Learn

How to use red light therapy

Tips on how to get the most out of your red light therapy sessions.

Jackie Hartwig - 18 January 2024 - 1 min

Man using Helsi red light therapy lights for health and wellness

Key takeaways

  1. Use red light on bare skin, without clothing, towels or make-up.
  2. Start with 2 to 3 minutes per area and build up to 10 minutes over 2 to 3 weeks.
  3. 4 to 10 sessions a week with at least one day off, at most 15 minutes per session.
  4. Closer means shorter; more distance covers more area but takes longer.
  5. Remove contact lenses and wear the included goggles, especially with near-infrared on.

skin contact

Red light therapy is most effective on bare skin, so we recommend removing clothing, towels, and makeup. (Lightweight, thin fabrics are also fine.)

Eye protection

Contact lenses should be removed if possible. The LEDs are very bright, so we recommend using the included protective goggles, especially if your eyes are very sensitive to bright light or if you suffer from an eye condition. This is particularly important when near-infrared (NIR) light is active, as it is invisible to the naked eye.

How long, how often, and how far away?

In short: 15 to 30 cm from the panel, no more than 15 minutes per session, and 4 to 10 sessions a week with at least one day off. Start with 2 to 3 minutes per body area and build up to about 10 minutes over 2 to 3 weeks. The closer you are, the smaller the area the light covers.

The measured irradiance of each Helsi™ panel by distance is in our guide Red light: how long and how often to use it. All models compared: red light panels.

Time of treatment

The timing of your treatment depends on your individual needs. Perform red light therapy at the time of day that suits you best. Treatments in the morning, afternoon, and evening are equally effective. Those who have a red light therapy session first thing in the morning will start the day with more energy. In the evening, on the other hand, a treatment helps you fall asleep faster and promotes a restful sleep.

Keep reading

Was this page helpful?

Drag the slider

Thanks for your feedback. Want to tell us more? (optional)