  

Do I need eye protection?

Whether you need to wear eye protection during your red light therapy treatment depends on the device and its intensity. In-clinic red light therapy treatments will likely require you to wear eye protection. Dr. Najjar explains, “Eye protection is generally recommended to prevent discomfort, glare and eye strain, especially with high-intensity or full-body devices.”

However, most home devices, such as LumaLux Face Mask and LumaLux Face+ Pro Face and Neck Mask, come equipped with eye protection to avoid direct contact with the light.

Final Thoughts

Red light therapy can offer several skincare and wellness benefits, as long as the device has been certified, backed by clinical results, independently tested, and used as intended. However, the consensus is that red light therapy treatment should not replace professional medical advice or treatment to treat depression. If you are unsure if RLT is safe for you, seek advice from a GP.