Red light therapy has rapidly gained popularity as a non-invasive treatment for everything from wrinkles and acne to joint pain and even hair regrowth. By using specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light, it penetrates just beneath the skin’s surface to stimulate cellular energy, boost collagen production, and reduce inflammation.

But during pregnancy, safety becomes the number one concern, especially when it comes to newer or less-studied wellness treatments. Many expectant parents wonder whether it’s safe to continue or begin red light therapy, particularly when using it for skincare or muscle aches.

If you’re pregnant and curious about red light therapy, you might be wondering whether it’s safe to start or continue using it. Here’s what you need to know before moving forward.

Is It Safe to Use Red Light Therapy While Pregnant?

Red light therapy is generally considered a low-risk treatment. It works by using specific wavelengths, typically red and near-infrared light, to stimulate your mitochondria, boost cellular energy (ATP), and reduce inflammation. The therapy doesn’t emit UV rays or heat the body, which is why it’s often labeled as “non-invasive” and “gentle.”

However, when it comes to pregnancy, experts often advise caution. There simply isn’t enough research specifically studying red light therapy in pregnant people to conclusively say it's 100% safe. Because of this, most healthcare providers take a cautious approach. They may approve red light therapy for localized areas like the back, legs, or face—especially when used for pain relief or acne—but will typically advise against abdominal treatments.

Potential Benefits of Red Light Therapy During Pregnancy

While further research is needed, several potential benefits of red light therapy could appeal to expectant mothers, especially when approved by a healthcare professional:

• Skin Support: Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can lead to acne flare-ups, increased oil production, pigmentation changes (like melasma), and overall dullness. Red light therapy stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin, which can help improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity. Its anti-inflammatory action can reduce redness and calm hormonal breakouts without the need for harsh topical treatments, which are often restricted during pregnancy.
• Pain Relief: Pregnancy often brings musculoskeletal discomfort, especially in the second and third trimesters. As the body adjusts to weight gain and postural changes, many women experience lower back pain, hip tightness, and leg cramps. Red light therapy can help by increasing microcirculation, reducing inflammation in soft tissues, and easing muscle tension.

Why Caution Is Still Recommended?

Even though red light therapy is FDA-cleared for general use and widely considered safe, pregnancy calls for extra care and precaution. Here’s why experts urge caution:

• Limited Data: The lack of large-scale studies involving pregnant individuals means there’s no definitive safety standard yet.
• Increased Skin Sensitivity: Pregnancy hormones can make your skin more reactive. Even a mild inflammatory response from red light therapy could trigger unwanted sensitivity or irritation.
• Avoiding the Abdomen: While light penetration is shallow, many experts prefer to avoid any exposure to the belly area during pregnancy just to err on the side of safety.

If you’re already using red light therapy and become pregnant, it’s smart to pause and seek medical advice before continuing.

How Red Light Therapy Can Work for Pregnant Women

One reason red light therapy continues to gain popularity—especially among pregnant people—is that it's non-invasive, painless, and can be done at home. With mobility challenges and fatigue often setting in during the second and third trimesters, the ability to treat symptoms like back pain or facial breakouts from the comfort of your own home can be a huge relief.

Wearable devices, such as LED masks or light therapy wands, allow for highly targeted treatment. You can easily adjust the location and duration of therapy sessions to avoid the abdomen and still experience the benefits of LED light therapy.

Plus, treatments are quick (typically 10–20 minutes) and can be added into a relaxing nighttime routine, something every expecting parent deserves.

Final Thoughts

As a non-invasive and low-risk option, light-based therapy offers meaningful potential for addressing common pregnancy concerns like breakouts and physical discomfort. Still, because research on its use during pregnancy is limited, medical experts urge caution. General guidelines include avoiding abdominal use, limiting session duration, and consulting your doctor before beginning or continuing treatment.

When approved by a healthcare provider, safe and targeted use—particularly on areas like the face, back, or legs—can offer real relief without medication. With FDA-cleared devices designed for home use, it's easier than ever to build a gentle, effective wellness routine during pregnancy. Always prioritize safety, consistency, and professional input as part of your journey to feeling your best.

LED light therapy has earned a strong reputation in both clinical and at-home skincare for its ability to address a wide range of skin concerns without the need for invasive procedures. Using specific wavelengths of light, particularly in the red (630–660nm) and near-infrared (810–850nm) range, this treatment works at a cellular level to rejuvenate the skin from within. Unlike topical treatments that only affect the outermost layer of skin, LED therapy stimulates deeper activity in the dermis, supporting structural proteins, circulation, and skin regeneration.

