Is Red Light Therapy Actually Safe? Side Effects, Risks, and What to Know

Before you spend money on any wellness technology, you should know what you're getting into. Red light therapy has an excellent safety profile, but that doesn't mean it's without considerations.

Many red light therapy devices have received regulatory clearance for safety from the FDA and Health Canada. This means they've been reviewed and deemed safe for their intended use.

• Temporary redness: Slight flushing that fades within an hour
• Eye strain: From bright light exposure (avoid staring)
• Headaches: Occasionally reported, usually from long sessions
• Skin sensitivity: Rare mild irritation in sensitive individuals

Red light therapy isn't for everyone. Consult your doctor if you:

• Have active cancer or are undergoing treatment
• Take medications that cause photosensitivity
• Have epilepsy or seizure disorders
• Are pregnant (limited research exists)
• Have thyroid conditions (avoid direct neck exposure without guidance)

Yes, more is not always better. Research suggests there's a therapeutic window. Too little does nothing, but too much can actually reduce effectiveness (biphasic dose response).

The biggest safety variable is device quality. Cheap panels may emit EMF at unsafe levels, use incorrect wavelengths, or have inconsistent power output.