5 Reasons I Love Red Light Therapy

The second I discovered red light therapy, I was addicted. I've tried enough miracle creams, supplements, and beauty gadgets over the years to be skeptical of just about everything. But red light therapy actually earned a permanent spot in my routine. Here’s what it does for me.

My skin and healthy aging

It's no secret that everyone ages—duh, there is no escaping it. I am officially in my mid-forties and let's be honest, things change. Gravity gets a little bolder, fine lines stop being so fine, and suddenly you find yourself squinting in the mirror wondering who authorized all these changes.

I've tried it all—the creams, the serums, the needles. But I will say that after a red light therapy session, my face feels glowier, tighter, and more radiant. It's not some magical fountain of youth, but it definitely gives me that "I drink enough water and get eight hours of sleep every night" look, even when neither of those things is true.

Consistency is what matters most. I alternate between red light sessions at a tanning salon (yes, you read that correctly) and a collection of at-home red light therapy devices. The salon’s sauna room glows with enough red light to make Amsterdam blush. These days, red light therapy is a regular part of my healthy-aging routine. Red and near-infrared light are thought to boost cellular energy and encourage collagen production, which helps keep skin looking firmer and more refreshed. All I know is that my skin looks better than it did a few years ago, and that's enough science for me.

Reduces my aches and pains

Nothing makes you feel quite as youthful as hearing your doctor casually mention that you have arthritis and severe degeneration in your neck at 45. Cool. And then there are all the other bonus aches and pains that come with aging. I knew they were coming—I just chose to ignore them until the day I threw my neck out while parallel parking.

A full-body red light therapy session does wonders for me. It's become one of my favorite ways to manage the discomfort. After a session, I feel looser, less stiff, and more like myself. At this point, if someone told me red light therapy was powered by tiny massage therapists living inside the machine, I'd probably believe them.

My mood and mental clarity

If I'm grumpy, shine some light on my face. Sunlight, yes. Red light, hell yes.

I can't explain it scientifically enough to impress a doctor, but I can tell you that I almost always leave a session feeling calmer, happier, and mentally clearer. It's like someone hit the reset button on my attitude—and honestly, that's a gift to everyone around me.

Whether it's the light itself, the forced downtime, or simply sitting still, silent and solo, it gives me a noticeable mood boost.

Hair growth

I've always had thin hair. Then perimenopause entered the chat and decided to make things even more interesting.

Red light therapy feels like giving my little hair follicles a wake-up call. In my head, they're all down there having a dance party every time I put the light on my scalp.

I've noticed thicker, fuller hair over time, especially when combining red light therapy with vitamins and supplements. Is it the only reason? Probably not. But it's definitely part of the team, and right now I'm accepting all the help I can get.

Me time

Let's be honest: moms don't get a lot of uninterrupted me time. That's one reason I intentionally head to a red light sauna after work and spend an hour there before going home. It's not just about the health benefits anymore. It's about having a quiet space where nobody needs anything from me. It's my chance to reset before walking through the door for my second shift: mom mode.

Some people meditate. Some people journal. Some people take bubble baths. I sit in glowing red light like a rotisserie chicken and call it self-care and I always come out a better version of myself.