Table of Contents
Key takeaways
At-home UVB light therapy provides UVB light to your skin using a medical device.
There are two different paths to access at-home UVB light therapy, depending on your goal. These devices differ in wavelength used, dosing requirements, and how to purchase..
You can access a UVB phototherapy unit by-prescription to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and eczema.
UVB light therapy devices are available over-the-counter to promote vitamin D production.
FDA-cleared UVB devices should be used according to their labeled instructions and safety precautions.
We all know what it’s like to sit outside in the sun or take a walk on a clear day. The sunlight warms your skin and sets the tone for a sense of wellbeing for the day. Sun exposure itself helps heal skin conditions like psoriasis. And so, we know sunlight can be a powerful tool for wellbeing. But at too high doses, that sun can be damaging. That’s where UVB light devices, a type of phototherapy, enter the picture.
There is a lot of confusion about what phototherapy is (and isn’t). At-home devices include prescription dermatology units used as part of skin condition treatment. But there’s another category too: Over-the-counter FDA-cleared at-home narrowband UVB phototherapy that can be purchased on your own and used without clinician management. These medical devices help increase vitamin D production. Learn more about what home UVB light therapy actually is, the conditions it’s used for, and how prescription and OTC paths differ.
What Is At-Home UVB Light Therapy?
At-home UVB light therapy involves using a medical device to direct UVB light to your skin. This therapy is available by-prescription only as a treatment for certain skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo. It is also available over-the-counter to promote vitamin D production and overall health benefits.
Narrowband UVB (311 nm) vs. broadband vs. targeted (293 nm) UVB
Narrowband UVB (311 - 313 nm) is the clinical standard for treating skin conditions, allowing for shorter sessions, longer remission, and lower risk of skin redness compared to broadband, per research in Cureus.
Broadband UVB (280-315 nm) covers the entire UVB spectrum, providing light therapy that’s less targeted, though still may be used in certain circumstances.
Targeted UVB (293 nm) targets a portion of the UVB action spectrum associated with cutaneous vitamin D production.
How UVB affects skin cells and the immune system
For people who have skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatologists can prescribe different types of phototherapy, including narrowband or broadband UVB or PUVA, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Treatment can be given inside and outside a dermatologist office. Phototherapy has several benefits, says the AAD, including slowing the growth of skin cells that are proliferating too rapidly, reducing inflammation and itch, and quieting an immune system that’s overreacting and causing these symptoms in the first place.
Phototherapy, however, works deeper than the skin. UVB has immunomodulatory effects that contribute to its therapeutic role in certain inflammatory skin conditions, per research in Frontiers in Immunology.
Can You Do UVB Light Therapy at Home?
Yes, but there are two very different paths to access at-home UVB light therapy, depending on your goal. These devices differ in wavelength used, dosing requirements, and regulation.
Path 1 — Prescription: As a treatment for skin conditions, your dermatologist can prescribe phototherapy. You may need prior authorization for insurance or a Letter of Medical Necessity. Then, you can purchase an at-home device. Your physician will confirm the treatment protocol that you follow.
Path 2 — Over-the-Counter: For stimulating vitamin D production, an FDA-cleared over-the-counter UVB device may be available for home use.
What Conditions Is Home UVB Therapy Used For?
Dermatologists prescribe home UVB therapy for patients with certain inflammatory and autoimmune skin conditions. “We will treat a patient with narrowband UVB for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. If they respond well to the treatment, we will discuss the opportunity to get a home unit,” says Jan Dutz, MD, head of the Department of Dermatology & Skin Science at The University of British Columbia. This is lieu of repeatedly coming into the office for treatment long-term.
OTC UVB devices are available to stimulate cutaneous vitamin D production and are not intended to treat dermatologic disease.
Psoriasis
When you have psoriasis, your skin cells grow quicker than normal. Both PUVA and home UVB for psoriasis can be effective in slowing down the overgrowth of skin cells, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. While broadband and narrowband UVB are options, narrowband may produce faster results in fewer treatments because it uses a more targeted wavelength. Typically, 311 nm is used: “This wavelength has been shown to be the most effective for psoriasis,” says Dr. Dutz. Research in JAMA Dermatology concluded that home-based phototherapy was as effective for treating psoriasis as in-office phototherapy, with at-home treatment being more convenient and easier to stick with.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune condition that leaves behind skin patches that no longer have pigmentation. When it comes to UVB for vitiligo at home, narrowband UVB light may decrease the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules that are more prominent in people with this disease, according to research in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. Phototherapy may also help regulate the function of pigment cells in the skin (melanocytes).
