Red Light Therapy FAQ

Red light therapy, also called photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level light therapy (LLLT), uses specific wavelengths of red light (around 630 to 670 nm) and near-infrared light (around 810 to 1070 nm) to stimulate cells. The light is absorbed by the mitochondria, where it supports cellular energy (ATP) production. It is non-invasive, uses no UV, and a typical session takes 10 to 20 minutes.  . 

The best-studied mechanism is light absorption by an enzyme in the mitochondria called cytochrome c oxidase. This has been shown to increase ATP (cellular energy), release nitric oxide, which supports local circulation, and influence the signalling involved in inflammation and repair. The effect depends on three things: the wavelength, the intensity of light reaching the tissue, and the total dose delivered.

Red light (610 to 670 nm) is visible and is absorbed mostly in the skin, so it suits skin-focused goals. Near-infrared (NIR) light (810 to 1070 nm) is a longer invisible wavelength and travels deeper into tissue, so it is used for muscles and joints. Most LEREDD devices combine both so one session covers the surface and dermal layers and deeper tissue.

660 nm (red) and 850 nm (near-infrared) are the two most researched wavelengths, and they form the core of most LEREDD devices. Some models add 630 nm, 670 nm, 810 nm ,940 nm +/or 1070nm  for extra coverage. Each LEREDD product page lists the exact wavelengths in that device.

Photobiomodulation has been studied since the late 1960s and there are now thousands of published laboratory and clinical studies. The areas with the most research are skin appearance, hair, muscle recovery, joint comfort , fertility and oral health, while areas such as sleep, eyes, fat loss and brain health are earlier-stage. Results in studies depend heavily on the protocol, wavelengths and dose used, which is why device output and protocol matter.

It depends on the goal. Muscle recovery effects can be felt within days, skin changes usually appear after 4 to 12 weeks of regular use, and hair and nerve repair changes take 3 to 6 months. Some people feel a difference immediately and are known as great responders.  Consistency matters more than session length, so a steady routine of several sessions a week works better than occasional long sessions.

No. An infrared sauna heats your body to make you sweat. Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths at a dose that works through light absorption, not heat, and sessions feel only mildly warm. Many people use both, but they do different things. Click this blog for full information

No. Red and near-infrared light contain no ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths, so they do not tan or burn the skin and do not carry the skin-damage risk associated with UV exposure.

Both can deliver photobiomodulation. Lasers emit a narrow, concentrated beam suited to small spots, while LEDs spread light over a much larger area, which makes them practical for treating the face or body at home. Research supports both when the right wavelength and dose are used. All LEREDD home devices use LEDs which are not down-regulated to 5mw/cm2 by government policy. 

Red and near-infrared light therapy has a strong safety record in clinical and home use. It emits no UV or ionising radiation and does not damage tissue at recommended doses. People who are pregnant, have a light-sensitive condition, or take photosensitising medication should speak with their doctor before starting.

Side effects are uncommon and usually mild: temporary redness, warmth, skin tightness, eye strain or, occasionally, a headache if not hydrated well prior. These usually settle by shortening the session or increasing your distance from the device. Stop using it and seek medical advice if a reaction persists.

For panels and beds, yes. The LEDs are bright and near-infrared light is invisible, so wear the supplied goggles/glasses and never stare directly into the LEDs. For LED face masks, keep your eyes closed and use any eye shields supplied. If you have an eye condition, check with your optometrist or ophthalmologist first. If you find yourself overly squinting from any visible bright light it is your bodies defence system providing a sign that it is too bright. There are studies that confirm red light around 670nm can be beneficial for the eye which you may have read. These are based on relatively low levels of irradiance for a short span of time and generally done under professional guidance,

There is very little research on red light therapy during pregnancy, so we recommend speaking with your doctor or midwife first and avoiding use over the abdomen. If you are breastfeeding, check with your healthcare provider before starting.

Speak with your doctor before using red light therapy if you have a light-sensitive condition (such as lupus or porphyria), take photosensitising medication (such as some antibiotics, isotretinoin or St John's wort), have light-triggered epilepsy, have a thyroid condition and plan to use it on your neck, or have active cancer or an undiagnosed skin lesion in the area you want to treat.

