Lauren Berlingeri is dedicated to inspiring others through fitness and naturally-healthy lifestyle practices. After launching her career as an international model, Berlingeri went on to star in her own show, "Women vs. Workout"-grossing over 15 million views and receiving a Webby Award nomination for Best Host. This experience led to extreme sports hosting for brands such as UFC, EA Sports, and IMG. Lauren discovered the power of Infrared technology - specifically Infrared saunas - and saw an opportunity to bring the biohacking tool to the masses. Since co-founding HigherDOSE with Katie Kaps, the wellness brand has experienced meteoric success, boiling down to a true revolutionization of the spa business. As a female biohacker and mother of twins, Lauren brings a fresh perspective to a space that has been dominated by male voices from its inception, making it HigherDOSE's core mission to educate women about their bio-individuality and give them the tools they need to reach their own best selves, with content designed to educate people on how to take control of their own wellness regimens.
When people ask “does red light therapy work,” what’s your go-to explanation that’s science-backed but still easy to understand?
Red light therapy is one of the most extensively studied wellness modalities, with decades of clinical research supporting its use in skin rejuvenation, recovery and mood support. It’s been widely used in dermatology and clinical settings for years, particularly for its visible skin benefits and non-invasive nature.
Red light therapy works by combining low-level red and near-infrared light to target the skin both at and below the surface level. That dual targeting is why red light is so powerful — immediately, you can get a quick mood boost and often see effects like a glowier complexion. But over time and with consistent use, you can unlock those bigger benefits, like support for muscle recovery from workouts, and enhanced collagen production that improves skin elasticity and texture.
Red light therapy is definitely having a moment, but it’s sometimes hard to tell what’s real vs. what’s hype. How can someone ensure they’re purchasing products/experiences that deliver real red light therapy benefits?
Doing your research is so important when you’re investing in a new part of your wellness ritual. With the explosion of red light products on the market, finding the right one and making a purchase can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important for companies to be transparent about their technology — it’s on us to educate our community and help them find the right red light tool that fits into their daily routines.
Not all red light is created equal. For a device to be effective, it needs to emit light within the “optical window.” For red light, that’s 630-670nm, and for near-infrared that’s 810-850nm. So if a company doesn’t explicitly list its nanometer (nm) ranges, it’s likely a sign the device isn’t actually delivering therapeutic light. Another spec to consider is irradiance, which is the “dosage” of red light hitting your skin, and is measured in milliwatts per square centimeter. This can vary based on whether you’re using a device meant for direct skin contact, like a mask, or tools used at a distance. But many low-cost devices have such low irradiance levels it would take hours of use to get the desired dose of red light.
When we developed our Red Light Face Mask at HigherDOSE, we invested in a third-party clinical trial because we wanted to be truly transparent about the real results our customers could expect. After 8 weeks, 93% of participants said their skin felt firmer and smoother, and 82% said they noticed an overall reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re shopping for red light or other wellness tech, look for the companies that do their due diligence to support the products they’re selling you.
If someone is just starting to introduce red light into their routine, what’s a good product and/or routine to start with?
The “perfect” starting point really depends on your individual goals—red light isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and at HigherDOSE, we design our products to meet specific physiological needs.
If your primary goal is complexion and anti-aging, our Red Light Face Mask is the ultimate entry point. It’s cordless and hands-free, making it easy to slip into a busy morning or evening ritual without any downtime. However, if you are looking for full-body recovery, deeper inflammation support, or a mood boost, I’d point you toward our Full Body Red Light Mat. It allows for a more immersive experience that treats your nervous system and muscles simultaneously.
How do you explain where red light fits into face masks skincare — is it “another step,” or something that replaces steps?
It doesn’t replace your products; it makes them work harder. Think of red light as the "battery charger" for your cells. It boosts mitochondrial function, which gives your skin the energy it needs to repair itself. While it doesn’t replace your moisturizer, over time you may find your makeup going on smoother, and maybe you find yourself applying products like foundation with a much lighter touch. And because your skin looks and feels better overall, the corrective serums and actives you use can last longer since you need less.
What’s your ideal routine order: skincare first, then red light face mask… or red light first, then products?
Typically, you want a clear path between the lights and your skin. Standard products like SPF, heavy moisturizers, or mineral-based makeup can actually reflect or block the light wavelengths.
The only exception to this rule is our Light-Activated Glow Serum. We specifically formulated it to be light-activated, meaning it’s designed to be applied before you put on your mask. The light actually helps “push” the serum’s potent ingredients deeper into the skin. So, my ideal order is: cleanse, apply a layer of Glow Serum, enjoy your Red Light Face Mask session, and then follow up with any other products in your skincare routine.
Are there ingredients that pair especially well with red light therapy for the face — and ingredients people should avoid right before?
