Red Light Therapy and Tattoos: Is It Safe?
If you have tattoos, you may wonder whether red light therapy will fade the ink. Here is the practical answer.
Will it fade your tattoo?
Red and near-infrared light is not the same as the high-energy lasers used for tattoo removal, which target ink pigment at specific intense wavelengths. Everyday LED red light therapy is low-energy and is not known to meaningfully fade healed tattoos.
Fresh tattoos: wait until healed
Do not use red light (or any device) over a brand-new tattoo that is still an open wound. Let it fully heal first, typically a few weeks, then proceed normally. Our safety guide covers general contraindications.
Using a device over healed tattoos
Once healed, tattooed skin can be treated like any other skin when you use a device. Follow your device manual. For general skin routines, see our skin guide.
For body areas over healed tattoos, a panel covers a larger surface. The AWA FX300 Red Light Therapy Panel ($199.99, FSA/HSA eligible) is one option. See how to use your FSA/HSA to pay with pre-tax dollars.
FAQ
Does red light therapy remove tattoos?
No. It is low-energy LED light, not a tattoo-removal laser, and is not known to fade healed ink.
Can I use it on a new tattoo?
Wait until the tattoo is fully healed before using a device over the area.
This article is educational and not medical advice. Check with your doctor about your specific situation.
