We tested red light therapy devices for scars—here are the ones worth trying out
Some skin issues are more prominent than others and require much more attention than typical skincare products, such as acne scars, surgical marks, or stretch marks. Red light therapy is now growing in popularity as a way to enhance your skincare routine at home.
There are many RLT devices claiming to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of scars. Although we believe that red light therapy can have a positive impact on your skin, it’s necessary to understand what realistic results you can expect.
Red light therapy uses red and near-infrared lights that aim to stimulate mitochondrial production and potentially boost cellular energy. As a result, RLT is closely linked to possible changes in collagen turnover and may impact skin healing. However, RLT cannot replace medical treatments, and even if you notice some results, they will most likely be quite subtle.
Instead of focusing on technicalities, we’ve tested each device in real-life scenarios. In this article, you’ll find our top picks, their benefits, and realistic outcomes.
Quick picks: Best red light therapy devices for scars
- NOVAA Light Pad XL: Best for large problematic areas
- Omnilux Contour Face: Best for improving facial skin texture
- CurrentBody LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 2: Best for face acne scars
- Hooga Red Light Therapy Belt: Best for lower-body stretch marks
- Solawave Red Light Therapy Wand: Best for smaller areas
How we tested red light therapy devices for scars
Finding a suitable red light therapy device for scars by reading its technical specifications alone is almost impossible. That’s why we tested each device in real life for an extended period. While it’s important to check some details, such as wavelengths, we also looked into how they fit into everyday routines.
To truly understand how each device performs, we used them for a few months, mostly after workouts and during skincare or evening routines. We paid close attention to the devices’ build, design, and features. We also tried to see whether it’s convenient and comfortable for daily use.
Red light therapy devices for scars compared
Here is a quick overview of our top picks for scars and their key specifications:
| Device | Type | Wavelengths | Coverage area | Session time | Price | May be best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOVAA Light Pad XL | Wrap | 660nm (red) and 850nm (near-infrared) | Large | 10–20 minutes | $509.92 | Best for large areas |
| Omnilux Contour Face | Mask | 633nm (red) and 830nm (near-infrared) | Full face | 10 minutes | $395.00 | Best for facial acne |
| CurrentBody LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 2 | Mask | 633nm (red), 830nm (near-infrared), and 1072nm (deep near-infrared) | Full face | 10 minutes | $469.99 | Best for enhanced facial skincare |
| Hooga Red Light Therapy Belt | Wrap | 660nm (red) and 850nm (near-infrared) | Small | 1–20 minutes | $249.00 | Best versatile device for various areas |
| Solawave Red Light Therapy Wand | Wand | 630nm (red) | Very small | 3 minutes | $189.00 | Best for small facial acne scars |
NOVAA Light Pad XL
Best for large scars on your back, stomach, or thighs
- Device type: Wrap
- Coverage area: Large
- Session time: 10–20 minutes
- Price: $509.92
We found the NOVAA Light Pad XL to be a good choice for helping with recovery rather than skincare, given its size. The device comes in a large wrap that you can use on your back, stomach, or thighs. If you have larger scars or areas you want to tackle, the NOVAA Light Pad XL will cover more at once.
During testing, the wrap proved to be quite comfortable, especially since it’s not handheld. All you have to do is wrap it on your body, and you can relax, work, or even move around during your red light therapy sessions. According to the provider, you should use it for up to 20 minutes per session, making it easy to incorporate into your routine.
Technically, the device uses the wavelengths red light therapy is studied for supporting skin repair. However, you shouldn’t expect major results. Even if you use the NOVAA red light pad consistently, you might only see subtle changes.
The pad’s size is definitely an advantage, especially if you have a larger scar or want to cover more area at once. On the other hand, it might not be the best option if your scars are in harder-to-reach areas or on your face. For smaller areas or facial scars, we recommend considering red light therapy masks or handheld devices.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large coverage, best for bigger scars or back acne | Not convenient for smaller areas |
| Hands-free device, comfortable to use | Expensive pricing |
| Needed wavelengths linked to skin repair |
Omnilux Contour Face
Best for convenient face sessions
- Device type: Mask
- Coverage area: Full face
- Session time: 10 minutes
- Price: $395.00
Omnilux Contour Face proved to be a suitable red light therapy device if you’re looking for ways to help improve acne marks or scars on your face. During testing, we found the device lightweight and convenient, with no need to reposition.
