Can Red Light Therapy Cause Cancer? Complete Guide

Red light therapy has gained huge attention in skincare and wellness. From collagen support to reducing inflammation, many people now include LED therapy in their routine. But one question continues to come up again and again: can red light therapy cause cancer?

There’s a lot of information online, and it can make you wonder. A few articles would bring up worries about light exposure, and some articles would say it's fine. This blog will strip the science down to keep it as simple and honest as possible, helping you figure out what research truly says about red light therapy, how to use it safely, and whether there’s  a real cancer risk.

What Is Red Light Therapy and How Does It Work?

Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths in the visible red or near-infrared spectrum to support your body’s natural energy production. Unlike the sun or tanning beds, it doesn’t emit ultraviolet (UV) rays, the main type of light that causes skin damage and increases your risk of cancer.

• Boosts cellular energy: Mitochondria in cells absorb red light more than any other colour, helping them produce energy more efficiently and healthily. This might promote healing and skin regeneration without harming tissue.

• Encourages collagen production: LED treatments are often used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles because they stimulate fibroblasts in the skin that produce collagen.

• Operates at low energy: The wavelengths it uses are non-ionising, meaning they don’t split DNA strands like UV radiation.

This difference in effects between red light and UV light is crucial when discussing whether red light therapy can cause cancer.

Can Red Light Therapy Cause Cancer?

According to scientific research so far, there is no substantial evidence that says red light therapy causes cancer.

• Non-ionising lighting exposure: The potential cancer risk of light therapy is generally associated with ionising radiation or eV exposure. Red light is a lower-energy light, so it does not directly damage DNA.

• Clinical safety studies: Photobiomodulation reviews failed to identify increased tumour formation in the recommended applications.

• Dermatology guidance: Many experts believe red light therapy is generally safe when used properly, especially compared with more abrasive treatments that use heat or UV rays.

This isn’t to say that you should give up following safety advice; it does mean, though, that the fear-mongering idea of red light therapy always leading to cancer is unfounded, given the current evidence.

Can Red Light Therapy Cause Skin Cancer?

There are a lot of myths; one big one is that all light treatments are the same as tanning beds. In practice, red light therapy is a different experience.

• No UV radiation: Skin cancer risk is closely linked to UV exposure, which harms skin cells and causes mutations over time. The red LED devices we use do not emit UV.

  

• Low-risk profile: Since the light misses the surface without scarring or burning, it is commonly accepted as a low-risk treatment.

• A word of caution for sensitive skin: Sensitive types with a personal or family history of skin cancer or an abundance of unusual moles should still consult their doctor, not because red light is known to be harmful, but because personalised advice is always the safer option.

So when folks ask me “can red light therapy give you skin cancer?, the consensus among scientists right now is that, used properly (as hand sanitiser), the risk appears to be vanishingly small.

Can Red Light Therapy Cause Cancer Cells to Grow?

This concern often comes from the fact that red light stimulates cellular activity. If it helps healthy cells function better, could it also encourage tumour growth?

• Laboratory vs real-world results: Some early lab studies explored how light interacts with cancer cells in controlled environments. These conditions don’t always reflect how treatments behave on human skin.
  

• No confirmed growth pattern: Most clinical observations have not shown increased tumour growth when LED therapy is used at therapeutic levels.
  

• Precautionary advice: Many professionals recommend avoiding direct exposure to active cancer sites. This is a safety measure rather than proof of harm.
  
  

The key takeaway is that stimulating normal cell function does not automatically mean encouraging cancer development.

Does Infrared Light Cause Cancer?

Infrared light therapy is often mistaken for red light therapy, which can be confusing.

• Unlike heat-based lasers, some medical devices emit high-intensity infrared treatments that generate heat, but low-level LED infrared operates gently and doesn’t harm tissue.

• No DNA mutation: There is no evidence that low-energy infrared wavelengths cause the type of cellular damage associated with cancer risk in studies.

• “Device quality matters: “Poorly designed devices that generate a lot of heat can cause irritation,” says Dr Gohara, so it’s important to pick technology you can trust.

Knowing the difference between subtle LED infrared and high-intensity heat units can help alleviate some of this unnecessary fear.

Why People Think Red Light Therapy Causes Cancer

Despite evidence that it is safe, rumours continue to spread. These fears typically result from a lack of understanding of how light therapy works.

• Misunderstanding about UV tanning beds: Most people receive warnings about any kind of light exposure due to tanning bed scare tactics. That’s because red light therapy uses entirely different wavelengths.

• Scientific language can sound scary: Words like “cellular stimulation” might seem daunting, even when referring to fairly normal biological functions.

• Mixed online information: Some blogs sensationalise the risk to cashiers, so sound education is even more important.

Understanding the science of LED therapy helps you separate fact from assumption.

Benefits and Side Effects: What to Expect

Before deciding whether to use LED therapy, it’s important to consider both the benefits and the limitations.

• Visible skin improvements: Many users notice smoother texture, improved tone, and reduced redness over time. Results usually appear gradually rather than instantly.
  

• Recovery support: Red light therapy is often used after procedures or workouts because it may help reduce inflammation and support healing.
  

• Mild side effects: Temporary warmth or slight redness can occur, especially if sessions are too long.

If you want a more detailed overview, explore Red Light Therapy: Benefits and Side Effects to understand how results and safety balance together.

Choosing Safe Devices and Accessories

The quality of your LED device plays a big role in both safety and effectiveness.

• Even light distribution: High-quality masks or panels deliver consistent wavelengths rather than uneven exposure.
  

• Targeted treatments: Accessories such as LED eye patches or specialised masks allow more controlled application around delicate areas.
  

• Certified design: Devices designed with dermatological guidance tend to include safety features like timed sessions and gentle intensity levels.
  

Investing in a reliable device helps reduce the risk of irritation or misuse.

Does LED Light Therapy Cause Cancer Compared to Other Treatments?

When comparing LED therapy to stronger procedures, context matters.

• Lower energy than lasers: Laser treatments use focused heat to resurface skin, while LED therapy works at a much gentler level.
  

• No tissue destruction: Because LED light doesn’t break down skin layers, it doesn’t create the same recovery process as aggressive procedures.
  

• Safer maintenance option: Many people use LED therapy as a supportive treatment rather than a replacement for clinical procedures.
  

Understanding where LED therapy sits on the treatment spectrum helps you make realistic decisions.

The Final Answer: Can Red Light Therapy Cause Cancer?

Red light therapy is widely considered safe when used within recommended guidelines, and current research shows no strong link between LED therapy and cancer risk. The main difference lies in the type of light; red light is non-ionising and does not damage DNA like UV exposure. To get the best results, focus on consistency and understand how long to use red light therapy on face so you avoid overuse and irritation. 

Choosing a reliable device and following proper session timings can help you make LED therapy a gentle, supportive part of your skincare routine while keeping your skin comfortable and balanced.

FAQs

1. Can red light therapy cause cancer?

Current research shows no strong evidence that red light therapy causes cancer because it uses non-ionising light that does not damage DNA.

2. Can red light therapy cause skin cancer?

Red light therapy does not emit UV radiation, which is the main cause of skin cancer, so the risk is considered very low when used correctly.

3. Can LED light therapy make cancer cells grow?

There is no clear clinical proof that LED therapy promotes tumour growth, but people with active cancer should always consult a healthcare professional first.

4. Does infrared light cause cancer?

Low-level infrared light used in LED therapy is different from harmful radiation and is generally viewed as safe within recommended treatment times.

5. Is red light therapy safe to use on the face regularly?

Yes, when used according to guidelines with appropriate session lengths and a quality device, most people tolerate facial LED therapy well.