It was 2017 when I first got my hands on a red light therapy device. I didn’t know it then, but that simple panel would spark a long journey—one that’s included noticeable health improvements, deep dives into the science, and hands-on testing with more red light therapy products than I can count.
From full-body panels to the latest wearables, I’ve tested and reviewed just about every type of red light device out there. And while the field has grown rapidly, my own experience over the past eight years has kept me grounded in what really works—and what doesn’t.
My very first experience was surprisingly profound. Within just a few sessions, I noticed something: the sensitivity in my gums vanished. Before that, cold drinks, hot foods, and even ice cream would cause sharp pain in my upper gums. I had these really high gum points—super sensitive. But red light therapy changed that. I talk more about that early experience in another video (link at the bottom of the article), but let’s say, from that moment, I was hooked.
Back in 2017, red light therapy wasn’t a household name. You didn’t see it in every influencer’s skincare routine, and you definitely didn’t find red light masks on the shelves at beauty retailers. Fast forward eight years—and now it’s everywhere, especially in the beauty space.
So, you’d think that after eight years of near-daily red light therapy use, I’d be glowing with perfect skin, defying age, and looking like a walking ad for vitality and longevity, right?
Well, not quite. And I’ll explain why. I’ll even show you some photos. But before we dive into my own story and the realities behind it, I want to quickly revisit what the science says about red light therapy and skin health.
What the Research Shows
Even though beauty influencers might be exaggerating a bit, they’re not entirely wrong. The foundation of their claims is real. Photobiomodulation—aka red light therapy—relies on specific red and near-infrared wavelengths that stimulate your body’s cells.
When it comes to the skin, we’re not talking pseudoscience here. We’re talking peer-reviewed studies, clinical trials, and measurable outcomes.
Collagen production is one of the most well-documented benefits. Red and near-infrared light stimulate fibroblasts in the skin—those are the cells that produce collagen and elastin.
These proteins are what give your skin that firm, youthful structure. As we age, collagen breaks down. That’s what leads to wrinkles, sagging, and a duller complexion. But studies show red light therapy can slow, even reverse, some of that breakdown.
Wrinkle and fine line reduction is another standout. Especially in areas around the eyes and mouth, clinical studies have found significant improvement after consistent use of red light therapy.
And no, I’m not talking about testimonials. I’m talking about actual scientific papers, with measurements taken using advanced tools—like high-resolution imaging, skin elasticity meters, and even microscopic analysis.
Another big one? Skin texture and tone. Near-infrared wavelengths penetrate deeper and improve circulation while speeding up cellular turnover. That means old cells shed faster, and healthier ones regenerate quicker. You end up with smoother, more even-toned skin. Redness, blotchiness, uneven texture—it can all improve.
Lastly, we’ve got inflammation reduction. Red light reduces inflammatory cytokines and boosts healing. This can help with everything from acne to scarring, and even general wound repair. I’ve talked before about how incredible red light therapy can be for something like sunburn—relieving pain and speeding up healing dramatically.
So yes, there’s solid scientific backing behind red light therapy for skin. And with affordable devices available now, and virtually no side effects, it’s no wonder people are drawn to it.
So, Why Don’t I Look Ten Years Younger?
Which brings us to the elephant in the room.
I recently got a comment on one of my videos. Someone had gone back and looked at an older video from about five or six years ago, then compared it to one of my newer ones. Their comment? “Hey Alex, if you’re the red light therapy guy who’s constantly using this stuff… shouldn’t you look younger now?”
Ouch, but fair enough.
I’ve been using red light therapy for over eight years now. And yes, I’ve aged. That’s the reality. I’m pushing 40, and I don’t look like I’m 24. So I wanted to be real about that and share what’s happened over those years—because it hasn’t exactly been a spa retreat.
Life Happens—And So Does Stress
About six and a half years ago, I became a dad. If you’re a parent, you already know where this is going. Sleep? Gone. Instantly. And if you were to look at my Oura Ring data, you’d see the sharp drop in sleep quality and quantity around 2019.