Yes. Photobiomodulation follows what researchers call a biphasic dose response: the right dose helps, but much more than that can reduce the benefit. Longer is not better, so follow the session time and distance in your LEREDD device guide rather than doubling up. Here is a good blog regarding this topic.

For most people, yes, at the recommended dose. Panels and caps are commonly used daily, while LED masks are often used 3 to 5 times a week. Rest days are fine and will not undo your progress.

Red light therapy is generally fine over healed tattoos, although dark ink absorbs more light and can feel warmer, so start with shorter sessions. After fillers or anti-wrinkle injections, many practitioners suggest waiting about two weeks before using light on that area, so check with your injector.Some tattooists actually use red light therapy on the treatment area prior to commencing to help lower pain senses making it more comfortable for the client and therefore easier for the tattooist to complete the art. 

It is a safe, just talk to your child's doctor first for clearance. If they approve, use shorter sessions under adult supervision, protect the eyes, and choose a device that fits properly if it is to be placed directly on their body. 

Choose based on the area you want to treat. An LED face mask is the easiest option for face-only skin routines. A panel covers the face and body and has the most power. A wrap or blanket contours to joints. A cap targets the scalp. A bed treats the whole body in one session. Our device comparison guide goes through each one.

LEREDD panels range from about $500 to $5,000 AUD. Price reflects panel size, LED count, irradiance (power output), wavelength mix and build quality. Afterpay and Zip are available at checkout.

A small or desktop panel suits the face or one targeted area. A mid-size panel covers a body region such as the back or both knees in one session. For full-body sessions, choose a full-length panel, a multi-panel setup or a 360 bed.

Irradiance is the power of light reaching your skin, measured in milliwatts per square centimetre (mW/cm²). Together with session time, it determines your dose (joules per square centimetre). When comparing devices, look for irradiance measured at a real treatment distance, such as 15 cm, rather than at the LED surface, which inflates the figure.

For most LEREDD panels, 15 to 30 cm. Closer delivers higher intensity to a smaller area, and further away spreads the light over more of the body. Your device manual gives the exact distance for that panel's output. Wear the supplied goggles and do not stare into the LEDs.

Most sessions are 10 to 20 minutes per area. Higher-powered panels need less time, and LED masks and caps usually run on a built-in timer of 10 to 20 minutes. Follow the guide supplied with your LEREDD device.

LED face masks deliver lower power than panels, but they cover the whole face evenly and are hands-free, which makes them easy to use consistently. Studies on red light for skin appearance typically show changes after 8 to 12 weeks of regular sessions. Fit, wavelength and consistency are what make the difference.

A mask is simpler and more convenient for a face-only routine. A panel has more power and can also treat the neck, chest and body, so it is better value if you want more than skin care. Many people use a mask daily and a panel for body sessions.

Flexible wraps and pads contour around knees, shoulders, elbows, the lower back and feet, keeping the LEDs in contact with the skin for an even dose. They are portable and hands-free, so you can use them while sitting or lying down. Larger blankets cover the back or legs.

LED and laser caps are among the most studied home light devices, with research focused on pattern thinning in men and women. Use is usually 20 minutes a day, with changes typically seen after 3 to 6 months. Caps can be used alongside topical treatments such as minoxidil. See our LED caps.

An intranasal device, such as LEREDD's NASALED, uses a small applicator that sits just inside the nostril to deliver low-level light. Research into intranasal light is still early, and NASALED is sold as a wellness device rather than a treatment for any condition.

An oral device, such as LEREDD's ORISLED, is a mouthpiece that delivers red and near-infrared light to the gums, teeth and jaw. Research into oral photobiomodulation has looked at gum comfort and orthodontic discomfort. Ask your dentist or orthodontist if you are under active treatment.

A red light therapy bed surrounds the body with LEDs so you can treat the whole body at once, usually in 10 to 20 minutes. LEREDD's 360 beds include Mitocharge and MediLux models for clinics, gyms and homes. You can also book a bed session at our Bentleigh clinic.

