As someone with acne, the only experience I’ve had with red light is the celebrity-loved masks used at the end of facials to help the skin rejuvenate and promote cell turnover. However, after a friend spoke about the benefits of a full-body panel on chronic pain, I did some digging and found a study from the National Institute of Health Research that shows that red and near-infrared light can be used to reduce inflammation all over the body. I wanted to put this to the test with this device from Bon Charge (which provides 660nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light). With an inbuilt timer of up to 20 minutes, advice online said to start out with 10-20 minutes a day for at least four days a week. Turning it on, I couldn’t get over how much the device floods the room with light and as someone with light-sensitive eyes I made sure to have the optional eye goggles firmly fixed on my face. Starting off with ten-minute sessions, I found that it demanded I tune into my body and allowed me a dedicated time to stretch my neck and upper body and feel out my aches and pains. Now, weeks in, I find it an enjoyable part of my evening routine, with meditation apps like Calm stating that red light therapy can also be great for inducing sleep by supporting your body’s natural production of melatonin. As someone with chronic inflammation, I was never going to be ‘fixed’ overnight, but now switching between my front and back for 20 minutes feels like it is helping my muscles relax and put me in a better mood before bedtime. Plus, for those dealing with the rainy British weather, it feels like the warm glow of the sun, but in this case, good for your skin. I’ll be continuing my treatment long into winter for sure.“Red light therapy has been shown to help reduce inflammation by stimulating cellular energy production (ATP) and improving blood flow. It works by penetrating the skin with low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light, which can calm inflammatory pathways and support tissue repair. It’s particularly useful for skin conditions, joint inflammation, and post-exercise recovery. Full-body red light panels can be a convenient and effective option for systemic inflammation, especially for those dealing with autoimmune conditions or widespread pain. Regular sessions may support reduced stiffness, improved energy, and better recovery. Red and near-infrared light can penetrate deep into tissue, making it helpful for managing pain from chronic conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or nerve-related pain. It doesn’t just mask the pain, it promotes healing at a cellular level, which can lead to longer-term relief with continued use. Look for a panel that emits both red (around 660nm) and near-infrared (around 850nm) wavelengths. This combination targets both surface and deeper tissues. Aim for sessions of 10–20 minutes per area, around 3–5 times a week for best results. As with anything, in-clinic treatments will always give a better and more powerful result.” — Dr Rishi Mandavia, doctor and medical director at Drs Tatiana + Rishi Advanced Aesthetics tells Refinery29.