Red light therapy at home: Full body relaxation and rejuvenation

Temporary pain relief and inflammation reduction—One of the most widely studied applications of red light therapy is pain relief. Whether you’re dealing with chronic joint discomfort, muscle soreness, or post-workout fatigue, RLT may help reduce inflammation and ease pain.



A comprehensive review from Harvard Health notes that red and near-infrared light can stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation, which may benefit those with arthritis, back pain, and soft tissue injuries.

Mood and sleep support—Red light has been studied for its potential to regulate circadian rhythms and promote better sleep. Light exposure affects your body’s melatonin production, and red light—unlike blue light—does not suppress it. This makes it a soothing pre-bedtime ritual.



Harvard researchers also note that red light therapy may help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), making it beneficial for overall mental wellness.



In addition, the Cleveland Clinic states that red light therapy is used to improve wound healing, reduce stretch marks, improve scars, improve hair growth, and more.

Using red light therapy at home

Thanks to the growing popularity of RLT, you can now choose from a wide range of at-home devices, including:

• Full-body panels that stand or mount on walls
• Handheld or portable devices for targeted treatments
• Face masks or shields designed for cosmetic use
• Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs with Infrared and Red Light therapy for your home or backyard
• Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas that can transform your spa bathroom or home gym

Tips for safe use at home

If you plan to use red light therapy at home, full body relaxation and soothing can be achieved by enacting the following safety tips:

1. Follow manufacturer instructions: Use the device according to the manufacturer’s guidance to avoid overexposure.
2. Start slowly: Begin with shorter sessions (5–10 minutes), especially if you have sensitive skin.
3. Be consistent: For best results, consistency is key. Most users report improvements after 3–5 sessions per week over a few weeks.
4. Protect your eyes: While red light is not UV, eye protection is still advisable when using strong panels near the face.

Choosing a high-quality red light therapy device

Because red light therapy devices vary widely in quality, you’ll want to be selective when choosing one for home use. What to look for:

• Medical-grade LEDs: Devices with clinically validated wavelengths (usually 660nm and 850nm) offer the best results.
• Coverage area: A full-body panel offers the most versatility, especially if you’re treating large muscle groups or using it for systemic benefits.
• Certifications and testing: Look for FDA-cleared devices or those with third-party testing to ensure safety and efficacy. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends choosing only items that have been labeled as “FDA-cleared” or “FDA 510K cleared”. However, these refer to the fact the FDA considers the device to pose a low risk to the public and considers it safe. It does not refer to how effective the device may or may not be. Furthermore, in an article and video on the Mayo Clinic website, Dr. Dawn Davis, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist recommends speaking with a dermatologist before purchasing any over-the-counter light therapy device.

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new therapy, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Trusted brands in wellness

Manufacturers such as the Jacuzzi® brand now offer premium wellness solutions that incorporate red light therapy into infrared saunas and hot tubs. These full-body systems combine the calming, soothing benefits of heat with the rejuvenating power of red light and near-infrared light. While not every home device reaches the performance level of professional equipment, investing in a premium, trusted brand helps ensure you get effective results. Jacuzzi® wellness products that include red light therapy include Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs with Infrared and Red Light therapy and Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas. Here is a review of each:

Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs with Infrared and Red Light therapy—There are few things as blissful, relaxing, and luxurious as premium hydrotherapy in a high-performing hot tub, such as a Jacuzzi® Hot Tub. But when you combine the high-quality hydromassage that the Jacuzzi® is known for with exclusive Infrared and Red Light therapy, you can elevate your hot tub experience to new heights.

Select Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs, such as those in the J-LX® Collection and the J-400™ Collection, come standard with Infrared and Red Light therapy, which delivers the therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy, the rejuvenating power of Infrared, and the regenerative qualities of Red Light, all in one transcendent experience that will relax and restore you—body, mind, and spirit. This feature is also available as an optional upgrade on models in the J-300™ Collection.

Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas—A warm and peaceful sauna session can help relax you from head to toe, inside and out. When your sauna session is enhanced with infrared and red light qualities, you can experience an even heightened experience that will stay with you long after your session has come to an end. With a Jacuzzi® Infrared Sauna, you can experience full-spectrum infrared featuring a combination of near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths that penetrate deep into tissues to promote detoxification, improved circulation, and muscle relaxation.

Furthermore, high-intensity red light therapy is integrated into your session, increasing your enjoyment and relaxation even more. You can experience this next-level approach to infrared and red light therapy in 1-Person, 2-Person, and 3-Person models, so you can choose the size and space that suits your needs.

If you’re seeking customized, full-body infrared light therapy, a Jacuzzi® Infrared Sauna or a Jacuzzi® Hot Tub with Infrared and Red Light therapy just may be the answer.

Red light therapy isn’t magic—but with consistent use, it may offer meaningful support for your wellness goals and help you live well with stress or chronic pain. You may not experience a dramatic difference overnight; however, subtle changes—like reduced joint stiffness, smoother skin, better sleep, or faster recovery—can add up over time.

Just like exercise or skincare, the emphasis on red light therapy at home is about the long game. The good news is that using it at home makes it easier to stick to a routine.

If you’re looking for a holistic, non-invasive way to support your wellness, red light therapy is a promising option. Whether you want to relax after a long day, soothe sore muscles, or care for your skin, a quality at-home device puts the power of light in your hands. Red light therapy gives you a chance to invest in yourself—recharging your body, lifting your mood, and helping you feel your best, day after day.

Affiliations: Jacuzzi® is a registered trademark of Jacuzzi Group. All rights reserved. 

Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. Please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice if you have any concerns about your current health or well-being.