Hooga red light therapy review 2025

As someone who has always been fascinated by the latest wellness technologies, I’ve watched red light therapy explode in popularity, from professional athletes using it for muscle recovery to dermatologists praising its skin-reviving effects. But with so many brands flooding the market, it’s hard to find a device that actually works without breaking the bank in the process.

That’s why the Cybernews research team and I decided to review Hooga, a brand promising medical-grade red light therapy at a lower cost compared to competitors like Joovv or PlatinumLED. We conducted a thorough research to answer whether Hooga delivers on its claims.

This review will break down how Hooga’s RLT devices work, discuss their benefits and drawbacks, explain how to use them properly, and share experiences from other users.

Quick overview of Hooga red light therapy

Before we start exploring the Hooga brand in detail, here are some quick facts about one of its top models:

Model name	ULTRA1500
Device type	At-home red light therapy panel
Used wavelengths	630, 660, 810, and 850 nanometers
Claims to help with	Skin rejuvenation and anti-aging Muscle recovery and soreness relief Joint pain and inflammation reduction Sleep difficulties by potentially supporting circadian rhythm regulation
Ideal for	Users seeking versatility Athletes and fitness gurus
Price	$1399

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What is the Hooga red light therapy, and how does it work?

Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular processes. While PBM can theoretically use various wavelengths across the electromagnetic spectrum, Hooga devices specifically employ ranges of red (630-660nm) and near-infrared (810-850nm) that have been proposed by the brand to effectively penetrate tissue and reduce inflammation.

As opposed to UV light, these wavelengths are generally safe. Most devices use either lasers or LEDs to emit the light, so the heating is minimal, and you don’t have to worry about sweating too much. It penetrates your skin and is absorbed by the light sensitive molecules in mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of your cells.

Once this happens, multiple biochemical reactions are triggered at the molecular level. These photobiomodulation effects include enhanced tissue regeneration, increased protein synthesis, and modulated inflammatory responses, and they all contribute to the therapy’s potential benefits.

However, while Hooga markets its products as “medical-grade”, they are classified as low-risk, general wellness devices, which means they don’t require FDA approval but rather just FDA clearance. So don’t expect them to treat your medical conditions for you, as they are not approved by the FDA for that.

Benefits of red light therapy

Several studies focused on red light therapy have yielded positive results, highlighting the immense benefits these wavelengths offer. Let’s explore some of them:

• Enhanced collagen production. The 660nm red light stimulates fibroblasts to increase collagen synthesis. A study conducted by the NIH showed that red light therapy significantly improved skin feeling and elasticity and led to a reduction in wrinkles.
• Faster muscle recovery. Many users and studies report that regular sessions help ease post-workout soreness and support quicker recovery. It helps reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which promotes cellular repair and reduces inflammation.
• Reduced joint pain and inflammation. Several studies have shown that NIR light significantly decreases major inflammatory markers like IL-6. It’s been proposed to accelerate the healing process, promote tissue regeneration, prevent cell death, and reduce pain. A particular trial even showed that acute neck pain was reduced immediately after treatment with wavelengths of 820-830nm.
• Improved skin texture and tone. By stimulating the production of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow, red light therapy helps enhance circulation, providing more oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells. This promotes better cell function and regeneration and can also help lighten out pigmentation and reduce acne lesions.
• Potential sleep and mental health benefits. Multiple studies have shown that red light exposure in the morning can increase daytime alertness and reduce sleep inertia, while evening use can elevate melatonin, helping regulate circadian rhythms. Some studies even note mood improvements comparable to mild antidepressants in both seasonal and nonseasonal depression.

Pros and cons of Hooga red light therapy

Among the user reviews in various forums and online platforms, Hooga PRO300 seemed to be one of the most popular red light therapy devices around today, so it’s only fair that I explore the pros and cons of using this brand.

How to use Hooga red light therapy for different needs

Before you start using Hooga devices for your red light therapy sessions, it’s important that you know about the proper procedures for various use cases:

For skin & anti-aging

To achieve improved skin feeling, tone, and reduce wrinkles in your sessions, here’s what you need to know, according to Hooga:

• Aim to keep the device 6-18in away from your body.
• Use it daily, but not more than two times a day, and aim for 10- 20 minute sessions.
• Cleanse your skin before going under the light and avoid using photosensitizing products like retinol, as it can lead to unexpected skin reactions.

For athletic performance

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking better performance are advised by Hooga to use their devices before and after their workout sessions. Here’s how they can maximize their benefits:

• Knees, quads, shoulders, hamstrings, and lower back are some of the major target areas.
• Sessions of 5-10 minutes pre-workout can help boost muscle readiness, while 10 to 15-minute sessions post-workout are ideal to reduce soreness.
• 850nm light is preferred for deep tissue treatment.
• You can also pair the therapy with stretching or foam rolling for enhanced recovery.

For pain relief

Here are some guidelines provided by Hooga for those looking to relieve pain with Hooga devices:

• Shoot between 6-12in away from the body.
• 10-20 minutes per session is advised by the brand for deep tissue treatments.
• For chronic pain, 1-2x daily and 3-5x weekly is ideal.

Safety Precautions:

• Eye protection. Hooga devices come with goggles, so ensure you wear them and avoid staring directly at the LEDs.
• Open wounds. Don’t treat broken skin or fresh scars with red light to avoid reactions. It’s also not advisable to use the light if you’re pregnant.
• Session limits. Stick to recommended durations to prevent skin sensitivity. Some models also emit mild warmth, so stop if you start feeling uncomfortable.
• Professional help. Consult a doctor if you are epileptic, taking photosensitizing medications, or if you have or suspect you have cancer.

Hooga red light therapy reviews

It’s always essential to understand what actual users are saying about a product, so I searched several sites for reviews. Many report brighter, smoother skin after consistent use. Another highlight was reduced joint pain, improved sleep, and faster muscle recovery. A Trustpilot reviewer even mentioned significant neck pain relief, while others praised reduced post-workout soreness.

There were, however, complaints about the near-infrared light causing hyperpigmentation on the face, while others found some models to be a bit difficult to set up due to unclear instructions.

Overall, Hooga is well-liked by most users, with PRO300 being a particular standout, but shipping inconsistencies, especially for people outside the US, can be truly frustrating.

Final word on Hooga red light therapy

After conducting thorough research, the team and I have concluded that Hooga offers exceptional value for at-home red light therapy, particularly for beginners or users on a budget. While it lacks premium features like app connectivity, its wavelengths (660nm & 850nm) deliver real results for skin recovery, sleep improvement, and pain relief.

The brand is claimed to be effective for first-time RLT users and those who want targeted treatments. Hooga is proof that you don’t need to overspend for effective red light therapy; just patience, proper self-care, and realistic expectations will help you achieve your goals.

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