best red light therapy devices: what to look for before you buy

From celebrity facialists to dermatology clinics, red light therapy has become one of the fastest-growing trends in skincare. 

Once only available in professional treatment settings, advances in technology have made at home red light therapy more accessible than ever. Today, consumers can choose from a wide range of devices designed to support visible improvements in skin tone, texture and firmness from the comfort of home. 

But not all red light therapy devices are created equal. 

Understanding how red light therapy works and what to look for before you buy can help you make a more informed choice. 

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of visible red light to support the skin's natural renewal processes. 

The technology works through a process called photobiomodulation, which describes how light interacts with cells. In simple terms, certain wavelengths of light can be absorbed by the skin, helping to support cellular activity associated with healthier-looking skin.¹ 

Unlike ultraviolet (UV) light, which can contribute to skin damage, red light therapy uses carefully selected wavelengths that have been widely studied within both medical and cosmetic settings. 

This is why red light therapy has become increasingly popular among those looking to support visible skin results without invasive procedures.

One reason interest in red light therapy continues to grow is the wide range of potential skincare applications being explored by researchers. 

Some of the most commonly discussed red light therapy benefits include supporting: 

• The appearance of firmer-looking skin 
• Skin texture and smoothness 
• More even-looking skin tone 
• Overall skin radiance 
• The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles 
• Skin renewal processes 

While results vary from person to person, consistency is often the most important factor. Like many skincare treatments, red light therapy delivers its best results when used regularly over time.

With so many options on the market, choosing the right red light therapy device can feel overwhelming. 

Here are some key considerations. 

One of the most important factors is wavelength. 

Different devices use different wavelengths of light, which can influence how deeply the light penetrates the skin. 

Look for brands that clearly communicate the wavelengths used within their technology and explain the science behind their approach.

The best red light therapy device is often the one you'll use consistently. 

If a device feels complicated or inconvenient, it is less likely to become part of your regular skincare routine. 

Comfortable, wearable designs can help make treatments easier to incorporate into everyday life.

Consider which areas you would like to target. 

Some red light therapy devices are designed specifically for the face, while others may focus on the neck, décolleté or larger areas of the body. 

Choosing a device that aligns with your skincare goals can help create a more personalised experience.

As interest in red light therapy grows, so does the number of products entering the market. 

Look for brands that explain their technology clearly, reference scientific research and provide guidance on how to use their devices effectively.

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding red light therapy is that the device alone does all the work. 

At This Works, we believe the most effective approach combines technology with intelligent skincare. 

Where red light therapy meets intelligent skincare, powerful routines can be created. 

Our Red Light collection combines clinically used LED wavelengths with targeted skincare, pairing a red light therapy device with red light power serum to help support visible improvements in tone, texture and firmness. 

The system is designed to help enhance treatment performance while supporting visible skin results. 

Light delivers. Skincare enhances.

Creating a successful routine does not need to be complicated. 

A simple red light therapy for skin routine might look like this: 

step one: cleanse 

Begin with clean skin to ensure there are no barriers between the light and the skin's surface. 

step two: apply red light power serum 

Targeted skincare can help complement your red light therapy routine and support visible skin results. 

step three: use your red light therapy device 

Follow the recommended treatment time for your chosen device. 

step four: stay consistent 

Consistency matters more than intensity. 

Like many skincare technologies, visible improvements often build gradually over time through regular use. 

For many people, the biggest advantage of at home red light therapy is convenience. 

Rather than scheduling regular clinic visits, treatments can be incorporated into existing skincare routines. 

The key is choosing a system that feels achievable and enjoyable to use consistently. 

When combined with targeted skincare and realistic expectations, at home red light therapy can become a valuable addition to a long-term skincare routine.

The best red light therapy device is not necessarily the most expensive or the one with the longest list of features. 

Instead, look for a device that: 

• Uses clinically relevant technology 
• Fits comfortably into your routine 
• Aligns with your skincare goals 
• Is supported by credible science 
• Works alongside targeted skincare products 

Ultimately, successful red light therapy is about consistency. 

When used regularly as part of a thoughtful skincare routine, red light therapy can help support visible improvements in skin tone, texture and firmness over time. 

Because the most effective skincare routines are not built around a single product or device. 

They are built around intelligent systems that work together.

1. Avci P, Gupta A, Sadasivam M, et al. Low-level light therapy (photobiomodulation) for skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2013;32(1):41-52. 
2. Barolet D. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in dermatology. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2008;27(4):227-238. 
3. Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics. 2017;4(3):337-361.