Red light therapy (RLT) is praised for its benefits — from improving skin tone and collagen to easing muscle pain. But many users wonder: can red light therapy work through clothing, or does the fabric block its effects? Understanding how light interacts with skin and materials helps you get the most from your sessions.
How Red Light Therapy Works
Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of red (630–700 nm) and near-infrared (800–1000 nm) light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cell energy (ATP production).
These wavelengths reach deep into tissues, promoting:
- Collagen production
- Circulation and oxygen flow
- Muscle recovery and pain relief
However, the light must reach your skin directly for these effects to occur.
Does It Work Through Clothing?
🔬 The Science Says No
Most fabrics — even thin cotton or spandex — block or scatter red and infrared light, preventing the wavelengths from reaching your skin effectively.
Research shows that:
- Red light (visible) is easily absorbed or reflected by fabric fibers.
- Near-infrared light can pass through some very thin materials, but only a small fraction of its energy reaches the skin.
⚠️ Why Direct Exposure Matters
If the light can’t reach your skin, cells can’t absorb it, and no therapeutic benefits occur. Therefore, treatments should always be done on bare skin for maximum effect.
How to Maximize Results
- Expose the target area directly to the light.
- Remove or roll up clothing to allow full coverage.
- Follow device distance recommendations (usually 6–12 inches).
- Use consistent sessions — about 10–20 minutes, 3–5 times per week.
Conclusion
Red light therapy does not work effectively through clothing because fabric blocks most therapeutic wavelengths. For the best results, always treat bare skin directly — ensuring the light energy reaches the target tissue.
