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Does Red Light Therapy Work on Cellulite?

Does Red Light Therapy Work on Cellulite Does Red Light Therapy Work on Cellulite

Red light therapy offers an array of skin benefits, helping to improve conditions like stretch marks, scars, acne, and psoriasis. But does red light therapy work on cellulite?



About 90% of women experience cellulite at some point, regardless of how well they eat or how often they exercise. This stubborn skin issue can be disheartening, making you feel self-conscious and defeated.



In this post, let’s discover how red light therapy might be the solution you’ve been searching for.

Key Takeaways


  • Red light therapy can improve the appearance of cellulite but won’t eliminate it entirely.

  • Combining red light therapy with a healthy diet and regular exercise enhances cellulite reduction results.

  • Red light therapy reduces the appearance of cellulite by enhancing blood circulation, stimulating collagen production, and increasing skin elasticity.

  • When buying a red light therapy device for cellulite, consider right wavelength, panel size, and low EMF emissions.

What is cellulite?

The  Mayo Clinic explains that cellulite is a common and harmless skin condition that causes lumpy, dimpled flesh, most often appearing on the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen, especially in women.

Cellulite develops when fat cells beneath the skin push upward while fibrous connective cords pull downward, creating a bumpy surface. While its exact cause is not fully understood.



 Several contributing factors have been identified :


  • Fat accumulation: Increased fat under the skin can push against the connective tissue, causing dimpling.

  • Connective tissue structure: Fibrous bands tether skin to muscle, and when these cords pull unevenly, the skin looks uneven.

  • Hormonal changes: Estrogen and other hormones may influence fat distribution and skin elasticity.

  • Genetics: A family history of cellulite can increase your chances due to inherited skin structure and body type.

  • Aging: Skin loses elasticity with age, making cellulite more noticeable.

  • Lifestyle factors: Sedentary behavior, poor diet, and pregnancy may also play a role.

While not medically dangerous, cellulite can affect body image and self-confidence. Thankfully, there are ways to manage it. Alongside regular exercise and a balanced diet, techniques like massage or certain dermatologic treatments may help smooth the skin. Though no method guarantees permanent results, a consistent routine offers hopeful improvement over time.

Understanding the Red Light Therapy

  • Red light therapy helps your skin without any pain: Red light therapy uses a soft, non-heating red light that goes just under the skin to improve how your body works, no needles, no cuts, no pain.

  • It increases your cell energy to repair faster: The red light wakes up the power center in your cells (called mitochondria), helping them make more energy (ATP), so your skin can heal and stay healthy.

  • Red light goes deeper than blue light and helps from inside: While blue light kills surface bacteria, red light goes deeper into your skin to make more collagen, calm inflammation, and speed up healing from the inside.

  • Doctors and beauty experts use it for many skin problems: Dermatologists use red light to treat acne, fade wrinkles, and help scars heal better, it's trusted in clinics and salons.

  • You can use red light therapy at home or at your gym: You don’t need to visit a doctor every time, you can find this therapy in gyms, spas, or even buy a simple device to use at home.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND RED LIGHT THERAPY AND CELLULITE

One of the major advantages of red light therapy for cellulite is its ability to address underlying factors like local inflammation, increased skin temperature, and pain hypersensitivity, key features seen in moderate to severe cellulite. 



By using photobiomodulation (PBM), this therapy delivers anti-inflammatory effects and may support regional subcutaneous tissue recovery, helping smooth skin appearance and improve comfort.



 In a 2024 study  involving 25 women with grade 2 to 4 cellulite, researchers tested both local and systemic applications of LED red light therapy over four weeks. 



The group receiving combined LED and systemic mILIB treatment saw a 32% increase in pain threshold and a 1.2°C reduction in skin temperature , while the LED-only group had more modest but still beneficial effects. 



The authors concluded that “our results clearly demonstrate a significantly beneficial effect of LED therapy for cellulite treatment,” particularly when combined with systemic irradiation.



While red light therapy shows promise for visibly improving cellulite and easing symptoms, it’s not a permanent solution, ongoing treatments and further research are needed to confirm long-term benefits.

Does Red Light Therapy Work on Cellulite?

  • Red light therapy is easier on your body and your wallet: Compared to surgery, red light therapy is much safer and more affordable, making it a good first step for people who want to treat cellulite without going under the knife.
  • It won’t erase cellulite, but it can make it look better: Red light therapy can’t completely remove cellulite, but it does help make it less noticeable over time by improving the skin's appearance.

  • Better blood flow and collagen help smooth your skin: By boosting blood circulation and encouraging collagen production, red light therapy helps firm up the skin, which can reduce the dimpled look of cellulite.
  • It can shrink fat cells and tighten up loose skin: One of the big benefits is that red light therapy may reduce fat cells and make skin feel tighter in the areas where cellulite tends to show.
  • Eating healthy and staying active will improve your results: When you add a good diet and regular exercise to red light therapy, you’re likely to see faster and better improvements in your skin's look and feel.
Does Red Light Therapy Work on Cellulite

How Do Celebrities Get Rid of Cellulite?

  • Celebrities Use Different Methods to Fight Cellulite: Celebrities often try various ways to reduce cellulite and achieve smoother skin. Their methods include unique massages and skincare routines.

  • Gwyneth Paltrow Relies on Wooden Tool Massage: Gwyneth Paltrow uses maderotherapy , a massage technique with wooden tools designed to break down fat and improve blood flow, which she believes helps reduce cellulite.

