Table of Contents
- Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
-
Who Should Avoid Red Light Therapy?
- Pregnant Individuals
- Cancer Patients
- People with Epilepsy
- Individuals with Hyperthyroidism
- Those with Recent Burns or Injuries
- People with Photosensitivity
- Individuals Taking Photosensitizing Medications
- People with Pre-Existing Eye Conditions
- Individuals Prone to Light-Induced Headaches or Migraines
- People With Open Wounds or Skin Infections
- Choose Safe and Effective Red Light Therapy Devices from Lifepro
Who Should Not Use Red Light Therapy Devices?
Red light therapy (RLT) is the wellness world’s latest glow-up, promising everything from youthful skin to pain relief.1 Fittingly, it has found its way into homes, gyms, and clinics alike.
But just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone.
While most people can safely bask in the benefits of red light therapy, some should proceed with caution—or avoid it altogether, as certain health conditions, medications, or sensitivities could make red light therapy less suitable for everyday use.
If you're wondering whether red light therapy is right for you, let’s dive into who should not use red light therapy—and the many reasons why.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
The promise of red light therapy is simple: harness the power of low-wavelength red and near-infrared light to1:
- Stimulate your cells
- Improve circulation
- Reduce inflammation
- Promote healing
How does red light therapy work? These devices work by delivering wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin, where it energizes cells, enhances collagen production, and supports pain relief. From there, it’s believed that red light therapy can support a wide range of health goals, from reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture to managing chronic pain.1
For most people, red light therapy is a safe and effective treatment option.
But just because red light therapy works wonders for many people doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone.
Before trying trendy treatment, it’s important to know that there are certain health conditions, medications, and sensitivities that might make red light therapy less safe—or even a potential risk.
Who Should Avoid Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy packs some powerful perks, but as mentioned, it’s not for everyone.
Here’s who should think twice before adding red light therapy devices to their everyday wellness routine.
Pregnant Individuals
Pregnancy is one of those times in life when extra care and caution are essential. That’s because everything you do has the potential to affect both you and your baby.
While there isn’t a wealth of research on how red light therapy might impact pregnancy, healthcare providers generally recommend that pregnant individuals avoid using red light therapy on the abdomen or pelvic area. The reason? There’s simply not enough evidence on how the light’s effects might impact fetal development.2
While red light therapy is non-invasive and doesn’t involve harmful radiation, erring on the side of caution is always a good idea during pregnancy.
If you’re pregnant and curious about using red light therapy for other areas of the body, it’s always best to check with your doctor before moving forward. They’ll be able to give you personalized advice and ensure you’re making the safest choice for both you and your little one.
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Cancer Patients
Cancer is a serious, complex condition that requires a nuanced approach to treatment. When it comes to red LED light therapy, the issue for cancer patients—especially those with active malignant cancers—stems from the possibility that red light therapy might unintentionally encourage the growth of cancer cells.3
Even though red light therapy has been proven to help with issues like tissue healing and inflammation reduction, its effects on cancer are still largely unstudied, and most oncologists prefer to take a cautious approach. For people with cancer—especially carcinomas or other types of active malignancies—it’s critical to get the green light from an oncologist before using red light therapy.
People with Epilepsy
If you have epilepsy, light sensitivity is something you’ve likely had to manage carefully. Certain types of light, particularly flickering light, can trigger seizures in susceptible individuals.4
Even though red light therapy typically uses steady light that’s free from flickering, there is a potential risk for those with epilepsy, especially if the device in question is of poor quality. Low-quality red light devices may emit inconsistent or flickering light, which could trigger a seizure.
If you have epilepsy or a history of seizures, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before considering red light therapy. Your doctor can help assess whether red light therapy is safe for you and can recommend the right devices to minimize the risk of triggering a seizure.
Individuals with Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland becomes overactive, leading to an imbalance of thyroid hormones.5 This condition can make people more prone to symptoms like:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Weight loss
- Anxiety
- Increased blood pressure
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Swelling
All that said, the thyroid is located in the neck and upper chest areas, which can be common areas for red light therapy application—particularly when using a red light therapy mask or blanket.
Because red light therapy can stimulate cellular activity, it could potentially aggravate the symptoms of hyperthyroidism if applied to these areas.
To be on the safe side, people with hyperthyroidism should avoid using red light therapy on their neck or chest areas. Also, always speak with your healthcare provider before using red light therapy, especially if you have thyroid imbalances or other hormonal concerns.
