Honest Review Lumebox Red Light Therapy – 18 Months of Real-World Testing

Red light therapy devices have become impossible to ignore. Whether you’re scrolling through social media feeds or checking your email, advertisements for red light caps, facial panels, and therapy devices seem to follow you everywhere. I started receiving daily offers to partner with various red light companies, which immediately raised red flags for me.

The sheer volume of marketing made me question which products actually deliver therapeutic benefits versus those simply capitalizing on a trending wellness topic. With so many devices flooding the market at vastly different price points, I knew I needed to do my research before making any investment.

This comprehensive guide answers the questions I had when I first encountered red light therapy: What exactly is it? What conditions can it legitimately address, including hair loss? How do you identify effective devices among the countless options available?

After extensive research and over a year of hands-on testing with the Lumebox red light therapy device, I’m ready to share everything I’ve learned. You’ll discover what red light therapy can and cannot do, how to make informed purchasing decisions, and why I ultimately chose the device I did.

If you prefer my videos you can check out the corresponding video over on YouTube:

What does red light therapy do, exactly?

Red light charges your mitochondria those are the powerhouse of your cells.  Mitochondria have special red and near infrared receptors that detect the light and become activated. Once activated the mitochondria signal the cell to work better and harder, essentially energizing your cells. More cellular energy means better cell function and resistance to breakdown.

What are the benefits?

OVER 2000 studies have proven multiple benefits including:

• Noticeably Reduces Pain & Inflammation by up to 50% – Arthritis, Tendonitis, Fibromyalgia, Neck & Back Pain
• Improve mood and sleep
• Increases Recovery Time & Reduce Muscle Soreness Post-Workout
• Supports immune function and stress response
• Promotes Wound Healing
• Increases Collagen production and skin appearance
• Improves Health & Appearance of Skin
• Stimulates Hair Growth for Androgenic Alopecia
• Supports joint and tendon function
• Reduces Blood Glucose Spikes
• And so much more…

Healing and activating mitochondria with red light increases longevity…that’s more years healthy as you age.

Are there dangers to red light therapy? (Is it safe?)

• Skin irritation, usually due to the device being too close to you, or prolonged use.
• Eye damage, using without protective eyewear.
• Fatigue with overuse (self-limiting).
• Talk to your doctor if you are on photosensitizing medications or have a photosensitivity.
• While research is promising for adjunct therapies with red light therapy for cancer treatment, it is best practice to talk to your doctor before using if you are currently undergoing cancer treatment.

To prevent issues: 

If your skin gets red or hot, you can move the device away and use it for less time. Start with short sessions with device a little further away than recommended to test how your skin and body responds. Recommended by Lumebox: 2-3 minutes at a distance of 4-6 inches.

How to Shop for Red Light Devices:

• Irradiance: Inadequate light dose won’t produce results – to be effective you need a high irradiance. You need between 125 and 140 mW/cm2 NIR. You can control the irradiance, by moving the box further away from your skin.
• Correct wave lengths – Red 660 nanometers, Near Infrared 850 nm
• Watch out for fake devices: Red-tinted bulbs lack power to penetrate tissue and reach mitochondria, and some are just red painted bulbs.
• Poor Quality: Choose FDA-registered devices that comply with safety protocols.
• 3rd Party Testing: Essential to have 3rd party testing and EMF exposure data at actual usage distance (0 cm).
• Multi-Functional Device: Targeted devices limit use to one area – consider multi-functional portable units for flexibility.

Do I need a specific device for hair, muscles, face, etc?

No, and if you do buy one device for hair or facials, you limit your ability to use it for your entire body.

With Lumebox you can use it most anywhere. The difference in usage and results depends on what you are treating, how close it is to you, and if you are using infrared, near infrared, or both.

The level of irradiance is key here; the facial masks and hair caps are a lower irradiance than something like Lumebox, so really unnecessary when you can just place the Lumebox 5-6 inches from your face.

