Women today are more proactive than ever about their health, seeking natural and science-backed solutions to support their well-being.

Krill oil is emerging as a powerful ally, offering essential nutrients like omega 3s (EPA and DHA), choline, and astaxanthin to promote vitality, balance, and longevity.

Whether you’re managing hormonal changes, boosting heart health, or enhancing your skin’s glow, krill oil provides targeted support for women at every life stage.

Prioritizing Preventive Care

For the many women balancing their daily responsibilities and personal lives, staying ahead of health concerns and prioritizing preventive care is the key to living well. Each stage comes with its own unique challenges, whether it’s managing PMS symptoms during the teen years or navigating menopause later in life.

Incorporating natural solutions can help prevent minor health issues from developing into chronic conditions later in life. The right nutritional support reduces the risk of lifestyle-related diseases and premature aging, promoting a higher quality of life at every stage.

And it’s not just about prevention for older women—young women are prioritizing their health more than ever. Supporting both targeted health concerns and overall wellness with solutions like krill oil can help women thrive at every stage of life.

• Longevity Starts with Good Ingredients

  More and more women are seeking natural alternatives for their health needs over synthetic ingredients, but with so many products making bold promises, it’s important to break through the clutter and marketing hype to find the real, measurable benefits.

  There is also a growing emphasis on whole foods and "real nutrition" to support health at the cellular level. You are not just what you eat, but also what you digest, absorb, and utilize. Providing your body, organs, and cells with natural ingredients on a consistent basis is crucial.

  Natural, pure, and formulated for superior absorption, krill oil can help women obtain vital nutrients for overall well-being. Krill oil can support women on their lifelong wellness journey—from easing PMS symptoms and menstrual discomfort to promoting hormonal balance during menopause and enhancing joint and heart health as they age.

• Hormonal Balance & Heart Health

  Krill oil is an effective solution for the management of physical and emotional PMS symptoms, ranging from breast tenderness and joint pain to stress and irritability. In more mature women, it may help with inflammation and hormonal balance, helping to alleviate symptoms of menopause.

  Beyond hormonal health, krill oil can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, while boosting good cholesterol (HDL) for better heart health. Since cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, prioritizing heart-healthy nutrition is essential.

  Addressing heart health early on significantly reduces the risk of serious complications, and adding krill oil to your daily routine is a simple way to take proactive steps toward lifelong cardiovascular wellness.

• Healthy, Radiant Skin from Within

  Aging, stress, and environmental factors can impact skin health, but true beauty starts from the inside out. Research has demonstrated that krill oil can enhance skin elasticity, hydration, and overall complexion, making it a fantastic addition to any skincare regimen for achieving that coveted glow.

  Today, women are choosing to embrace aging gracefully rather than trying to turn back time. When it comes to maintaining long-term skin health, it's crucial to nourish our cells.

  While topical creams can only target the surface layer of the skin, supplements like krill oil that promote cellular health from within are the key to achieving healthier, more youthful skin over time.

A Comprehensive Formula Designed Just for Women

Women deserve high-quality, research-backed nutrition to support their busy lives. The Women’s Total Health Pack by UniversalU makes it easy to get necessary nutrients, with pre-portioned daily servings of five essential supplements—including krill oil—to fill nutritional gaps and promote overall well-being.

Take a proactive step in your wellness journey with krill oil—because when you invest in your health today, you’re empowering yourself for a vibrant future.

Seldom was the humble flaxseed given a second thought.

Sure, it had a well-deserved reputation as an egg replacer in vegan recipes. But now this nutritional food is a social media star and is being praised as nature’s Botox for the skin.

What a turnaround from its days of being a smoothie add-in and a salad topper!

Flaxseed’s Skin-Deep Super Powers

Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and antioxidants, flaxseeds offer anti-inflammatory effects. When applied to the face, these same nutrients may protect against free radical damage.

When flaxseeds are combined with water, the mucilage in the seeds forms a goopy gel-like mixture. When applied as a facial, this flaxseed mixture hydrates and tightens the skin. Fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed out, and redness and irritation are alleviated.

The natural oils within flaxseeds offer moisturizing properties, making the skin appear plumper and smoother due to the seeds’ water retention properties. Fans report that these effects can be achieved with just one to two flaxseed facials a week.

Does It Work?

