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Guide•October 28, 2024
Can You Do Red Light Therapy Every Day? Finding the Right Frequency
5 min read
One of the most common questions about red light therapy is whether daily use is safe and effective. The short answer is yes, but let me explain the nuances.
Safety
Is Daily Use Safe?
Yes. Unlike UV tanning, red light therapy doesn't accumulate harmful effects or damage tissue. The light triggers beneficial cellular responses that your body can handle repeatedly.
Dosing
More Isn't Always Better
The Limit
Doubling your session time or frequency won't double your results. Once cells are saturated with light energy, additional exposure offers no benefit and might even reduce effectiveness.
Clarification
What 'Daily' Means
Daily use typically means one session per day, not multiple. If you do 15 minutes in the morning, you don't need another 15 minutes at night unless treating a different body part.
By Goal
Recommended Frequencies
- Skin Health: 3-5x/week is sufficient
- Hair Growth: 3-4x/week minimum, daily is fine
- Pain/Injury: Daily during acute phase
- Athletic Performance: Daily (pre/post workout)
Recovery
Rest Days
Some practitioners recommend 1-2 rest days per week. The theory is that giving cells a break allows them to fully respond to the stimulus. It certainly won't hurt your results and makes the routine more sustainable.
Practical Advice
For most people, 4-5 sessions per week is the sweet spot. It's effective, sustainable, and leaves room for life to happen. Don't stress if you miss a day.