Eczema / Atopic Dermatitis
Phototherapy is also used to treat severe cases of eczema, according to the National Eczema Association. Narrowband UVB is the most common form used and can be focused to severe areas only or if eczema is all over the body to reduce itch and inflammation.
Vitamin D Production
UVB exposure at 280 to 315 nm is the only wavelength that triggers vitamin D production in the skin. This is the same pathway as when you go out into the sun. However, excessive sun exposure comes with real risks like skin cancer and damage to supportive structures in skin that lead to wrinkles.
UVB wavelengths can stimulate cutaneous vitamin D production; device-specific wavelengths and dosing should follow the FDA-cleared intended use and manufacturer instructions. Therefore, it’s important to choose devices that have been designed specifically for vitamin D production in the skin. This is one of the main differences between a prescription vs OTC UVB device.
Solius Pro is an FDA-cleared OTC UVB device intended to stimulate vitamin D production. The FDA record confirms the device was cleared through the 510(k) pathway for UVB exposure to stimulate vitamin D production.
Prescription vs. OTC At-Home UVB — What's the Difference?
Here’s a clearer look at how Rx vs OTC at-home UVB devices work, for who, and why:
Rx Narrowband UVB Devices | OTC FDA-Cleared UVB Devices | |
Indicated for | Skin conditions | Vitamin D production |
Prescription required | Yes | No |
FDA-regulation pathway | FDA-cleared* | FDA-cleared* |
Wavelength | Narrowband, approximately 311 nm | Targeted peak 293 nm |
Cost | Varies based on insurance, may be no-cost to several hundred or thousand dollars | Around $3,000 |
Insurance coverage | May be covered by your health plan with prior authorization and documented medical necessity or employer benefit | No; devices are FSA/HSA eligible |
Who it’s for | Patients treating dermatological conditions at home with a prescription and protocol from their dermatologist | People who are supporting their body’s natural vitamin D production as well as overall health and well-being |
*FDA cleared means a medical device has gone through a specific review process with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. The FDA clearance process indicates that the FDA has reviewed the medical device’s safety and performance data.
Prescription dermatology devices are doctor-supervised because the margin between a helpful, therapeutic dose and a potential burn is low. Your dose should be determined by a doctor according to your skin type and medical need.
FDA-cleared OTC devices may incorporate safety features such as skin sensors, eyewear verification, and distance sensors to help control UVB dosing. Users should follow the device's labeled instructions and safety precautions. Unregulated devices — meaning those that are not FDA-cleared — do not have these same safety protections and may not even be effective.
How to Get UVB Light at Home (and Naturally)
We’ll have to start with sunlight. That’s the original source of UV rays, delivering UVB wavelengths between 280 to 315 nm. This triggers vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Efficacy, however, depends on time of day, season, latitude, and skin type, according to the National Institutes of Health. Plus, several things block vitamin D production like glass and clothing, and an indoor lifestyle may mean you fall short on exposure. That’s why sunlight often isn’t reliable for vitamin D.
You also don’t want to spend so much time out in the mid-day summer sun because you can get burned, which is unhealthy in several ways. In addition, indoor tanning is not the same as narrowband UVB, says Dr. Dutz. “They are not an alternative. Tanning booths use lamps that have a different emission spectrum, mostly in UVA, and have been shown to increase the risk of skin cancer — and melanoma specifically,” he says.
That’s why at-home UVB light therapy devices can be helpful. You can use these in a controlled, consistent, and year-round way. FDA-cleared devices provide a controlled method of delivering UVB according to device-specific dosing instructions.
Is UVB the Same as Red Light Therapy?
No. UVB vs red light therapy are very different. Red light therapy falls under the visible light spectrum. It has a much longer wavelength that ranges from 630–850 nm and is used differently than UVB light. “All light acts differently. Energy changes as wavelengths get longer. And, as wavelengths get longer, they penetrate deeper into skin,” says Dr. Dutz. UVB penetrates the epidermis, or the top layer of skin, while red light goes deeper to possibly affect collagen production.
UVB Light | Red Light/Near Infrared Therapy | |
Wavelength | 280-315 nm | 630-850 nm |
Mechanism | Triggers vitamin D production in skin, immune system changes | May reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production in skin |
Primary uses | Treat skin conditions like psoriasis; stimulate production of vitamin D and support whole-body health | Skin health |
Safety | FDA-cleared at-home devices are assessed for safety and efficacy | Safe when used as directed |
Primary wavelength | Varies depending on use. Skin conditions may use narrowband UVB, around 311 nm. Vitamin D production benefits from 293 nm | Around 630-660 nm (red light); 830-850 nm (near-infrared light) |
Prescription required | Yes (dermatology); | No |
At-home availability | Rx phototherapy units or FDA-cleared OTC device | Yes |
How At-Home UVB Dosing Works
When you’re used to just going out in the sun, it can feel overwhelming to set up a device and trust that you’re going to get a safe and effective dose of UVB light. Here’s what you need to know:
Starting dose and skin type assessment
First, the minimal erythema dose (MED) is important to know. Erythema is the medical term for skin redness. MED is the lowest dose that causes detectable redness 24 hours later.