At the same time, my wife and I bought our first house. So now, not just sleep deprivation, but a mortgage too.
And if that wasn’t enough, I made a bold decision to go all-in on my online business—blogging, reviews, YouTube. Financial stress? Yeah, there was a lot of that.
Then came my son’s first birthday... and COVID. Being in New Zealand, we had our own unique set of stressors. But just before my son turned two, he had a long seizure. It was terrifying. That moment changed everything.
What followed were multiple hospital visits, ambulance rides, and sleepless nights on seizure watch. My wife was pregnant with our second child at the time. We were living on a rural farm, and I was the one doing all the hospital trips, all while trying to grow the business and keep things afloat.
The following two or three years were the hardest of my life. Yes, I was still testing red light therapy products. Yes, I was still using them. But I’d come home from the hospital, look in the mirror, and I swear I could see a new wrinkle forming in real time. The gray hairs started coming in strong. I even noticed hair thinning on top.
That’s just life. You give everything—your sleep, your money, your time—for your kids. And I don’t regret any of it. My son is now six and a half. He’s been seizure-free for almost three years. He still gets sick often—19 days out of the last 30, for example—but he’s a happy, energetic, motorbike-riding little guy.
Red Light Therapy Isn’t a Miracle—But It’s Still Worth It
So yes, red light therapy works. And yes, I still use it.
But no, it’s not a magic pill. You’re not going to buy a $500 device, use it once, and wake up ten years younger. It’s not going to erase stress, trauma, or sleep deprivation. But it can support you. It can slow aging, ease inflammation, speed up healing, and reduce reliance on medications.
No, I didn’t regrow my hair. I did try. I even made a video about it.(links at end of article) But honestly, I was already balding in high school. My mates used to joke about it. By the time I started using red light for hair regrowth, I was probably too far gone.
And as for the gray hairs? A lot of those popped up in the last year and a half, after my wife and I decided to sell the farm, uproot our family, and move from New Zealand to Dubai. We have two kids now, and that move was one of the most stressful periods of our lives. So when I find gray hairs, I just think of them as little reminders of growth and resilience.
Final Thoughts
So there it is; seven years of using red light therapy. You can look at my before and afters if you want. But just remember, everyone’s different. For every stunning transformation photo on social media, there’s another person quietly going through life, using their device consistently, seeing small but meaningful results.
I hope this honesty helps. Maybe it puts things into perspective. Maybe it just reminds you that we’re all human. Aging happens. Stress happens. But if a little red light can help us age a little more gracefully, sleep a little better, or feel just a bit stronger—then that’s a win in my book.
If you’ve been using red light therapy or any wellness hack, supplement, or device for an extended period, I’d love to hear your story. Good or bad. Leave a comment by jumping into our Facebook group or commenting on my video.
There are over 22,000 people in my Facebook group. Sharing real stories of how red light has impacted their skin, their mood, their health, and their lives. It's a great group to learn what has helped many.
Additional Articles or Videos I Mentioned
⭐ Novoral Care Pro Review + Teeth Before & After SURPRISE
⭐ Red Light Therapy For Skin: Beauty Benefits, Potential Complications, And More
⭐ My CurrentBody Hair Regrowth experiment!
⭐ Red Light Therapy For Hair Regrowth: HUGE 6-Month Test!
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Alex's Bio
Alex Fergus wrote this blog post. Alex is an ISSN Sports Nutrition Specialist, Fitness Professional, and certified Superhuman Coach who continues to expand his knowledge base and help people worldwide with their health and wellness. Alex is recognized as the National Record Holder in Powerlifting and Indoor Rowing and has earned the title of the Australian National Natural Bodybuilding Champion. Having worked as a health coach and personal trainer for over a decade, Alex now researches all things health and wellness and shares his findings on this blog.
