Is Red Light Therapy Safe? What You Should Know

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy — sometimes called photobiomodulation — uses very specific wavelengths of red and near‑infrared light to gently interact with your body’s tissues. Unlike UV light (the kind responsible for sunburns and tanning), red and near‑infrared light are not the type of radiation associated with skin cancer.

There are no needles, no chemicals, and no downtime. It’s simply light. Researchers have studied PBM for skin health, wound healing, pain, and general wellness, and while the terminology can vary, the core idea stays the same: this is a non‑invasive, light‑based wellness treatment — not tanning, not UV exposure, and not a laser procedure.

The American Academy of Dermatology describes red light therapy as non‑invasive and notes that, unlike UV light, red light has not been shown to cause cancer. That distinction matters, and it’s one of the reasons people feel comfortable exploring RLT as part of their wellness routine.

What is red light therapy like at Linde Esthetics & Wellness Studio?

At Linde Esthetics & Wellness Studio, red light therapy is a simple, relaxing, full‑body session. You’ll lie comfortably on our red light therapy bed while a separate canopy sits above you — it’s open, not enclosed, so you never feel boxed in or trapped.

Sessions are typically around 10 minutes, though we adjust based on your needs and comfort level. You can undress to whatever degree feels right for you; more exposed skin simply means more direct light contact.

Most clients describe the experience as similar to resting in a warm, quiet space — like a tanning bed without the UV, without intense heat, and without the risks. There’s no recovery time, no redness, and no downtime. You get dressed and go right on with your day.

And because I never want you to feel like you’re being “put under a light and sent on your way,” I’m always happy to explain how the session works and answer any questions before we begin.

Can red light therapy cause cancer?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and it makes perfect sense — anything involving “light” brings up thoughts of tanning beds and UV exposure. But red and near‑infrared light are completely different from UV radiation.

Current research has not shown that red light therapy causes cancer or damages DNA. A 2025 international consensus panel concluded that red‑light photobiomodulation is considered safe for adults and does not induce DNA damage. Studies looking specifically at aesthetic PBM treatments also found no evidence of increased malignancy.

That said, if someone has cancer or a complex medical history, decisions about light‑based treatments belong with their medical team. But if your question is simply, “Is this basically tanning?” the answer is no — red light therapy does not use UV light.

Can red light therapy damage my eyes?

We follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for eye safety and provide eye protection for every red light therapy session.

The lights are bright, so we always follow manufacturer guidelines and provide protective eyewear for every session. You can choose goggles or glasses — whatever feels most comfortable.

If you have an eye condition or a reason to be extra cautious, it’s always okay to check with your eye doctor first.

Can you get too much red light therapy?

Yes — more is not always better. Red light therapy follows a dose‑dependent response, which means the goal is the right amount of light, not the most light.

Some people feel warm, flushed, or a little tired after a session, especially when they’re new to RLT. These reactions are usually temporary. Online, you may see people call this a “detox” or “Herx” reaction, but there isn’t enough evidence to support that label.

The takeaway: follow recommended treatment times and let your body adjust. You don’t need an hour under the lights just because 10 minutes feels good.

Can red light therapy burn or damage my skin?

Properly used red light therapy is not intended to burn the skin, but excessive exposure or excessive heat can cause unwanted skin reactions.

But extremely high doses or excessive heat — especially with devices that aren’t professionally regulated — can cause unwanted reactions. That’s why treatment parameters matter. We follow manufacturer guidelines and use professional equipment designed for safe, appropriate dosing.

Is red light therapy safe if I’m taking medication?

Some medications can increase sensitivity to light, so it’s important to tell your provider about the medications you’re taking.

This one is worth taking seriously, but it is also easy to oversimplify.

You may have heard the term photosensitivity, which means that a person or their skin can have an increased reaction to light. Some medications can contribute to photosensitivity.

That doesn’t mean that every medication with a photosensitivity warning automatically makes red light therapy unsafe. The medication, wavelength, dose, treatment area, and individual circumstances can all matter. That’s why we don’t want to guess.

If you take medication and you’re not sure whether red light therapy is appropriate for you, ask your doctor.

And please tell us about medications or other health concerns that you think may be relevant before your session. We’d rather have a conversation than make an assumption.

What should I tell you before my first red light therapy session?

Before your first red light therapy session, it’s helpful to tell us anything you think could affect your comfort or safety — medications, health conditions, pregnancy, eye concerns, or simply something you’re unsure about. You don’t need to know whether something is a contraindication. That’s exactly why questions are welcome.

We also make this easy for you. Our intake form asks all the questions we need to safely guide your session, including medications, sensitivities, and general health considerations. There’s also a dedicated space where you can share anything we didn’t specifically ask about — details, concerns, or context that feels important to you.

Think of it as a conversation starter. You fill out the form, and then we talk through anything that needs a little more clarity. If a question leans more medical than wellness‑based, your personal doctor is the right person to help you decide what’s appropriate. My role is to make sure your session is comfortable, safe, and tailored to you.