Those with Recent Burns or Injuries
Whether from heat, chemicals, or the sun, burns require delicate care and attention to prevent scarring and infection.
Using red light therapy on a burn that occurred within the last 24 to 48 hours can interfere with the body’s natural healing process. During this early stage of healing, the skin needs time to recover before being exposed to additional treatments.
If you’ve suffered a burn recently, give the skin time to heal properly before considering red light therapy. If you’re unsure about whether red light therapy is right for you during the healing process, consult your healthcare provider for guidance on when it’s safe to start using red light therapy.
People with Photosensitivity
Certain conditions—such as lupus, porphyria, or albinism—can make the skin highly sensitive to light, potentially causing6:
- Rashes
- Irritation
- Stinging
- Burning
Red light therapy, while typically mild in nature, could trigger these types of responses in individuals who have photosensitivity.
If you’re someone with a photosensitivity condition, it’s important to talk to your doctor before using red light therapy. Your doctor can help assess whether red light therapy is safe for your skin and help you determine what kind of light exposure might be appropriate for you.
In many cases, people with photosensitivity need to avoid light-based therapies entirely, but your doctor will know best.
Individuals Taking Photosensitizing Medications
Medications like antibiotics, antidepressants, and anti-inflammatory drugs can make your skin more sensitive to light.7
If you’re taking any of these photosensitizing medications, red light therapy could increase the risk of irritation, burns, or other skin reactions.
If you do take a medication that increases light sensitivity, it’s crucial to speak with your doctor before trying red light therapy. They can help you determine whether it’s safe to use and, if so, how to do so without risking an adverse reaction.
People with Pre-Existing Eye Conditions
The eyes are incredibly sensitive, and exposure to bright or intense light can sometimes worsen pre-existing eye conditions.
If you have cataracts, glaucoma, or other retinal issues, using red light therapy—particularly masks or devices that focus light near the eyes—could cause discomfort or worsen your condition.
Before using red light therapy, especially near the eyes, consult an eye doctor to make sure it’s safe.
Individuals Prone to Light-Induced Headaches or Migraines
If you’re someone who experiences migraines or headaches triggered by light, red light therapy might not be the best option for you.
Although red light therapy is generally a gentle form of light therapy, some people may still find that it aggravates their sensitivity to light, triggering a headache or migraine.
As such, if light exposure tends to bring on headaches for you, it’s important to listen to your body and avoid using red light therapy. If you’re unsure, your healthcare provider can help guide you on the best course of action.
People With Open Wounds or Skin Infections
Open wounds and skin infections are vulnerable to further damage if not properly cared for. While red light therapy can be helpful for healing skin, using it on open wounds or active infections could cause irritation or delay healing. It’s best to wait until any wounds have closed or infections have cleared before using red light therapy.
If you have an open wound or infection, consult your doctor to make sure it’s okay to use red light therapy once healing has begun.
Choose Safe and Effective Red Light Therapy Devices from Lifepro
Red light therapy devices—although beneficial to many—can be harmful to those with medical conditions or certain health issues. Before integrating a red light device into your daily routine, speak to your healthcare provider about the potential risks and whether it’s a safe option for you.
If your doctor gives you the green light, make sure to invest in a high-quality red light therapy device—it can make all the difference in your therapy experience. Fortunately, a trusted brand like Lifepro offers reliability and effectiveness, so you can feel confident in your choice.
Our red light therapy devices, like our AllevaRed red light therapy belt and BioRecover red light therapy brace, are designed with your safety and health in mind. They ensure you get the most effective treatment while minimizing any risks.
Unlock the benefits and redefine your wellness with Lifepro today.
Sources:
- Cleveland Clinic. Red Light Therapy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22114-red-light-therapy
- WebMD. Red Light Therapy: What Is It? https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/red-light-therapy
- Healthline. Red Light Therapy. https://www.healthline.com/health/red-light-therapy
- Epilepsy Foundation. Photosensitivity and Seizures. https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy/seizure-triggers/photosensitivity
- Cleveland Clinic. Hyperthyroidism. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14129-hyperthyroidism
- News Medical. Light Therapy Safety and Side Effects. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Light-Therapy-Safety-and-Side-Effects.aspx
- WebMD. Sun Sensitizing Drugs. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/sun-sensitizing-drugs
