What We’re Loving Right Now: Red Light Therapy
You know when you find something that just works for you—and then suddenly, it becomes your whole personality? Like, you’re bringing it up in conversations that have nothing to do with wellness? That’s me with red light therapy right now. It started as a curiosity and has turned into one of my go-to rituals for everything from skin care to recovery to—believe it or not—sweating. Yes, sweating. More on that in a second.
Let’s start with the skin, because that’s what first caught my attention. Honestly? I’m a little vain. I had way too much sun exposure growing up—like baby oil and aluminum foil reflector levels of sun worship. So now I’m looking for non-surgical, non-chemical ways to support my skin as I age gracefully (or at least try to). I don’t want to freeze my face or go too extreme, but I’m all about tools that actually do something. Red light has been that gentle powerhouse for me. I started using it consistently and within a few weeks, my skin looked calmer, brighter, and just…happier? Is that a thing? I think it’s a thing.
But it didn’t stop there.
I also have a tendency toward joint inflammation and muscle tension, especially after long writing days or travel. Red light helps me bounce back faster—and it feels so good in the moment. I actually use it instead of Tylenol now, and it works. It’s like my muscles finally exhale and say, "Okay, we can chill."
And then there’s the part no one talks about: I don’t sweat easily. Like, I can be doing a full-on hot yoga flow and still leave with my mascara intact. It’s not a great flex—sweating is how your body detoxes, and when it doesn’t come easy, you have to get creative. Using red light therapy in sauna mode has been a game-changer. I come out feeling clearer, lighter, and not in that drained, wrung-out way. Just…reset.
Also, my sister? She’s fully converted. She props up with her Omnilux red light mask and binge watches her favorite show like it’s the most normal multitasking in the world. She’ll text me photos mid-episode—mask glowing, snacks in hand, living her best life. Honestly, it’s iconic.
If you’ve been red light curious, this is your sign. I’ll be sharing my favorite devices, the nerdy-but-cool science behind it, and how to make it a feel-good habit in the rest of this post. But if all you take from this is: red light = glowing skin + less inflammation + secret sauna? That’s a solid takeaway.
Let’s get into it.
So… How Does Red Light Therapy Actually Work?
Let’s keep this quick and non-boring, because if you’re anything like me, you don’t need a deep dive into cell biology—you just want to know why it works before you commit to lying under a glowing panel every day.
Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light (usually red and near-infrared) that penetrate your skin and actually stimulate your mitochondria—those tiny energy factories we talked about in the creatine post. (Yes, we’re back in our mitochondria era.)
It’s like giving your cells a double espresso shot without the crash. The result? More energy at the cellular level, better circulation, reduced inflammation, and boosted collagen production. Yes please.
And while it’s been buzzy in the wellness world for a while now, the science behind it isn’t just influencer hype—it’s backed by research. Hospitals use it for wound healing. Dermatologists use it for skin rejuvenation. Athletes use it for recovery. And we’re over here using it because we’re obsessed and loving every minute of it.
If you’re thinking, “Okay, but do I really need this?”—I was right there with you. But once you start feeling the difference (and seeing it in your skin), it’s hard not to become that person who won’t shut up about it.
Our Favorite Devices + How We Actually Use Them
This part might be my favorite—because this is where the ritual really becomes yours.
I start most mornings with the LUME box aimed at my face and stomach. It’s gentle but powerful, and it’s become such a grounding way to ease into the day. I swear (no hard data, just vibes and a few curious glances in the mirror) that using it consistently has helped with that hormonal muffin-top inflammation. There’s actually some research coming out around red light and belly fat (especially from companies like Celluma that have devices specifically targeting this), but honestly—even without that? It just feels good.
At night, I often use the same setup as part of my wind-down routine in bed. If I’m on my computer late (hi, real life), I’ll switch the room lighting to just the red light—it helps offset blue light exposure and totally changes the mood. Cozy, calm, and just a little bit futuristic.
For muscle tension, I rotate in devices that emit more heat and cover a wider area—like the SaunaSpace bulbs. You don’t have to go full sauna mode to get the benefits. Sometimes I’ll set them up while I’m reading or doing breathwork, just to let the warmth sink in and work its magic.
If you’re someone who loves systems rooted in nature, here’s where it gets even more interesting: both Ayurveda and Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) would absolutely get behind red light therapy. In Ayurveda, red light’s gentle heat and penetrating quality support circulation and help rebalance excess cold or stagnation in the system—especially in vata or kapha types. TEAM would recognize the warming, qi-moving nature of this therapy as a way to unblock stuck energy and support organ systems, especially the liver and kidneys, which are key in detoxification.
Whether or not you follow those philosophies, it’s fascinating to see how ancient traditions and modern tech align. We’re loving that intersection right now—and it’s part of what makes this practice feel both grounded and next-level.
What to Look for in a Red Light Device (and the Ones We’re Loving Right Now)
There are a lot of red light therapy devices out there—from tiny travel wands to full-body panels to high-heat sauna bulbs—and not all of them are created equal. Here’s what I’ve learned after testing a bunch:
Look for the Right Wavelengths
You want a device that offers red (around 660 nm) and near-infrared (around 850 nm) light. This combo is where the most studied benefits happen—skin, circulation, inflammation, collagen production, you name it.
Consider Size + Surface Area
If you’re targeting your face only, a compact mask or tabletop unit might be perfect. But if you want to use it for joint pain, muscle recovery, or general wellness, go for something that can cover larger areas (like the SaunaSpace or a panel from Mito).