Since it’s specifically designed to fit your face, it won’t be hard to use it regularly. Using it daily for around 10 minutes felt like an additional skincare routine step rather than a procedure. With Omnilux Contour Face, you can relax, read, watch TV, or even move around, as it firmly wraps around your face.
We found that the device uses wavelengths linked to skin regeneration, and it claims to be supported by clinical studies. As a result, it could have a positive effect on your skin, but this depends on your specific issues. While it could potentially reduce acne marks or minimal scarring, it cannot remove deeper scars. If you have any skin issues, we recommend seeking medical treatment first.
It’s also important to keep in mind that it is a face mask, meant for use only on your face. If you have scars on other areas of your body, we recommend choosing other devices. We found that using an RLT face mask on other areas is just as inconvenient as it sounds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortably sits on your face | Can only be used on your face |
| Short 10-minute sessions | More suitable for surface issues rather than deeper-tissue scars |
| Suitable wavelengths for skin regeneration |
CurrentBody LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 2
Best for a premium facial skincare routine
- Device type: Mask
- Coverage area: Full face
- Session time: 10 minutes
- Price: $469.99
Another face mask that caught our attention as a promising solution is the CurrentBody LED Red Light Mask Series 2. While it does require consistent long-term use, the devices proved very convenient for acne and mild facial scars.
Just like we imagined, during our tests, the mask felt stable and firm, so you should feel comfortable during your red light therapy sessions. The brand states it’s also enough to use it for around 10 minutes daily, and it can quickly become a relaxing part of your skincare routine. Overall, the whole experience felt very similar to Omnilux Contour Face.
The mask stands out from other devices because it offers three wavelengths, all of which are linked to potentially faster healing and skin regeneration. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use it regularly. Even then, you shouldn’t expect miracles. Based on our research, we believe that consistently using the mask can have a positive impact, but it won’t completely heal scars.
If you’re looking for ways to improve your facial skincare routine, we definitely found CurrentBody worthy of your consideration. However, it’s also more expensive than Omnilux Contour Face, which we found to be quite similar in terms of usability and performance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable to use without repositioning | Expensive compared to other RLT masks |
| Three wavelength options | No customizable sessions |
| Portable device |
Hooga Red Light Therapy Belt
Flexible device for different body parts
- Device type: Wrap
- Coverage area: Small
- Session time: 1–20 minutes
- Price: $249.00
The Hooga Red Light Therapy Belt is another solid device that we found might be best for stretch marks or scars on your stomach. It will also fit comfortably on other body areas, so if you’re looking for a flexible yet still lightweight red light therapy device, we recommend considering Hooga’s RLT belt.
During testing, we noticed that the belt is very versatile. You can easily wrap it around your stomach, lower and upper back, shoulders, legs, and arms. Since it’s a cordless device, you can easily continue with your day during your RLT sessions. The provider suggests 1–20-minute sessions daily, which is not a lot, making it easy to incorporate into your routine.
Due to the device’s size and wavelengths, we found the Hooga Red Light Therapy Belt to be a good choice for larger areas rather than precise spots. However, you should also consider that the results will most likely be very subtle. While it is possible that the device might enhance your skin texture and tone, it won’t remove scars, especially ones that are already healed.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, versatile red light therapy device for large areas, we recommend trying the Hooga Red Light Therapy Belt. On the other hand, if you would also like to use red light therapy on your face, this belt might not be ideal.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cordless device | Not suitable for facial scars |
| Conveniently wraps on many body areas | Needs to be used daily for subtle results |
| Medium to extensive coverage |
Solawave Red Light Therapy Wand
Best portable facial skincare device
- Device type: Wand
- Coverage area: Very small
- Session time: 3 minutes
- Price: $189.00
Finally, we tried the Solawave Red Light Therapy Wand and found it to be one of the simplest devices for facial skincare. It’s definitely one of the smallest red light therapy devices that we tested, so you’ll be able to take it with you wherever you go.
Using Solawave’s wand proved very simple, as the device is lightweight and rechargeable. It also comes with a travel case, so you can conveniently store it and avoid missing RLT sessions while traveling. However, while it’s small and convenient, it’s a handheld device, which limits your ability to do anything else during sessions.
The wand uses the needed red light, but we noticed that it doesn’t include near-infrared light. Theoretically, this may mean the device might only help with surface issues rather than deeper-tissue scars. If that’s what you’re looking for, it also has a facial massage feature that we found very relaxing.
