Red Light Masks and Skin Cancer: What You Need to Know
CancerSkin Cancer

Can Red Light Masks Cause Skin Cancer?

Can Red Light Masks Cause Skin Cancer?
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Published on August 4, 2026
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To use red light therapy, a growing trend in skin care, you shine dim red light onto your skin.

 Providers who offer the treatment claim it can rejuvenate your skin and lessen the appearance of scars, wrinkles, acne, and redness.

While these benefits may sound appealing, you may feel unsure about exposing your skin to so much light. With all the warnings about avoiding the sun to prevent skin cancer, the idea of blasting your skin with red light can be concerning.

The good news? Red light masks (also called LED masks) do not cause skin cancer. They use a different kind of light from the kind that can cause cancer. Experts say red light therapy is safe when used correctly.

Red Light vs. UV Light

Light travels in waves, some wider than others. Ultraviolet (UV) light comes from the sun, and its waves are narrower than red light.

 Because of its shorter wavelength, UV light has more energy, which can cause skin damage.

“Ultraviolet light is the major concern for skin cancer because it can directly damage DNA and create mutations that lead to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma,” says Shoshana Marmon, MD, PhD, a dermatologist, an assistant professor, and the director of clinical research for the department of dermatology at New York Medical College, in New York City.

Red light masks use light with a much wider wavelength, which doesn’t cause damage.

 In fact, scientists think that red light gives the energy-producing parts of your cells (mitochondria) extra power that is then used to benefit your skin.
Red light therapy can give your cells more energy for repair, lessen inflammation, support collagen production in your skin, boost local immune response, and clear the way for more oxygen to reach your skin.


What Does the Research Say About Right Light Therapy Mask Safety?

An analysis of 57 studies over 25 years found no evidence that red light therapy causes skin cancer.

“There are multiple studies on red light LEDs and lasers for everything from hair growth to wound healing, and there is no evidence of any increased skin cancer risk,” says Mark S. Nestor, MD, PhD, a dermatologist and the director of the Center for Clinical and Cosmetic Research and the Center for Cosmetic Enhancement in Aventura, Florida.

In fact, red light seems to have a positive effect on everything from damaged skin cells to brain cells, says Dr. Nestor. Not only does red light not cause cancer, but some studies suggest that certain wavelengths can protect against cancer.

Most of these studies tested red light on cells in a lab, with a smaller percentage of the studies done on animals and in human clinical trials. Researchers plan to continue additional research in humans to confirm their findings.

But overall, the evidence suggests that red light therapy is safe for skin rejuvenation and aesthetic use, says Dr. Marmon.

Potential Side Effects of Red Light Masks

When used correctly, red light therapy should cause no side effects.

 But if you use it too often or don’t follow the instructions, it can damage your eyes or cause skin redness, swelling, and blisters.

“The most common side effects are irritation from the mask itself,” says Nestor. “Depending upon the purity of light, the concern is more for the eyes if there is any ultraviolet or blue light coming from the mask.”

You can protect your eyes by wearing protective goggles during red light therapy. If you have had skin or eye cancers, tell your provider before you try using red light.

Marmon tells her patients to stop using red light therapy and let her know if they experience these symptoms:

  • Skin irritation
  • Darkening skin patches
  • Vision changes

How to Choose and Use Your Red Light Mask Safely

If you’re shopping for a red light mask, look for wavelengths between 630 and 660 nanometers (nm). The packaging should also tell you if the product is “FDA-cleared” — approved as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA tests medical devices you can buy without a prescription to ensure their safety and effectiveness. So, if it says “FDA-cleared” on the box, choose that product over one with no mention of FDA approval.

To maximize safety while using your red light mask, Marmon and Nestor recommend taking these steps.

  • Follow the manufacturer’s time and frequency limits.
  • Use appropriate eye protection or close your eyes during therapy.
  • Avoid using it on irritated or recently treated skin.
  • Wear sunscreen daily.

“Be cautious if you take photosensitizing medications or have melasma, rosacea, lupus, or a history of skin cancer,” says Marmon.

Photosensitizing medications and supplements include:

  • amiodarone (Pacerone)
  • furosemide (Lasix)
  • ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve)
  • St. John’s wort
  • ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
  • co-trimoxazole (Bactrim)

If you feel unsure how to choose a good red light mask or use it safely, you can ask your provider. They may make a recommendation or refer you to a dermatologist to help you find a safe and effective option.

Resources We Trust

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Glass GE. Photobiomodulation: A Systematic Review of the Oncologic Safety of Low-Level Light Therapy for Aesthetic Skin Rejuvenation. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. February 1, 2023.
  2. Red Light Therapy. Cleveland Clinic. December 1, 2021.
  3. Skin Cancer Risk Factors. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 17, 2026.
  4. Visible Light. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. August 4, 2023.
  5. UV (Ultraviolet) Radiation and Cancer Risk. American Cancer Society. June 26, 2024.
  6. Armitage A. Red Light Therapy: What the Science Says. Stanford School of Medicine. February 24, 2025.
  7. Leduc K. Red Light Therapy: Benefits, Safety and Things to Know. Brown University Health. April 15, 2025.
  8. Spongberg CV et al. What to Look for in Red Light Therapy: A Product Guide Backed by Science. Cureus. March 17, 2026.
  9. About FDA: Patient Q&A. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. November 2024.
  10. Photosensitivity Report Medications. The Skin Cancer Foundation. July 2026.
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Blair Murphy-Rose, MD

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Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the founder of Skincare Junkie. She is an accomplished cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatologist,...

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Abby McCoy is an experienced registered nurse who has worked with adults and pediatric patients encompassing trauma, orthopedics, home care, transplant, and case management. She is...

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