Red light therapy for wrinkles

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? In-office red light therapy costs around $50 to $150 per session, say the experts we spoke with. Health insurance won’t cover the cost because it is a cosmetic

procedure, but some practices will accept Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payments. The red light therapy masks you buy online range from $50 to $500. While

the products might all look similar, the wavelengths and strengths of light they use can vary a lot. That’s why it’s important to do your research before investing in one. “You really want

to choose a brand that has clinical trials to support their products,” advises Jared Jagdeo, M.D., a dermatologist and founding director of the Laser, Aesthetics, and Body Institute at SUNY

Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn, NY. (He has conducted research on these devices and consulted for some manufacturers.)   Check that the device is FDA-cleared, which means

the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has evaluated the product and believes it carries a low risk of harm to users. Also see what light wavelength the product uses. If it isn’t specified on

the box, call the manufacturer and ask. A therapeutic dose is usually in the range of 625 to 670 nanometers. RISKS AND PRECAUTIONS Red light therapy is generally safe, especially when it’s

done by a dermatologist or other trained provider. It’s not believed to cause skin cancer like ultraviolet (UV) light can. The most common side effects are redness or swelling of the skin,

Jagdeo says. In rare cases, the skin in the treated area may darken. If you’re using a home mask, he suggests first trying it on a small area of skin to make sure you’re not sensitive to the

wavelength of light. And check with your doctor before getting this treatment if you take any photosensitizing medications, which include some antibiotics and acne medicines. Red light

therapy isn’t strong enough to damage the eyes. But because the light is bright, you may want to wear protective eye goggles, Jagdeo says. BOTTOM LINE Is red light therapy worth the cost?

“For the right patient, yes,” Kopelman says. It can be a good standalone treatment if you’re looking for subtle improvements in wrinkles and skin tone without any discomfort or downtime.

“However, I’m always honest with my patients — it’s not a substitute for more intensive procedures, like lasers or injectables, for deeper wrinkles or more significant concerns.”