News

Oct 30, 2024

Best Full Body Red Light Therapy Devices to Try at Home 2024

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. The beloved skincare treatment has benefits from the neck down, too.

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The beloved skincare treatment has benefits from the neck down, too.

You've heard of red light masks and skincare wands, but did you know that this dermatologist-loved treatment is also gaining popularity below the neck? Yes, full-body red light therapy is a thing, and it's said to have beaucoup benefits.

"Red light uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and reach your cells. Think of it as giving your cells a little extra boost, like a power-up for your body’s natural systems," explains Jonathan Leary, chiropractor and founder and CEO at Remedy Place, a renowned wellness club. "When these light waves reach your cells, they stimulate the production of energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate)," he explains. "This increase in energy helps cells function more efficiently, regenerate faster, and heal better." There is a full-body red light bed at Remedy Place, for instance, where "with just a 20-minute session, users can recharge their internal battery, boost energy levels, stimulate collagen production, and enhance their mood," says Leary.

If you can't make it to Remedy Place or want to try the therapy from the comforts of home, find five devices to help you do it—plus everything else you need to know about full-body red light therapy below.

This FDA-approved mat is perfect for doing yoga, meditating, or simply taking a rest. No matter what activity you're doing, you have the option of two LED wavelengths to help reduce pain and inflammation. Although it's full-body length, it folds up easily and weighs around 10 pounds, so you can keep it out of sight when not in use.

Customer review: "I suffer from chronic pain, and the red light bed has been a game-changer for me. It helps soothe my muscles and provides relief that I haven't found with other treatments. I highly recommend it to anyone dealing with pain." —Amira

This moldable and portable piece can be used all over the body for a targeted treatment. Think: upper or lower back, over the shoulder, or on the legs. For double the benefits, It also features bacteria-fighting blue light if you have any body acne.

Customer review: "This is unbelievable. Since using this on my knees, lower back and my hubby's tennis elbow and lower back, we have no weakness or pain. It works in just 14 minutes. And in 3 minutes daily, it helps my sun-damaged chest area. I love, love, love this product. It's a definite keeper for self-care."

Our hands are one of the areas we work the hardest, and show the least amount of love. This device, which resembles a gel mani light, gives them its full attention in a short treatment that reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. With consistent use, you'll see results in just four weeks.

Customer review: "I use this hand perfecter every two days, and after two weeks, I feel my hands softer and smoother. It is very convenient to use at home, very light, so you can put it on your legs and watch TV, it will auto turn off after 10 min. But you have to connect it to power while using it." —Emily S

Known for its celeb-loved red light tool, Solawave also has a palm-sized device that's designed for face and body use. Whether you're using it for a sore area or skincare purposes, you'll love its convenience for keeping your red light routine going anytime, anywhere.

Customer review: "After using it for a few weeks, I’ve noticed improved skin texture and a more radiant complexion. The combination of red and infrared light therapy helps reduce fine lines, promote collagen production, and soothe inflammation. Its small size makes it easy to use on both the face and body, and it's travel-friendly. While it takes consistency to see significant results, it’s a great addition for anyone looking to boost their anti-aging skincare efforts." —Tia C

This multi-tasking belt not only has an LED function, but it also offers infrared heat and PEMF, or pulsed electromagnetic field, therapies, which can also help treat pain and inflammation. Use it for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to lessen tension and reap the combined benefits.

Customer review: "I'm really enjoying this product because I can Target the areas of my body that need healing. And I can adjust the heat level, which is key. I really like that it has PEMF, minerals and red LEDs. Plus, it just feels so good!" —Caroline

According to Leary, there are a number of reasons to consider red light therapy. As with above the neck, it can help boost collagen production: "It’s become a beauty trend due to its ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles," he explains.

The therapy may also boost overall energy. "Red light therapy stimulates the mitochondria, the 'powerhouse' of cells, to increase energy production," he explains. "This can help cells function more efficiently."

In addition, it can enhance microcirculation, meaning it delivers more oxygen to the body. "This boosts recovery, healing, and overall cellular health," he says. That's also why red light therapy is popular for muscle recovery.

It's also an increasingly popular treatment for hair growth: "Red light therapy can stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth, making it a valuable tool for those experiencing hair thinning or loss," says the expert.

"Red light therapy is typically recommended several times a week for optimal results, with sessions lasting about 20 minutes," explains Leary, who says it's "perfectly fine" to use it daily.

"FDA-cleared red light therapy devices are safe for most people when used correctly, with only minor potential side effects," says Leary. One potential side effect is a mild skin reaction. "Some users may experience temporary redness, irritation, or discomfort at the treatment site," says Leary, adding that it usually resolves quickly.

The expert also notes that those with certain conditions, such as Lupus or other autoimmune disorders, or those taking medications that increase light sensitivity, should talk to their doctor before starting red light therapy.

Leary also says, "While no known risks have been conclusively linked to red light therapy during pregnancy, it’s also best to consult your doctor before use."

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women of every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.

The Best Perfume Advent Calendars for Scent Lovers

21 Beauty Products Our Editors Loved in October

The 10 Best Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizers

The 18 Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles

The 10 Best Makeup Primers for Oily Skin

Beyoncé Just Unveiled Her Newest Perfume on IG

The 10 Best Peptide Eye Creams

Shop These 16 Eye Creams for Puffiness

We Found the 26 Best Beauty Advents to Shop Now

10 Top-Rated Hand Creams For Dry Skin

The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams

The 25 Best Skincare Brands, Hands-Down