How Often Should You Do Red Light Therapy for Best Results?

red light therapy

Key Takeaways

  • Regular red light therapy sessions three to five times per week can support skin, muscle, and pain relief goals.

  • Maintenance sessions, one to two times weekly, help retain long-term benefits after visible results appear.

  • Session lengths of 10 to 20 minutes are effective and easy to maintain consistently.

  • Combining red light therapy with infrared sauna sessions may improve circulation, detox, and muscle recovery.

  • Pause Studio offers expert-guided light therapy services across several locations for ongoing wellness support.


Who wouldn't want to spend quality time in a calming space filled with warm, soothing light that melts away tension and boosts your overall well-being? That’s what red light therapy can feel like. But how often should you do it to see real, lasting results?

This guide breaks it all down—timing, frequency, and how to tailor your red light therapy routine to your goals.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy uses wavelengths of light to support healing and improve how your body feels and functions. It falls within the visible spectrum and near-infrared light ranges.

These gentle wavelengths penetrate the skin to stimulate cellular repair, blood flow, and overall rejuvenation. It’s a natural, non-invasive way to help your body feel better from the inside out.

Why Consistency Matters

Like with any wellness treatment, frequent sessions matter. Your body responds better when it receives steady, consistent exposure to light therapy.

Skipping long gaps between sessions may reduce the overall effects and slow your progress.

What to Consider Before Setting a Routine

Start by thinking about your personal goals. Are you looking for pain relief, better skin tone, or support for chronic pain or joint pain?

Different goals call for different frequencies, and that’s where a customized approach becomes important.

General Recommendations for Red Light Therapy Frequency

For skin rejuvenation or muscle recovery, most people benefit from light therapy sessions three to five times per week in the beginning.

This can be continued for a few weeks, then reduced as the desired results begin to show.

Weekly Maintenance After Initial Results

Once improvements are visible—whether it's skin health, blood circulation, or reduced soreness—switch to a maintenance schedule.

This usually means one to two sessions per week to keep your results steady and strong.

Shorter Sessions vs. Longer Sessions

A session doesn’t have to be long to be effective. In many cases, 10 to 20 minutes per session is enough, especially if done consistently.

Shorter sessions are easier to stick with and allow the body to absorb the benefits without overstimulation.

Can You Overdo It?

Too many infrared sauna sessions or light therapy treatments in a short span can overwhelm the skin and body.

Stick to the ideal frequency and give your cells enough time to respond between sessions.

Goals-Based Frequency Planning

Pain relief: For muscle soreness or chronic pain, more frequent sessions (4–5 per week) are helpful during flare-ups.

Skin conditions: Those dealing with acne or other skin conditions may benefit from 3–4 sessions weekly, tapering off as skin health improves.

Infrared Saunas vs. Traditional Saunas

Traditional saunas use steam and heat, while infrared saunas work by heating the body from within using invisible infrared light.

Infrared sauna sessions often feel more comfortable and may support deeper muscle recovery and detoxification.

Infrared Therapy for Deeper Results

Infrared therapy penetrates at a cellular level, encouraging blood circulation and energy production inside your body.

It’s known to support pain relief, skin rejuvenation, and recovery from sore muscles after workouts.

Visible Light and Near-Infrared Light

Red light falls in the visible spectrum, while near-infrared light can go deeper into tissues.

Both support healing in different ways, and many light therapy devices combine the two for better outcomes.

What Happens Inside the Body?

Low-level light therapy activates an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria.

This enzyme helps your cells make more energy, which in turn fuels healing and regeneration.

For Detox and Circulation

Some people use red light therapy or infrared sauna therapy to help eliminate heavy metals and improve blood pressure and overall blood vessel health.

The warmth can also make you sweat, which helps release toxins through the skin.

Long-Term Use

It’s safe to use red light therapy long term, especially when spacing sessions properly.

Over time, the benefits compound, resulting in improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and smoother skin.

Combining with Infrared Sauna Sessions

Using red light therapy alongside an infrared sauna can enhance the experience. The heat relaxes the muscles while the light therapy supports deep tissue healing.

Many users report greater relief from muscle recovery and joint pain when combining the two.

Choosing the Right Environment

The experience of light therapy is just as important as the treatment itself. Look for wellness centers that offer infrared sauna benefits in calming, well-equipped settings.

If you're in the Los Angeles area, infrared sauna Los Angeles services should include well-maintained spaces and trained professionals.

Should You Use It at Home?

While at-home light therapy devices can help, the results vary based on the device’s quality and consistency of use.

Professional sessions often deliver stronger wavelengths of light and more consistent coverage.

When Will You See Results?

Most people start noticing changes within a few weeks of regular sessions.

Improved skin tone, less stiffness, and better energy levels are common early effects.

Keeping It Personal

Each body is different. Start with a plan that feels comfortable, then adjust based on how your body responds.

Some may thrive with more frequent sessions, while others do better with a slower pace.

Pause Studio’s LED Light Therapy Experience

Pause Studio offers a thoughtful range of light therapy services designed to meet your unique needs.

With calming spaces and advanced technology, our approach combines comfort with results.

Multiple Locations for Easy Access

Pause has several locations that make it easy to stay consistent with your wellness routine.

Whether you're in Venice or Newport Beach, you’ll find a location nearby to support your goals.

Premium Services with a Human Touch

At Pause, our services go beyond the session. Each experience is designed to help you feel supported, relaxed, and cared for every step of the way.

From light therapy to full-body infrared sauna sessions, every offering supports your long-term wellness journey.

Let Your Body Glow—Take the First Step with Pause

Ready to feel the difference red light therapy can make? Start your journey at Pause Studio and enjoy expert-guided treatments that match your needs.

Whether you’re looking for skin rejuvenation, pain relief, or simple relaxation, Pause is here to help, with locations in Venice, West Hollywood, South Bay, Brentwood, Studio City, and Newport Beach.

Book your next light therapy or infrared sauna session today and experience a more radiant, restored you.

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