What Are the Side Effects of Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy has become a highly popular treatment, with increasing evidence backing its ability to treat a variety of conditions, from chronic pain and inflammation to skin issues and wound healing. What makes red light therapy stand out is its non-invasive nature and the fact that it doesn’t involve harsh chemicals or medications. Research continues to show its effectiveness, particularly in improving circulation, reducing muscle soreness, and even promoting the regeneration of damaged tissues. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking natural alternatives for healing and recovery.

One of the most compelling features of red light therapy is its exceptional safety profile. Unlike many therapeutic treatments, which can come with a long list of potential risks and side effects, red light therapy has no documented serious side effects. It is considered safe for most individuals and is generally well-tolerated, making it a go-to choice for many looking for a low-risk treatment. This level of safety is especially important for those with sensitive skin or those looking for a gentle, long-term solution to various health concerns.

However, as with any treatment, there are a few mild side effects that some people may experience when using red light therapy. These side effects are typically temporary and can include mild redness or skin irritation, especially if the sessions are too frequent or too long. While these side effects are rare, understanding them will help you make informed decisions and ensure you're using red light therapy in the most effective and comfortable way. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these side effects and provide tips on how to minimize them.

From a Rouge customer: My husband and I have been using our Red Light Panel for about 4 weeks now and we both love it! It has made a huge difference on sore muscles and aching joints! I just ordered a second panel today, can’t wait for it to arrive!! Thanks Rouge

Slight tightness and redness in the skin

Some people may experience temporary skin irritation in the area exposed to treatment. It may feel a bit like a sunburn. However, it’s important to note that this effect is not at all like a sunburn. First, sunburns are caused by ultraviolet light, which is known to damage the skin. These UV rays cause damage either by directly damaging DNA, which can lead to skin cancer, or by agitating molecules within the cell, causing reactive oxygen species to form.

 Red and near-infrared light used in red light therapy, on the other hand, does not cause damage to the cell. Quite the contrary, in fact; red light therapy acts on the mitochondria of the cell, allowing them to produce energy more efficiently, which your body uses to perform its various functions in a more optimal manner. This article on red light therapy for pain provides a good explanation on the various mechanisms of the treatment.

This temporary redness and tightness is more common in people who are sensitive to light. Some medications can also increase photosensitivity, making redness and irritation more likely. Side effects should disappear within a few hours, however.

Eye Strain and Sensitivity

While red light therapy has been shown to improve ocular health, it’s recommended to treat the eyes in small doses, no more than a few minutes at a time. Your eyes are extremely photosensitive and prolonged exposure to red and NIR could potentially cause damage. The natural brightness of red LEDs is generally enough to prevent people from staring directly at the light source, fortunately. NIR, however, is invisible to the naked eye, and experts don’t yet know the long-term effects on the eyes. For instance, retinal scanners use infrared light and are deemed safe for use, but exposure is usually not longer than a second or two, rather than the 10-20 minutes of the average red light therapy session.

If you’re using red light therapy on your face, we recommend using blackout goggles (each Rouge device comes equipped with a pair). While your eyelids do a fair job of blocking light, it can still cause irritation.

If your device is not pointed directly at your eyes, however, there is no risk of damage. Some people even enjoy the red glow, particularly before bed. Others may find it irritating or simply unpleasant. So it’s really up to you whether you choose to wear the goggles. You can also invest in a pair of welding goggles or glasses, which are designed to block infrared light, if you’d prefer to retain your ability to see.

Headache

Eye strain during red light therapy sessions is a common, albeit temporary, side effect that some users experience. This discomfort can often be attributed to the increased sensitivity of the eyes to the light emitted during therapy, which may cause strain, especially if proper eye protection, such as goggles, isn't used. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to intense light, even in therapeutic doses, can sometimes lead to eye fatigue or irritation, making goggles an essential accessory to mitigate this risk. Additionally, dehydration is another factor that can contribute to headaches or eye discomfort during or after a session.

While red light therapy itself does not cause dehydration, it can enhance sensitivity to light, potentially exacerbating existing symptoms, especially in individuals already prone to headaches or migraines. Research on light exposure has also highlighted the role of hydration in maintaining overall health, particularly during treatments that may stress the body’s systems in any way. To minimize the risk of these mild side effects, it is recommended to drink a glass of water before and after each treatment session to help maintain proper hydration levels and support the body's recovery processes. Keeping your body well-hydrated can reduce the likelihood of experiencing light-induced headaches, ensuring a more comfortable and effective red light therapy experience.

Increased bleeding in open wounds

Red light therapy’s ability to stimulate blood flow is one of its most well-documented benefits, promoting healing and tissue regeneration by increasing circulation to the treated area. However, this vasodilatory effect can have unintended consequences when applied to wounds that have not fully healed. Studies have shown that red light therapy can increase blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues, which, while beneficial for the healing process, may cause a wound that is still in the process of coagulating to bleed more or potentially reopen.

This is particularly concerning for wounds that are at risk of bleeding or have not yet formed a stable clot. The release of nitric oxide during red light therapy promotes vasodilation, which directly affects blood vessels around a wound, making it more likely to bleed if the coagulation process hasn't fully taken place. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to avoid applying red light therapy directly to any wounds that are still actively bleeding or have not yet formed a scab, ensuring that the healing process is well underway before initiating treatment. This precaution helps avoid disrupting the natural clotting and healing processes.

Is Red Light Therapy At Home As Safe As Treatment In a Clinic or Spa?

The minimal risks and side effects of red light therapy make it the ideal home treatment. Unlike many therapeutic treatments involving lights and lasers, which can cause severe damage if used incorrectly and require a trained professional to administer, red light therapy can be used by virtually anyone. This has made it one of the most accessible - and affordable- therapeutic treatment options available today.

Personal red light therapy devices are also more powerful and effective than ever, as well, thanks to advances in LED technology allowing for more cost-efficient manufacturing. It is important, however, to make sure you’re getting the real deal when purchasing a red light therapy device. Most devices being sold online claim to emit light at wavelengths of 660 and 850nm (the sweet spot for therapeutic effects), but it’s difficult to verify these claims. Look for devices that are FDA-registered and that have undergone independent third-party testing.  

As with any new treatment, always check with your doctor before beginning red light therapy.

Recent testing by the Light Lab International in Allentown Pennsylvania has shown that Rouge Red Light Therapy devices are among the most powerful on the market. Rouge devices are also registered with the FDA as a low risk medical device indicated for the treatment of arthritis-related joint pain and stiffness, as well as for the relief of muscle spasms and minor muscle and joint aches.

Ready to join the growing number of people enjoying the many benefits of red light therapy right in the comfort of their own home? Check out the Rouge family of red light therapy devices, and get started on the road to better health, the safe way, today!