Is LED red light therapy safe? What are some of the important factors to consider when choosing a beauty device for red light therapy at home?

Red Light Frequency

There are two main factors that maximize the benefits of red light therapy; the intensity of light energy and the red light frequency. With advanced technology, some beauty devices deliver red light ranging 800-900nm, but most devices deliver red light between 630-700nm and can absorb into the skin to a maximum depth of between 4 and 5 nm. You would want a red light device that provides the most effective light wavelength, which is usually around 660nm red wavelength and 850nm near-infrared wavelength.

Irradiance of device

If you don’t factor in the irradiance of your red LED light device, then you could end up with a low-power red light that doesn’t have any healing effect on your skin. Irradiance is the power density of red light over a given area. It is the amount of light energy output from when the device connects with its target.  If irradiance is too low, the device will not be as effective in cellular penetration.

Treatment Area

One common problem with customers is that they buy an LED red light device to treat a certain area but later realize it cannot help with other parts. Some anti aging skin care products and devices are made specifically for some benefits, while others might be multi-purpose for several treatments. That’s why you need to carefully read the description of the product to learn about its intended use before buying.

Product Quality

If you are looking to take your skincare rituals seriously, then you want to get the best of the best in the market. Ensure that you get quality FDA cleared device products by looking at the certificates and standards from board certified dermatologist that confirm that the device is authentic and safe for use.

Seller Reputation

It is important for customers to get red LED lights devices from trusted sellers as some beauty devices sold may not be a genuine version of reputable brands. Buying from reputable brands will give you the assurance that the products are authentic and safe for use.

User Reviews and Feedback

It is also important to read the reviews and feedback sent by customers after using the product. Go to the device online site and see what customers are saying about the devices and if they are getting the expected results. Both positive and negative testimonials given by customers will help you make the right decision when buying an LED light therapy device.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

These specific wavelengths of red light create a biochemical affect in our cells that serves to increase mitochondrial function. This improves ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production in the body.

Why is this important?

ATP is the source of energy for every cell in the body. Without it, we don’t function at all. Without enough of it, we don’t function well.

It’s wavelengths range between 660-850nm and are used to treat the skin’s surface. Red therapy light penetrates about 8-10 millimeters into the skin. Depending on which area of the body the red light is used, this can easily affect all skin layers, reaching into blood vessels, lymph pathways, nerves, and hair follicles.

The History of Red Therapy Light Use

Red light therapy has been around the block. In 1903 physician Niels Ryberg Finsen won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his successful treatment of smallpox and lupus with red light. Russia uses low level laser therapy in their standard medical care (and they have since the 1970s). The Russians also published hundreds of studies over the decades on the benefits of red therapy light. Unfortunately, very few of these studies have been translated into English.

Red light therapy has largely been ignored by the US and western Europe until recently. However it’s been used in a clinical setting since the 1980s in Japan, China, Canada, Northern Ireland, Vietnam, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.

The Benefits of Red Therapy Light

Even though the western world is behind the times with red therapy light, strong evidence supports its health benefits. It is FDA approved for chronic joint pain, slow to heal wounds, wrinkles, hair loss and acne. Many others have used it successfully for other issues, like psoriasis, improved circulation and better immune function.

Here’s a partial list of the evidence-based uses of red therapy light:

• It helps rejuvenate facial skin and smooths skin tone.
• Red light builds collagen in the skin to reduce wrinkles.
• It helps to repair sun damage.
• Red light activates the lymphatic system for potentially improved detoxification.
• Decreases inflammation in the skin.
• Helps fade scars and stretch marks.
• Improves hair growth to reverse balding.
• Stimulates slow healing wounds.
• Can prevent recurring cold sores, or herpes simplex.
• Helpful in the short term for carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Beneficial for skin to reduce eczema, rosacea, and acne.