How Much Red Light Is Too Much Red Light?

In the world of wellness and tech-enhanced health, Red Light Therapy has become something of a buzzword. Promising everything from reduced inflammation to improved skin tone, faster recovery, better sleep, improved blood circulation, and even hair growth, it sounds almost too good to be true! But as with all good things, the key question arises:

How much red light is too much red light?

Well…let’s shed some…light… on the subject.

Question: Can you overdo Red Light Therapy?

Answer: Yes you can. Although red light is non-ionizing and considered safe in controlled doses, there is such a thing as too much exposure.

Here’s what the research and expert recommendations generally suggest…

Therapeutic dose range:

• Duration: 5 to 20 minutes per session

  • At Scape, because we have full body beds that have 21,600 LED lights that emit light to both the front and back sides of your body, 15 minutes max is all you need!

• Frequency: 3 to 4 sessions per week is common

  • Because you have unlimited access to Scape’s Red Light Therapy beds, you can meet these 3 to 4 sessions per week

• Intensity: Measured in milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm²); most devices deliver between 20–150 mW/cm²

  • At Scape, our Red Light Therapy beds have a power output of 120 mW/cm²

Overexposure doesn’t mean it will cause burns or immediate harm, but MORE is NOT ALWAYS BETTER.

Too much Red Light Therapy can lead to:

• Diminished results (a biphasic dose response — too much actually negates the benefit)

• Dry skin or mild irritation

• Increased sensitivity

• Eye strain or discomfort, especially without protection

Bottom Line: Respect the Light

Red light therapy can be a helpful tool, but responsible use is key. Start slow, observe how your body responds, and don’t assume that longer sessions will speed up your results — often, it’s quite the opposite.

In short: Don’t fry yourself chasing a glow!

Remember…the goal isn’t to bathe in red light for hours — it’s to give your cells a gentle nudge in the right direction.

Let the light in — just not too much.

To your health and happiness,

 Myleen Leoncavallo 

Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Scape Relaxation