Here are eight clinically supported and user-validated ways LED light therapy can transform your skin.

1. Stimulates Collagen Production

Collagen is the skin’s primary support protein, responsible for keeping it firm, smooth, and youthful. As we age, natural collagen production slows, contributing to sagging skin and the development of fine lines. Red light therapy stimulates fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen and elastin, encouraging the body to increase its natural output of these critical proteins.

By increasing collagen density, the skin gradually becomes more plump and elastic. This not only helps prevent future wrinkles but also improves the overall texture of the skin. Users often report feeling firmer skin after just a few weeks of regular treatment. Over time, this leads to visible lifting and more defined contours, particularly around the cheeks and jawline.

2. Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles

One of the most sought-after effects of red light therapy is its ability to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Through collagen stimulation and improved microcirculation, LED light promotes gradual yet significant skin rejuvenation. Areas commonly treated include crow's feet, forehead creases, and smile lines around the mouth.

With consistent use, these lines can become less pronounced, giving the face a smoother, more youthful look. Unlike more aggressive treatments like lasers or chemical peels, red light therapy achieves this without causing inflammation or damaging the outer layer of the skin. It's a gentle approach that encourages the skin to regenerate itself.

3. Improves Skin Texture and Tone

Rough patches, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone are often signs of slowed cell turnover or underlying inflammation. LED light therapy accelerates cellular repair and renewal, helping to smooth out irregularities in the skin’s surface. As old, damaged skin cells are replaced with newer, healthier ones, the complexion becomes visibly more refined.

The treatment also enhances the skin’s natural glow by boosting circulation, which delivers nutrients and oxygen to the upper layers of the skin. This is particularly beneficial for those dealing with dullness, dryness, or lingering discoloration from previous breakouts. When combined with nourishing skincare, the effects are amplified.

4. Fades Hyperpigmentation and Sun Damage

Hyperpigmentation can develop from sun exposure, hormonal changes, or inflammation following acne. These dark spots or uneven patches of skin are often difficult to treat with over-the-counter products. Red light therapy helps fade discoloration by reducing melanocyte overstimulation, which is the process that causes excess pigment production.

In addition, red and near-infrared light promote healthier skin turnover, which gradually lifts away areas of hyperpigmentation. This makes it an excellent option for those with melasma, sun spots, or post-inflammatory marks. Importantly, LED light therapy accomplishes this without causing sensitivity or peeling, which can sometimes worsen pigmentation.

5. Enhances Wound Healing and Skin Repair

Originally used in medical settings to support wound healing, red light therapy has a well-established ability to accelerate tissue regeneration. It does this by boosting blood flow and stimulating the mitochondria within skin cells to produce more energy (ATP). This process speeds up the body's natural repair mechanisms.

For everyday skincare, this translates into faster healing of acne lesions, microtears from over-exfoliation, and even post-procedure recovery. It also helps reinforce the skin’s barrier function, making it more resilient against environmental stressors. People with sensitive or compromised skin often find this benefit particularly valuable.

6. Calms Inflammation and Redness

Chronic inflammation is a root cause of many skin issues, including acne, rosacea, and accelerated aging. Red light therapy helps modulate the inflammatory response by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines in the skin. As a result, the skin appears calmer, less reactive, and more balanced.

This anti-inflammatory effect is ideal for individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema and rosacea. Rather than masking symptoms, LED light helps address inflammation at its source, encouraging long-term skin health. Over time, redness fades, and the complexion looks more even and soothed.

7. Fights Acne-Causing Bacteria

Although red light is primarily known for anti-aging, it also has antibacterial properties, especially when combined with blue light. Blue LED light (around 415nm) targets Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for clogged pores and breakouts. Red light helps by reducing inflammation around the blemish and supporting skin healing.

Together, this combination therapy reduces current acne and helps prevent future breakouts. Unlike harsh topical treatments, LED light doesn’t dry out the skin or disrupt the barrier, making it a safer long-term solution for acne-prone individuals. It's particularly helpful for reducing the frequency and severity of inflammatory acne.

8. Increases Skincare Product Absorption

LED therapy doesn’t just improve skin health on its own, it also enhances the effectiveness of your existing routine. By increasing circulation and softening the outer layer of the skin, LED light makes it easier for active ingredients to penetrate. This means products like serums, copper peptides, and antioxidants are more readily absorbed.

