As far as we're concerned, beauty is just as much of an inside job than it is an outside job. Sure, a carefully curated co*cktail of serums, scrubs, and SPF can leave your skin smooth and radiant, but it'll feel like a moot point if you're silently struggling with sprains, strains, and swelling. While there are plenty of ways to combat aches and pains, the rise of cold laser therapy devices offer a unique opportunity to cater your inner and outer wellness in equal measure.
Despite what its name might imply, cold laser doesn't involve some frigid or uncomfortable procedure. Also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, this non-invasive procedure involves exposing the targeted area of the body to low levels of red or near-infrared light. Unlike other forms of laser therapy, which are used to remove tumors, cold laser therapy aren't enough to heat your body's tissue.
"Although it’s a noninvasive and painless treatment, these devices are able to penetrate deep into the tissue to help repair damaged cells by emitting different wavelengths and low-light levels that promote cell regeneration," dermatologist Naana Boakye tells Bazaar.
Cold laser therapy devices might be used to encourage skin regeneration—which is great for anyone dealing with acne scars, psoriasis, or dermatitis—but dermatologist Alopi Patel says its benefits are more than skin-deep. "They can be handheld devices used by physicians or physical therapists that can be placed over an injured area to promote healing," explains the interventional pain physician, who co-hosts a podcast called The Hurt By The Female Pain Docs. To make finding a pain-relieving gadget as painless as possible, we scanned the market for the best cold laser therapy devices to add to your cart.
Pros
Easy and straight-forward to use- Budget-friendly
Cons
- This option shuts off automatically after 15 minutes, which may be disruptive to some.
As LifePro's cold laser therapy device proves, big things come in small packages and budgets. This gadget can easily hit in your desk drawer, but it certainly packs a punch, too. Thanks to the three wavelength options—two red light and one near-infrared—you can find a setting that's most conducive with your needs. Plus, at $100, this is one of the more budget-friendly options available.
Wavelengths:
- Red: 630 and 660 nm
- Near Infrared: 850 nm
Target area: Body and face
What reviewers are saying: "This portable little gadget allows me to take red light therapy with me anywhere I go. I am a myotherapist and have asked a lot of my hands for more than 25 years, resulting in some considerable joint pain. This red light torch is so soothing when used regularly. It's made a difference!" —Cate
Best for Facial Therapy
LYMA Laser Starter Kit
Pros
- Gentle enough to use around the eye area
- Comes with serum and skincare products to amplify results
Cons
- Pricey
If you want to use your cold laser therapy device to double down on your skincare, the Lyma Laser Starter Kit might be a great place to start. At 100 times more powerful than LED, this gadget uses cold, near-infrared light to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation. (This option might pack a punch, but Lyma claims it's still gentle enough to use around the eye area without googles.)
Though Lyma's Laser Starter Kit is undeniably pricey, this device comes with an Oxygen Mist and an Oxygen Glide Serum to leave a radiant, smooth complexion behind.
Wavelength:
- Near-Infrared: 500mW
Target Area: Face and eye area
What reviewers are saying: "This is the only thing I’ve ever tried that genuinely turns back the clock. A noticeable smoothing, tightening and plumping of the skin. In particular it has worked wonders on my lips." — Siobhan
Pros
- Compact enough for travel.
- Two light options to choose from
Cons
- May be hard to grip for long periods of time
- The medium size doesn't include infrared light
Inflammation and soreness can act up at a moment's notice, so why not have a cold laser therapy device on hand at all times? That's where the Shine Tendlite Pro comes in. Approximately the size of a flashlight, this option is compact enough to stash in a backpack or carry-on luggage. That way, you can have an on-the-go way to care for strained muscles at a moment's notice. (In fact, this order comes with a carrying case, goggles, and charger so you can have everything you need in one place. Though this cold laser therapy device is available in two sizes, the large offers both red and infrared light to really tend to those sore spots.
Wavelengths:
- Red Light: 660 nm
- Infrared Light: 850 nm
Target Areas: Body
What reviewers are saying: "AMAZING! MUST BUY!! I am so glad that I found this device. I purchased one for myself and used it for my back aches. After one use (one minute), I felt it worked. I've been using it on and off for different parts of my body. Since I type a lot, I started to feel pain in my wrist so I started to use it on my wrist and within minutes, the pain is gone"— Caddygirl
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Pros
- Easy-to-read digital display
- Ergonomic hangle
Cons
- Can take a long time to charge
A cold laser therapy device might cater to your inner and outer wellness, but in order to see and feel results, you'll need to find a gadget you'll actually want to use on the regular. You know, something that's easy and intuitive to use—like Sinoriko's Red Light Therapy Device. Unlike some other options, which are almost like a slim-yet-uncomfortable rod, this Sinoriko's slightly flattened handle offers a more ergonomic grip. Meanwhile, the digital display makes it easy to switch through the device's four timer settings and power levels.
