Should I apply skincare products before or after treatment?

Always after. Any product on your skin — moisturizer, serum, sunscreen, even water — creates a physical layer that scatters, reflects, and absorbs photons before they reach your cells. Studies show even thin lotion layers can reduce delivered dose by 15-30%. Treat on clean, dry, bare skin, then apply products afterward. The one exception: your post-treatment skin has enhanced circulation, which may improve absorption of active ingredients like vitamin C or retinoids applied after your session.

Can I treat multiple body areas in one session?

Yes — this is standard with full-body panels. With a panel large enough (like the RLPRO 1200 or 2000), you can treat your entire front in one 10-15 minute position, then turn around for the back. For targeted conditions, you can treat face, then scalp, then a painful joint in sequence — each area getting its own optimal dose. There's no interference between treatment zones. Total session time is typically 15-30 minutes for comprehensive multi-area treatment.

Do I need eye protection during treatment?

For face-distance treatment (treating your chest, arms, or legs while the panel is at torso height), no eye protection is generally needed — just avoid staring directly at the LEDs. For dedicated facial treatment at close range (under 8 inches), close your eyes during treatment or use light-blocking goggles. Most red and NIR light at therapeutic distances falls within IEC 62471 exempt or low-risk categories, meaning it doesn't pose retinal hazard at normal treatment distances. Some emerging research (Shinhmar 2020) actually suggests 670nm may benefit retinal mitochondria.

Guide•October 30, 2024•Updated 2026-04-17

How to Use Red Light Therapy: Complete Beginner Protocol (2026)

18 min read

•2,628 words•By Adriana Torres, BSc, Health Sciences

How to Use Red Light Therapy: Complete Beginner Protocol (2026)

You've got a red light therapy device. Now what? Getting results requires more than just turning it on occasionally. Here's how to use it effectively.

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