Can I Get Sunburnt From Red Light Therapy?Updated a year ago

Red light therapy (RLT) is an effective, non-invasive way to treat a number of skin conditions, including wrinkles and acne. Unlike the dangerous UV rays found in natural sunlight, RLT uses red and near infrared light (NIR) to stimulate healing results. But with the mention of light being used and any sort of exposure being involved, it leads to the question; can I get sunburnt from red light therapy?

The short answer is no. Red light therapy will not cause sunburn. This is because there is no ultraviolet (UV) light present in the wavelength exposure or output of the actual device. The device, rather, emits a combination of soft visible red and near infrared light. The visible red light wavelengths range from 630 to 850 nanometers, while the near infrared light wavelengths range from 830 to 890 nanometers.

The lack of UV in this light spectrum means that red light therapy cannot cause sunburn, no matter how much or how often you use it. Additionally, because the light is non-invasive, meaning it travels only a few millimeters into your skin, there is no need to worry about the light having any effect on your skin beyond the localised area you are actively treating. 

In conclusion, no, there is no UV in red or near infrared light therapy, so you don’t have to worry about getting sunburnt with red light therapy.