The benefits of red light therapy - what it does and what to look out for when choosing your own device

Red light therapy has become one of the biggest skincare and wellness trends of recent years. You’ve probably seen the red light masks all over social media, and many women in their 50s and beyond want to know whether they can really help with anti-ageing. Red light therapy is far more than a passing beauty fad, it’s backed by science, widely used in clinical settings, and offers benefits that go well beyond smoother skin.

In this blog post, I’m breaking down what red light therapy actually is, the proven benefits of red light therapy for midlife women, and how I use my own red light device at home. And if you’re thinking about investing in a mask or panel, I’ll also share what to look for so you can choose a device that’s genuinely effective, safe and worth the money.

​Earlier this year I finally invested in my own red light therapy device to use at home. I’d already experienced the benefits during facials and treatments at S-Thetics in Beaconsfield, where they use the highly rated medical-grade Celluma devices, so it had been on my wish list for a while. But with my husband recovering from a shoulder procedure, my own wrist issues flaring up, a touch of backache and the fact that I love the relaxation it brings, I decided it was time to stop putting it off, and I am so glad I did.  Yes it is a costly outlay but worth it - maybe time to add it to your gift wish list!

I purchased the Celluma Pro red light therapy device from S-Thetics in Beaconsfield

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to support the skin and body at a cellular level. It usually comes from LED devices, from professional systems such as Celluma to at-home masks and flexible panels.

The 'red light' itself refers to visible wavelengths, typically around 630–660nm, which are absorbed by the surface layers of the skin. This type of light is known to help boost collagen, improve skin texture, and support the natural healing process.

Alongside red light, many devices also use near-infrared (NIR) light, usually in the 810–850nm range. NIR isn’t visible to the eye, but it penetrates deeper into muscles and joints, making it especially helpful for inflammation, stiffness, and recovery and one of the reasons professional systems like Celluma are used not just for skin, but for pain management too.

On a cellular level, both red and near-infrared wavelengths help the mitochondria, the tiny 'engines' inside our cells, to produce more ATP, which is the energy our cells need to repair, regenerate and function optimally. In simple terms: more ATP means better cell performance resulting in healthier skin, calmer inflammation, and faster recovery.

Red light therapy is also considered very safe. It’s non-thermal (so it doesn’t heat the skin), it’s low risk for most people, and it requires no downtime. It’s a gentle, supportive treatment that fits easily into a midlife skincare or wellbeing routine whether you’re using it for anti-ageing, joint comfort, or simple relaxation.

The key benefits of red light therapy

Boosts collagen production – helping to soften fine lines and improve firmness.
Improves skin tone and texture – supports smoother, brighter, healthier-looking skin.
Reduces inflammation – helpful for irritated, sensitive or menopausal skin.
Supports joint and muscle comfort – near-infrared light can ease stiffness and aid recovery.
Speeds up healing – useful for scars, acne breakouts, minor injuries and post-treatment recovery.
Enhances mood and energy – many people report better sleep, calmer moods and less winter sluggishness.
Gentle and non-invasive – no heat, no pain, and no downtime, making it suitable for everyday use.

Ralph Montague, Longevity Expert and Founder of The Longevity Clinic says "The main reasons that people use red light therapy daily are for anti-ageing, pain relief and reducing inflammation, hair growth, increased energy and longevity."

How I use red light therapy at home

I’ve had my Celluma Pro since early summer and I try to use it around three times a week. Sometimes I focus on my face, and other times, like at the moment, I use it on an area of my body that needs a bit of extra support. Right now that’s my lower back on the right side, but I’ve also used it on my wrist when I was recovering from carpal tunnel surgery and my husband has used it on his shoulder.

For my face, I like to make it part of my calm early-evening routine. I have a relaxing hot bath, cleanse thoroughly, then get comfortable on my bed for a 30-minute session under the Celluma Pro, which is FDA-cleared for acne, ageing skin and pain management. I use the red light setting (there is also a programme for acne). The light is so soothing that I often drift off, I’ve tried listening to a podcast, but I prefer the peace and quiet, it feels like such a treat. Afterwards, I apply my skincare and settle down for a bit of TV before bed. I always sleep incredibly well on the evenings I use the red light.

