Red Light Therapy For Everyone
Red and near infrared light works by stimulating the mitochondria in our cells to produce more energy. When our cells have more energy to function, we look, feel, and perform our best.
We’ve talked about what is red light therapy. Red light therapy (RLT) is a treatment that uses low wavelength red light to reportedly improve your skinâs appearance, such as reducing wrinkles, scars, redness and acne. Itâs also touted to treat other medical conditions.
To date, thereâs a lot of ongoing research, publication of small studies and a much discussion on the internet about the effectiveness of red light therapy for all types of health uses.Â
Results of some studies do show some promise:
660nm & 850nm:
660nm red light has been shown to boost collagen, smooth wrinkles, and enhance skin tone for an overall younger look.
850nm wavelength light can deep into tissues, organs, and joints to help relieve muscle pain.
Why Are the Red and Near-Infrared Wavelengths Considered the Most Beneficial?
Thereâs no question that light therapy in general creates positive biological effects; in fact, the body needs light to be healthy. Natural sunlight has been used for centuries as a healing modality, although today we know that certain wavelengths can be beneficial as well as harmful.
Some people say that does red light therapy kill fungus?The FootLaser operates in the very tight spectrum of near infra red light. Unlike CO2 lasers of the past, this laser safely destroys the fungi, molds and bacteria that often cause onychomycosis.
For example, ultraviolet (UV) light therapy is used to effectively treat chronic skin conditions. Yet UV exposure should only be done in moderation since it is known to cause cell damage and even skin cancer.
Since blue light kills bacteria in skin tissue, blue light therapy is a popular acne treatment. The regular use of computers, smartphones, and other electronics can be a concern, but therapeutic blue light is a different story.
Fortunately, based on years of study, researchers have identified a âtherapeutic windowâ of certain wavelengths â red and near-infrared light â that appear to have significant biological benefits without any known side effects.Â
How is Red Light Therapy different to light from the sun or light bulbs?
Research has shown that light in the red and near-infrared spectrum has a lot of benefits on the body. This light typically ranges from 620 nanometers (nm) in length to around 1000nm in length.Â
These specific wavelengths penetrate very deep into the bodily tissues and are also absorbed very well by the body.
This 600nm to 1000nm light range makes up a very small slice of the electromagnetic spectrum as seen below:
For what skin conditions is red light therapy being tried?
Red light therapy is promoted as a treatment for some common skin conditions, including to:
- Improve wound healing.
- Reduce stretch marks
- Reduce wrinkles, fine lines and age spots.
- Improve facial texture.
- Improve psoriasis, rosacea and eczema.
- Improve scars.
- Improve sun-damaged skin.
- Improve hair growth in people with androgenic alopecia.
- Improve acne.
Is red light therapy effective?
Most experts say that they donât know yet if RLT is effective for all its claimed uses. Most say that the studies published so far show some potential for certain conditions, but that more studies need to be conducted.
Red light therapy is still an emerging treatment thatâs generating growing interest. But at this point in time, thereâs not enough evidence to support most uses.
The gold standard of studies to determine if a product is effective is a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. This means that a certain number of people with the same range of characteristics (age, weight, race, gender, etc.) get either the study treatment or a placebo (fake or âshamâ treatment) for treatment of the same condition. Some studies also include a comparison to another commonly used treatment.
Results can then be compared between the emerging treatment versus no treatment (the placebo group) or versus a âcurrent standardâ treatment.
Many of the published studies using RLT included only a small number of people, didnât include a placebo group, werenât conducted in humans (animal studies) or were limited to cell tissue itself. Most researchers say results so far look promising, but that more quality studies with larger numbers of people are needed.
What are the benefits of red light therapy?
Red light therapy can be used for whole body is promoted as a treatment for some common skin conditions, including to:
- Improve full body wound healing.
- Reduce stretch marks.
- Reduce wrinkles, fine lines and age spots.
- Improve facial texture.
- Improve psoriasis, rosacea and eczema.
- Improve scars.
- Improve sun-damaged skin.
- Rejuvenate your skin
Is red light therapy safe?
Red light therapy for whole body use is generally considered safe, even though researchers aren’t exactly sure how and why it works. And there are no set rules on how much light to use. Too much light may damage skin tissue, but too little might not work as well.
Red light therapy appears to be safe and is not associated with any side effects, at least if used short-term and as directed. This therapy is not toxic, not invasive and not as harsh as some topical skin treatments.
However, if products are misused â perhaps used too often or not according to directions â thereâs a chance your skin or eyes (if not protected) could be damaged. The long-term safety of devices that use red light therapy is not yet known.
Your safest option is to see a dermatologist or qualified, trained, cosmetic therapist. A dermatologist can make sure your skin condition is what you think it is and can discuss the merits of red light therapy and other treatment options.
Are devices purchased for at-home use a safe, reasonable option?
Red light therapy at home use or office use is easy and cost less. Youâll find many red light therapy products if you search on the internet. While these products are generally safe to use, they may use a lower wavelength frequency (meaning theyâre less powerful) than devices that may be used by dermatologists or other trained skin professionals. You may not get the results you hope for.
If you do choose to purchase a red light therapy device, make sure to shield your eyes for protection, follow all directions and take good care of the device.
In addition to office-based use and at-home use with a purchased device, you may see RLT being promoted at beauty spas and salons, saunas, tanning salons, gyms and wellness centers. Be cautious of who is supplying and where you are receiving treatment. Itâs always best to check in with a professional about the best options to treat your skin condition or issue. It is benefit for you to use.
What else do I need to know about red light therapy?
- There are a lot of variables to consider when thinking about red light therapy:
- Is RLT covered by my health insurance? Red light therapy is typically not a covered treatment. You may want to call your health insurance company before seeking treatment.
- How many treatments will I need? Youâll likely need ongoing treatments. This is not a one-time treatment for most skin conditions. Youâll need to be seen one to three times a week for weeks or even months. Also, is there a need for additional touch-up treatments? This may add up to a lot of time and considerable out-of-pocket costs.
- Will I achieve the desired results? Everyoneâs skin is different so results can vary. Also, the wavelength of the red light source ranges. The wavelength affects how deeply the light penetrates your skin. The wavelength of the red light device being used in a doctorâs office versus in your at-home device could affect your desired result.
- Do you trust the experience of the person providing the red light therapy? For example, is a tanning salon a place you feel comfortable receiving this treatment or might it be better to first be seen and possibly treated by a medical professional?
- Is red light therapy an appropriate treatment for my skin condition? Are other, more scientifically vetted approaches a better choice for my skin condition? See your healthcare provider to confirm a diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options.
After use you will discover how red light therapy can:
- Help With Faster and Better Healing
- Give You Younger and Healthier Skin
- Help Decrease Pain
- Increase Nitric Oxcide
- Give You Better Brain Health
- Help Improve Recovery and Athletic Performance
- Become more beautiful
- Smile more confidently
