8 Best Red Light Therapy Panels for Glowing Skin & Reduced Stress

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If it seems like red light therapy is everywhere right now, that’s because it is—and for good reason. Whether it’s a mask, wand, patch, or even hat, these devices are on the rise thanks to the rejuvenating benefits of red light therapy and the overall convenience of at-home use. But, with their more compact size, red light therapy masks and devices can only do so much for whole-body wellness. Enter: Red light therapy panels. 

From petite tabletop to full-length and wall-mounted designs, red light therapy panels are becoming more and more integrated into our daily wellness regimens thanks to their ability to provide head-to-toe cellular rejuvenation and target concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, pain and injury, plus some seriously impressive mental health perks. 

Ahead, we share more about the benefits of red light therapy, plus our top picks for the best red light therapy panels. 

The Best Red Light Therapy Panels at a Glance

• Best Overall: Swirise Red Light Panel Elite Series, $399 (was $699)
• Best Splurge: Sunlighten ​​RED Light Therapy Panel, $1,599 (was $1,839)
  Best for Pain Relief: LUMAFLEX Essential Red Light Therapy Panel, $399
• Best Budget-Friendly: Rhmip LED Red Light Therapy Device, $40 (was $60)
• Best Wall Panel: Makiuri Red Light Therapy Lamp, $250+
• Best Tabletop: Hooga Red Light Therapy Panel, $179
• Best for Travel: reVive Light Therapy Lux Collection dpl® IIa Skin Treatment Panel, $399 
• Best Multipurpose: Heat Healer Energy Sauna, $2,248 (was $2,498)

What Does Red Light Therapy Do? 

Red light therapy is popular for its skincare benefits, including its ability to stimulate collagen production, target fine lines and wrinkles, reduce inflammation and redness, and increase blood flow. Because of these benefits, red light therapy masks for the face and neck have become a high-tech staple in at-home beauty regimens. These therapy devices use red and near-infrared wavelengths to improve cellular function for healthier and more resilient skin. 

With so much focus on the face and neck, the rest of the body often sits out (literally) on the benefits of red light therapy. The full-body experience of a panel can allow you to bask in head-to-toe red light and allow your body to absorb some of those skin-benefiting wavelengths, while also boosting overall wellness perks like pain relief, wound healing, and some mental health support, too. 

“Red light therapy is effective in boosting mood and can be used to increase neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine to improve conditions such as anxiety and depression,” says psychiatrist Dr. Jeffrey Ditzell, DO. “[It] can increase parasympathetic outflow, the part of the nervous system that allows us to relax and recover and ultimately allow for a reduction in overall anxiety.” 

Additional mood-boosting benefits include increased brain circulation, endorphins (which can also help reduce anxiety), and less cellular oxidative stress. Dr. Ditzell adds that red light therapy can also release brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that can help with overall brain neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to adapt to new experiences). 

How to Use a Red Light Therapy Panel 

When adding a red light therapy panel into your routine, always follow your device’s specific instructions for best results. “Most red light panels recommend using them about three to five times per week for up to 20 minutes per session,” says Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist. She recommends sitting around 12 inches away from the panel and says the closer you are, the more intense and penetrative the light will be—but closer doesn’t necessarily mean better. “Getting too close or using the panel for too long can lead to skin sensitivity or other adverse effects,” she adds, noting that consistency is key for best results.  

Is Red Light Therapy Safe? 

According to Dr. Engelman, red light therapy is safe when used as directed. “It’s non-invasive and doesn’t use UV light, so there’s no risk of sun damage,” she says. However, there are some precautions worth considering. “Always stick to recommended usage times and always protect your eyes—especially when using powerful panels,” says Dr. Engelman. And, if you have any light sensitivities or underlying skin conditions, she suggests checking in with your doctor before investing in a red light therapy device and incorporating it into your routine. 

Is a Red Light Mask or Panel Better?

While red light face masks are more popular, Dr. Engelmen says one is not better than the other and that it really comes down to your personal preference and goals. “Red light masks are great for targeting the face and are suitable for consistent facial skin maintenance,” she explains, noting that they are also lightweight and more travel-friendly. “Red light panels are typically more powerful, delivering deeper light penetration and broader coverage across the face and body,” she adds. “They’re a great option if you’re looking for more comprehensive results.” 

Red light panels are also an excellent option for those who want to get the whole body wellness red light therapy benefits. Since they are larger (and you don’t have to wear them), you can sit in front of a panel while meditating and exercising at home for the skin and mood-boosting perks. A desktop panel might also come in handy if you want to bask in the glow of red light while taking work calls, answering emails, or catching up with friends on social media. 

The Best Red Light Therapy Panels