The best device for muscles and pain is one that produces Near-Infrared light at a higher irradiance, so it penetrates below the skin. What I liked about Lumebox is it has both red and near-infrared, and can be used anywhere you need it.

Why I went with LUMEBOX?

• 80% higher irradiance than leading brands (140 mW/cm² NIR, 125 mW/cm² red)
• Covers 25% more surface area than most portable devices
• Two key therapeutic wavelengths: 660nm (red) and 850nm (near-infrared)
• Red 660nm: penetrates the upper layer of skin, good for skin rejuvenation, wounds, mood, circadian rhythm
• NIR 850nm: invisible, penetrates deeper into tissue, good for muscle/joint issues, recovery, inflammation
• Ease of being able to use it anywhere, anytime, and travel with it.

How I have used my Lumebox:

In the last 18 months or so, I have used it every day post op for 12 weeks after my shoulder surgery, and for the weeks following my spine surgery.

I used it on my wrist, knee and shoulder after a fall to alleviate the pain from spraining my wrist and shoulder, and severely bruising my knee; with a one time use, I get a full day sometimes two of pain relief.

One of the coolest things I have used it for was the phlebitis and blood clots in my hand from an IV injury, it was amazing for helping dissolve the clots and alleviate the pain.

I have also used it for plantar facilities and Achilles tendonitis. I could keep going but you get the idea, it is very useful and I can tell it works.

The Cost…

The cheaper the light the less likely it meets the required levels or irradiance and wave lengths to be effective. While quality lights are expensive, I think of this in terms of how much it costs per use and the convenience of a home device. How does that compare to traveling to and paying for multiple in-office visits?

I don’t like having 25 devices to achieve one goal, or 25 trips to the doctor’s office for treatments; what I really like is one home therapy device that does 25+ things.

Lumebox is eligible for FSA and HSA funds, and Lumebox offers payment plans at checkout for added flexibility.

Lumebox is $369 (with the special QSH $260 discount)

How much time is enough time using red light therapy?

Lumebox offers a higher irradiance which allows for shorter treatment times. The times vary given the issue you are using the device for; as I mentioned before, I have seen pain relief for an acute injury last for over 24 hours with just one treatment.

Lumebox makes it safe and easy with two six-minute cycles before it shuts off too cool off.

Average usage for most conditions and their respective treatments:

Results vary depending on the study. I have put together a comprehensive list to guide you through times and treatments.

• Average session time: usually less than 15 minutes (20-30 minutes in certain studies for more chronic conditions)
• Frequency: 2-3 times per week
• Duration: usually 2-12 weeks
• Total sessions: it ranges from 4-36 sessions
• Results: Significant improvements typically seen within 4-6 weeks, with some benefits lasting up to one year

[1]

Treatments for specific areas based on the studies:

Hair

Red light therapy treatment for hair growth: 5 minutes of 650 nm red light every other day was most effective for promoting hair growth and prolonging the anagen phase (hair growth phase), significantly increased hair shaft length, with clear molecular evidence of enhanced follicle proliferation and improved hair cycle dynamics. [2,3]

With Lumebox you can do one red light treatment for six minutes every other day.

Skin

Skin (fine-lines, wrinkles, texture, face & neck): Red light therapy treatment up to 20 minutes 2 times a week, after 30 treatments or 15 weeks visible reductions in wrinkles and smoother skin can be seen with more benefit after 60 treatments or 30 weeks. [4]

With Lumebox you can do one red light treatment for 12 minutes twice a week for 30 weeks, add a 6 minute treatment onto the 12 if you have time.

NOTE: for skin and facials, make sure you don’t have sunscreen on.

Plantar Fasciitis

Red light therapy treatment for plantar fasciitis the time ranged from 7 – 15 minutes 2 – 3 times a week for 3 – 4 weeks netted heel pain relief and the efficacy lasts for 3 months after treatment. [5]

With Lumebox do a 12 minute combo NIR and RL treatment 3 times a week for 3-4 weeks repeat in 3 months or when pain returns.

