The Best Red Light Therapy for Hands in 2024

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Treat your digits to some extra TLC

Despite the work our hands do for us every day, the skin on them rarely gets the same care and attention our faces do.

“The hands play a crucial role in keeping out infections and retaining moisture, but they are frequently neglected when it comes to skincare routines,” board-certified dermatologist Supriya Rastogi says. If you’re looking to upgrade your body care rotation beyond a hydrating cream or broad-spectrum sunscreen, allow us to suggest the best red light therapy devices for hands.

Board-certified dermatologist Melanie Palm tells Bazaar that red light therapy can be used to treat skin in this hardworking area—one she agrees is frequently forgotten about. “We often see sunspots, wrinkles, dryness, and dull skin on the hands—which can all be addressed with the consistent use of red light therapy and a customized skincare routine.”

According to experts, using red light therapy specifically for the hands is new, which means there’s limited data on treatment of this area. “The skin on the hands does differ from the skin on the face in features such as thickness and oil gland density, so more research is needed to confirm its full efficacy on hand skin. However, considering the benefits seen in facial skin treatments—such as increased collagen production, improved elasticity, and reduced inflammation—it’s possible the same effects could be extrapolated to hands as well,” Rastogi says.

Interested in trying one for yourself? To help narrow down your search, we’ve rounded up five of the best red light therapy devices for hands, based on professional recommendations and top customer reviews. Keep scrolling for more on how red and near-infrared light can minimize skin concerns from the neck down, along with expert tips on using these buzzy devices at home.

This dual-ended, FDA-cleared red light therapy device might remind you of the UV or LED nail lamps at your local salon. It works in 10 minutes using 70 LED bulbs to emit red and near-infrared waves to address signs of aging like wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

One satisfied customer writes: “I use this hand perfector every two days, and after two weeks, I feel my hands softer and smoother. It is very convenient to use at home, very light, so you can put it on your legs and watch TV, it will auto turn off after 10 min. But you have to connect it to power while using it.” —Emily S.

This glove from the experts at Omnilux is completely wireless and is powered by 144 red and near-infrared LED lights. It even helps mitigate the discomfort and irritation associated with certain joint conditions. Plus, the glove’s roomy, mittenlike design also includes an adjustable strap to keep it secure while allowing for more targeted treatment on the hands and wrists.

One satisfied customer writes: “I am loving the Omnilux Contour Glove! It is so easy and I saw improvement fast!” —Beverly H.

Looking for a tool you can easily stash in your suitcase? This travel-friendly red light therapy device can nicely be used on both the face and the body. It offers quick three-minute treatments to target fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and discoloration, and emits a “therapeutic warmth” to soothe skin. Once the treatment is over, the device flashes so you can move on to the next area.

One satisfied customer writes: “I love this little button. Travels everywhere and so convenient to use! I love all of their products. They do cost more than copycats but I believe that they’re better quality.” —Anonymous

This flexible LED device looks more like a piece of high-end jewelry than a high-tech skincare tool. It uses a gold-plated chain for a customizable fit and has wireless capabilities that make it easy to use while you're moving around the house. It also contains multiple treatment settings with eight LED light options that are controlled via its accompanying app, or the push of a button.

One satisfied customer writes: “I already have FAQ 202 so I know these masks do the job. I have just started using FAQ 221, but I believe I will have as good results as with my 202.” —Tina

This multiuse device from Dr. Dennis Gross targets several areas of the body, including the arms, legs, back, knees, hands, and shoulders, thanks to its moldable and flexible design. Similar to the brand’s fan-favorite LED face mask, it features three-minute preset treatments: red light, blue light, and a combination of red and blue light. The tool is also ideal for treating signs of aging, acne breakouts, plus mild muscle and joint pain.

One satisfied customer writes: “I started using this a week ago. I am already seeing better texture on the areas where I am using it. It is super simple to use. It is helping to firm my arms.” —Sue P.

According to Rastogi, red light therapy works through a process called photobiomodulation, in which “light energy affects molecular pathways to encourage skin regeneration and repair.” When shopping for red light therapy devices, you may notice that most are labeled with the specific wavelengths of light they offer. The expert says the most studied wavelengths are around 630 nanometers for red light and around 830nm for near-infrared light—both chosen based on their depth of penetration. Red light, near-infrared light, and blue light are easily the most popular LED colors used in at-home devices.

“Red light primarily reaches the epidermis and dermis, where it can stimulate collagen production, improve elasticity, and reduce inflammation,” Rastogi explains. “Near-infrared light penetrates deeper into tissues. These wavelengths are crucial, because their penetration determines how effectively they can address specific skin issues.” She adds that more research is needed to fully understand how these wavelengths work across different skin types and skin conditions.

While at-home red light therapy devices can’t compete with your dermatologist’s professional-grade device in terms of efficacy, Palm says you can supplement your skincare routine with them. “While an at-home red light therapy device cannot replace a consistent skincare routine, it can amplify what you’re already doing to address your skincare concerns,” she says.

However, consistency is key with at-home red light therapy devices. “Ideally, at-home red light therapy should be used consistently—three to four times per week—after properly cleansing the skin and before applying skincare products,” Palm advises. “Make sure you’re selecting an at-home device labeled as FDA-cleared. Avoid applying any harsh or overly exfoliating products after treatment, and opt for a gentle emollient moisturizer instead.”

For those prone to hyperpigmentation, Rastogi recommends testing at-home red light therapy devices on less-visible areas of the body first, to ensure your skin responds well to the treatment. “Red light therapy is most effective when integrated into a comprehensive skincare routine rather than used as a standalone treatment,” she says. “For any individual concerns, I always recommend reaching out to your dermatologist.”

Palm’s recommendation? Treat the skin on your hands like you’d treat the skin on your face. “This means applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher daily, and reapplying every hour and a half to two hours if you’ll be outdoors or exposing them to daylight.” You can also invest in a pair of UPF-protective gloves to wear while driving or outdoors.

Of course, a quality hand cream can also help the cause. “Frequent moisturizing after washing is key to combat dryness caused by the constant wet-to-dry cycle, especially in colder months,” Rastogi says. “Since the palms have the thickest skin on the body, a thick moisturizer or ointment can help lock in hydration and keep the skin barrier strong.”

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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