Your skin type can also help determine your starting dose. This is based on your Fitzpatrick skin type, and there are six categories based on your skin’s tendency to tan and burn when exposed to UV rays. Fair skin (type I and II) burn more easily, medium skin (type II and IV) often or mostly tans, and darker skin (type V and VI) rarely burns and always tans, per an editorial in HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine.
Prescription dosing (doctor-supervised)
If your dermatologist recommends at-home phototherapy to treat a skin disease like psoriasis, eczema, or vitiligo, they will first write a prescription and you will purchase the device. You’ll then follow your clinician’s recommendations for using the unit. They’ll manage your dose and frequency of use, monitor your skin’s continued treatment progress, and adjust care as needed with follow-up visits.
Sensor-based personalized dosing
This is by far the most helpful feature in an at-home device because it removes any sort of guessing game, making it safer for your skin. With automatic measurement of your skin, you don’t need a clinician to determine and monitor your dose. This can specifically be done with at-home OTC devices like Solius Pro, which measures your skin to determine a safe starting dose. The dose is only a fraction of your skin’s MED. You can adjust that dose up or down based on your skin’s response.
Is Home UVB Therapy Safe? Risks and Side Effects
Yes, when FDA-cleared UVB therapy devices are used as directed, they are safe.
Although several studies have not demonstrated an increased skin cancer risk with narrowband UVB phototherapy, long-term carcinogenic risk remains an area of ongoing study, and findings across studies are not entirely consistent.
In addition, as Dr. Dutz points out, patients who are using home UVB phototherapy are well-versed in being treated with these units. “The patients have already had this therapy in a supervised setting, and they understand the appropriate duration and how to step up or step down therapy,” he says.
When it comes to home phototherapy safety, there are some precautions enforced, including daily exposure limits and wearing mandatory eye protection to safeguard your eyes from UV exposure. If you have certain conditions, such as underlying photosensitivity, use oral or topical photosensitizing medications like naproxen, tetracycline, or tretinoin, or have a sensitivity or allergy to light on your skin, phototherapy may not be appropriate. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor about if phototherapy is safe for you.
Cost and Insurance
A prescription narrowband UVB home unit can range from $0 to thousands of dollars, depending on the unit and your individual insurance coverage or employee benefit. When going through insurance, you’ll likely need prior authorization and documented medical necessity.
Prescription units have a high upfront cost, which can be limiting, but these often pay for themselves with regular use. They can also be more cost-effective compared to going for an in-clinic treatment, which requires travel and time commitment. That said, the upfront cost is a large consideration, says Dr. Dutz: “It can be multiple thousands of dollars for a patient. I don’t initiate it until we are both convinced that they can benefit from this therapy,” he says.
Over-the-counter UVB light therapy devices are not typically covered by insurance. Therefore, the at-home UVB device cost can be higher. They can cost a few thousand dollars but do not have the entry barrier of a prescription, making them accessible to more people.
The bottom line
While UVB phototherapy is a category of light therapy for health, it is not the same across the board. There are two paths you can take for UVB light therapy, and it depends on your health goals. If you have an inflammatory/autoimmune skin condition like psoriasis, vitiligo, or eczema, a dermatologist can prescribe an at-home unit that specifically treats the skin. For individuals considering an OTC UVB device to stimulate vitamin D production, choose an FDA-cleared device and follow its labeled instructions and safety precautions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can you do UVB light therapy at home without a prescription?
Yes! There are at-home FDA-cleared UVB light therapy devices like Solius Pro. This device does not require a prescription and can be safely used at home due to features that automatically calculate the optimal UVB dose for your skin. At-home OTC UVB devices may be intended to stimulate cutaneous vitamin D production.
Is UVB light therapy the same as red light therapy?
UVB light therapy is not the same as red light therapy. UVB light is on the invisible light spectrum and exists at 280 to 315 nm. Red light therapy, however, is part of the visible light spectrum and is around 700 nm. They are both used for different purposes.
Does home UVB light therapy work for vitamin D?
Yes, home UVB light therapy has been shown to stimulate the production of vitamin D.
Editorial Notes
This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement regimen or sun exposure practices, particularly if you have a medical condition or take medications that may affect vitamin D metabolism.
