What does red light therapy do for your face?
Red light at around 630 to 660 nm is absorbed in the upper layers of skin, where it increases the activity of fibroblasts, the cells that make collagen and elastin, and reduces inflammatory signalling. Near-infrared penetrates deeper and improves circulation. Clinical trials using LED treatment over 8 to 12 weeks have measured increased collagen density, smoother texture, reduced fine lines and less redness compared with untreated skin. Effects are gradual and modest, in the range you would notice in good light rather than across a room.
Red light therapy for face: the benefits
- Smoother skin texture
- Softer fine lines, as collagen production increases
- Less redness and a more even tone
- Support for healing of acne-related inflammation
These benefits build gradually with regular sessions and need maintenance to last.
What it does not do
It does not remove deep wrinkles, tighten sagging skin, treat pigmentation from sun damage, or replace retinoids, sunscreen or procedures such as resurfacing. Blue light, not red, is the wavelength with evidence for acne bacteria, though red light can help acne-related inflammation and healing.
Red light face treatment: LED mask or full-body session?
A full-body session in NovoTHOR treats the face at the same time as everything else, at a controlled dose from a fixed distance. Facial masks concentrate on the face alone at lower power over longer sessions. For skin-only goals both routes work with consistency; the pod adds the recovery, pain and inflammation benefits that a mask cannot. Our guide to red light therapy at home versus in clinic compares the two in more detail.
How long to use red light therapy on your face
A NovoTHOR session lasts 20 minutes and treats the face along with the rest of the body. With a home LED mask, follow the manufacturer's instructions on session length and frequency. Longer is not better: research on light therapy suggests that too high a dose can reduce the benefit.
A realistic course
Two or three sessions a week for eight to twelve weeks, then one or two a week to maintain. Photograph your skin in the same light at the start so you can judge honestly at the end. Combine with daily sunscreen, which protects the collagen you are building.
Is red light therapy safe for your face?
It is generally well tolerated and does not burn or tan the skin. Protect your eyes as your practitioner or device instructions advise, and check with your GP or dermatologist first if you take medicines that make your skin sensitive to light or have a light-sensitive skin condition. A mole or patch of skin that is changing should always be checked by a doctor. Read more about red light therapy and your eyes and whether red light therapy is safe.
Red light face treatment at Omnia
NovoTHOR sessions at our Chiswick clinic are 20 minutes and supervised. For a specific skin concern we can also combine light with LPG Endermologie facial treatment or Ayurvedic skin care, and we will tell you which is likely to make the most difference for your skin rather than selling all three. See red light therapy in London for session prices and booking. A 20-minute NovoTHOR session is £70, or eight sessions a month cost £225 with Omnia Red membership; see red light therapy costs. You may also find our guide to red light therapy for skin conditions useful. Omnia Lifestyle is at 8 to 9 Bedford Corner, The Avenue, Chiswick W4 1LZ, close to Turnham Green station, on bus routes 94, E3 and 272. Limited parking is available on request when booking.
Book red light therapy in Chiswick: sessions from £70. Book online or call 020 4515 0000.