Yes, for targeted areas. Portable devices are ideal for travel, a single joint or a small patch of skin, but they cover less area than a panel, so treating large areas takes longer. See our guide to portable red light therapy.

Clinic devices are higher-powered and you get professional guidance, while a home device makes it easy to stay consistent, and consistency is what drives results. Many people start with sessions at our Melbourne clinic and then continue at home.

The devices used in our Bentleigh clinic are registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). LEREDD's home range is sold as wellness devices, not ARTG-listed therapeutic goods, and is manufactured to international standards including CE, ISO 13485 and RoHS. Home devices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Research suggests red light can support collagen production and improve the look of fine lines, skin tone and texture with regular use over 8 to 12 weeks. Use an LED mask or a panel on clean skin 3 to 5 times a week. See red light therapy for skin.

Red light is used to calm the skin and support recovery after breakouts, while blue light (around 415 nm) is the wavelength studied for acne-causing bacteria. Devices that combine blue and red are a common choice for acne-prone skin. For persistent acne, see a dermatologist.

Many people with sensitive or easily flushed skin use red light because it involves no heat damage, chemicals or abrasion. Start with shorter sessions at a greater distance, and check with your dermatologist if you have a diagnosed skin condition.

Yes. The neck and chest show signs of ageing early and respond in the same way as facial skin. A panel or a mask with a neck attachment works well. If you have a thyroid condition, speak with your doctor before treating the front of the neck.

Near-infrared light reaches deeper into muscle and soft tissue, and photobiomodulation has been studied for lower back discomfort. A panel at 15 to 30 cm or a wrap on the lower back for 10 to 20 minutes is a typical routine. For ongoing or severe back pain, see a health professional to find the cause.

Joints are one of the most studied areas for red and near-infrared light. A flexible wrap is ideal because it contours around the knee for even coverage, and panels also work well. See red light therapy for joint pain.

Yes. These smaller joints suit wraps and portable devices that sit directly on the skin. Use 10 to 20 minutes per area, several times a week, and treat both the front and back of the joint for full coverage.

Photobiomodulation has been studied for heel and foot discomfort, including plantar fasciitis. A flexible pad wrapped around the foot or a panel aimed at the sole are both practical. Use it alongside the stretching and footwear advice from your podiatrist.

Muscle recovery is one of the most researched uses of photobiomodulation, with studies looking at reduced post-exercise soreness (DOMS) and faster return to training. Athletes typically use a panel or bed for 10 to 20 minutes around training. See red light therapy for recovery.

Both have been studied. Using it before exercise may support performance, and using it after may support recovery. Choose the timing that fits your routine and use it consistently.

Red light contains no blue wavelengths, so an evening session will not suppress melatonin the way screens do, and small studies have looked at red light and sleep quality. If you use it to wind down, have your session 1 to 2 hours before bed.

Yes, for the scalp for hair regrowth and volume and for brain health, which is what LED caps are designed for. Research into transcranial photobiomodulation for brain health is still early. Always protect your eyes and never shine a panel directly into them.

Yes, with a panel or wrap on bare skin over the abdomen. Research on red light and gut health is early-stage but very promising. Avoid the abdomen during pregnancy unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Photobiomodulation has a long research history in skin healing, and many people use it to improve the look of older scars. Use it only on closed, semi or fully healed skin unless a clinician has advised otherwise, and keep sessions consistent over several months. 

Studies have looked at specific light devices for body contouring and the look of cellulite, especially with Green and Red Laser and Led wavelengths. Studies confirm that micropores in fat cells can result allowing the fat to leach and be flushed out  through the lymphatic system without destroying the fat cell and reducing overall body circumference significantly. Red light therapy is not a replacement for diet and exercise rather a complimentary adjunct to it, and results vary from person to person.

Yes, with a full-length panel, a multi-panel setup or a red light therapy bed. Full-body sessions save time if you have several goals, such as skin and recovery. See full body red light therapy.

Yes. Red light therapy is widely used in equine care for recovery and soft tissue support. LEREDD offers a dedicated equine range. See red light therapy for horses.