For best results, apply lightweight, non-comedogenic skincare before your LED session. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, and vitamin C can amplify the effects of light therapy, leading to deeper hydration and brighter skin. It’s a strategic way to get more out of the products you already use.

Final Thoughts: Why LED Light Therapy is Worth It

LED light therapy is more than just a skincare trend, it’s a well-supported science-based solution that can transform your complexion from the inside out. Whether your goal is to reduce wrinkles, heal breakouts, or calm inflammation, consistent use of red and near-infrared light can offer visible, lasting results. Best of all, it does so gently, safely, and without the downtime of more invasive treatments.

When incorporated into a regular skincare routine, LED light therapy offers a foundation for healthy, resilient, radiant skin.

Managing oily skin can feel like a never-ending cycle of blotting papers, mattifying products, and midday shine. While a little natural oil is essential for healthy skin, overactive sebaceous glands can cause congestion, enlarged pores, and persistent breakouts.Fortunately, blue and red LED light therapy offers a smarter, non-invasive way to balance oil production without stripping or irritating the skin. In this guide, we will explore what causes oily skin, how LED therapy can help, and why blue and red light make an ideal duo for achieving a healthier, more controlled complexion.

What is the Reason for Oily Skin?

Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, the natural oil that helps keep skin hydrated and protected. While sebum plays a vital role in protecting and hydrating the skin, too much of it can lead to clogged pores, shiny texture, and a higher likelihood of breakouts.

This overproduction can be triggered by several internal and external factors. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during adolescence, menstrual cycles, or periods of heightened stress, can send the skin into oil-production overdrive. Genetics also play a significant role, particularly if oily skin runs in your family, you’re more likely to experience it as well. Environmental influences, like heat and humidity, tend to worsen oiliness by stimulating sweat and sebum activity.

Additionally, skincare habits can unintentionally contribute. Over-cleansing or using drying ingredients may strip the skin’s natural barrier, prompting it to produce more oil in response. Understanding the underlying cause is essential to choosing the right solution.

Challenges of Managing Oily Skin

Daily life with oily skin often includes frequent blotting, midday makeup touch-ups, and constant searching for the “perfect” mattifying product. Beyond aesthetics, oily skin can lead to real complications, including blackheads, whiteheads, and more persistent forms of acne if the excess oil traps debris and bacteria in pores.

The issue is that oily skin doesn’t just come and go — it’s ongoing. And when improperly managed, it often sets off a frustrating cycle. Many with oily skin lean into products that over-dry the skin, which seems effective at first. But these products can trigger a rebound effect, where the skin produces even more oil to compensate for what’s lost.

Oily skin also complicates finding the right products. Heavy creams may clog pores, while gel-based formulas may feel insufficient. And not all acne treatments are suitable for oily skin — especially when inflammation is involved. Navigating these product decisions can be overwhelming, especially when skin is sensitive or reactive on top of being oily.

What’s needed is a solution that doesn’t fight oil with force, but one that works with the skin to calm overactive sebaceous glands and support long-term balance.

Traditional Solutions Often Falling Short

Conventional treatments for oily skin have typically focused on removing oil, not regulating it. From alcohol-based toners to clay masks and harsh foaming cleansers, most products are designed to dry out the skin in an attempt to mattify it. While these may offer short-term relief, they rarely offer long-term success.

This approach often backfires. When skin is stripped too aggressively, its natural barrier is compromised. This triggers the sebaceous glands to increase oil production in an attempt to compensate, leading to even more shine and potential irritation. Additionally, stripping oils from the skin can damage the microbiome and make the skin more susceptible to inflammation and environmental stress.

Some solutions also ignore the connection between oily skin and inflammation. Many individuals with oily skin experience redness, congestion, and sensitivity, making it vital to find a treatment that balances oil while soothing the skin, not inflaming it further.

That’s where newer solutions like LED light therapy come in, offering a way to target the root of oil overproduction without stripping or stressing the skin.

How Red Light Therapy Helps with Oily Skin

LED light therapy offers a more advanced, skin-friendly solution to oil control by targeting the sebaceous glands at a cellular level. Unlike topical treatments that work on the surface, LED therapy uses light energy to stimulate natural biological processes beneath the skin.

Blue light (around 415nm) focuses on the upper layers of the skin, where it eliminates acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce surface oil buildup. It also plays a role in regulating the activity of sebaceous glands, leading to decreased oil production over time.