For body treatments, I simply position the device comfortably against bare skin, either on the bed or the sofa, and select the aches and pains setting. Again, it runs for 30 minutes and does all the work while I relax with a book, the TV or my phone (mindless scrolling - don't judge)!

The Celluma Pro gently heats up and feels comforting to relax under (face or body), goggles are supplied but they are not essential (I choose not to use - I just keep my eyes closed when treating my face).  The control panel is easy to use - and I think the new Celluma Pro (Series 2) has had an upgrade so there are new features too!
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What continues to impress me most is just how deeply I unwind during each session. I’d noticed this when I had treatments in-clinic, but it’s lovely to experience the same relaxation at home. My skin looks healthier and more rejuvenated, and I’m certain it helped speed up the healing of a very nasty cold sore I picked up after my trip to Turkey.

My Celluma Pro has three options - Acne, Red Light (for skin and hair) and Aches and Pains.

How to choose a red light therapy device that works!

If you’re thinking about investing in your own red light device, it’s worth doing a little research first. There are so many options on the market now, from low-power beauty gadgets to medical-grade panels, and the quality varies hugely.

Patrick Johnson, the inventor and CEO of Celluma, is a leading figure in the world of LED light therapy. With a long background in medical technology, he created Celluma to offer safe, effective red and near-infrared light treatments for both professional and at-home use. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him and listening to him speak (watch more here) about the science behind Celluma, and his passion and expertise really highlight why the brand is so highly respected.

Here are the key things to look for when choosing your own red light device:

Correct wavelengths:
Look for devices that use the clinically studied ranges, typically 630–660nm (red light) and 810–850nm (near-infrared). Anything outside these bands tends to be decorative rather than effective.

Sufficient power output (irradiance):
A device needs enough strength to deliver meaningful results. Medical-grade options like Celluma clearly publish their irradiance and treatment times. Many cheaper masks don’t.

Evidence-based design:
Choose brands that share clinical data, safety certifications and clear usage guidelines. Avoid those that make vague claims or hide their technical details.

Full-face or flexible coverage:
The more skin a device can reach in one session, the better. Flat, rigid masks can leave gaps, whereas curved or flexible panels tend to give more even results.  The Celluma Pro is very easy to flex into the right position and wrap around you as needed.

Comfort and ease of use:
If you want to stick to a routine, the device needs to be comfortable, hands-free, and simple to set up, otherwise it’ll end up back in it's box.  I tried a very insta-popular mask for a few weeks but it just wasn't comfortable or powerful enough.

Safety certifications:
Look for medical-grade clearance, CE marking, or FDA clearance depending on the type of device. This ensures the light output is both safe and effective.

Warranty and customer support:
Red light therapy is an investment, so check the warranty period and aftercare. Established brands tend to offer far better support.

Ultimately, the best device is the one you’ll use consistently. My experience with the Celluma Pro has been incredibly positive, not just for skin health, but for relaxation, pain relief and recovery, and that’s why I’m happy to recommend doing your research and choosing a high-quality, clinically backed option.

Relaxing under my Celluma Pro is the ultimate in self-care and downtime!

Red light therapy has become a simple but powerful habit in my midlife wellbeing routine.  It’s gentle, relaxing and easy to fit into my everyday life, I love my 30 minutes of downtime!

I'm also impressed with the wider benefits red light therapy can offer, for example, it can help with hair growth and hair loss.  The Celluma Pro is super flexible and can easily cover my hairline or whole head.  And I've yet to try it but apparently dogs love it too - many owners rave about the benefits of near-infrared light to help dogs with joint stiffness, my older westie, Katy has problems with her cruciate ligament so I must try it!

If you’re interested in trying one for yourself, choosing a high-quality device and using it consistently can make all the difference. I’m so glad I finally invested in mine, and I hope this post helps you understand the benefits and feel more confident exploring red light therapy for your own routine.  A good first step might be to visit a clinic where red light therapy is offered as part of the facial experience!

Celluma devices are available to buy online or via a clinic like S-Thetics in Beaconsfield (payment plans are available to help spread the cost).  

Love from
Michelle xx


​Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I purchased my Celluma Pro myself and all opinions are my own. Red light therapy results can vary, and this is not intended as medical advice.