Is all this too good to be true? Dermatologists caution that the positive felt effects of a flaxseed facial can be attributed to the beneficial health properties of the seeds themselves, rather than the seeds acting as some sort of miracle Botox substitute.

Fans of flaxseed facials say that when done regularly, these masks do indeed tighten the skin. They also act as an exfoliant, helping remove dead skin cells.

Although it needs to be said that many report the effects are short lived.

To Grind or Not to Grind?

When you look up flaxseed facials online, you’ll see attractive and youthful faces covered in smatterings of golden-brown seeds. There’s no doubt these photos make eye-catching posts.

But these images bring up a debate: Is it better to do a flaxseed facial with whole seeds or ground ones?

Dermatologists recommend that the seeds be ground into a fine powder first. This approach offers more effective results than a whole-seed facial. One downside? The resulting pics won’t be as interesting to share!

Another consideration regarding the whole versus ground seed debate is that the masks made from ground flaxseeds tend to be easier to wash from the skin than those made with whole seeds.

DIY Flaxseed Facial Mask

One big bonus of flaxseed facials is their affordability. The cost was a mere 20 cents per application!

Here’s an easy-to-make recipe that yields enough for two to three flaxseed facials.

1. Finely grind 1 tablespoon of whole flaxseeds.
2. Pour [q:1/3] cup of boiling water over the ground seeds.
3. Stir and let the mixture sit for 2 hours.
4. Apply the mask over clean skin. Let the mask sit on the skin for 25 minutes.
5. Thoroughly wash the mask off with lukewarm water, using circular motions.
6. Pat the skin dry and apply moisturizer, if desired.

Optionally mix in one or all the following once the flaxseed mixture has cooled:

• [q:1/2] Tbsp manuka honey
• [q:1/2] Tbsp aloe vera gel
• [q:1/2] tsp coconut oil

Results

The mask produces a pleasant cooling effect as it dries. Expect your skin to look and feel tighter after the facial. Mine did. It was also significantly softer.

But I have to agree with others: the effects of a flaxseed facial are short lived. The tightening that was so impressive right after removing the mask only lasted a few hours, if that, for me.

Keep It Fresh

• Make small batches of mask. Mixtures left out for too long can spoil and grow mold and bacteria.
• If you end up with extra mask, store remnants in a glass container in the fridge up to three days.

Precautions

Spot test a small amount of flaxseed mask on the inside of your wrist or arm. If there’s no redness or irritation after 24 hours, proceed with the facial.

Keep flaxseed facials to a maximum of two per week to avoid irritation.

• Allergies

  Some people can be allergic to flaxseeds, so be aware that skin reactions and sensitivities can occur.

• Sensitive Skin

  If you have sensitive skin, strongly consider adding aloe vera gel for a more soothing application.

• Oily Skin

  If your skin is oily, the oils in flaxseeds may make existing breakouts worse.

Remember retinol? A superstar of the skin-care universe, this effective ingredient is well known for its abilities to plump skin, treat acne, and fight wrinkles.

Well, there’s a new kid on the block: bakuchiol (pronounced buh-koo-chee-owl). This plant-based antioxidant offers much of what retinol does but without the itchy, burning, dry, red, irritated, and sun-sensitive skin that can result from retinol’s potent actions.

With anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and calming properties that can provide acne relief, bakuchiol is being praised as a popular retinol alternative.

Bakuchiol also offers a fresh glow to the skin, reducing hyperpigmentation and softening and improving skin texture.

Bakuchiol vs. Retinol

Both retinol and bakuchiol moderate and boost cell turnover. However, there are key differences between the two.

• Derivation

  Retinol is a type of vitamin A. Bakuchiol is plant-based, derived from the babchi plant, and commonly used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to heal skin.

• Shelf Stability

  Bakuchiol is a stable ingredient and has a longer shelf life than retinol. It does not cause photosensitivity (sensitivity to UV rays), as retinol does when exposed to light. (This is why applying retinol for daytime use is not recommended.)

• For Sensitive Skin

  Bakuchiol may be more beneficial for those with skin sensitivities like eczema or rosacea. With its abilities to trigger collagen production, enhance cell turnover, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, it can also help plump skin—all without dryness or irritation.

• In Clinical Studies

  Studies on bakuchiol are limited compared to years of research conducted on retinol. However, a 2019 study found that bakuchiol was similar to retinol in its ability to improve signs of aging, and it could do so with less irritation.

