Can Red Light Therapy Support Postpartum Healing?

Red Light Therapy (RLT) offers a multitude of skin and mental health benefits. While we have previously discussed the impact of RLT for depression and anxiety, can RLT support postpartum healing, specifically improving postpartum mood changes?
We spoke to Oh My Glow founder, Holly Harris, to understand how RLT can support new mums navigating postpartum symptoms.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses different light wavelengths, including red, infrared, and deep light. These wavelengths are absorbed by the skin’s cells, which stimulates cellular energy production (ATP), and encourages the body’s natural healing processes.

RLT can be carried out in professional clinics, or at home using FDA-certified devices, such as Project E Beauty’s LumaLux Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask, LumaLux Neck and Dec Mask, LumaLux Face+, Alora Age Renewal LED Panel and LumaLux Dome.

What are the mental health benefits of RLT?

One study claims red and infrared light therapy can reduce SAD by up to 50% in patients with a history of the condition. However, separate research into the impact of light therapy on perinatal conditions like depression and anxiety is limited.

Reports aside, Harris encourages people to view RLT treatments as a supportive self-care tool to improve overall wellbeing, rather than a replacement for professional mental health support. She shares: “As a clinic founder, I see how valuable it is for people, particularly new mums, to have spaces where they feel cared for.”

Can RLT impact your mood?

While evidence is limited on the direct benefits of red light therapy on mood, specifically postpartum mood, Harris acknowledges that using a RLT device, such as Project E Beauty’s LumaLux Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask, LumaLux Neck and Dec Mask, LumaLux Face+, Alora Age Renewal LED Panel and LumaLux Dome, can support a “wider wellbeing routine.”

The expert explains: “Many people report feeling relaxed and refreshed after red light therapy. For many of us, especially new mums, having a moment where you can pause, reset and focus on your own wellbeing can have a positive impact on how you feel during busy or emotionally demanding periods of life.”

Can RLT support those with postpartum depression?

Research has found perinatal depression affects “10% to 20% of childbearing women”, but can red light therapy support postpartum healing?

While some medical reports claim red light therapy can reduce depressive symptoms, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) symptoms, research around the impact of red light therapy for postpartum healing, the “baby blues”, and hormonal changes after childbirth needs further investigation.

Harris acknowledges that RLT can “complement” a healthy wellness routine, but it should not replace professional mental health support. The mogul explains: “Many women find taking time to slow down, relax and prioritise themselves helps them feel more balanced during the postpartum period.”

Ultimately, if you, or someone you know, is experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, we urge you to seek support from a GP, midwife or other medical professional.

Can RLT reduce brain fog?

According to Harris, “postpartum brain fog” can be common among new mums. However, the founder associates brain fog experienced after birth to “disrupted sleep, hormonal changes and the huge adjustment of caring for a newborn.”

That said, RLT has been said to improve sleep. It has been reported RLT devices with over 630nm, such as Project E Beauty’s LumaLux Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask, LumaLux Neck and Dec Mask, LumaLux Face+, Alora Age Renewal LED Panel and LumaLux Dome, can increase melatonin production, reduce sleep inertia, regulate the circadian rhythm and promote relaxation for a better night’s sleep, which could reduce brain fog.

While the jury is out on whether RLT has a direct impact on reducing brain fog, Harris believes RLT can be used as a holistic selfcare ritual that encourages parents to relax and carve out time to think clearly. She shares: “Stress and poor sleep often go hand in hand, particularly after having a baby, so creating small moments during the day that encourage your body to switch out of 'fight or flight' mode can be beneficial. While it's not a solution to broken sleep, many people find it helps them feel calmer and more restored overall."

Other RLT benefits for women postpartum

Female hormones can fluctuate during pregnancy and postpartum, which can cause physical changes to the body, such as hormonal breakouts, pigmentation, changes in skin tone, texture, hair health, as well as possible stretch marks or scarring on the body.

Red light therapy can help to address some of these concerns, as Harris explains: “Red light therapy is commonly used to support skin rejuvenation, encourage collagen production and reduce the appearance of inflammation, which can be appealing if hormonal changes have affected the skin.”

Is red light therapy safe while breastfeeding?

Red light therapy is generally considered safe for most people to use, as long as the device is FDA-certified and purchased from a reputable retailer, like Project E Beauty’s LumaLux Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask, LumaLux Neck and Dec Mask, LumaLux Face+, Alora Age Renewal LED Panel and LumaLux Dome.

Harris claims there is “no strong evidence to suggest red light therapy poses a risk during breastfeeding” and RLT devices are “not expected to affect breast milk.” However, she also acknowledges that there is limited research on this topic, and urges nursing mothers to consult a medical professional before using RLT when breastfeeding.

When is it safe to use RLT after giving birth?

While RLT is typically safe to use, Harris encourages anyone to consult a healthcare professional before they consider using any red light therapy devices during pregnancy and after giving birth.

How to use RLT for post-partum mood support

When you have confirmed with a medical professional that it is safe for you to use RLT after giving birth, Harris recommends using RLT for “approximately 10 to 20 minute sessions, three to five times a week.”

The founder also suggests integrating the treatment into a “broader self-care routine”, or habit stacking your home RLT session with other “restorative habits”, such as gentle exercise, going outside, staying hydrated, and practicing meditation, for a “greater impact on overall wellbeing."

The expert emphasizes that consistency is key when using RLT devices, therefore hands-free at-home devices, such as the LumaLux Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask, LumaLux Neck and Dec Mask, LumaLux Face+, and Alora Age Renewal LED Panel, makes incorporating this treatment into a daily routine easier, especially with a newborn. However, it is important not to overdo RLT treatment.

LED Mask

LumaLux Face+ | Pro LED Red Light Therapy Face & Neck Mask

Red, infrared, deep infrared for fine lines, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation, dryness

View product

LED Panel

LumaLux Dome | Face & Body LED Red Light Therapy Device

8 wavelength full body LED light therapy device for skin rejuvenation, fine lines, acne, muscle recovery and mood boost

View product