Heat vs. No Heat
Not all red light devices emit heat, but some (like SaunaSpace) combine therapeutic warmth with the light itself. I find that devices with gentle heat help me relax more deeply and support that lymph-moving, muscle-soothing magic I’m after. If you love a warm compress or heating pad, you’ll probably love these.
Ease of Use
You want this to become a ritual, not a burden. I love the LUME box because it’s plug-and-play and doesn’t take up much space. The Omnilux mask my sister uses is hands-free and Netflix-compatible, which honestly is half the reason she’s consistent. Choose something that fits into your real life.
Bonus: Aesthetic Matters
Let’s be honest. If it’s going to live on your desk or nightstand, you want it to look good. Don’t underestimate the power of visual vibes.
A Note on Mixing + Matching
One thing I’ve learned? You might actually need more than one device. I love my LUME box for portability—it's the one I reach for when I’m traveling or want something quick and focused. But it doesn’t give me the deep, high-heat coverage that I get from SaunaSpace bulbs. Having options makes the habit stick because you can tailor your setup to your time, space, and body needs that day.
Also—this rarely gets talked about, but it’s a big one for me: EMF protection. We’re careful about exposure in our home, so I prioritize devices with built-in shielding or low-EMF output. Something to keep in mind when you’re shopping.
And while I don’t personally own the Celluma, I use it regularly at my acupuncturist’s office—and it’s a solid option. They even have FDA-cleared units specifically for pain management and body contouring.
Now let’s talk favorites…
Our Top Picks Right Now:
LUME Box – My everyday go-to for face + stomach. Gentle, affordable, and a great intro unit.
SaunaSpace Glow or Sauna Setup – For heat-loving folks who want more full-body warmth and deeper penetration. You can go simple with a few bulbs or go all-in and custom build an actual sauna. It’s a bigger investment if used as a full sauna setup, but so worth it if you want to turn red light into a true ritual.
OmniLux Face Mask – My sister’s favorite. It’s lightweight, rechargeable, and totally multitask-friendly. IYKYK.
Mito Red Light Panels – These are high-power, clinical-level options for people who want to go big. They’re especially great if you’re tight on floor space—you can mount them to a wall and still get full-body benefits without taking over your room.
Keep in mind: consistency is everything. You don’t have to do an hour a day—start with 5 to 15 minutes on clean skin, a few times a week, and build from there. Pair it with something you already do (journaling, meditating, watching a show), and it’ll actually stick.
You don’t have to do it perfectly. Just start somewhere—and see how your body responds. If you end up obsessed like we are, welcome to the club.
Making It a Ritual, Not a Task
Let me be clear: this doesn’t feel like one more thing I have to check off my list. Red light therapy has become something I look forward to. Most of the time, I’m already doing something that requires me to sit still—reading, working, watching a show, listening to a podcast. So sliding a red light session into that existing moment? It’s seamless.
The only setup that takes a little more effort is the full-on sauna session. But even then, I usually have a podcast I’ve been saving or a meditation I want to drop into. The prep and reset feel like part of the ritual—not a hassle. Honestly, I think that’s a huge part of why I’ve stuck with it. It’s not just effective; it’s enjoyable.
If you’re thinking about red light therapy, let this be your gentle nudge to stop overthinking it. You don’t have to commit to a full routine overnight. Start with what feels easy. Light your face while you check emails. Warm your shoulders while you stretch. Stack it onto something you already do—and let the benefits sneak up on you.
The Glow-Up Is Real — And It’s Waiting for You
So here’s the bottom line: red light therapy isn’t just a trendy wellness fad. It’s a legit, research-backed ritual that feels good, supports your skin, muscles, mood, and even your sweat glands (who knew?). For me, it’s become a moment of calm and care in a busy day—and I’m loving the subtle but real glow-up it brings.
If you’re curious, this is your invitation to explore it without pressure or perfection. Pick a device that fits your life, start small, and let it become part of your self-care story. Because sometimes, the best wellness habits are the ones that feel like a little gift to yourself—not another thing to check off.
We’re loving red light therapy right now. Maybe you will too.
Want to join the club? Drop a comment below or DM me your favorite red light moment once you start. I love hearing how this ritual finds a place in different lives.
References & Further Reading
If you want to geek out a little more, here are some solid sources that helped shape my understanding of red light therapy:
Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337–361.
Avci, P., Gupta, A., Sadasivam, M., et al. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 32(1), 41–52.
Barolet, D., & Boucher, A. (2010). Prophylactic low-level light therapy for skin aging: clinical, histological, and ultrastructural evaluation. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 42(6), 501–507.
Chung, H., Dai, T., Sharma, S. K., et al. (2012). The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 40(2), 516–533.
FAQ Section
Q: What is red light therapy good for?
A: Red light therapy supports skin health, reduces inflammation, speeds muscle recovery, and can even help with mild joint pain and improving circulation.
Q: How often should I use red light therapy?
A: Start with 5–15 minutes per session, 3–4 times a week. Consistency matters more than duration, so find a routine that fits your lifestyle.
Q: Can red light therapy replace medication or treatments?
A: While red light therapy can reduce inflammation and support healing, it’s not a replacement for prescribed medication. Always check with your healthcare provider for serious conditions.
Q: Are there any risks or side effects?
A: Red light therapy is generally safe with minimal side effects. Avoid looking directly into high-powered lights, and follow device instructions to prevent skin irritation.
Q: Do I need more than one red light device?
A: Many users find a combination works best—a portable device for quick sessions and a larger panel or sauna bulbs for deeper treatment.
**Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love and use.