  More research is required to evaluate how bakuchiol stacks up against prescription retinoids for serious skin problems.

Choosing a Bakuchiol Product

Bakuchiol can be found in sunscreens, eye creams, masks, serums, oils, and moisturizers.

Consider what’s important to you in a bakuchiol product: some are moisturizing and leave skin dewy; others are lightweight and absorb quickly.

• For Different Skin Types

  • For Sensitive Skin

    If your skin’s sensitive, skip bakuchiol products that contain AHAs, retinols, or vitamin C. Choose formulations with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides to strengthen skin.

  • For Dry Skin

    If you have dry skin, look for creamy formulations with olive, coconut, or apricot kernel oil; glycerin; or hyaluronic acid in creamy formulations.

  • For Oily Skin

    For those with oily skin, try something gel based. Or opt for a serum offering niacinamide, exfoliants, or retinol.

  • In Eye Creams

    When purchasing bakuchiol-based eye creams, consider additions like soothing rosehip seed oil, firming niacinamide, and moisture-loving ceramides to decrease fine lines and eliminate dryness.

• Formulation

  • Additional Ingredients

    Bakuchiol works well in combination with other skin-loving ingredients like vitamin C. However, avoid using bakuchiol with exfoliating AHAs. This combination may be irritating to the skin.

  • Concentration

    When it comes to a product’s formulation, look for 0.5 to 2 percent bakuchiol if you’re new to this ingredient or have sensitive skin.

    Higher concentrations (1 to 2 percent bakuchiol) are best for those desiring strong anti-aging results.

Using Bakuchiol Products

Whether bakuchiol’s right for you may come down to the fact that it treats many of the same issues as retinol but without as many side effects.

• Timing

  Bakuchiol products can be applied both morning and night around the eyes or to the face. Keep in mind that if a bakuchiol product also contains retinol, it’s best used once a day in the evening.

• Application

  Apply a bakuchiol product after serum but before sunscreen and makeup. For best results, use a leave-on item rather than a cleanser that washes away.

Precautions

Watch for skin reactions when sampling any new product, even ones with the less-irritating bakuchiol.

Start with a small amount, and apply it every other day to determine if it’s tolerated.

Some individuals may experience irritation with frequent use of bakuchiol.

Though it has a long history of traditional use for a wide variety of health conditions, apple cider vinegar has remained under the radar in scientific research.

That’s begun to change, and recent studies have explored its effectiveness for weight loss, skin conditions, blood-sugar control, and more.

History of Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar first appeared as a food source about 7,000 years ago in Babylonia. It was derived from dates and used as a preservative.

ACV was used extensively in ancient Greece. It was often mixed with honey and prescribed as a treatment for coughs and colds, among other maladies.

It also has a long history of medicinal use in Africa and in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

• As an Antimicrobial

  Research has shown that ACV has strong antimicrobial properties.

  Tests support its effectiveness against:

  • Escherichia coli (E. coli)
  • Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (Staph infections)
  • Candida albicans fungi

  All three are major causes of infections in humans.

• For Eczema

  ACV has a cooling and toning effect on eczema.

  It works best diluted in water or green tea but should not be used on open cuts (it will burn).

  Try adding a half cup to a lukewarm bath and soaking in it.

• For Acid Reflux / Heartburn

  A spoonful of ACV can help ease acid reflux or heartburn.

  Don’t overdo it: ACV has a high acid profile, and can cause an stomach upset.

• For Hair Care

  You can tame frizzy hair with a rinse made from equal parts ACV and water.

  Rinse the hair with the mixture after shampooing.

Precautions

A typical daily dose is less than 2 tablespoons.

Check with your healthcare practitioner before adding it to your regimen.

• Potassium Deficiency

  Ingesting too much ACV may cause a reduction in potassium levels.

• Dental Health

  Because of its high acidity, ACV can also erode tooth enamel if overused.

• With Medications

  ACV might affect the work of certain medications, including insulin.

You could say humans have a long-standing and symbiotic relationship with yeasts. We’ve been using these fungi to raise breads, brew beer, and make wine and other alcoholic beverages for centuries. 

For dietary and nutritional considerations in these modern days, why not consider the yeast known as brewer’s yeast?

What is Brewer's Yeast?

Brewer's yeast is a live and active yeast used for making beer.

It starts off by growing on a medium of malted barley or another grain used in beer production.

• Is It Safe to Take?

