Published: 04.04.2026 Updated: 21.07.2026

Red light therapy before and after: what to expect and results

By Aimee Jansen9 min read

Red light therapy is one of the most talked-about developments in the world of modern skincare. It is a non-invasive method that uses specific wavelengths of red light to help the skin achieve a healthier and more radiant appearance. More and more women are discovering how they can integrate this technology into their daily routine safely and accessibly, without aggressive products or invasive treatments.

Do you also want to start red light therapy at home? Maxi Meilleur will help you get started. As a premium Dutch brand specializing in LED light therapy, we offer high-quality LED face masks, personalized guidance, and clear explanations, so you can start with confidence and realistic expectations.

What is red light therapy?

What exactly is red light therapy? It is a form of light therapy where specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light are directed at the skin. For red light, this typically involves wavelengths in the range of 620 to 700 nanometers. Red light differs from ordinary white or visible light in its ability to penetrate relatively deeply into the skin layers. Because the light reaches the skin gently, red light therapy is considered one of the most skin-friendly methods for home use.

Red light therapy does not use heat, UV radiation, or chemical substances. It exclusively involves the interaction of specific light colors with skin tissue. This makes the method particularly suitable as an addition to an existing skincare routine, even for people with sensitive skin.

Red light therapy applications: from face to body

Red light therapy for the face is by far the most popular application. LED masks are specially designed for the contours of the face and target the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. In addition to red light therapy for the face, red light therapy is also applied to the neck, for example with an LED neck mask, and the décolleté. These are two areas that are also susceptible to visible changes in skin quality. The Maxi Meilleur Full Set makes it possible to combine both areas in one routine for a consistent approach from face to décolleté.

In professional contexts, red light is also being investigated for applications beyond skincare. Maxi Meilleur focuses exclusively on the face and LED masks for the neck and décolleté.

Benefits of red light therapy

Red light therapy has appealed to many people as an addition to their skincare routine. There are several reasons why this form of light therapy has become so popular, both among professionals and people who want to get started at home. Below are the most frequently mentioned benefits.

• Non-invasive and painless: Red light therapy does not require needles, chemicals, or intensive treatments. It is a gentle method that is pleasant to use and requires no recovery period.
• Suitable for home use: High-quality LED masks make it possible to apply red light therapy safely and easily at home, as part of a regular evening or morning routine.
• Safe for most skin types: Red light contains no UV radiation and is generally considered safe for a wide range of skin types, including sensitive skin.
• Supports a well-groomed appearance: Many users experience visibly smoother, fresher, and brighter skin with regular use. Red light is associated in scientific literature with improvements in skin texture and the visible quality of the skin.
• Complements existing skincare: Red light therapy can be combined with existing skincare products and fits well within a broader routine aimed at long-term skin support.
• Easy to use: LED masks are designed for ease of use. With a clear control panel, adjustable intensity levels, and short sessions of approximately 15 minutes, the barrier to getting started is low.
• Alternative to more aggressive treatments: For those looking for a natural, skin-friendly approach without fillers, chemical peels, or other invasive methods, red light therapy offers an accessible alternative.

All in all, red light therapy is a versatile addition for anyone who wants to consciously and consistently work on their skin's appearance. The combination of ease of use, safety, and broad availability for home use makes it understandable why more and more people are choosing LED light therapy as a regular part of their beauty routine.

Disadvantages of red light therapy

Red light therapy has a lot to offer, but it's important to be honest about its limitations. Good expectations are the basis for a positive experience and an effective routine. Below are the most common disadvantages or points of attention.

• Results are not immediately visible: Red light therapy is not a quick fix. Visible improvements in skin quality and appearance develop gradually and require a consistent routine over several weeks.
• Requires regularity and discipline: To experience the best results, it is necessary to apply the therapy several times a week. One-time or incidental use has little effect on long-term results.
• Not suitable for everyone without prior consultation: People who use certain medications, such as photosensitizing agents, or who have specific skin conditions, should consult a dermatologist or doctor beforehand.
• Device quality is crucial: Not all LED masks on the market are equal. The wavelength, light intensity, and certification of the device play an important role in the user experience. It pays to invest in a certified device from a reliable brand.
• Not a substitute for medical treatment: Red light therapy is a cosmetic beauty tool for home use and not a medical device. For skin complaints or medical questions, a healthcare provider should always be involved.

