Red laser therapy is a popular topic in skincare and wellness, but many people get confused by the different types of light treatments. Words like red laser, red light laser therapy, and LLLT may sound alike. However, they work differently and offer different results.
Here we will explain the main types of red laser therapy, from strong lasers used in clinics to gentle options you can use at home. We will help you understand the difference between powerful thermal lasers and softer low light laser therapy. So, you know what each one does, how they are used, and what results to expect.
Red laser therapy comes in two main types. They are called high-energy (thermal) red lasers and low-level light therapy (LLLT). These two red light laser therapy types work very differently. So, it is important not to mix them up.
- High-energy lasers use strong heat to target and break down tissues in a controlled way.
- LLLT uses gentle light to help support and heal your skin and tissues without heat or damage.
It is good to understand this difference before you try any at-home devices.
Red Laser vs. LLLT: What Do You Need to Know.
Laser therapy can be split into two groups:
- Thermal (heat) lasers: Use strong power and heat to treat the skin
- Non-thermal (low power) devices: Use low power light to help repair and heal without heat
Both types are useful but serve different purposes. They are not the same and shouldn’t be used interchangeably.
High-Energy/Thermal Red Lasers
High-energy red lasers deliver a strong, concentrated beam of light to a small area of skin, generating heat that creates controlled damage to stimulate repair. These powerful devices are used by trained professionals in medical and cosmetic settings to improve skin texture, correct pigmentation, target blood vessels, refine scars, and remove tattoos. Because improper use can easily injure the skin, treatments are performed only in clinics and typically require multiple sessions for optimal results.
Side Effects of Thermal Red Lasers
Possible side effects from the heat include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Peeling skin
- Burns
- Skin darkening that does not last long
- More sensitivity to sunlight
This type of laser works by heating and removing tissue. It is very different from the gentle healing approach of low-level light therapy (LLLT).
How Side Effects Happen?
Side effects from high-energy red lasers usually happen when the skin gets too much heat. It can occur if:
The laser power is set too high
The laser beam stays too long on one spot
The skin tone is not a good match for the treatment
Aftercare instructions are not followed properly.
How to Lower the Risk?
Trained professionals carefully control the laser settings, like power, pulse length, wavelength, and how long the treatment lasts, to keep side effects low. Low light laser therapy requires expert handling to stay safe. Thermal red lasers should never be used at home because of the need for precise control.
Low-Level Light Therapy
Low-level light therapy is also called cold lasers. It is the most common type of red light laser therapy for gentle and non-invasive treatments. It uses LEDs or low-power lasers to shine red and near-infrared light onto your skin. This light goes into the skin without heating or hurting it. It gently stimulates your cells to help heal, reduce swelling, and ease pain instead of causing damage.
Many people use LLLT for skincare, muscle relief, or just to relax. LLLT may be used for:
- Making skin look brighter
- Reducing temporary redness
- Calming mild swelling
- Improving skin texture
- Easing muscle discomfort
- Helping muscles recover after exercise
Possible Side Effects
Side effects from LLLT are usually mild and rare. Some might feel a little redness, warmth on the skin, or dry skin. LLLT won’t cause dark spots or skin damage because it does not use heat. It is a gentle and safe option for many people.
LLLT At-Home Device Breakdown: LED vs. Laser
All real at-home red light laser therapy devices are low-level light therapy (LLLT) tools. It is because strong and high-energy lasers need trained professionals. These include both LED devices and low-power red lasers.
Red Light LED Panels/Masks
LED masks have lots of tiny lights called LEDs that shine gentle, spread-out light over your face. They don’t use laser beams. The light is soft, safe, and perfect for regular use at home.
How Deep Does a LED Light Go: LED light spreads out over a wide area. So, it only goes into the upper to middle layers of your skin, not very deep.
Energy Strength: LED lights are gentle and don’t give off a lot of energy. They cover a big area but with mild power.
What It Does: LED masks can help make your skin look brighter, reduce mild redness, and improve the overall look of your skin. The results come gradually. So, you need to use them regularly to see the best effects.
JOVS LED Light Therapy Face Mask
The JOVS LED Light Therapy Face Mask has 320 small LED lights. These use four different types of light to help with breakouts, dull skin, uneven color, and fine lines. Its special design helps the light reach deeper into your skin. The mask has four settings:
- Blue light to calm acne-prone skin
- Amber light to brighten and help skin renew
- A mix of near-infrared and amber light to refresh tired skin
- Near-infrared with red light to improve skin firmness.
The mask fits comfortably on your face, spreads light evenly, and is easy to use on all skin types.
Low-Level Red Light Laser Devices
Low-level red lasers use a narrow and focused beam of light, unlike LED masks. They don't heat the skin like medical lasers do, but deliver more concentrated light waves.
Why the 1064 nm Wavelength Is Important?
The 1064 nm wavelength is particularly important because only laser diodes (unlike LEDs) are capable of producing this single, focused wavelength. This specific wavelength is special for several reasons: it possesses the ability to reach deeper into the skin, remains stable and consistent throughout treatment, and, when utilized at low power settings, it can effectively target deep layers without causing heat damage to the surrounding tissue.
JOVS 4D Laser Light Therapy Mask
The JOVS 4D Laser Mask uses low-level laser technology that is stronger and more focused than LED light. It reaches deep into the skin using the precise 1064 nm wavelength. It helps improve skin firmness, reduce wrinkles, and even out skin tone. Many people see results quickly.
The mask has a curved 4D shape that fits snugly and comfortably on your face. It is light enough to wear while doing daily activities. It is FDA-cleared, safe to use at home, and perfect for anyone wanting deeper skin benefits from red light laser therapy.
| Feature | JOVS LED Mask | JOVS 4D Laser Mask |
| Penetration Depth | Moderate depth, reaches upper to mid skin layers | Deeper reach due to the narrow 1064 nm beam |
| Energy Density | Low and spread across a wide area | Higher concentration at low-level strength |
| Effect | Good for general skin brightness and surface calming | Targets deeper layers for stronger long-term support |
| Is it capable of delivering the 1064 nm wavelength? | No. LEDs are unable to produce a single, focused 1064 nm wavelength. | Yes. Only laser diodes can produce the single, focused 1064 nm wavelength. |
FAQs about Red Laser Light
Q1: Why hyperpigmentation from laser treatment?
A1: Hyperpigmentation can happen with high-energy lasers because they heat the skin. The heat can cause pigment cells to react and darken. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) doesn’t cause this because it doesn’t use heat or damage the skin’s surface.
Q2: How long should I use a red light mask?
A2: Most laser light therapy masks require shorter sessions because laser light is more concentrated and penetrates deeper than standard LED. A typical routine is 5–20 minutes per session, about 3–5 times per week, depending on the device’s power level and your skin’s sensitivity. Because lasers deliver higher energy, over-using them won’t speed up results, it can actually irritate the skin, so consistency is more effective than longer sessions.
Conclusion
Red laser therapy covers a range of tools from strong, heat-based lasers used in clinics to gentle light devices for home use. High-energy lasers are powerful and must be handled by experts because they work by safely damaging the skin. On the other hand, LLLT devices are gentle and help improve skin and comfort slowly without using heat.
You are mostly deciding between LED masks and low-level laser masks when choosing an at-home device. LED masks work on the top layers of your skin, while laser masks reach deeper with more focused light.