  • Kim Kardashian Uses Body Oil and Lotion for Firmer Skin: Kim Kardashian mixes body oil and lotion before working out to help firm her skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

  • Many Treatments Only Provide Temporary Results: Although these celebrity methods are popular, there’s not much scientific evidence supporting their long-term effectiveness. Most treatments only offer temporary improvements in skin appearance.

Does infrared sauna help with cellulite?

  • Infrared Saunas Improve Blood Flow and Skin Health: Infrared saunas help improve blood flow, flush out toxins, and enhance skin health, all of which play a role in reducing the appearance of cellulite.

  • Infrared LED Therapy Combined with Exercise Reduces Cellulite: A study by Fernanda Rossi Paolillo and team found that infrared-LED therapy combined with treadmill exercise helped reduce cellulite in women, showing visible improvements in thigh and saddlebag areas.

  • Infrared LED Therapy Helps Reduce Fat Deposits and Smooth Skin: The group using infrared LED therapy showed noticeable reduction in fat deposits and smoother skin texture, a clear sign of cellulite improvement after three months of treatment.

  • Infrared Saunas Help, But Additional Treatment Is Needed: While infrared saunas can improve the look of cellulite by targeting fat and enhancing skin tone, they aren't a full solution and may require additional treatments or lifestyle changes for more significant results.

What to Consider When Choosing Red Light Therapy for Reducing Cellulite?

  • Choose the Right Wavelength for Effective Cellulite Reduction: For effective cellulite reduction, opt for wavelengths between 660nm and 880nm. These wavelengths provide the best results by ensuring proper absorption into the skin.
  • Larger Panels and Higher Irradiance Offer Better Results: When selecting a red light therapy device, both panel size and irradiance are crucial. Larger panels like our 45in. x 15in. option cover more area and offer higher irradiance for more powerful treatments.

  • Avoid Flickering Lights and Excessive Heat for Better Effectiveness: Flickering lights or panels that generate too much heat can reduce the effectiveness of your treatment. Look for devices that provide steady, comfortable light for the best results.

  • Minimize Harmful Radiation with Low or No EMF Devices: To minimize exposure to harmful radiation, pick a device with low or no EMF emissions. This ensures a safer treatment experience while still achieving cellulite reduction.
Does Red Light Therapy Work on Cellulite

Other Therapies that help with Cellulite

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing helps fight cellulite by boosting blood flow and getting your lymphatic system moving. As you brush your skin, you push out trapped fluids and break up fat deposits sitting under the skin, which can make those dimples less visible.



Your skin may start to feel smoother and look firmer. In a small user trial , Adejokun, Deborah (2021) found that people who dry brushed saw a 25.8% improvement in their cellulite after just five weeks. 



That result was even better than what exercise or creams achieved. If you want a simple and natural way to tackle cellulite, dry brushing might be worth trying.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage works by gently moving fluids through your lymph system, helping your body flush out waste, toxins, and excess water that build up under your skin. 



This can make the skin look smoother and less bumpy. In one study  from the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2010), people who received manual lymphatic drainage saw their thigh fat thickness shrink by 2.21 mm.



This shows how improving lymph flow can reduce the fat pockets that cause cellulite, making skin look firmer and more even.

Near-Infrared Light Therapy (NIR)

Cellulite happens when fat pushes against the skin and creates a bumpy look, especially on the thighs and hips. 



Near-Infrared Light Therapy (NIR) helps by waking up your cells and improving blood flow, which can smooth out the skin and shrink fat cells. 



In one study  published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy (2011), women used 850 nm infrared-LED light during treadmill workouts twice a week for three months. 



Their thigh size went down, cellulite looked better, and they kept their muscle. This combo helped them feel and look more toned.

FAQs

How long does it typically take to see results from red light therapy for cellulite?

Red light therapy can show visible changes in cellulite within a few weeks, with noticeable improvement typically after 4 to 6 weeks of consistent treatment. On average, 10 to 20 sessions are needed for noticeable results, and the severity of the cellulite will affect how quickly improvements appear. Over time, the skin tightens and becomes firmer.

Can red light therapy prevent the formation of new cellulite, or only reduce existing cellulite?

Red light therapy may help prevent new cellulite by boosting collagen and elastin production, improving skin elasticity, and enhancing blood circulation. It stimulates skin cells, encouraging structural proteins that keep skin firm and smooth. Studies suggest it may also support fat metabolism, making it a potential preventive option for those prone to cellulite.

Is red light therapy effective on all body types and skin tones when treating cellulite?

Red light therapy is safe and effective for all skin tones, including darker skin. It penetrates the skin to target fat cells linked to cellulite. The correct wavelength is essential for results. While skin tone can affect absorption, it doesn't impact safety. Mild irritation may occur in those with sensitive or thin skin. Results vary depending on body fat levels. Consistent use can reduce cellulite appearance.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with using red light therapy for cellulite over the long term?

Red light therapy is generally safe, but prolonged use can cause skin irritation or damage, especially in those with sensitive skin. While there's no strong evidence linking it to skin cancer, overuse may lead to issues like skin thinning. Following recommended guidelines is essential, and more research is needed to understand its long-term effects.

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Ryan "The Sauna Guy"

Ryan has been using and writing about saunas extensively since 2019.