How Red Light Therapy Helped Me Reclaim My Body Postpartum

Let’s talk about red light therapy. If you’ve seen those glowing panels all over your social feed or heard your wellness-loving bestie rave about it, you’re not alone. And if you’re wondering whether this buzzy trend is legit or just another “Instagram health thing,” I’ve been there too.

After a year and a half postpartum—and in the middle of wedding prep—I was feeling out of sync. My hormones were all over the place, my skin looked tired, and I just didn’t feel like myself. That’s when I decided to try red light therapy at home, and honestly? It changed everything.

What Is Red Light Therapy, Exactly?

Red light therapy (also known as low-level light therapy or photobiomodulation) uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate your skin and stimulate cellular energy. It sounds a little sci-fi, but there’s real science behind it. These wavelengths are absorbed by the mitochondria in your cells, which helps improve circulation, support collagen production, and reduce inflammation.

Translation? Glowy skin, better recovery, balanced hormones, and even support for your metabolism. Red light therapy benefits go way beyond the surface.

Why I Started Using Red Light Therapy After Having a Baby

Let’s be real: postpartum recovery is no joke. About 18 months after giving birth, I was still dealing with hormone imbalance, fatigue, mood swings, and disrupted sleep. I craved something natural that could help regulate my nervous system and reset my body—and red light therapy kept popping up.

Turns out, this light-based therapy supports circadian rhythm regulation and cortisol balance, both of which are crucial for hormone health. And as a new mom? Those were two things I desperately needed help with.

I’d heard whispers about red light therapy for hormone balance, but what really got my attention were the stories from other women—especially moms—who noticed improved sleep, steadier moods, and that elusive “back to myself” feeling.

My Skin Was Also Begging for Help

On top of the internal shifts, I was dealing with some serious skin fatigue. Living in Mexico for the past few years has been amazing in so many ways, but the strong sun was accelerating aging faster than I’d anticipated. I started noticing fine lines, changes in elasticity, and just an overall dullness.

That’s when I discovered that red light therapy is also known to promote collagen production, improve skin tone, reduce wrinkles, and restore elasticity—basically, a glow-up without invasive treatments. Sold.

Bonus: Red Light Therapy and Metabolism Support

If you're someone who loves a double-duty wellness tool like I do, here’s another reason I leaned in: studies suggest red light therapy may support fat metabolism by improving mitochondrial function and increasing resting metabolic rate. Some people even use red light therapy for weight management support, especially in combination with movement and healthy nutrition.

While I’m not a fan of “quick fix” weight loss promises, I am a fan of tools that support my body’s natural ability to heal and thrive. This felt like one of them.

The Best Red Light Therapy Device I’ve Tried (After Testing a Lot)

I knew I needed something that fit into my busy life and didn’t require spa appointments or expensive packages. So I started exploring at-home red light therapy options—and let me tell you, the quality varies a lot.

After trying several devices, I landed on BON CHARGE, and it’s hands-down my favorite. Their red light therapy panels are high-quality, easy to use, and actually deliver results. I use mine for 10 minutes a day, either first thing in the morning or while winding down at night. The glow-up is real.

What I’ve Noticed Since Starting Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy benefits didn’t show up overnight, but they were consistent. The first thing I noticed was better sleep—deeper, more restful, and no more waking up groggy. Then came the mood improvements. I felt more emotionally balanced and less reactive.

Over time, my skin started changing. It looked smoother, brighter, and more hydrated. My under-eye area? Less puffy. My jawline? A little more defined. It felt like my body was just working better, inside and out.

And honestly, the daily ritual of using red light became something I looked forward to. It’s grounding, quiet, and gives me a moment to reconnect with myself—which, for any parent or busy human, is huge.

Is Red Light Therapy Worth It?

In my experience? Absolutely. Especially if you’re dealing with postpartum recovery, hormonal imbalance, or skin changes, red light therapy can be a gentle but powerful addition to your wellness routine. It’s backed by growing research and used by dermatologists, functional medicine practitioners, and athletes alike.

Just be consistent. Most of the red light therapy benefits come from regular use—think 5–15 minutes per session, several times a week. And choose a high-quality device that uses clinical-grade wavelengths for real results.

Final Thoughts: The Glow Is Real

I never thought light could change my life, but here we are. Red light therapy has become one of my favorite wellness tools—not just because of how it makes my skin look, but because of how it makes me feel.

If you’re curious about trying red light therapy at home, I’d recommend starting with a trusted brand (again, BON CHARGE is my go-to), and committing to a simple daily ritual. You don’t need hours or fancy routines—just a few minutes and a little consistency.

Because sometimes healing doesn’t require more doing—it just requires more light.