Red Light Therapy During Pregnancy: Safe or Not?

In an age where pre-teens are in on the skincare trends, it’s practically impossible to think about wellness culture without thinking of red light therapy. In fact, 60% of our Rescripted community said they were more interested in finding out more about this glowing wellness trend. Obviously, red light therapy is buzzy for its use as a skincare tool (see: LED face masks), but the buzz is going far beyond that: People are also considering red light therapy to help with wound healing, pain management, hair loss, burn scars, and more.

This is one of those social media wellness trends that has real credibility, too: Research has indicated that red light therapy can be effective for treating photodamaged skin, wound healing, and more. However, there are limitations to what we really know about red light therapy and its effectiveness. And another thing we're still due for clear answers on: The safety of red light therapy for pregnant women.

Is red light therapy safe during pregnancy?

Well, red light therapy in pregnancy generally appears to be safe, but we don’t have the kind of large, controlled studies in pregnant people that would give us a definitive yes. That’s why most experts take the cautious, let’s-talk-to-your-doctor-first approach.

Red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths of visible red light and near-infrared light to support skin health, cell repair, and inflammation reduction. It doesn’t contain UV rays, it isn’t heat-based, and it’s non-invasive, which are all factors that make dermatologists more comfortable with its use in pregnancy compared to options like lasers or peels.

That said, the research gap matters. We simply don’t have pregnancy-specific trials. So while nothing in the existing data suggests red light therapy poses a risk, the absence of strong evidence means we can’t call it fully proven-safe either.

"Red light therapy appears to be safe during pregnancy; however, there are not enough scientifically controlled trials in pregnant women to definitively ensure that it is completely harmless," says Robin Gmyrek, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm.

And that’s the heart of it. Many estheticians do recommend red light therapy for pregnant clients because it’s gentle and doesn’t use chemicals or UV exposure, but even they emphasize checking in with your medical team first. If you’re pregnant, anything you introduce into your routine deserves a quick safety check from the person who knows your health history best.

As with most wellness treatments in pregnancy, the guiding rule is simple: if something isn’t proven unsafe but hasn’t been studied deeply in pregnant bodies, get that professional opinion before adding it to your routine. It's one more way to give yourself peace of mind while your body’s doing a whole lot behind the scenes. Ultimately, everyone should have a chat with their OB/GYN before attempting red light therapy during pregnancy.

What is red light therapy, and how does it work?

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of visible red and near-infrared light to support the way your cells function. These wavelengths, usually between about 630 and 850 nanometers, penetrate the skin and interact with the mitochondria, which are the energy producers inside your cells. According to a 2017 study for AIMS Biophysics, these light wavelengths can increase cellular energy production, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support tissue repair by enhancing how efficiently cells create ATP, the energy they use to function and regenerate.

Because of this cellular boost, red light therapy is often used for skin health, inflammation, healing, and sometimes joint discomfort. It doesn't involve heat, and it doesn’t damage the skin barrier, which separates it from many other cosmetic treatments.

It’s also completely different from UV-based therapies and tanning beds. UV light causes DNA damage over time and increases the risk of skin cancer, which is why dermatologists draw a firm line between UV exposure and red light therapy. Red and near-infrared wavelengths don't contain UV rays and don’t trigger the same risks.

Benefits of red light therapy during pregnancy

Pregnancy can bring a whole mix of glow, discomfort, and “why is my skin doing that?” moments. While research in pregnant people is still limited, estheticians and dermatologists often point to red light therapy as a gentle, non-chemical option that may help ease some of the most common pregnancy symptoms. As esthetician Erica Marie Gatt, Founder of EM Skin Studio, explains, the benefits are not just surface-level. “Also, red light therapy can help promote a good mood,” she shares. And during pregnancy, that alone can feel like a small miracle.

If you’re pregnant and feeling unsure about using an LED mask for a while, that’s totally valid. But many pregnant women are curious about the potential perks that go beyond skin health, and red light therapy may offer support in several areas of physical and emotional well-being.

Skin benefits for pregnant women

Hormonal shifts can lead to breakouts, dryness, melasma, and a whole new relationship with your pores. Red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths of light to support cellular repair, which may help calm inflammation and improve skin tone. A 2014 study for Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery showed that red and near-infrared wavelengths can support collagen production and reduce skin inflammation, two things that may be especially helpful as your body stretches and adapts during pregnancy.

