Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about red light therapy, Valo devices, shipping, and support. Cannot find your answer? Email us at help@valoredlight.com.
About Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy (also called photobiomodulation) uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate your cells' mitochondria, boosting ATP (cellular energy) production. It is one of the most researched therapeutic modalities in medicine, with over 1,000 peer-reviewed studies showing benefits for pain, inflammation, skin health, sleep, mood, and recovery. It is non-invasive, has zero UV radiation, and zero known side effects.
Red and near-infrared light (630-850nm) is absorbed by an enzyme in your mitochondria called cytochrome c oxidase. This interaction increases ATP production, which is the energy currency of every cell in your body. More ATP means faster healing, reduced inflammation, better cellular function, and improved production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. It also increases blood flow and reduces oxidative stress. The effects are cumulative with consistent use.
Clinically studied benefits include: pain and inflammation (back, knee, shoulder, joint, arthritis), skin and anti-aging (collagen, wrinkles, scars, wound healing), muscle recovery and DOMS, sleep quality and circadian rhythm regulation, mood and energy (serotonin, brain fog, seasonal depression), hormonal support (testosterone, thyroid), and acne treatment (with blue light wavelengths in the Glow Mask). It is used by professional sports teams, NASA, the military, and thousands of clinics worldwide.
Four reasons. First, Valo is physician-founded. Dr. Patrick Roosta, a board-certified physician and sports medicine specialist, helped develop every device using the exact wavelengths and power densities from his clinical practice. Second, our Beam and Blaze deliver 4 wavelengths (630, 660, 810, 850nm) simultaneously while most competitors offer only 2. Third, our power density (167+ mW/cm² on the Beam) is significantly higher than the industry average of 100 mW/cm². Fourth, every device is FDA cleared, zero EMF, HSA/FSA eligible, backed by a 3-year warranty and 60-day risk-free return policy. Based in Columbia, SC.
No. Red light therapy produces zero UV radiation. It is a completely different technology from tanning beds (which use UV to tan) and SAD lamps (which use bright white light to reset circadian rhythm through your eyes). Red light therapy works at the cellular level through your skin, boosting mitochondrial energy production. You will not tan. You will not burn. It is safe for daily use on all skin types.
Yes. All Valo devices are independently third-party tested by LightLab International in Pennsylvania for power output, spectral accuracy, and safety. Every device is FDA cleared as a Class II medical device and manufactured in facilities certified to ISO 13485 and MDSAP standards. We publish our specifications transparently because we have nothing to hide.
Choosing the Right Device
It depends on your primary use. The Spark ($299) is portable, rechargeable, and TSA approved, ideal for targeted joints, travel, and gym use. The Beam ($499) is our best seller, a wall/door-mounted panel with 4 wavelengths and 300W, perfect for daily home use on face, back, knees, or torso. The Blaze ($1,299) is a full-body panel at 1,000W for serious athletes and chronic pain. The Glow Mask ($299) is an LED face mask with 3 light modes (blue, red, yellow) for acne and skincare. Visit our Compare page for a full side-by-side breakdown.
The Beam and Blaze use 4 wavelengths simultaneously: 630nm (shallow red, skin surface), 660nm (deep red, collagen and elastin), 810nm (mid infrared, muscle and brain), and 850nm (deep infrared, joints and bone). The Spark uses 2 wavelengths: 660nm + 850nm, the two most clinically studied. The Glow Mask uses 3 modes: 415nm blue (acne bacteria), 590nm yellow (skin tone), and 630nm red (collagen). All wavelengths fire at the same time, no switching modes on the panels.
Same 4 wavelengths, same clinical technology, different scale. The Beam (300W, $499) is compact and ideal for treating one body area at a time, face, back, knees, or shoulders. It mounts on a door or wall. The Blaze (1,000W, $1,299) is a full-body panel that covers your entire torso, back, or legs in a single session without repositioning. If you treat one area at a time, the Beam is perfect. If you want full-body coverage, the Blaze.
Three critical differences. Wavelength count: most Amazon panels use 2 wavelengths while the Beam and Blaze use 4. Power density: the Beam delivers 167+ mW/cm² vs. 50-80 mW/cm² on most Amazon devices, meaning 2-3x the therapeutic dose in the same session time. Quality and safety: Valo devices are FDA cleared, zero EMF, flicker-free, third-party tested, and backed by a 3-year warranty. Most Amazon panels have no FDA clearance, no third-party testing, and inconsistent LED quality.
Near-infrared light (810nm and 850nm) is just beyond the visible spectrum, so it is invisible to the naked eye. You may see a very faint pink or dim red glow from those LEDs, but most of the light energy is invisible. The NIR LEDs are absolutely working. This is normal and expected. The therapeutic effect is happening whether or not you can see the light.
The Halo ($16,999) is a commercial-grade, 360-degree full-body red light bed designed for clinics, gyms, spas, and high-end home setups. It delivers 3,000W of power with 4 wavelengths across a full-body canopy. It is the ultimate red light therapy experience. If you are a business owner interested in the Halo, contact us at support@valoredlight.com for pricing, financing, and installation details.
How to Use Your Device
10 to 15 minutes per body area for the Beam and Blaze. 10 minutes per area for the Spark (hold closer for comparable dose). 10 minutes per session for the Glow Mask. Consistency matters more than duration, a 10-minute daily session is more effective than a 30-minute session twice a week.
Beam: 6-12 inches from the skin surface. At 6 inches you get maximum power density for targeted treatment. At 12 inches you get wider coverage. Blaze: 12-24 inches for broader full-body coverage. Spark: 1-3 inches (handheld, near-contact). The Glow Mask sits directly on your face.