For most goals, use it 4 to 6 times a week for the first 4 to 8 weeks, then 3 to 4 times a week to maintain results. Sessions are usually 10 to 20 minutes per area. A setup guide and protocol come with every LEREDD device, and more protocols are on the LEREDD Education blog.

Any time that you can keep to consistently. Morning sessions fit easily into a skincare or training routine, and evening sessions are fine because red light contains no sleep-disrupting blue light.

For eye health the morning is best as that is when the mitochondria in the eye are most responsive.

Before. Start with clean, dry skin and no makeup or sunscreen, which can block or reflect light. Apply serums and moisturiser after your session. Avoid photosensitising products on the area beforehand. Leredd have a clinic protocol with a specially developed new product that is applied during the session that acts with the led  light for best outcomes. 

Yes and No. Fabric blocks most of the shorter wavelength light like greens blues , yellows and reds, so expose bare skin over the area you are treating. But longer wavelength NIR will travel through your clothes. In our clinic you only need to expose the area being treated, in a private room.

Yes. Each area gets its own dose, so you can treat your face, then your knees, then your back. The limit is per area, not per day. Also note that when longer wavelengths are used that penetrate the skin barrier that the dosage can spread to other parts of the body not simply remain in the treatment area. So it is not uncommon for people to feel relief in areas beyond the treatment area and studies confirm this. It is know as the abscopal effect.whereby light exposure in one area of the body has distant beneficial effects elsewhere. These remote effects of photobiomodulation have been described in other treatments, such as radiotherapy, and relates to signalling peptides such as cytokines in the circulation. 

Yes, a gentle warmth is normal, especially with near-infrared light and close distances. It should never feel hot or uncomfortable. If it does, move further away or shorten the session.

Quality LEDs typically last tens of thousands of hours, which is many years of daily sessions. Keep the device clean, dry and well ventilated, and store it as described in the manual. If they have fans , these need to be regularly cleaned to assist with cooling of the LED's which leads to better longevity of the diodes.

Yes. LEREDD is a Melbourne-based red light therapy company that has been operating since 2018. We run a skin and wellness clinic in Bentleigh and ship home and professional devices Australia-wide from leredd.com. And we don;t stop there. We have supplied orders from Australia to over 45 countries. 

Yes. You can book a session at our Bentleigh clinic, visit our showroom by appointment, book a product consult by Zoom or phone, lease a device, or use our 30-Day Trial on panels.

Eligible panels can be returned within 30 days through our return request form  providing conditions met. Change-of-mind trial returns carry a 15% restocking fee, return shipping (tracked and signature required) is paid by the customer, the original shipping cost is deducted, and the refund is issued as store credit. Panel orders need a verified residential address (no PO boxes or parcel lockers). Full terms are on the 30-Day Trial page.

Faulty products on arrival are covered under our warranty and your rights under Australian Consumer Law. For hygiene reasons, wearable and insertable devices such as masks, caps, oral and intranasal devices can only be returned if faulty. Eligible panels can be returned under the 30-Day Trial providing conditions met. See our refund policy and complete the form there once you are have read and comply with the process.

Yes. All LEREDD devices include a manufacturer's warranty in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. The warranty period for each device is listed on its product page.

Yes, shipping is free within Australia, and in-stock orders are dispatched the same or next business day. We also ship internationally. International shipping fees cover import costs and tariffs to the USA. See our shipping policy.

Yes. Afterpay and Zip (Zip Pay and Zip Money) are available at checkout on eligible orders, with no surcharge. Approval is subject to each provider's terms.

Yes. Selected panels and professional devices can be leased on a recurring plan, which suits clinics, gyms and anyone who wants to try before committing or make it easier to manage thier cash flow. See lease a device.

Yes. We supply professional panels, led full body beds and equipment to clinics, gyms, physios and wellness practices across Australia, with purchase and lease options. See for clinics, gyms and practices.

Our phototherapy clinic is at Level 1, 99 Brewer Road, Bentleigh VIC, in Melbourne's south-east. Sessions can be booked online. Find out more on the clinic page or email clinic@leredd.com.

Yes. Book a product consult  in person, by phone or Zoom from anywhere in Australia or overseas. The consult fee is refunded on any purchase over $100 made within 14 days.