“Red light therapy [seems to be] generally safe during pregnancy, and I highly recommend it,” says Gatt. “It’s a non-invasive treatment that works at the cellular level to boost collagen and elastin production, reduces inflammation, tightens the skin, and helps get rid of puffiness. It can also help address hormonal breakouts or other skin conditions by killing bacteria.”

This makes it a potential alternative for people who can’t use retinoids or certain acids during pregnancy.

Pain relief and physical comfort

Pregnancy-related back pain, hip discomfort, and joint stiffness are extremely common. Red light therapy may help reduce pain by supporting mitochondrial function and improving circulation, which can ease inflammation in muscles and joints. A 2022 review for the European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education found that near-infrared therapy significantly improved musculoskeletal pain by enhancing tissue repair and lowering inflammatory markers.

“Red light therapy offers more benefits than just improving skin health,” says Gatt. “It also supports pain relief and faster healing by reducing inflammation and enhancing cellular repair in injured areas of the body.”

For pregnant women, that could mean gentler support for back pain, pelvic discomfort, muscle tension, and swelling.

Mood and mental health support

Between hormonal swings, disrupted sleep, and the emotional weight of getting ready for a baby, anyone would welcome a mood lift. While red light therapy is not a replacement for mental health treatment, some research suggests it may help influence serotonin production, support relaxation, and improve overall well-being. This aligns with what Gatt sees in practice. “Not only that, red light therapy may improve mood by influencing serotonin production, which will make you more relaxed,” she explains.

Several small studies, like one in 2023 for Frontiers in Psychiatry, also suggest potential effects on sleep and energy regulation by supporting circadian rhythms, which can be helpful during a time when both are often disrupted.

Postpartum benefits

Once the baby arrives, red light therapy may have an even broader role. The postpartum period brings shifting hormones, healing tissues, and often hair loss due to telogen effluvium. Red light therapy has been used in dermatology settings to support hair regrowth by stimulating follicles with low-level wavelengths. There is also clinical evidence that red light therapy can speed wound healing, which may be relevant for C-section incisions or perineal tears. Research published in the journal for the Brazilian Society of Dermatology has shown improved tissue repair and reduced inflammation in postoperative wounds treated with near-infrared light.

According to Gatt, red light therapy may help with hair shedding, skin tightening, stretch mark appearance, and overall recovery support. Many patients also use it to ease muscle tension after birth, especially in the lower back and shoulders from feeding and holding a newborn.

Red light therapy on face while pregnant: What to know

Using red light therapy on your face during pregnancy is generally considered low risk, especially compared to treatments that rely on heat, UV light, or strong active ingredients. Facial LED masks and handheld red light devices use low-level wavelengths that support cellular repair without penetrating deeply or affecting the bloodstream, which is one reason dermatologists often feel comfortable recommending them outside pregnancy. But because pregnant people aren’t typically included in controlled trials, it’s important to approach facial use with a little extra intention and always clear it with your OB/GYN first.

Facial red light therapy targets the outer layers of the skin, where it can help calm inflammation, support collagen production, and ease hormonal breakouts. LED masks are a popular way to do this at home, and they work by delivering consistent light at wavelengths usually between 630 and 850 nanometers. These wavelengths don’t contain UV rays and don’t heat the skin, which separates them from tanning beds or more aggressive light therapies that pregnant women are advised to avoid.

If you’re planning to use an LED mask at home, keep it simple. Most devices recommend about 10 to 20 minutes per session, three to five times per week. Short, consistent treatments typically give better results than long, occasional sessions. Look for FDA-cleared or clinically tested devices so you know the wavelengths and intensity are appropriate for facial use. Avoid stacking your mask with strong or pregnancy-restricted skincare ingredients, like retinoids, unless your dermatologist gives the green light.

Professional red light therapy is usually stronger because it uses medical-grade panels or in-office photobiomodulation systems. These offer more precise dosing and may reach slightly deeper layers of the skin. Many estheticians and dermatologists treat pregnant clients with red light therapy because it’s gentle and doesn’t involve chemicals, but professional treatments should still be cleared with your OB/GYN, especially if you have melasma, a history of migraines triggered by bright light, or any underlying medical conditions.

At home or in a clinic, the bottom line stays the same. Red light therapy on the face can be a mild, non-invasive option that may help you manage pregnancy skin changes without harsher products. Just check with your doctor first so you can use it with confidence and keep your routine both safe and soothing.

