How often should you use your red light therapy device?

Red light therapy (RLT) is growing in popularity as part of many people’s wellness routines. One of the most common questions is how often and how long to use it. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are general guidelines that can help you get started. At Red Nova Lights, we provide resources to help you use your device confidently and consistently.

Understanding Red Light Therapy Use

How your body responds to red light depends on a variety of factors:

• Device Specifications: Different devices emit varying light intensities and beam angles, which affect how much light reaches your skin.
• Distance from Skin: The closer the device is to the skin, the more light your body may absorb.
• Session Duration: The length of time you expose your skin impacts the total energy delivered.
• Frequency of Use: Using a device daily versus weekly can change your total exposure over time.
• Other Light Exposure: Natural sunlight and artificial light sources may also contribute to your total light exposure.

Most device manufacturers provide suggested usage guidelines, which are a good place to start. It’s important to follow your product’s instructions and observe how your body responds.

What Is “Dosage” in Light Therapy?

In light therapy, “dosage” refers to how much light energy your skin receives. Some users like to calculate it more precisely, using terms such as:

• Irradiance: Measured in mW/cm² (milliwatts per square centimeter), this tells you how strong the light is at a given distance.
• Energy Delivered: Multiply irradiance by time (in seconds) to calculate total energy in mJ/cm² (millijoules per square centimeter).
• Joules Conversion: Divide by 1,000 to convert mJ/cm² to J/cm² (Joules per square centimeter).

Based on studies and practitioner guidelines, general energy levels often fall within these ranges:

• Surface-level use: 5–10 J/cm²
• Deeper tissue exposure: 30–100 J/cm²

These are informational ranges only. Your actual results may vary based on device design, placement, skin type, and more.

Can You Overdo It?

Yes—just like with exercise or sun exposure, more isn’t always better. Overuse may reduce effectiveness due to what’s called the “biphasic dose response.” Listen to your body and adjust your use if you experience sensitivity or discomfort. Always follow your device’s recommended duration and frequency.

Common Starting Guidelines

While everyone is different, here are general starting points many users follow:

• Frequency: 3–5 sessions per week
• Session Length: 10–20 minutes per area

As with any wellness product, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider before beginning use, especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or take medications that increase light sensitivity.

With the right setup and a consistent schedule, red light therapy can become a valuable part of your daily wellness routine. Pay attention to how your body responds, and adjust your usage to best suit your individual needs.

Disclaimer: Red Nova Lights devices are intended for general wellness use only. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.