Most of these disadvantages are manageable with the right information and expectations. At Maxi Meilleur, we believe in transparent communication: we tell you exactly what red light therapy can do for you and ensure that you start well-prepared. This way, you get the most out of your routine.

How long should you use red light therapy?

A frequently asked question is: how long should you use red light therapy to see results? The answer is that red light therapy works cumulatively. The effect builds up over time and requires regularity. For beginners, it is recommended to do a 15-minute session three to five times a week. Most users notice a first difference after three to four weeks; for optimal results, it is advisable to continue the routine for at least eight to twelve weeks.

Always adhere to the session times specified for your device: using it for too short a period reduces the effect, but longer than recommended adds nothing. For sensitive skin, start with a low intensity and gradually build it up. After a build-up phase, many users opt for one to two maintenance sessions per week as a regular part of their skincare routine.

Scientific evidence: what does research say about red light therapy?

Red light therapy scientific research has focused for decades on the effects of specific wavelengths of red light on skin tissue. For example, a prospective clinical study in Skin Research and Technology showed that regular sessions with 630 nm red LED light were associated with measurable improvements in skin quality over three months. A randomized study in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery described improvements in skin texture in participants who received photobiomodulation, compared to a control group (Wunsch & Matuschka, 2014). These are findings about the studied wavelengths in general, not about a specific device. Publications via Harvard Health Publishing and Stanford Medicine confirm that red light therapy science and safety go hand in hand: red light contains no UV radiation and is considered skin-friendly.

Important to mention: all these findings concern the studied wavelengths in general, not a specific device or brand. At Maxi Meilleur, our LED masks are based on the wavelengths studied in clinical trials and are CE, FCC, and RoHS certified for safe home use.

Starting with red light therapy

Are you ready to take the next step in your skincare routine? Red light therapy offers an accessible, non-invasive, and skin-friendly way to consistently work on the appearance of your skin, at home and at your own pace. Whether you are just starting with light therapy or already have experience with skincare and are looking for a qualitative upgrade: Maxi Meilleur is here for you.

Our LED masks are developed for home use, safety-certified, and designed for a complete, pleasant user experience. From a clear instruction booklet and an educational e-book to personal customer service and a 100% satisfaction guarantee: with Maxi Meilleur, you never start alone. Discover our range and find the mask that suits your skin type and goals. Your first step towards radiant and well-groomed skin begins here.

Frequently asked questions about red light therapy

Can you use red light therapy at home?

Yes, red light therapy at home is very possible with a certified LED mask. Maxi Meilleur masks are CE, FCC, and RoHS certified and specially designed for safe and easy home use. You don't need professional knowledge: clean skin, the right mask, and a consistent routine are sufficient.

What does red light therapy do?

Red light therapy uses wavelengths around 630 to 660 nanometers that gently reach the skin. In scientific literature, red light is associated with improvements in skin texture, skin quality, and the visible appearance of the skin with consistent use. It is a cosmetic beauty tool, not a medical treatment.

What is red light therapy good for?

What is red light therapy good for? Primarily as support for the skincare of the face, neck, and décolleté. It is a popular choice for those who want to work on a brighter, smoother appearance in a non-invasive, skin-friendly way as an alternative to more aggressive treatments.

Does red light therapy work?

Scientific research into the wavelengths used in red light therapy shows promising links with improvements in skin texture and visible skin quality. Does red light therapy work the same for everyone? No: results depend on consistency, skin type, and the quality of the device. For many users, with regular use, it is a noticeable addition to their routine.

Sources

Couturaud, V., Le Fur, M., Pelletier, M., & Granotier, F. (2023). Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation. Skin Research and Technology, 29, e13391. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.13391

Salamon, M. (2025, October 21). Red light therapy for skin care. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/red-light-therapy-for-skin-care

Wunsch, A., & Matuschka, K. (2014). A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 32(2), 93–100. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3926176/

Aimee Jansen

Inhoudsdeskundige van Maxi Meilleur

Als Content & Social Media Marketing specialist bij Maxi Meilleur ben ik verantwoordelijk voor alles wat te maken heeft met onze online artikelen zoals de skincare of infrarood blogs. Ik ontwikkel contentstrategieën en schrijf artikelen voor zowel de shop als onze social media kanalen. Met ruim 15 jaar ervaring als gebruiksexpert van skincare en al 7 jaar ervaring in digital marketing weet ik als geen ander hoe je waardevolle, betrouwbare content creëert waar je echt iets aan hebt!

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