Red light therapy in first trimester: Special considerations

If you're in your first trimester and wondering whether red light therapy is safe, you're not alone. The first 12 weeks are the most cautious part of pregnancy because this is when the embryo’s major organs are forming and when miscarriage risk is naturally highest. Even though red light therapy doesn't contain UV radiation, doesn't heat tissue, and is considered non-invasive, the lack of pregnancy-specific clinical trials means experts tend to be more conservative during early pregnancy.

Most OB/GYNs recommend limiting new wellness treatments in the first trimester unless there's a clear medical need. This is less about known risks and more about avoiding anything that's not well studied in early gestation. Because red light therapy works by influencing cellular energy production, some doctors prefer waiting until the second trimester when the pregnancy is more established, and organ development is well underway. There’s no evidence showing harm in the first trimester, but there also isn’t robust data proving it’s completely harmless at this stage.

Dermatologists who use red light therapy in practice often echo this approach. They note that it's gentle and free of UV rays but also acknowledge the evidence gap. For many pregnant people, the safest plan is to pause in the first trimester and resume in the second trimester once their OB/GYN confirms it's appropriate.

So while red light therapy is generally considered low risk, early pregnancy calls for extra care. If you're in the first trimester and unsure, checking with your doctor before starting or continuing treatment is the best way to protect both your peace of mind and your pregnancy.

What doctors say about red light therapy when pregnant

Doctors tend to agree on one thing: red light therapy appears low risk, but there isn’t enough pregnancy-specific research to call it completely safe. Dermatologists are generally the most comfortable with it because red light therapy is non-UV, non-thermal, and well-tolerated in the general population. They use light therapies often and know this one falls on the gentler end of the spectrum. Still, they point out the evidence gap, which is why many recommend checking with your OB/GYN before using it during pregnancy.

OB/GYNs are typically more cautious. Because pregnant people aren’t included in controlled trials for ethical reasons, doctors end up working with limited data. Most will say red light therapy doesn’t raise any obvious red flags, but they also acknowledge that early pregnancy in particular is a sensitive period. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, melasma, migraines triggered by light, or a condition that increases photosensitivity, your doctor may suggest avoiding it or waiting until the second trimester.

Functional and integrative medicine clinicians sometimes highlight potential benefits like pain relief, mood support, and tissue healing, since those effects are well documented outside pregnancy. But they still emphasize that use in pregnancy should be individualized and monitored.

Reassuringly, red light therapy isn’t associated with known side effects, according to Cleveland Clinic, which notes: “This therapy isn’t toxic, not invasive, and not as harsh as some topical skin treatments. Unlike the cancer-causing ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning booths, RLT doesn’t use this type of light.” Even so, doctors draw a clear line between clinical use, where dosing is controlled, and at-home LED devices, where intensity and technique vary more widely.

With that being said, there isn’t much data out there to truly support the safety of red light therapy during pregnancy. If you prefer to skip it until more research emerges, that’s completely valid. And whether you’re curious, cautious, or somewhere in between, we (and Gatt) recommend checking in with your OB/GYN before using red light therapy while pregnant.

How to use red light therapy safely while pregnant

If you and your OB/GYN decide that red light therapy is appropriate for you during pregnancy, the safest approach is slow, intentional, and consistent. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you use an at-home or professional device with more confidence.

• Check with your OB/GYN before starting: We know we’ve already mentioned this, but we can’t stress it enough. Because pregnancy research on red light therapy is limited, your doctor can flag any personal risk factors, including high-risk pregnancy, migraines triggered by light, melasma, or medications that increase photosensitivity.
• Choose a high-quality, FDA-cleared device: Look for LED masks or panels that list specific wavelengths (usually 630 to 850 nanometers) and have third-party safety testing. Avoid devices that combine red light with heat, UV light, or unverified “mixed” light settings, as those aren’t recommended in pregnancy.
• Start with short sessions of 10 minutes or less: Most at-home LED masks suggest 10 to 20 minutes, but beginning with the shorter end lets you see how your skin responds. If you’re pregnant for the first time or in the early weeks, err on the side of shorter sessions.
• Use it 2 to 4 times per week, not daily: Red light therapy is cumulative. Consistency matters more than intensity. Use gentle spacing between sessions to avoid overwhelming sensitive pregnancy skin.
• Limit treatment areas to the face or other localized spots: Avoid using red light therapy directly on the abdomen, lower pelvis, or breasts without medical approval. Facial use is generally considered the lowest-risk option because it targets surface-level skin cells.
• Don’t combine treatments with strong skincare ingredients: Pregnancy-safe routines can still include vitamin C, niacinamide, and gentle moisturizers, but skip retinoids and other restricted actives around red light sessions unless your dermatologist gives clear guidance.
• Stop immediately if anything feels off: Red light therapy shouldn’t cause burning, dizziness, headaches, nausea, increased pigmentation, or discomfort. If you experience any of these, discontinue use and talk to your OB/GYN.
• Be mindful of melasma: Pregnancy can make your skin more reactive to light. If you’ve ever had melasma or hyperpigmentation, monitor your skin closely and start with the lowest-intensity setting available.
• Avoid DIY modifications or stacking devices: More light isn’t better. Stick with manufacturer instructions, especially during pregnancy, when your skin and circulation may be more sensitive.
• Reevaluate during each trimester: What feels fine in the second trimester might not feel right in the third, especially as your skin changes. Keep your doctor updated if you plan to continue throughout pregnancy.