  Brewer’s yeast is heat-killed before becoming a dietary supplement.

  Since its microorganisms have been deactivated through heat, they cannot create yeast overgrowth or yeast infections in the body.

• Is It Good to Eat?

  Some brewer’s yeast products are also de-bittered, so they’re more edible.

  Supplemental forms of brewer’s yeast typically do not undergo this process.

  What Does It Taste Like?

  Tasting somewhat like a tangy broth, and at times offering a beer-like aftertaste, brewer’s yeast is best described as bitter, cheesy, meaty, and occasionally fruity. 

• Brewer's Yeast as a Remedy

  In addition to its nutritional benefits, brewer’s yeast may aid in the treatment of eczema and infectious diarrhea.

Brewer's Yeast vs Nutritional Yeast

Perhaps you’ve heard of nutritional yeast?

A popular ingredient that adds a rich, umami flavor to foods (especially vegan), this yeast is not the same as brewer’s yeast.

• Flavor Profile

  Though both come from the same strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), brewer’s yeast offers a bigger punch than its milder, nuttier, and cheesier cousin.

• Production

  Aside from flavor, a key difference between the two is that nutritional yeast begins with the medium of beet or cane sugar molasses.

• Nutrition

  Both brewer’s yeast and nutritional yeast offer high amounts of:

  • B vitamins
  • Selenium
  • Potassium

  ...as well as trace amounts of magnesium.

  Both may help boost the immune system and improve cholesterol levels.

  • Chromium

    Brewer’s yeast offers naturally occurring chromium. Chromium is a beneficial nutrient for people with diabetes, since it can help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

  • Protein

    A good source of protein, 52 percent of brewer’s yeast’s weight is actually protein!

How Can You Use Brewer’s Yeast?

Chefs use brewer’s yeast to create umami-rich sauces for pasta dishes. Or they blend it into mayonnaise to slather on meats and fish. Brewer’s yeast can even be added to seasoning mixes!

Here are some other ways to add brewer’s yeast to your diet:

• In Smoothies

  Blend into smoothies for a nutrient boost.

• In Vinaigrettes

  Whisk into vinaigrettes (just make sure they’re already strong tasting).

  Try adding to one made with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and oregano.

• As a Seasoning

  • Mix into popcorn for a savory snack.
  • Sprinkle a powdered or a flaked version over pizzas.

• In Baking

  Some lactating women consume cookies made with brewer’s yeast to improve their milk supply.

• For Your Dog

  Try sprinkling some brewer's yeast on dog food, to enhance flavor and add nutrition.

Choosing a Brewer's Yeast

You can find brewer’s yeast in health food stores in a powdered, capsule, or flaked form.

But when shopping for brewer’s yeast for yourself, be aware of the following.

• Avoid Unhealthy Choices

  Some items come sweetened or flavored. Read labels, as these varieties may not be as healthful as pure brewer’s yeast products.

• Watch Out for Gluten

  Keep in mind, too, that brewer’s yeast is NOT a gluten-free product, unless otherwise indicated on the label.

• Digestive Concerns

  Those with yeast sensitivities, gout, or Crohn’s disease should avoid brewer’s yeast. 

• With Medications

  Check with your healthcare provider before trying brewer’s yeast, as it can be contraindicated with certain medications.

• Existing Conditions

  Brewer’s yeast can also cause gas and migraines in those susceptible to these conditions.

Growth spurts, pregnancy, and weight gain can all lead to a type of scar called a stretch mark.

Do Stretch Marks Go Away?

While stretch marks, like all scars, are permanent, they tend to fade and become less prominent over time.

Some natural ingredients may help to reduce their appearance and support skin health.

Natural Treatments for Stretch Marks

• Vitamin K

  This fat-soluble vitamin found in most leafy garden greens.

  Vitamin K is recommended to help relieve irritations of the skin, and increase the rate of healing in cases of:

  • stretch marks
  • scarring
  • acne
  • bruising
  • swelling

• Rosehip Oil

  Rosehip oil, also known as rosehip seed oil, is lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin.

  Rosehip oil comes as straight oil, or it can be combined with other ingredients in creams or powders. Applying the oil to the skin can help reduce scar tissue due to its essential fatty acid and antioxidant content.

  It is also known for its ability to brighten, firm, and tighten skin.