Red light (630–660nm) penetrates deeper into the dermis, stimulating collagen, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the skin barrier. This is crucial because inflammation is a key trigger for oiliness and breakouts. By calming the skin and supporting its structural integrity, red light helps reduce the conditions that cause overproduction of oil in the first place.

Together, these wavelengths don’t just mask the problem, they help correct it at its origin. LED light therapy helps reduce congestion, control oil, refine pores, and encourage a clearer, healthier complexion without the downsides of traditional methods.

Tips for Adding LED Therapy into Your Routine

Incorporating LED therapy into your skincare routine is simple, but strategy matters when it comes to getting results. Here’s how to maximize your sessions and support your skin:

• Start fresh: Always cleanse your skin before using your LED face mask. This ensures there’s no barrier between the light and your skin, allowing for better results.
• Stick to a schedule: Aim for LED treatments three to five times per week. Consistency is more important than intensity with regular sessions yielding better, long-term control.
• Use compatible skincare: Before LED therapy, apply lightweight face serums like Biocell Copper Peptides that accelerate your anti-aging results and amplify collagen production. Ingredients like Vitamin C and Bakuchiol also pair well with light therapy to enhance its color-corrective effects.

Avoid combining LED therapy with strong exfoliants or active treatments immediately before or after a session. Give your skin time to breathe and benefit from the LED’s anti-inflammatory, balancing effects.

With a routine that includes cleansing, treatment, and proper skincare, LED therapy can easily become a cornerstone in managing oily skin, offering both convenience and visible results.

Final Thoughts: LED Therapy for Oily Skin

If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of shine, clogged pores, and ineffective solutions, LED light therapy offers a smarter, science-backed alternative. Rather than drying out your skin or forcing it into balance, LED therapy encourages your skin to regulate itself naturally. This targets oil production at the source while reducing inflammation and supporting barrier health.

Devices like LED Esthetics’ GloTech Mask Pro™ and GloTech Pro™ Mask Lite are designed with precision blue and red light wavelengths, giving you a comprehensive at-home solution to manage oil, clear skin, and promote long-term skin health.

Shop LED Light Therapy Devices for Radiant Skin

Restore Balance and Reduce Oiliness with LED Esthetics

Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common, stubborn skin concerns. Whether caused by sun damage, hormonal changes, acne scarring, or inflammation, dark patches and uneven skin tone can make the complexion look older, dull, and less radiant.

While topical creams offer temporary improvements, more people are turning to LED light therapy for a safer, clinically supported solution. By using targeted wavelengths of red and near-infrared light, this non-invasive technology helps fade dark spots, even out pigmentation, and restore a healthier, clearer skin complexion.

In this guide, we'll break down what hyperpigmentation actually is, how LED light therapy works to improve it, and what kind of real results you can expect.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a broad term used to describe areas of skin that appear darker due to an excess production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. While sun exposure is one of the most common triggers, melanin production can also increase in response to inflammation, hormonal fluctuations, or genetic predisposition.

When the skin experiences irritation, whether from UV radiation, breakouts, or internal hormonal shifts, the melanocytes (cells that produce pigment) can become overstimulated, leading to an overproduction of melanin. This often results in dark patches, spots, or a generally uneven skin tone that can be slow to fade without targeted treatment.

Genetics, ethnicity, and individual inflammatory responses all play a significant role in how hyperpigmentation develops and persists. Those with deeper skin tones naturally have more active melanocytes, making them more prone to intense and long-lasting pigmentation changes, particularly following inflammation or injury.

There are several common types of hyperpigmentation seen across different age groups and skin types:

• Melasma: Melasma presents as symmetrical dark patches, usually across the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and nose. It often occurs in women and is closely linked to hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, birth control use, or hormonal therapy. Sun exposure further deepens melasma pigmentation, making regular protection essential.
• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH):PIH results from inflammation caused by acne, allergic reactions, cosmetic procedures, or even harsh skincare products. It is especially common in medium to darker skin tones, where any trauma to the skin triggers an exaggerated melanin response.
• Sunspots (Solar Lentigines):Also known as age spots, these flat, brown patches develop from cumulative sun exposure over time. They are most commonly found in areas that receive frequent sun exposure, such as the face, shoulders, arms, and hands. Fair-skinned individuals are particularly prone to developing sunspots as they age.

