How much does red light therapy cost?
How much does red light therapy cost?
$25 – $200 average cost per session
Average red light therapy prices
Red light therapy costs $25 to $200 per session on average, depending on the size of the area you’re treating. Addressing concerns on your face or small areas of your body with a handheld device generally costs less than a full-body treatment using a large light panel or bed.
| Treatment type | Average cost per treatment |
|---|---|
| Handheld | $25 – $100 |
| Full body | $50 – $200 |
Handheld
Handheld red light therapy costs $25 to $100 per session on average. This treatment type uses a handheld device used to treat small areas like the face, hands, or knee. Some spas use a mask that fits over the face instead of a wand.
Full body
Full-body red light therapy costs $50 to $200 per session. This option uses a large panel or bed to target large areas all at once. Panels and beds are used more often to treat pain or fibromyalgia rather than minor skin conditions.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy uses low levels of red LED light to target the body’s mitochondria production and improve cell repair, collagen production, and blood circulation. This can help reverse pain, sun damage, and aging. Some people also call this treatment low-power laser therapy or photobiomodulation.
Red light therapy is generally safe for everyone, but you should consult a medical professional first if you’re taking any medicine that could increase your eye or skin sensitivity.
Red light therapy cost factors
A few different factors affect the cost of red light treatments:
Provider: Professionals with more training and experience have higher rates. If you go to a board-certified dermatologist, they’ll charge more than a licensed esthetician.
Location: Med spas and professionals in large cities tend to charge higher rates due to the higher cost of living.
Sensitivity: Red light therapy is a gentle procedure. However, if you have sensitive skin or the light is strong, your skin may feel sensitive or sunburned afterwards.
Consultation fee: Many providers give free consultations, but some charge a fee and add it to the cost of your first session.
Discounts: If you sign up for a membership or bundled sessions, you may be able to get a discount.
Red light benefits
Red light therapy can help with superficial skin conditions like acne as well as pain and chronic conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis:
Acne
Alopecia (hair loss)
Arthritis
Back pain
Eczema
Fibromyalgia
Minor wounds
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Skin texture and tone
Stretch marks
What to expect
During your red light therapy appointment, you may need to partially undress, depending on the treatment area. The provider may give you protective glasses or direct you to close your eyes. Sessions take 10 to 30 minutes on average.
The treatment itself is painless, and many people report feeling warm and relaxed under the lights.
DIY red light devices
At-home red light therapy devices cost $100 to $1,000. However, they’re not as powerful as professional treatments. If you decide to buy an at-home device, make sure you choose one that’s FDA-approved.
Cost of red light therapy vs. other treatments
Red light therapy is one of the many different treatments available at medspas and dermatological clinics, although most other procedures treat skin conditions and not pain or inflammation. The following table shows the cost and details of the most common related treatments:
| Treatment type | Average cost (per session) |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Red light therapy | $25 – $200 |
|
| BBL treatment cost | $300 – $950 |
|
| IPL treatment cost | $300 – $600 |
|
| Laser resurfacing cost | $900 – $5,000 |
|
Red light therapy FAQs
Does red light therapy work?
Red light therapy is an effective strategy for acne, several skin conditions, pain, and inflammation. However, it has not been studied very much for weight loss. Some report modest or temporary weight loss.
What does red light therapy do?
Red light therapy can help your body regenerate cells, trigger blood flow, and boost collagen production. It uses red wavelengths of light to penetrate your skin and reduce inflammation, which can help with chronic pain and even aid in muscle tissue repair.
Does red light therapy cause cancer?
Red light therapy is safe and does not cause cancer. One study even showed it’s safe when pregnant. It does not expose your skin to any UV rays or harm your skin like tanning beds.
However, high or intense levels of red light can cause redness or blistering, so make sure you choose a reputable provider with a proven track record.
What to look for in a red light therapy provider
Follow these guidelines to help you choose a reputable, qualified spa near you or facial provider:
Weigh their prices against their experience, training, and equipment quality.
Search for a professional who’s board-certified and has FAAD (Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology) in their title if you’re looking for a dermatologist.
Explore reviews from clients on Thervo and Google.
Ask to see before and after photos of past or current clients.
Ask them about the other treatment methods they offer to make sure red light therapy is the best option for you.
Questions to ask a red light therapy provider
You can feel confident you've picked the best provider possible by asking the right questions:
What type of red light equipment do you use?
Will you use a handheld device, a panel, or a red light bed?
How long have you been offering red light therapy?
How many sessions do you think I’ll need to address my concerns?
How long can I expect results to last for?
Is there any downtime? How soon can I come back?
How long does each session last?
Are there any potential side effects?
Could you show me some before-and-after photos?
Do you offer any deals or discounts?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.