Wavelengths:
- 650 nm and 808 nm
Targeted Areas: Muscles and joints
What reviewers are saying: "I occasionally experience tennis elbow, and I had received laser treatment from my local chiropractor to resolve the matter. This laser gave me the same results, and it was very reasonably priced. I highly recommend it." —Gene
Pros
- Precision tip helps target very specific ares
- Three therapy modes to choose from
Cons
- Some reviewers have noted wear and tear over time
Made with a tiny precise tip, Redlook's device makes it possible top target ultra-small areas like blemishes, canker sores, and kinks in your neck. Meanwhile, a number of different therapy modes ranging from blue light to near-infrared can cater to your skin and physical needs. For best results, Redlook recommends using this device one to three times a day for five minutes each.
Wavelengths:
- Blue Light: 460 nm
- Red Light: 630 and 660 nm
- Near-Infrared: 850 and 900 nm
Target Areas: Body and face
What reviewers are saying: "This helps with many of my pains such as cold sores. It’s an amazing product to use and works well on elderly in your home. It has three modes. It’s easy to use and extremely effective. It’s small as well so it’s portable and you can take it with you if you feel pain." —Jeff
Pros
- Adjustable vibration and heat levels to cater to your needs
- Velcro closure to wrap around your body
Cons
- Cannot be used on the face
- Corded design may be constricting to some
Alleviate aches and pains with Fellibay's Infrared Red Light Therapy Belt. Its velcro closure allows this belt to fit snugly around various parts of your body such as the back, arm, thigh, neck, and more. Of course, the versatility doesn't stop there: This belt also has three heat levels, vibration modes, and timer settings to choose from.
Wavelengths:
- Visible Red Light: 660 nm
- Invisible Red Light: 850 nm
Target areas: Abdominal, thigh, arm, back, and neck
What reviewers are saying: "After putting it on for the first time, I felt a pleasant warmth spread throughout the region that was being treated. The gentle vibration provides an additional layer of relaxation, helping to reduce tension while also improving blood circulation around the muscles that are being worked on. My back pain has significantly decreased throughout the course of the weeks that I have been using this product regularly." —Huy Le
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Meet the Experts
- Naana Boakye, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
- Alopi Patel, M.D., is a double board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician based in New York City.
How do cold laser therapy devices work?
Fortunately, using a cold laser therapy device is relatively easy. Once you turn on your gadget—and, if applicable, select a light level or timer setting—simply target your device so the red or slightly warm light is hitting your preferred area. (Try hovering y0ur device one to two inches over your ache, blemish, or muscle strain.) While the cold laser therapy device can start to alleviate pain in mere minutes, it's important to follower your manufacturer's instructions for best results.)
What to look for in a cold laser therapy device
While size, design, and price point are important things to consider when buying anything—including cold laser therapy devices—you'll also want to consider the wavelengths used.
"Pay attention to whether the at-home device uses a laser or LED," Boakye explains. "Laser devices will require protective eyewear, whereas LEDs will not." Most gadgets typically use red light or near-infrared light—but how do you know which wavelength is best suited for your needs?
The longer the wavelengths are, the deeper they can penetrate your body. While red light taps out at about 660 nanometers, so it can reach and treat your dermal layer, near-infrared can stretch as far as 850 nanometers to alleviate sore ad strained muscles.
To find the best value, she recommends devices that offer a variety of wavelengths so you can customize your treatment to your specific needs.
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Who should use a cold laser therapy device?
Before you add a cold laser therapy device to your cart, it's important to consult your doctor to see if this is your best wellness plan.
According to Boakye, cold laser therapy devices are great for those who with with arthritis, joint pain, ligament and muscle sprains, and body pains. "It also can be used to treat various skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, acne and acne scars, and more," she adds. Of course, there are some limitations. "Those who are pregnant or have cancer should not use cold laser therapy devices," Boakye advises. "It’s also important to note that treatment can take several sessions."
How often should you use a cold laser therapy device?
It's important to consult a doctor before incorporating a cold laser therapy device into your daily routine, but Boakye says the cadence may vary. "It really depends on the issue you are using it to treat, as well as the strength of the laser," she explains. "Itʼs also important to note that treatment can take several sessions.However, if you use cold laser therapy devices consistently and properly, pain can be alleviated in a few sessions."
No matter how many times you use a cold laser therapy device, it's important to follow the directions closely—especially if your gadget asks you to wear protective goggles.
Why trust Harpers Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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Kelsey Mulvey
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
