Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Our body needs light, water, and nutrition to function. Our bodies know exactly what to do with these building blocks for optimal health. Red Light treatment is one such effective treatment that maximizes body functioning by concentrating naturally occurring red and near-infrared light wavelengths.
These red and near-infrared light wavelengths affect the mitochondria, the body's energy centers. Your body contains mitochondria in every single cell. When these tiny structures are provided with the right conditions, they effectively repair the cell and bring the body's and health's balance back to normal.
Its popularity stems from the availability of smaller Red Light treatment equipment you can use at home. One significant benefit of Red Light Therapy is treating chronic inflammation. It eases pain in the muscles and joints. Let's now explore, does Red Light Therapy really work?
Understanding Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy (RLT) is a medical or esthetic procedure that stimulates cellular activity and aids the body's healing process using particular red and near-infrared light wavelengths. It is a non-invasive therapy that uses focused light penetrating the skin's layers to reach tissues, muscles, and bones.
Mitochondria absorbs Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which gives cells increased energy and functionality. RLT usually uses wavelengths between 620 and 750 nanometers (nm) for Red Light and between 750 and 1,200 nm for near-infrared light.
It is applied in many medical and cosmetic fields, including the
treatment of arthritis,
the improvement of muscle rehabilitation,
and the treatment of skin disorders like wrinkles and acne.
When used as prescribed, RLT is usually thought to be safe and has few adverse effects.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
The effect of Red Light treatment functions by affecting the mitochondria, the power plant of your body's cells. More energy allows the cells to carry out their tasks more effectively, including:
skin healing,
stimulation of the creation of new cells,
and improvement of skin rejuvenation.
For skin health, Red Light Therapy may be effective in:
Encourage the synthesis of collagen
Boost the fibroblasts that produce collagen
Boost the tissue's blood circulation
Lessen cell inflammatory response
Applications of Red Light Therapy
Benefits of Red Light Therapy include:
Reduces Acne
RLT helps treat skin conditions like acne. The light seeps deep into the skin, influencing sebum production and lowering localized irritation and inflammation.
Wound Recovery
Red Light promotes wound healing. In several ways, light treatment aids in the healing of wounds:
decreasing cellular inflammation,
promoting the formation of new blood vessels,
boosting beneficial fibroblasts in the skin,
boosting the skin's synthesis of collagen
Hair Growth
According to a study, applying a particular Red Light band encourages the development of hair follicles, combating hair loss.
Additionally, light Therapy can promote hair development, especially with prescription hair growth medicines, in treating androgenetic alopecia.
Lessens Discomfort
RLT is a helpful pain management strategy. Light Therapy and low-level laser Therapy helps in lessening the intensity of pain in:
fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis
general knee pain
neck ache
lower back discomfort
Aids in Weight Loss
Does Red Light Therapy work for weight loss? Several studies say so. Nevertheless, long-term impacts have not been examined/ Therefore, drawing definite conclusions is challenging.
According to certain research, Red Light Therapy may help people improve body contour in addition to exercising or using a treadmill.
Nevertheless, you can also include other scientifically proven weight loss techniques, such as a good diet and exercise and controlling stress to lose weight.
Types of Red Light Therapy Devices
Red Light treatment equipment comes in a wide variety of forms, some of which are suitable for use at home. However, the power and effectiveness of home devices are typically lower than those used in clinics, and they may also take longer to operate.
LED Light Therapy Masks: Red Light Therapy for the face is intended to be worn a few times a week for brief periods. It is a treatment option for wrinkles, acne, and other facial skin issues.
Red Light Therapy Bed: This looks like a tanning bed, except it features red LED lights instead of UV lamps. It's large enough to lie in, and the Red Light shines on your body.
Red Light Therapy Belt: This is a red LED light belt that you may put on a table or mount on a wall in a house or clinic. Belts come in a variety of sizes. Large belts can target more significant portions of your body, while small belts are used for specific areas like your face.
Red Light Therapy Wand: These portable gadgets have a red LED light on one end. To apply them, glide the wand over the desired regions of your skin. They treat tiny locations, including a specific spot on the face, one knee, or the back of the hands.
Scientific Evidence and Studies
Red Light treatment was first tested by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) on plant growth in space and later on astronaut wound healing. Similar to many advancements, research into further possible applications started.
Red Light treatment is already extensively recognized in medicine for photodynamic Therapy. In addition to other forms of cancer, it is used to treat
psoriasis,
acne,
warts,
and skin cancer.
RLT is now being researched (or used) to treat various medical diseases. When appropriately used, Red Light treatment seems generally safe, mainly when used temporarily.
However, an early-stage clinical trial showed that red LED lights can cause blistering and skin redness when exposed to high amounts of light. It is best to wear protective goggles when using a Red Light Therapy device because it can occasionally cause eye injury.
Safety and Side Effects
When used briefly and according to instructions, the Red Light treatment seems safe and has no known adverse effects. Compared to topical skin treatments, this Therapy is less harsh, intrusive, and hazardous.
RLT does not use ultraviolet (UV) light, which is known to cause cancer, like that found in the sun or tanning booths. However, misuse could harm your skin or eyes if they're not protected. Visiting a doctor or a licensed, experienced cosmetic therapist is your safest bet.
Bottomline: Does Red LED Light Therapy Work?
Red Light Therapy,
can improve skin health,
reduce inflammation,
speed up the healing of wounds,
relieve pain,
and aid in muscle rehabilitation.
Research has demonstrated encouraging outcomes for several ailments,
including wrinkles,
joint pain,
and acne.
However, RLT's efficacy can differ depending on factors like the efficiency of the device, the constancy of the treatment, and each patient's response. Use only professional LED Light Therapy machines that are FDA-approved and adhere to manufacturer instructions.
FAQs
How long does Red Light Therapy take to work?
You can expect to experience some of the advantages of RLT immediately because Red Light treatment instantly affects the body. For example, you may experience less discomfort and edema in the affected area. After RLT, your mood may also improve, and your sleep quality will improve.
Does any Red Light work for Red Light Therapy?
Not all red lights are adequate for Red Light Therapy (RLT). Specific wavelengths are needed for RLT to work effectively, generally between 620 and 750 nanometers for Red Light and 750 and 1200 nanometers for near-infrared light. A high-quality gadget and the correct wavelength are essential for attaining therapeutic results.
What is Red Light Therapy good for?
Red Light Therapy (RLT) is a treatment that helps reduce the appearance of
wrinkles,
scars,
redness,
and acne on the skin
by using low doses of Red Light. It's also advertised as a treatment for additional illnesses.
Do Red Light Therapy belts work?
If the Red Light Therapy belt employs suitable wavelengths (620–750 nm for Red Light and 750–1200 nm for Near-infrared light) and enough power, it can be beneficial. It helps target particular regions, like the back or abdomen. However, usage and device quality might affect the outcome.
Can Red Light Therapy help with skin cancer?
Low-power red laser light activates photosensitizer medication, which destroys cancerous cells through a chemical reaction. In addition to treating other forms of cancer, it is also used to treat psoriasis, acne, warts, and skin cancer.