  Caution

  Rosehips are not recommended for:

  • pregnant and breastfeeding women
  • those who are diabetic or tend to get kidney stones
  • those with:
    • bleeding conditions
    • sickle cell disease
    • an iron-related disorder
    • anemia

  • Shea Butter & Shea Oil

    Shea is a seed fat high in oleic acid—a saturated fatty acid that is particularly compatible with the oils that occur naturally on our skin.

    It absorbs quickly and makes a highly effective moisturizer that can also reduce swelling. For this reason, it has been used to treat a host of skin ailments, including:

    • stretch marks
    • acne
    • dandruff
    • rashes
    • wrinkles

    You can apply pure, unrefined shea butter directly to your skin, or look for it as an ingredient in personal care products including body bars, lotions, and moisturizers.

  • Other Ingredients

    Other ingredients that may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks include:

    • cocoa butter
    • vitamin E
    • hyaluronic acid

Although the body’s immune system is most often associated with its role in preventing systemic illnesses, the skin contains a vast network of immune cells that aid its restoration and repair.

Certain nutrients that support whole-body immunity may also help ease the itching, soreness, and inflammation associated with painful skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and cold sores.

Nutrients for Skin Health and Immunity

• Antioxidant Vitamins & Minerals

  Nutrients with antioxidant properties are the first line of defense against skin ailments.

  By helping control inflammation, antioxidants give the skin a chance to recover from damage caused by infections, UV exposure, and free radicals.

  • Vitamin A

    Beta-carotene is a plant pigment—found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables—that is converted to vitamin A in the body.

    Vitamin A supports skin cell turnover and wound healing. It may be useful for treating acne and psoriasis, as well as other skin conditions, including warts and sun damage.

    Topical use of vitamin A may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

  • Vitamin E

    The most abundant fat-soluble antioxidant found in the skin, vitamin E helps prevent skin damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure, especially when used in combination with vitamin C.

    Vitamin E also has anti-inflammatory effects that aid wound healing and may help treat chronic inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis, and acne.

  • Selenium

    A trace mineral, selenium helps the body make proteins and enzymes which protect against cell damage and inflammation.

    Selenium also supports healthy immune function and boosts hair and nail health.

    Insufficient intake of selenium has been linked to inflammatory skin diseases like dermatitis and psoriasis.

  • Zinc

    Another trace element, zinc has a long history of use for the management of skin diseases.

    Zinc deficiency has been linked to a host of inflammatory skin complaints, including acne, rosacea, and dermatitis.

    Zinc may also be effective in helping treat viral warts, genital herpes, ulcers, and other types of wounds on the skin.

• Amino Acids

  • Lysine

    Lysine is an essential amino acid, which means the body cannot produce it on its own and must get it from food or supplements.

    Like other amino acids, lysine helps the body make protein.

    Lysine may have additional skin health benefits, including antiviral properties that may help prevent and treat cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

    Collagen Formation

    Lysine also supports collagen formation.

    Collagen is a type of protein that occurs naturally in the skin and gives it elasticity, but it decreases with aging, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles.

    Adequate lysine intake may help to slow the signs of aging in the skin.

• Herbs

  Several immunity-boosting botanical remedies may also support skin health.

  • Astragalus

    With a long history of use in protecting against colds and other respiratory infections, astragalus also has important antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may aid wound healing and protect skin cells from damage.

  • Dandelion

    The leaves and roots of the dandelion plant (Taraxacum mongolicum) have anti-allergic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that offer potential skin care benefits.

    Due to its ability to inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme that helps bring pigment to the skin’s surface, dandelion may be useful for reducing the appearance of acne scars and age spots.

  • Echinacea

    An immunity superstar, echinacea may help soothe a host of irritating skin conditions, including eczema and acne.

    One recent study found that echinacea, in combination with probiotics and other botanical extracts, significantly improved the number of superficial lesions in a group with mild to moderate inflammatory acne.

  • Ligustrum

    A member of the olive family, ligustrum (Ligustrum lucidum) has traditionally been used to nourish skin and ease skin ailments.

    Emerging research suggests it may be particularly beneficial for inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis.

Precautions

Although medicinal herbs and dietary supplements are generally considered safe, they may interact with each other and/or other medications.

Always consult with your healthcare practitioner before adding any new herbs or supplements to your regimen.

Perhaps you’ve seen them? Futuristic looking masks embedded with LED lights that wrap around the face like a bewitching Halloween costume. 