Daily use is safe and recommended for best results. Most people use their device 5-7 days per week. For acute injuries or pain, daily sessions are ideal. For maintenance and general wellness, 3-5 sessions per week is effective. There is no risk of overuse with red light therapy at the wavelengths and power densities Valo devices deliver.
Yes. You can treat multiple areas one after another in the same session. For example, 10 minutes on your face, then reposition for 10 minutes on your back. The Blaze is large enough to cover your full torso or back in a single pass without repositioning. The Spark is handheld so you simply move it to the next area.
Any time works, but timing can be optimized for specific goals. Morning sessions (within 1 hour of waking) are best for energy, mood, and circadian rhythm reset. Post-workout sessions reduce DOMS and accelerate recovery. Evening sessions (30-60 minutes before bed, dim room) support melatonin production and sleep quality. For skin, any time of day works, just use on clean bare skin.
It varies by goal. Energy and mood improvements are often noticed within 3-5 sessions. Pain and inflammation relief typically begins within 1-2 weeks. Sleep quality improvements emerge by week 2-3. Skin and anti-aging changes (collagen, wrinkles, tone) take 4-8 weeks of consistent use. Full benefits compound over 4-8 weeks. Consistency is the most important factor.
Red light works best on bare skin. Clothing blocks the wavelengths. For facial use, remove makeup and skincare products before your session, then apply serums or moisturizer after for enhanced absorption. Protective goggles are included with every device for eye comfort during facial sessions (the near-infrared light is invisible but can be bright).
Payment, Financing, and HSA/FSA
Yes. All Valo devices are FDA-cleared Class II medical devices and are HSA/FSA eligible through Flex at checkout. No prescription or letter of medical necessity required. Just select Flex as your payment method during checkout and use your HSA/FSA card.
Yes. Yes. Affirm financing is available at 0% APR on all devices. Monthly payments: Spark at $25/mo, Beam at $42/mo, Blaze at $87/mo. Select Affirm at checkout for an instant decision — decisioning happens within seconds, with no hard credit pull for prequalification.
Rates from 0–36% APR. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. CA residents: Loans by Affirm Loan Services, LLC are made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license. For licenses and disclosures, see affirm.com/licenses. For example, an $800 purchase could be split into 12 monthly payments of $72.21 at 15% APR.
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover), Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, PayPal, HSA/FSA via Flex, and Affirm financing. All transactions are processed through Shopify's secured checkout.
Yes. We partner with GovX to offer verified military, first responder, and government employee discounts. Visit our GovX page or contact support@valoredlight.com for details.
Yes. Valo partners with Perkspot, BenefitHub, and other corporate employee benefits platforms. If your employer offers wellness benefits, you may be eligible for an exclusive discount. Contact support@valoredlight.com with your company name and we will check availability.
Shipping, Warranty, and Returns
Free 2-day shipping on all domestic orders. Orders placed before 2 PM EST ship same day. International shipping is available and typically takes 7-14 business days depending on location. All orders include tracking.
60-day risk-free guarantee on all devices. Use it for up to 60 days. If you are not satisfied for any reason, return it for a full refund. No restocking fees, no questions asked. Contact support@valoredlight.com to initiate a return. We provide a prepaid return shipping label.
Every Valo device comes with a 3-year warranty covering any manufacturing defects, LED failures, and component malfunctions. Warranty is automatic upon purchase, no registration required. Just keep your order confirmation email. Contact support@valoredlight.com for any warranty claims.
Yes. We ship to most countries worldwide. International shipping costs and delivery times vary by location, typically 7-14 business days. All international orders include tracking. Customs duties and import taxes are the responsibility of the buyer and vary by country.
Safety and Precautions
Yes. Red light therapy is one of the safest therapeutic modalities available. Valo devices are FDA cleared as Class II medical devices. They produce zero UV radiation, zero EMF emissions, and zero heat damage at recommended distances. There are no known side effects from red and near-infrared light therapy at the wavelengths and power densities used. It is safe for daily use on all skin types and compatible with medications and topical treatments.
Yes. Red light therapy is non-invasive and contains zero UV rays. It will not cause burns, irritation, or sensitivity reactions. It is safe for all skin types including sensitive, rosacea-prone, and post-procedure skin. In fact, red light therapy is clinically shown to reduce inflammation and support wound healing, making it beneficial for sensitive skin.
Red light therapy is compatible with virtually all medications and treatments. It does not interact with SSRIs, blood pressure medications, or other pharmaceuticals. It can be used alongside physical therapy, chiropractic care, topical skincare, and other treatments. The only precaution: if you are taking photosensitizing medications (some antibiotics, retinoids), start with shorter sessions and consult your prescribing physician.
Red light therapy is safe for the vast majority of people. However, consult your physician before use if you have bipolar disorder (light therapy of any kind may trigger manic episodes), active cancer (consult your oncologist), are pregnant (as a precaution, though no adverse effects have been documented), or are taking photosensitizing medications. It is not recommended for use directly over the thyroid by people with active hyperthyroidism.
Protective goggles are included with every Valo device. We recommend wearing them during facial sessions for comfort, as the red light can be bright at close range. The near-infrared light is invisible but still present. The goggles block the brightness while still allowing the therapeutic wavelengths to reach your skin. For body-only sessions (knees, back, torso), eye protection is optional if you are not looking directly at the panel.
Still Have Questions?
Our team responds to every email, usually the same day. Real people, real answers.
Email help@valoredlight.com
