Even if you're new to the world of beauty tech, chances are you've already heard of red light therapy, which is a skin-boosting staple in spas and professional offices alike. Unlike blue light, which is typically used to treat acne, red light has a longer wavelength that allows it to more deeply penetrate multiple layers of skin.
"Red light therapy has been around for quite some time," board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the UT Southwestern Kristel Polder tells BAZAAR.com. "Past studies have shown that it can improve wound healing and overall recovery post procedure. For example, we use red light therapy after lasers, and other treatments we offer at our practice to expedite healing. This kind of therapy has also been utilized for its anti-aging properties."
While at-home red light therapy devices are high-powered enough to emit energy that makes a noticeable difference in skin's tone and texture, experts advise that they're not a magic bullet, and are best used for smaller improvements over the course of three to six months. "I think red light therapy is good for maintenance, but I don't think it will replace Botox, fillers, or laser resurfacing," adds board-certified dermatologist Shirley Chi.
For a closer look at the best red light therapy options that are actually worth the buy, we asked dermatologists about some of their favorites. Read on for some of their top picks (some of which BAZAAR editors have already tested and reviewed), which include tools for the skin on your face, like LightStim's popular LightStim device for wrinkles, and on your scalp, like the Capillus CapillusUltra Laser Cap for Hair Regrowth, for a supreme glow up from the comfort of home.