How Does Red Light Therapy Work and What Are the Health Benefits?

Red light therapy uses lights to stimulate mitochondria in skin cells to produce more energy and increase collagen production, leaving skin looking firmer and younger. Red light therapy has recently gained prominence on social media among influencers and celebrities for its ability to stimulate hair growth or treat alopecia, however before diving in it's important to fully comprehend how the treatment works and its health benefits.

Pregnant women or people who are photosensitive due to lupus should avoid tanning beds as it can aggravate hyper- or hypopigmentation in darker skin tones, further increasing hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.

What is Redlight Therapy?

Red light therapy (also referred to as photobiomodulation (PBM), uses light therapy to positively impact cells within skin tissue and other parts of the body. Similar to an infrared sauna but instead emitting its light directly onto skin rather than heating objects in a room, red light therapy uses red wavelengths emitted directly onto individual's bodies.

According to studies, this treatment works by activating mitochondria, or the powerhouses of your cells, making them more active. This should increase collagen production for firmer and younger looking skin; reduce acne; and promote fibroblast activity that facilitates cell growth and healing.

PBM may help relieve joint injuries' pain and stiffness by reducing inflammation and improving range of motion; however, more research must be conducted in this area.

Evidence also points towards it helping improve symptoms of bone loss, including osteoporosis, by encouraging new blood vessels and increasing protein synthesis. Furthermore, it may ease some side effects from cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy and help mitigate their pain.

How Does Redlight Therapy Work?

Red light therapy and other low-level light modalities take advantage of photobiomodulation, an effect in which certain wavelengths of visible light stimulate various parts of your cells' metabolism. According to Erum Ilyas, MD of Schweiger Dermatology in Pennsylvania - red and near-infrared light activate mitochondria within cells to give them more energy so they can repair skin or stimulate new growth more effectively.

It is suggested that increased redlight activity can help to reverse signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, increase collagen production (making skin firmer and elastic), encourage new blood vessel and tissue growth as well as boost circulation to help alleviate nerve pain related conditions such as diabetic neuropathy.

Some studies indicate that red light therapy could also help reduce inflammation caused by fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions; however, most research is still in its preliminary stages. As with any therapy treatment option, it's wise to consult your healthcare provider first before trying it on yourself at home or through medical spa services; you may not see results immediately and will probably need to stay with it over time for maximum benefits.

How Long is a Typical Redlight Therapy Session?

The duration of a typical red light therapy session can vary depending on factors such as the specific device used, the purpose of the therapy, and the recommendations of a healthcare professional. However, a common duration for a session typically ranges from about 10 to 30 minutes. Some devices may have preset timers or recommended session lengths based on the intended benefits of the therapy. It's essential to follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer or a healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective use of the red light therapy.

What Types of Products Can Be Used for Redlight Therapy?

There are various FDA-approved red light devices available for home use. Before purchasing or using any at-home device, however, it is always advisable to consult a dermatologist, pain specialist or doctor as they will know best which wavelengths, dosage and frequency is suitable for you based on your condition and current health issues.

 Some common products that utilize red light therapy include:

1. Handheld Devices: These are small, portable devices that emit red light and are often used for localized treatment of areas such as the face, joints, or muscles.

2. Panel Lights: These are larger panels or pads equipped with multiple red LED lights. They can cover larger areas of the body and are often used in professional settings or at home for full-body treatments.

3. Face Masks: Red light therapy face masks are designed to treat facial skin concerns such as wrinkles, acne, and inflammation. They typically cover the entire face and emit red light at specific wavelengths.

4. Body Contouring Devices: Some body contouring devices incorporate red light therapy to help reduce the appearance of cellulite and promote skin tightening.

5. Hair Growth Devices: Red light therapy is sometimes used in devices designed to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health.

6. Rehabilitation Devices: Red light therapy is also utilized in certain rehabilitation devices for athletes or individuals recovering from injuries to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

7. Light Therapy Beds: These are larger devices resembling tanning beds but emit red light instead of UV light. They are used for full-body red light therapy sessions.

These are just a few examples, and the applications of red light therapy as it continues to expand as researchers explore its potential benefits for various health and wellness purposes.

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