Red Light Therapy: What Works, What’s Hype and What Dr. Gilardino Has to Say
Written by Emma Rousseau | Updated on 2025-08-11
Certified by Dr. Gilardino

We’re not knocking face wraps - we’re just saying you deserve more than a bandage solution. At Rennaï, we don’t do collagen yarns. We want the facts.
Red light therapy is everywhere. On your feed. On a celebrity’s neck. Wrapped in nude neoprene and promising the glow of your dreams. And while we love a viral moment (especially one that looks like sci-fi chic), we’re also here to separate what’s trending from what’s actually effective.
So we went to the source. Dr. Gilardino, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, to answer the internet’s top questions about red light therapy - so you can make informed decisions, not just aesthetic ones.
Q: Does Red Light therapy work for weight loss?
Dr. G: There is no solid data to support this, despite some clinics making claims. It’s not a proven method for fat reduction.
Q: How often should you use Red Light therapy?
Dr. G: Frequency depends on the device and your treatment goals. Home devices are typically lower in intensity and safe for daily use, especially for general maintenance. Clinical devices, like the ones we use at Le1620 Royalmount, are much stronger, and we usually recommend weekly or bi-weekly sessions. Red Light therapy is just one tool. For best results, I combine it with microneedling, PRP/PRF, and our medical-grade CollageneX skincare to stimulate deeper collagen regeneration and improve visible signs of aging.
Q: Should you use red light therapy when pregnant?
Dr. G: It is always best to avoid treatments that have not been directly tested for use during pregnancy. There’s no conclusive research proving red light therapy is safe during this time, so until we have solid data, I advise skipping it. When in doubt, it’s better to wait.
Q: Does red light therapy help with hair loss?
Dr. G: The evidence is not clear, but it has been suggested to use red light therapy as part of a broader treatment plan, especially in the early stages of hair thinning. I often pair it with Arthrex PRP or PRF injections, which are clinically proven to improve hair density. Add in topical or nutritional support for the scalp, and you’ve got a well-rounded, proactive approach to hair loss.
Q: What does red light therapy do to your skin?
Dr. G: Red light therapy stimulates cells in your skin to increase their activity, encouraging collagen production, and potentially reducing inflammation. At Le1620 Royalmount, our professional-grade devices allow us to target specific concerns like aging, acne, or redness with precise light wavelengths. On its own, the effects are subtle. But when layered into a comprehensive routine (think radiofrequency (Morpheus 8 or Forma), PRP or PRF microneedling, and medical grade skincare) the results are amplified. That’s where the real skin transformation happens.
Q: Is Red Light therapy a good treatment for melasma?
Dr. G: Melasma is a chronic hyperpigmentation problem with the skin that is often exacerbated by exposure to sunlight or heat - making it tough to treat. Although Red Light therapy doesn’t generate intense heat, it does generate some and thus this is not my go-to treatment for melasma. We have other treatments and energy devices that are a better and more effective first line treatment for melasma.
Want to try red light therapy - without strapping on a trending neck wrap?
Explore our curated range of CurrentBody devices, available in-store, or book a professional light treatment at Le1620 Royalmount for clinical-grade results.
Or better yet, sit down with Dr. Gilardino and his team at Le1620 Royalmount to get a plan that actually works - for your skin, your goals, and your schedule.
Rennaï knows, beauty needs to be smart, grounded in science, elevated by experience, and never just for show.
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