Because red light works by essentially “waking up” your skin, you want to pair it with ingredients that can keep up.
We created our Light-Activated Glow Serum to be the perfect “primer” for your session. It’s light-activated and water-based, so the wavelengths can pass right through it. Those power player ingredients include:
- Copper Peptides: Think of these as the “scaffold builders.” While the light signals your skin to stay firm, these peptides provide the support it needs to look bouncy and smooth.
- Phosphatidylcholine: This is our secret for better absorption. It’s a skin-friendly lipid that helps all the other good stuff in the serum sink in more effectively while you wear your mask.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This is your hydration hero. It keeps your skin feeling plump and dewy throughout the treatment.
- Niacinamide & Vitamin C: This duo is all about the “lit-from-within” look. They work alongside the light to even out your skin tone and dial up your natural radiance.
Keep it simple right before your session. I recommend avoiding Retinols or heavy exfoliating acids (like AHAs/BHAs) immediately before using the mask. Red light is very stimulating, so “stacking” it with strong resurfacing ingredients can sometimes be a bit much for the skin. Save those for your nighttime routine after you’ve finished your light therapy!
How can red light therapy help support and benefit women who are going through menopause?
Menopause is a time of systemic inflammation and "cellular fatigue." Red light (and specifically Near-Infrared light) helps by reducing that inflammation and supporting the body's natural repair processes. It’s also incredibly grounding for the nervous system—using our Full Body Red Light Mat can help shift the body from "fight or flight" into "rest and digest," which is essential when your hormones feel like they’re in flux.
Many menopausal women are dealing with low estrogen symptoms. Is there any evidence that red light therapy supports symptoms connected to low estrogen — like sleep, mood, or inflammation?
Absolutely. Menopause is a time of systemic inflammation and “cellular fatigue,” which can show up in disrupted sleep, lower energy, and increased sensitivity to stress. While it’s not a hormone replacement, red light therapy is clinically shown to help regulate circadian rhythms by supporting natural melatonin production—a game-changer for menopausal insomnia. On the mood front, it stimulates the release of those "feel-good" chemicals (our favorite DOSE: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins), helping to stabilize the emotional "rollercoaster" that often accompanies low estrogen.
Are there any women who should be cautious using red light therapy while on menopause treatment or HRT therapy?
Generally, RLT is non-invasive and safe to use alongside HRT. As always, if you have a specific medical condition or are on photosensitizing medications, check in with your doctor first.
Aside from red light devices, does HigherDOSE have any other products that would be great for women going through menopause?
The Infrared Sauna Blanket is a lifesaver for detoxing and managing the "puffiness" or water retention that comes with hormonal shifts. For sleep and anxiety, our Infrared PEMF Mat is essential. It uses Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy to mimic the healing vibrations of the Earth, which helps "reset" a frazzled nervous system and encourages deep, restorative sleep.
You just launched a red light therapy shower filter, can you tell us more about that and why you decided to create this product?
We created the Red Light Shower Filter because the most effective wellness routines are the ones that fit effortlessly into everyday life. Showering is already a moment of reset, so we designed a way to elevate it by pairing advanced filtration that helps reduce chlorine and heavy metals with red light therapy that supports healthy-looking skin and circulation. The experience is effortless, immersive, and restorative, offering head-to-toe red light exposure without adding a single step to your routine. It’s wellness woven into the fabric of everyday living and designed to help you look and feel your best, starting with the moments you never skip.
Red light hair growth is trending — what’s the science and who is the best candidate for it? Can your shower filter help with this?
Red light has been shown to increase blood circulation to the scalp, promoting healthier hair follicles and rejuvenating the scalp, which may lead to decreased hair loss, optimized hair follicle function, and increased growth. The best candidate is someone seeing early thinning or "dormant" follicles, or someone who wants to proactively prevent hair loss. Both men and women frequently experience hair loss as they enter middle age, and red light is a great way to maintain healthy hair the same way we think about maintaining the health of our skin. It also works well as a therapy for hair loss caused by postpartum changes and menopause.
Our Red Light Hat is the heavy hitter for targeted growth, but the Red Light Showerhead Filter is a fantastic "maintenance" tool that supports scalp health and reduces the oxidative stress from tap water that can lead to shedding.
What are the most common mistakes that make red light therapy not work — wrong distance, wrong timing, inconsistency?
Inconsistency is the #1 killer of results. You can’t do it once a month and expect a transformation. It's cumulative therapy. Other big mistakes are wearing clothes (the light can’t penetrate fabric!) or being too far away from the light source to experience the deeper benefits. With all our products, we’ve calibrated the right irradiance for the intended distance so you get the optimal "dose" every time—you just have to show up.
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