Overall, the Solawave Red Light Therapy Wand is a good device to help enhance your skincare routine. Unfortunately, due to missing near-infrared light, we believe that it’s unlikely that it can help with deeper scars.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Portable, comes with a travel case | No near-infrared light |
| Lightweight and easy to control | Handheld |
| Facial massage feature |
How red light therapy may work for scars
Red light therapy devices use specific wavelengths (red and near-infrared) that aim to penetrate your skin when they are directed at your body. By doing so, it may boost cellular energy production, which is one of the ways RLT may help the scar’s healing.
Some research suggests that RLT may also help your body produce more collagen. We all know that collagen is one of the main components of our skin, providing our skin with elasticity and smoothness. This is also important when discussing scars, as it might help even out the texture.
Similarly, RLT is linked to potentially reduced inflammatory signaling. As a result, many use red light therapy devices as an adjunct method to help reduce inflammation linked to scarring.
However, while theoretically RLT devices are suggested to potentially help with inflammation, boost collagen, and improve texture, they are very unlikely to completely heal your scars. While some subtle changes might be realistic, at-home red light therapy cannot replace medical treatments.
What wavelength may be best for scar treatment?
Red light therapy devices use red and near-infrared light to address various issues, including scars and acne marks. Red (620–700nm) and near-infrared (700–1,440nm) wavelengths have been suggested as a promising adjunct method for scar management.
Red light is closely associated with surface-level issues, such as skin texture and tone, and may be a better fit to support early or superficial scar management. Near-infrared light is suggested to reach deeper levels, potentially helping with more mature scars.
Most red light therapy devices combine red and near-infrared light, and we believe this is necessary, especially for scars. There are even devices that also include blue light options, which might be appealing to those looking to support acne management.
What types of scars can red light therapy help?
While red light therapy is not a cure, it can support skin regeneration over time, which may even result in less noticeable scars. However, the result depends on whether it’s acne scars, stretch marks, keloids, or surgical scars. Even if your scar responds positively to RLT, the results are likely to be subtle.
Most people turn to red light therapy to help with their acne. If you’ve had deep acne scars for quite some time now, RLT sessions are very unlikely to remove them completely. Using red light therapy consistently may improve texture, resulting in smoother skin. RLT might also help with surgical scars, and some evidence suggests it might support the management of keloid scars.
Since red light therapy may help stimulate certain skin remodeling processes, it might also help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Yet, you should expect a very subtle result, as RLT is more likely to only help even out your skin tone rather than completely remove stretch marks.
Red light therapy vs. other scar management methods
There are other scar treatments available, such as topical treatments, microneedling, and laser. Different types of scars require different treatment methods, and your doctor can help you choose which method is the right fit in your individual case.
Red light therapy is a simple, non-invasive procedure that you can try at home. Compared to other evidence-based treatment methods, it cannot promise fast results. Ask your doctor if it could be a good starting point for your scar-healing journey. Keep in mind that it could potentially help with texture and tone, but it will most likely not remove scars.
Is red light therapy safe for scars?
Red light therapy is generally considered to be a low-risk, non-invasive procedure. However, as with other procedures, it might not be the right fit for everyone. Some people are advised not to use red light therapy, including pregnant or lactating individuals. Others may be at a higher risk of experiencing side effects. Due to this, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider first, especially if you have a medical condition or use specific medication that might increase photosensitivity.
Using red light therapy on your skin may cause redness and irritation. While you can feel some light warmth during sessions, your skin shouldn’t be overheated, so make sure to follow the device manual and your doctor’s recommendations. We also advise using eye protection, as the light is quite bright.
If you notice any of these side effects, we advise you to stop using the RLT device to avoid serious consequences and seek professional medical advice.
References
- National Library of Medicine. A systematic review of treatments for acne scarring. Part 2: Energy-based techniques
- National Library of Medicine. Photobiomodulation therapy with an 830-nm light-emitting diode for the prevention of thyroidectomy scars: a randomized, double-blind, sham device-controlled clinical trial
- National Library of Medicine. Light emitting diode-red light for reduction of post-surgical scarring: Results from a dose-ranging, split-face, randomized controlled trial
- Laser, Lights, and Other Technologies. Light-Emitting Diode for Acne, Scars, and Photodamaged Skin
- Lasers in Medical Science. Red and near-infrared photobiomodulation for burn, hypertrophic, and post-surgical scars: a scoping review of clinical trials
