Red Light Therapy - Hype or Help?

Light therapy has become increasingly visible in recent years, often appearing in at-home masks and online trends.

It’s usually presented as a simple solution.

But the question we’re often asked is:

Does it actually work?

The answer is — it can.

But only when it’s used in the right way.

What Red Light Therapy Actually Does

At a clinical level, phototherapy uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with the skin:

• Blue light helps reduce acne-causing bacteria

• Red light supports cellular repair and collagen activity

• Near-infrared light works at a deeper level to support tissue recovery

This process—often referred to as photobiomodulation—can help calm inflammation, support healing, and improve overall skin function.

But these outcomes depend heavily on how the light is delivered.

Where the Confusion Comes In

The challenge is that not all devices are created equal.

Many at-home products make broad claims, but there are a few important distinctions to be aware of:

1. “Medical Grade” vs Marketing LanguageTerms like medical grade are often used loosely and are not always regulated.

   
   

   You may also see FDA Cleared (low risk devices) versus FDA Approved (a higher standard with more rigorous review).   

   
   

2. Light Quality and Output

   The effectiveness of light therapy depends on:

   1. The wavelength 

   2. The energy delivered 

   3. The consistency of the light source 

   4. Distance of the skin from the device

   
   

   Lower-cost devices often use emitters that produce less stable or lower-intensity light.  In contrast, systems like the Dermalux Tri-Wave MD we use in-clinic are designed to deliver consistent, clinically relevant energy levels across the treatment area.

   
   

3. Treatment Time vs Real-World Use

   Some devices promote very short treatment times—sometimes as little as 3 minutes.

   
   

   While this may sound appealing, in practice:

   1. Lower-energy devices require more frequent use 

   2. Often daily use is needed for meaningful results 

   3. Consistency becomes more important than duration 

   
   

   Consistent use is a challenge for many of us with a full daily schedule.   Clients that are able to use it consistently, see good outcomes.

So — Is It Hype or Help?

Red light therapy is not hype.  But it is often oversimplified.

When used appropriately, it can:

• Support skin healing

• Calm inflammation

• Improve overall skin function

However, it works best as a supportive treatment, not a standalone solution.

🌿 Skin Care, Simplified

Where Light Therapy Fits

Light therapy is not a replacement for a routine—it’s a support.

Daily

• Cleanse

• Moisturize

• Sunscreen

Weekly

• Light exfoliation (1–2 times per week)

• Optional phototherapy sessions

At home (if using a device)

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use

• Typical protocols often involve multiple sessions per week

• Results depend on consistency over time rather than intensity

Light therapy works quietly.  It supports the skin rather than forcing change.

🌿 The Floresta Philosophy

We don’t view treatments in isolation.

Everything works together.

Phototherapy is one of the ways we support the skin between treatments—helping it recover, rebalance, and continue improving over time.

It’s not about doing more.

It’s about supporting what’s already happening.

💆‍♀️ Featured Experience

Tri-Wave Phototherapy | Skin Support at a Clinical Level

While at-home devices can offer support with consistent use, in-clinic phototherapy allows us to work at a different level.

At Floresta, we use the Dermalux Tri-Wave MD—a system designed to deliver precise wavelengths of light at clinically effective energy levels.

This allows us to support the skin in a more efficient and targeted way.

Phototherapy can be used to support a range of skin and wellness concerns, including:

• Overall skin rejuvenation and collagen support

• Sensitive or reactive skin

• Redness and rosacea

• Dry, compromised skin (including eczema-prone skin)

• Acne and inflammation

• Support for muscle and joint pain through near-infrared light

We most often incorporate phototherapy:

• Immediately after treatments to support recovery

• Between sessions to maintain skin balance

• As a standalone treatment when the skin needs calming or support

Clients often notice:

• Reduced redness and irritation

• Faster recovery after treatments

• A more stable, balanced skin response over time

For those who are curious about light therapy—or have been considering an at-home device—this can be a valuable way to experience how your skin responds at a clinical level.

A Simple Way to Experience It

We offer phototherapy both as a standalone session and as an add-on to treatments.

If you’re interested, we’re always happy to guide you on:

• Whether it fits your current plan 

• How often to incorporate it 

• Whether at-home use would be beneficial 

A short session is often enough to understand how your skin responds.

A Gentle Invitation

If you’ve been curious about light therapy, this is a natural place to begin.

Quiet, restorative, and supportive—without disrupting your current routine.

🌿 Closing

In a world full of new treatments and bold claims, the most effective approaches are often the ones that work quietly—supporting the skin over time, rather than forcing change.