Right now, everyone is talking about this new way to treat skin that’s turning out to be super effective. Light therapy is getting a lot of buzz and is already popular among many. It’s essential, though, to make sure it’s done right to avoid any problems.

We are talking about safety precautions and, most importantly, safety guidelines to avoid any potential risks. We want you to prioritize yourself before taking any therapies or treatments at home or in the clinic.
This way, we have prepared guidelines where you will learn to protect your vision with light therapy and other practices to ensure that you are not risking your life.
Table of Contents
What is Light Therapy, and Why Is It Popular?
Light therapy is a therapeutic sequence that uses light to solve various health-related conditions. These light therapies expose the patient’s body to a specific wavelength of light that penetrates the skin layers.
It has another name: phototherapy. The whole device has hundreds of lights or LEDs in red, blue, and green colors radiating out of it into your body. This radiation has a particular wavelength that will get deeper or stay on the surface level of your skin and do its work.
If we consider light therapy’s history, it might seem like a modern innovation. However, this therapy has been used since ancient times. Ancient civilizations, like the Egyptians, used sunlight to help with different health issues. This idea inspired physicians to improve their practice even more.
[Source: Don’t be SAD: A Very Brief History of Light Therapy]
Types of Light Therapy
There are actually quite a few types of light therapy out there. Each one uses different colors and wavelengths to tackle various health issues. Most of them tend to focus on skin problems and mood-related issues.
Let’s see what each light therapy has to offer:
-  Blue light: This light therapy uses a 415—to 470-nanometer wavelength to fight against scene-causing bacteria. It even manages skin so that it does not break out and inflammation does not get out of hand.
- Red light: Red light therapy uses 630 to 700 nanometer wavelengths to stimulate collagen production. Its primary function is keeping the skin wrinkle-free and even tone.Â
- Green light: This therapy fixes problems that occur in the outer layer of the skin. With its 500 and 550 nanometer wavelengths, it works on blemishes, scars, or dark spots.
- Infrared light: This light radiates 760 nm to 100,000 nm wavelengths and penetrates the skin to maintain blood flow and manage pain. It also works its magic on muscles and joint-related pain.Â
Common applications
So, what’s the deal with light therapy? How does it actually help our health, and how does it work? This is how:
Skin Rejuvenation | Reduces wrinklesFades away fine lines and age spotsImproves skin texture and toneTreats acne and rosacea |
Pain Relief | Treat arthritis and fibromyalgia painReduces muscle sorenessMinimize inflammationFasten wound healing |
Mental Health | Treats SAD and other mood disordersImproves sleep qualityReduces insomniaFix symptoms of jet lag |
Why is Safety Important in Light Therapy?
Safety shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to light therapy. If you’re not using the device right or forgetting to take precautions, you might not get the best results and could even put yourself at risk. It’s definitely better to get informed now rather than wait. So, take some time to learn about the potential risks involved.
Potential Risks
Skin Damage | Overexposure to UV light will leave sunburnExcessive UV exposure can cause skin agingLong-term exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer |
Eye Strain | Staring at bright light sources gives eye strainYou can get headaches and dry eyes |
Overexposure | Excessive exposure to light therapy can disrupt sleep patterns.Insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness |
General Safety Tips for Light Therapy Users
It is essential to maintain safety during light therapy to get the most benefits and lower the risks and negative effects.
Consult a Professional
Before starting any new form of theory, even if it is a light theory, consult with your healthcare professional. It isn’t suggested and strictly said that you only go for these kinds of therapies by double-checking with the doctor. They know your medical conditions. When you tell your doctor, he will run several tests to see if your body is ready for light therapy or not.
Certain conditions, such as photosensitivity disorders, eye diseases, and certain medications, may contraindicate the use of light therapy. You will find this only when your doctor goes through your medical history and current medications to see if light therapy suits you.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
This is very common, but most of us don’t read the manufacturer’s guidelines. We go with our intuition and start operating the light panel or therapy as per our wishes. That’s why we should first read the manufacturer’s guidelines and follow them step by step. These guidelines will provide information on:
- Recommended Usage Duration: You will find details on how long you should use the light therapy sessions and how to do it properly. Each device lasts for different amounts of time and treats various conditions, so how you use them can vary quite a bit.
- Light Intensity: You will find this information only in the manual. The appropriate light intensity for your needs will be mentioned there.
