Top Lab Tests to Track Your Red Light Therapy Results

April 24, 2026

Jason Ferrier

What is red light therapy?

The awareness and use of Red light therapy has been moving from niche wellness circles into the mainstream. Red light therapy involves using a face mask, light panel, or wand equipped with LED lights to shine red and near-infrared light on some or all of the body. Among the purported benefits of red light therapy are its potential to support skin health, reduce inflammation, improve recovery, and even enhance cellular energy production. But after taking the time and money to invest in red light devices and routines, what is the next step? How do you measure the changes and benefits to your body? This is where the direct-to-consumer testing services of Request A Test come in. Several tests can help to measure how red light therapy is impacting your health. These include:

We'll discuss further how these tests are linked to the purported benefits of red light therapy.

What are the benefits of red light therapy?

Red light therapy primarily works by stimulating mitochondrial activity, increasing circulation, and reducing oxidative stress. This can translate into benefits that include clearer skin or faster muscle recovery. But what about the subtler internal changes that aren't immediately noticeable? By ordering your own lab testing, you can track the shifts in your biology and use the results to adjust your approach to therapy.

Can red light therapy reduce inflammation?

One of the main benefits that red light therapy is supposed to impart is reduced inflammation. Markers for inflammation, like the C-reactive protein (CRP), are a great starting point. A decrease in CRP levels over time may indicate that your therapy routine is helping to calm systemic inflammation. Other tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), can also provide insight into immune system activity and overall health trends.

Does red light therapy reduce oxidative stress and balance antioxidant levels?

Another positive effect of red light therapy is the reduction of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the body's production of unstable molecules known as free radicals and its ability to neutralize them with antioxidants. Being in a state of oxidative stress can result in damage to cells, proteins, and DNA, contributing to aging and chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. A glutathione blood test measures a biomarker related to antioxidant balance. This test can help to evaluate the effect that red light therapy is having on a cellular level.

Does red light therapy help balance hormones?

Some studies have suggested that red light therapy can have an effect on hormones like cortisol and testosterone. Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. Red light therapy is said to help with relaxation and better sleep. Blood work can show if your cortisol levels are lowering, which can indicate a reduction in stress. For men, tracking testosterone levels may reveal performance or energy-related improvements. For women, testosterone and other hormone levels can relate to an improvement in metabolism, mood, or recovery time.

How does red light therapy improve skin health?

Another focus of red light therapy is improved skin health. One of the common goals for keeping skin healthy and younger-looking is the production of collagen. Nutrients like Vitamin C and Vitamin D are essential for collagen synthesis. Blood testing can measure your levels of these and other vitamins.

What benefit does red light therapy have on metabolic health?

Red light therapy is said to support metabolic health by improving energy utilization and circulation. Tests related to metabolic health include fasting glucose, insulin, Hemoglobin A1C, and Lipids (cholesterol).

How to Measure Red Light Therapy Results with Lab Testing

Whatever your goal in undergoing red light therapy, you will want to be able to see if it’s having the intended results. Ordering your own lab testing from Request A Test is an affordable, convenient way to get the answers you need without having to wait on a doctor or insurance provider. You can test as often as you like to monitor the progress of your health journey. We partner with over 7,000 testing sites across the USA, so getting a test near you is no problem. To get started, visit us online or call our team at 888-732-2348.

Why Request A Test?