The thrills don’t stop there. Spiffy ball caps are encrusted with neon red lights to boost blood supply to the scalp and increase hair growth. 

Not interested in wearables? Ergonomically designed handheld wands and spheres deliver red light therapy for skin conditions, anti-aging benefits, pain management, and wound healing.

High-level professional results from red light devices can even be sought after in day spas, wellness centers, doctor’s offices, gyms, and tanning salons. 

There’s no doubt red light therapy is having its day in the sun. But fear not, this therapy won’t give you ultraviolet (UV) light damage. 

Around for some time, red light therapy is now exploding in popularity. Endorsed by celebrities, pro athletes, and social media influencers, it’s still considered an emerging treatment—although one that’s generating a lot of interest.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Commonly referred to as phototherapy or photobiomodulation, red light therapy is a therapeutic technique that uses low-level wavelengths of red light to penetrate deep into the skin’s dermal and subcutaneous layers to target cells at their source. 

What Does Red Light Therapy Do?

In the 1960s, lab experiments revealed that red light encouraged wound healing and hair growth. Today this therapy treats skin conditions like stretch marks, scars, acne, psoriasis, wrinkles, age spots, and fine lines. It can also improve skin texture and alleviate skin redness.

Not just for the skin, red light therapy can possibly target a reduction in body fat. It can also help increase blood flow.

Studies indicate that red light therapy can boost short-term treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome; improve hair growth in those with androgenic alopecia; reduce neuropathic pain; promote wound healing and tissue repair; relieve pain and inflammation in the Achilles tendons; reduce psoriasis legions and burn scars; and lessen myopia progression.

Studies on red light therapy offer promising results. But larger-scale studies and more research is needed to confirm effectiveness.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

Exposure to red light can provide a beneficial biochemical effect in the cells, helping to strengthen mitochondria where the cell’s energy is created. Red light therapy assists with this process by increasing oxygen consumption, electron transportation, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. 

The end result is cells that are able to function more effectively. This allows them to repair and rejuvenate, increasing the body’s natural ability to regain and maintain vitality. With this increased energy, other cells can work more efficiently and help the body with repairing skin and boosting new cell growth.

How often and how long to use red light therapy depends on the device. Those found in professional settings are significantly more powerful than home options. 

A typical approach for a home device is to use as directed, or at least 3 to 4 times a week for a minimum of 6 weeks to see results. 

A number of sessions may be needed to notice effects. If you’re looking to firm facial skin, it can take up to 3 months of regular treatments. But even one simple 10-minute session can be enough to see a reduction in inflammation.

Generally safe and painless, and a preferred method over lasers, the light source used in red light therapy is nonthermal and nonablative. 

Reality Check on Red Light

A 2018 study suggests that red light therapy can help lessen painful side effects from cancer treatments. However, a 2019 research review adds that red light therapy can increase cancer cell aggression and tumor recurrences. Those with cancer or a history of the disease may want to avoid red light therapy. Do not use red light therapy over metastasized tumors.

Although safer than traditional laser therapy, proper eye equipment must be worn to protect the eyes when using red light therapy. Do not look directly at the red lights, as they may cause damage. 

Some have reported burns, blistering, and lesions from red light therapy units, especially if they fall asleep with a unit on, or if the equipment is damaged. When using at-home red light therapy, be sure neither the device nor your skin overheats. If the light wavelengths create too much heat, this can cause pigment-producing cells in the skin to dump more melanin. The end result can be unwanted hyperpigmentation.

Keep in mind that when red light therapy products are misused, damage to the skin and eyes can occur. Long-term safety on these devices is unknown.

Home v. Professional Units

Devices designed for at-home use tend to be less powerful than those operated by trained professionals, so results can vary. Not all red light therapy is created the same, so do research before purchasing a device. 

If budget allows, you may want to consider a professional-grade device for home use. Inexpensive and non-regulated devices can be ineffective, break down, or stop working altogether.

Be sure the unit you purchase has been tested for safety. An FDA-cleared device can help ensure safety, efficacy, and results. These devices are available online or through a specialist’s office. 

Most insurance companies do not cover red light therapy. If yours won’t, reach out to a red light therapy practitioner’s office. Ask if they can offer a reduced rate or other payment options.

Finally, dermatologists stress that red light devices are not to be used in lieu of effective skin care routines. In other words, you still have to wash and moisturize your face.