Used thoughtfully and with ongoing medical guidance, red light therapy can be a gentle part of a pregnancy-safe skincare or wellness routine. The key is staying aware of your body, watching your skin closely, and checking in with your care team if anything changes.

Red light mask while pregnant: Device-specific guidance

If you’re pregnant and considering using an LED red light mask, the good news is that these devices are designed to deliver low-level light to the surface of the skin, which makes them one of the gentler options available. Still, because pregnancy research is limited, it’s worth choosing your mask carefully and using it in the safest, simplest way possible.

Most popular LED masks, like those from CurrentBody, Dr. Dennis Gross, and Omnilux, use clinically studied wavelengths between about 630 and 850 nanometers. These wavelengths don’t contain UV rays and work by supporting cellular repair.

When choosing a device, look for clear wavelength labeling, automatic shutoff timers, and FDA clearance or third-party testing. Avoid masks that combine red light with heat or unverified mixed-light technologies, which haven’t been evaluated in pregnancy. A good mask should offer steady, single-wavelength output and comfortable eye protection.

Most manufacturers recommend using LED masks for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 to 5 times a week. If you’re pregnant, start with 10 minutes and see how your skin responds before increasing frequency. Pregnancy hormones can make your skin more reactive, so slower is usually better.

Pairing your mask with pregnancy-safe skincare can also make a difference. Gentle cleansers, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C serums all play nicely with red light. Skip retinoids and strong exfoliating acids, not because they interact with the mask, but because they’re already restricted during pregnancy. Follow your session with a simple moisturizer to seal everything in.

And finally, stay mindful of how your skin behaves. If you notice increased pigmentation, irritation, headaches, or anything that feels unusual, stop using the mask and talk to your OB/GYN. With the right device, the right routine, and the right precautions, red light masks can be a calming, pregnancy-friendly addition to your skincare lineup.

Can pregnant women do red light therapy? The bottom line

The simplest way to put it is this: red light therapy seems low risk, but because pregnancy-specific research is limited, it’s a cautious maybe, not a confident yes. Most of the data we do have comes from studies in the general population, where red light therapy is described as non-toxic, non-invasive, and free of UV radiation. It isn’t as harsh as many topical skin treatments and doesn’t use the cancer-causing ultraviolet light found in the sun or tanning beds. That’s reassuring, but it’s not the same as having large clinical trials in pregnant people, which is why doctors stay measured in their recommendations.

If you’re trying to decide whether to use red light therapy during pregnancy, it helps to weigh a few key factors. Start with your health and pregnancy status. People with high-risk pregnancies, a history of light sensitivity, migraines triggered by bright light, or melasma may be advised to avoid it altogether. Then consider why you want to use it. If you’re simply looking for a bit of glow or a mood lift, it may feel easier to pause until postpartum. If you’re exploring it for pain relief or healing, that’s something to discuss directly with your OB/GYN, who can help you assess whether the potential benefits outweigh any theoretical risks.

If your doctor gives you the green light, the safety of your routine still matters. Stick to high-quality devices with clear wavelength information, keep sessions short, avoid sensitive areas like the abdomen, pair treatments with pregnancy-safe skincare, and stop immediately if anything feels off, including dizziness, headaches, irritation, or unexpected changes in pigmentation.

In the end, you don’t need to be a hero with a glowing face mask to have a healthy pregnancy. If red light therapy feels right and your OB/GYN is on board, great. If not, your skin can absolutely wait nine months. Do whatever helps you feel calm, cared for, and supported right now. That’s the real glow-up.