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Talk to an expertAnswer · Side effects
Reported side effects are uncommon, mild, and usually short-lived: temporary redness or warmth where the light was strongest, occasional eye strain when no protection was used, mild headache after unusually long sessions, and sometimes a brief period of skin sensitivity. There is no UV, so there is no tanning or burning in the sunlight sense. Most complaints trace back to too much time, too close, rather than to the technology itself.
Reviewed by our expert team for editorial accuracy.
Mild pink flush on treated skin that fades within an hour or two. This is a normal response to warmth and increased local blood flow.
A feeling of gentle warmth during near-infrared exposure. It should read as pleasant, never hot.
Slight tiredness or relaxation after an evening session, which many people treat as a benefit rather than a side effect.
Headache or eye strain after a session usually means unshielded eyes or excessive session length. Use the supplied eyewear or keep your eyes closed, and shorten the session.
Skin that stays red for many hours, or feels tender, means the dose was too high — reduce time first, then increase distance.
Feeling drained rather than relaxed is another dose signal. The response plateaus, so cutting back often improves results rather than reducing them.
Photosensitising medication — some antibiotics, isotretinoin, certain diuretics, St John's wort and others — can amplify skin reactions substantially.
Photosensitive conditions such as lupus or porphyria, epilepsy that can be triggered by flickering light, active or undiagnosed skin lesions, and pregnancy.
Recent cosmetic procedures or injectables where your clinician has set a waiting period.
This page is general education rather than medical advice; if any of the above applies, ask your own clinician before starting.
Treat clean, bare skin — no retinoids, acids, or essential oils immediately beforehand.
Stick to the manufacturer's session length and distance. Those two numbers together define your dose.
Build up gradually. Start at the lower end of the recommended range for the first week, then settle into a routine.
| What you notice | Likely cause | What to change |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary redness | Normal local response, or long session | Nothing, or shorten slightly |
| Warmth that feels hot | Too close, high near-infrared output | Increase distance, shorten session |
| Eye strain or headache | Unshielded eyes, session too long | Use eyewear or close eyes; cut time |
| Unusual skin sensitivity | Products or medication on board | Treat bare skin; check with your clinician |
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