Do You Need to Be Naked for Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a drug-free and non-invasive method used to alleviate pain, inflammation, and oxidative stress while also enhancing skin health and promoting muscle recovery. You can receive this treatment in a clinic or perform it at home by purchasing a device. Most individuals get confused about the need to go naked during red light therapy. In this article, we will clarify whether one needs to be naked during red light therapy.
Table of Contents
How Red Light Therapy Works

Red light therapy (RLT) utilizes specified wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that travel through the tissues and skin to stimulate the body's own healing processes. When these wavelengths reach different levels of the body, they trigger processes that facilitate pain relief, reduction of inflammation, and cell regrowth. RLT triggers stimulation of the cell powerhouse-the mitochondria-and the subsequent activation of the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Cells gain energy with a greater ATP and are therefore enabled to heal and regenerate themselves.
Secondly, RLT enhances blood flow so that all the cells are well-nourished and oxygenated. Thirdly, it aids in the production of fibroblasts, cells that help produce collagen and elastin, proteins that build and strengthen the skin. In general, red light therapy is a useful way to improve health and relieve symptoms of numerous ailments.
Do You Need to Be Naked for Red Light Therapy?
For red light therapy, the area of your body you're treating is quite essential to determining if you need to be naked. For instance, if you're working on larger areas such as your back, legs, or torso, it's generally best to disrobe those areas so the light can be effective. For treatments on your back or other large areas, you should remove your shirt or any clothing over that area.
Meanwhile, if you're only exposing smaller parts of your body, such as your face, hands, or feet, you don't have to get entirely naked. If you're undergoing red light therapy at home with a quality device like one from the Total Spectrum series, you can wear whatever makes you feel most relaxed.
In order to truly take full advantage of red light therapy, the light must be able to penetrate through to your skin without any barrier. The more exposed your skin is, the better the therapy can work.
Why Full Skin Exposure Matters
If you want red light therapy to be effective, you have to expose the area you're treating. Your clothing may prevent some light from reaching the skin and penetrating deeply. You can learn more about this in our article that asks, "Does hair block red light therapy?" The same principles apply. If you are doing red light therapy on your back, you will need to remove your shirt so that the light penetrates deeper. In other words, full exposure to the skin enables red light therapy to be more effective.
What to Wear (or Not Wear) During Sessions
What you wear depends on the location of your body you're treating. The most important thing is to leave the treated area exposed. For small areas, having only the part you are treating exposed is sufficient. When you are treating a larger region, like your back, legs, or stomach, you will need to take off the clothing that is over them. When it comes to undergarments, if you're getting treated on areas that undergarments cover, you should remove them so the light can hit the skin effectively.
Tips to Maximize Red Light Therapy Results
If using a red light therapy panel to enhance your health, these are some easy tips to maximize the benefits. To begin with, consistency is the key. You must maintain a regular schedule and not miss sessions. For detailed protocols, refer to our official usage guide. It would be best to have 3-5 sessions per week, each session being 10-20 minutes long. Additionally, avoid using lotions or oils before your session, as these can block the light.
Conclusion: Finding What Works Best for You
How much you need to strip off for red light therapy will be determined by where you're placing the light. For small areas like your hands or face, clothing isn't an issue. But if you're treating larger areas like your back or stomach, you'll have to remove clothing so the light can work its magic. It is essential to remain regular and use the light in an appropriate manner for maximum gain.
FAQS: Addressing Common Questions
Do you take off your clothes for red light therapy?
You only need to remove clothing for red light therapy when treating areas covered by clothing. When treating your face, hands, or feet, you do not need to undress.
Do you use red light therapy on bare skin?
Yes, it is best to perform red light therapy on bare skin so that the light can effectively penetrate, as clothing may block the light.
Do you have to wear goggles in a red-light therapy bed?
Yes, it is recommended to wear goggles during red light therapy sessions, especially in a therapy bed. While the light is generally safe for your skin, the intensity can be harmful to your eyes.