- Safe Distance: It will also explain how and where to sit or lie to get the best results from the therapy. You will see the safe distance between you and the device so that your eyes or skin don’t get irritated.Â
Protect Your Eyes and Skin
- Eye Protection: Protecting your eyes from direct light exposure is mentioned almost everywhere. So, when you take light therapy, make sure you have eyewear on to shield your eyes from harmful UV radiation.
- Skin Protection: You can use SPF to protect your skin from sunburn. We suggest you put on higher SPF sunscreen on your body.
- Avoid Overexposure: Limit your exposure to light therapy to the recommended duration. If you are taking too long light therapy sessions or using it frequently, it can give you eye strain, headaches, and skin damage.
Choosing the Right Light Therapy Device
This part is crucial. There are tons of light therapy options out there, and it can get a little confusing trying to pick the right one. It’s not just about choosing what fits your needs; you also need to make sure that the therapy you go with follows all the safety guidelines.
Look for Certifications and Approvals
When you are selecting a light therapy device, look for the ones that come with FDA approval. It means the devices are FDA-approved or have similar certifications from regulatory bodies in your region should be your choice. This kind of approval says that the device meets specific safety and efficacy standards.
Key Features to Consider
- Adjustable Settings: Look for devices that can be set to any light intensity and color temperature to match your specific needs and preferences.
- Timer Function: A built-in timer works best to maintain consistent exposure times and avoid overexposure.
- Wavelength Specificity: Choose a specific wavelength of light coming from the device. Remember that different wavelengths are effective for different conditions.
Trusted Brands and Reviews
When purchasing light therapy, seeing which brands it is from should be considered the first step of verification. This is because these kinds of clinical products should only be bought from reputed brands or authorized websites. Here is our top-rated light therapy brand recommendation:
#1 PlatinumLED
This brand provides high-quality and innovative light therapy devices for various conditions, including SAD and skin conditions. Their newly launched BIOMAX lineup is one of the most affordable and effective light therapy solutions.
Mistakes to Avoid When Using Light Therapy
Coming to the part where you guys always make mistakes and put yourself at risk. Here is our take on some of the mistakes that compromise the safety guidelines.
- Overuse
- Ignoring Time Limits: When you don’t follow the duration of light therapy and exceed your exposure time, you can cause eye strain, headaches, and skin damage.
- Frequent Sessions: You want to use the device too often, which is why you are having trouble sleeping, which leads to other health issues.
- Using Incorrect Devices
- Uncertified Devices: Using devices that have no FDA approval and certification from a reputable regulatory body.
- Low-Quality Devices: Buying inexpensive, low-quality devices with an incorrect light wavelength or inadequate safety features.
- Improper Application
- Sensitive Areas: Avoid exposing the sensitive area directly to the light panel.
- Contraindicated Conditions: If you are dealing with certain medical conditions, such as photosensitivity disorders or skin cancers, talk to your doctor before you use light therapy.
Expert Recommendations for Safe Light Therapy
Here are some additional expert recommendations for safe light therapy. It will make the process more effective and secure for you.
Suggested duration and frequency for beginners
- If you just started light therapy, start slow with a session of 10 to 15 minutes long. After a couple of days, when your skin starts adjusting to the light, you can increase the time.
- Use the therapy by maintaining a schedule without breaking it. You can take the therapy in the morning to regulate your circadian rhythm.
Importance of Tracking Results and Adjusting Usage
- Track your mood, energy levels, and sleep patterns to see the effectiveness of light therapy.
- You can adjust the duration or intensity of light therapy as per your needs.
Tips for Integrating Light Therapy into Daily Routines Safely
- Incorporate light therapy into your morning routine.
- Create a comfortable and relaxing environment for your light therapy sessions.
- Wear appropriate eye protection to shield your eyes.Â
- Pay attention to your body’s response to light therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the potential risks of light therapy?
- Eye strain
- Skin irritation
- Disruption of sleep patterns
How can I ensure my light therapy session is safe?
You can talk to your doctor, follow the instructions, wear eyewear, and avoid overexposure.
Are there any side effects of light therapy?
Light therapy has no severe side effects, but you may feel headaches and eye strains.
What should I look for in a safe light therapy device?
You should look for FDA approval or certification for the features that come with the light therapy device.
How long should a light therapy session last for beginners?
You can start with 10 to 20-minute sessions and then gradually increase them.
Updated: January 21, 2025 by Michael Kahn