Wounds

Red light therapy treatment for wound care was 2 minutes per day for ten days to accelerate wound contraction. [6]

Neck Pain

Red light therapy treatment time is usually under five minutes for neck pain, 15 sessions over a 3 week period, showed significant reductions in pain (depending on the cause). [7]

With Lumebox do a combo NIR and RL treatment for 6 minutes, 5 times a week, for 3 weeks.

Fibromyalgia

Red light therapy treatment for fibromyalgia, ranged from 10 sessions (2 weeks of daily treatment) to 24 sessions (8 weeks of 3x/week treatment), 40 seconds per tender point to 3 minutes per tender point, most patients showed significant improvements in their FIQ scores, specifically reduced tender points, severity of pain, and fatigue. [8]

Knee Pain from Degenerative Osteoarthritis

Self-applied red light therapy treatment to both sides of the knee for 15 minutes twice a day for 10 days. Gave a 50% reduction of pain score for knee pain caused from osteoarthritis. [9,10]

With Lumebox do NIR or combo RL and NIR treatment for 12 minutes, 2 times a day, for ten days.

Sleep – Bonus Points

You gain the benefits of sleep improvement with any 30 minutes of therapy. Use nightly for 2 weeks for improved quality of sleep and serum melatonin levels. [11]

When to use red light, near infrared light, or both? 

Red light is the light you can see so use for things you can see. Red light at 650 nm only penetrates the skin to about 3.00 mm (about the depth of a stack of 3 US quarters).

• Skincare
• Scalp care
• Bug bites
• Wounds
• Bruises

 NIR light is invisible, you can’t see it so you use for things you cannot see. NIR at 800 nm penetrates a little deeper the skin to about 5-10 mm (about the depth of a stack of 4-6 US quarters). 

• Joints
• Arthritis
• Muscle recovery
• Tendons
• Inflammation
• Cramps

Use Both RL and NIR when in doubt to get the best of both worlds.

I have preferred using both modes in most of the ways I have used Lumebox: for surgery recovery shoulder repair and spinal surgery, the healing at surgical sites for the wounds, and for an IV injury and the resulting phlebitis and thrombophlebitis. I also treat my Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis in both modes.

Combining Therapies with Red Light Therapy:

When you add in other therapies you get extra benefits.

Combine vitamin d and magnesium supplementation with red light therapy and you’ve got a recipe for amazing sleep.

Use your red light during workouts to help with faster muscle recovery.

I apply my arnica cream just after treatment to help the arnica penetrate deeper while the pores are open, warm, and blood is circulating.

What eye protection do I need for red light therapy?

• Always wear eye protection when pointing the device toward your face or eyes.
• Individual sensitivity varies – develop your own comfort level for distance and duration of use.
• Eye protection required for both modes (red and near-infrared) when directed at face/eyes.
• NIR light is invisible but still requires eye protection when aimed at face/eyes.
• Use the included protective eye-wear that comes with your device esp. for facing the device.
• Green glasses can be used as added protection when not directed at your face.

What’s included with a Lumebox:

• Includes portable handheld device with dual wavelengths (red & NIR)
• Premium LED bulbs and state-of-the-art battery
• FDA registered and 3rd party tested for EMFs (0.2uT at 0 cm – very low)
• Travel storage case
• Attachable grip strap
• Charger
• Manual
• Protective eye-wear
• Optional stand – well worth it, I use mine all the time

Size:

• approximately 7.25 x 4.25 x 1.5 inches
• and weighs about 4 pounds

Price: You get a special discount with the QSH link. 
$369 (with the special QSH $260 discount)

I hope you found this post educational and helpful.

Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share.

As always it is about so much more than the hair.

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Works Cited:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5523874/
2. https://anndermatol.org/DOIx.php?id=10.5021/ad.2021.33.6.553
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34980962/
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3926176/#T1
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6370152/
6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC522143/
7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3802126/
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31151332/
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1727843/
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10444763/
11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23182016/

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