How to Treat Hyperpigmentation

Targeted skincare combined with consistent treatments offers the best chance of reducing hyperpigmentation and achieving a more even complexion. In addition to active ingredients applied topically, technologies like LED light therapy can accelerate results by working deeper within the skin to repair discoloration from the inside out.

Here are some of the most trusted options for treating hyperpigmentation:

• Alpha Arbutin: Alpha arbutin is a plant-derived antioxidant widely recognized for its role in skin brightening and pigmentation correction. Extracted from the bearberry plant, it works by blocking tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production. By slowing down the formation and storage of pigment, alpha arbutin effectively lightens existing discoloration and evens out skin tone. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for ongoing use and highly effective for treating both sun-induced hyperpigmentation and pigmentation that arises from inflammation or injury.
• Vitamin C: As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C plays a crucial role in managing hyperpigmentation by limiting melanin production and shielding the skin from oxidative damage. In addition to helping fade existing dark spots, it protects against the formation of new pigmentation caused by UV exposure and environmental aggressors like pollution. Regular application of vitamin C brightens the complexion, enhances skin luminosity, and strengthens the skin’s defenses against further discoloration, making it a cornerstone ingredient for anyone pursuing a more radiant appearance.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, offers multiple benefits when it comes to treating hyperpigmentation. It works by disrupting the transfer of melanin to the outer layers of the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven patches. Particularly useful for addressing pigmentation caused by sun exposure or post-inflammatory reactions like acne, niacinamide also strengthens the skin barrier and calms inflammation. Its versatility makes it a valuable ingredient for preventing future pigmentation issues while improving overall skin health.
• Retinoids: Retinoids, which include compounds like retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl esters, and retinoic acid, are derived from vitamin A and are highly valued for their ability to speed up cell turnover. By encouraging the replacement of damaged, melanin-laden cells with fresh, healthier ones, retinoids gradually diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation. However, due to their potency, retinoids can sometimes cause irritation, especially in sensitive or darker skin tones. It’s generally recommended to start with milder formulations and, when necessary, seek professional advice before using stronger, prescription-based options.
• LED Light Therapy: LED light therapy has become a leading non-invasive treatment for hyperpigmentation, particularly when used consistently alongside topical treatments. Red light (630–660nm) and near-infrared light (810–850nm) work by stimulating collagen production, reducing inflammation, and enhancing cellular regeneration deep within the skin. Unlike chemical exfoliants or aggressive procedures, LED therapy strengthens the skin while fading dark spots, offering a gentle but highly effective method for achieving clearer, more even-toned skin.

In-Clinic vs. At-Home LED Treatments

Professional treatments like chemical peels, intense pulsed light (IPL), and laser therapy have long been used in clinics to target stubborn pigmentation. These procedures often deliver faster results but can be costly, require multiple sessions, and come with downtime and a higher risk of side effects, especially for sensitive or darker skin types.

At-home LED light therapy offers a gentler, more accessible alternative. Devices like wearable LED face masks use clinically validated wavelengths to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and promote even skin tone without damaging the skin’s surface. While results take longer to appear compared to more aggressive treatments, the safety, convenience, and ability to use them consistently make at-home devices a strong alternative solution for managing hyperpigmentation.

Choosing between clinic-based treatments and at-home LED therapy often comes down to skin sensitivity, budget, and lifestyle. For many, a combination approach of occasional professional care paired with consistent at-home LED sessions offers the best balance between results and practicality.

Which LED Mask is Best for Pigmentation?

When dealing with hyperpigmentation, being too aggressive with your skin can backfire, leading to more irritation and deeper discoloration. Instead of scrubbing or peeling away at the surface, LED light therapy offers a calmer, more effective approach allowing you to relax while the skin repairs itself from within.

The GloTech Mask Pro™ from LED Esthetics is one of the most advanced wearable LED face masks designed to target pigmentation concerns. Using clinically optimized red (630–660nm) and near-infrared (810–850nm) wavelengths, it works to reduce inflammation, stimulate collagen production, and accelerate the skin’s natural turnover process, gradually fading dark spots and uneven tone.

With its flexible, skin-hugging silicone design and medical-grade LEDs, the mask ensures even light distribution across the entire face. Regular 10 minute sessions a few times a week help rebuild a smoother, more evenly pigmented complexion without downtime and irritation of complicated routines.

Find out more:

How to Incorporate LED Light Therapy in Your Daily Skincare Routine

Unmasking the Best LED Masks vs the Rest in 2025