The Power of Red Light Therapy

In the realm of health and wellness, a promising new trend has emerged - Red Light Therapy. Red Light Therapy has become synonymous with the ever growing supply of anti-aging devices and the social media “glow up” trend, which refers to a physical transformation or improvement in appearance. Using simple LED lights, this therapeutic technique is transforming the way we approach skincare, muscle recovery, and overall wellness. 

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive treatment that involves exposing the body to low levels of red or near-infrared light. This light is typically emitted from at-home LED devices or in-office medical grade lasers and is absorbed by skin and hair cells, where it stimulates cellular processes. These processes lead to faster cell turnover, which provides a range of potential therapeutic effects, including improved skin/hair health, reduced inflammation, pain relief, mood enhancement, and improved muscle recovery.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy has been extensively studied for its positive effects on various parts of the body. Research has shown that users of red light can expect benefits in skin health, musculoskeletal function, nervous system relaxation, and improvements for chronic health conditions such as seasonal affective disorder, insomnia, and chronic pain. 

Skin Health

A study out of Skin Research and Technology shows that using red LEDs face masks for as little as twice a week over 3 months may reverse signs of skin aging. This includes reducing wrinkles and crow-feet, improving skin firmness and elasticity, and even regulating oil production. These benefits can last for up to 1 month after stopping the use of red light therapy. One sign of success after red light treatment is lasting skin rejuvenation.

Moreover, red light therapy has shown promising results in treating specific dermatological conditions. Strong clinical trial evidence exists to support the use of Red Light Therapy as a safe and effective method to treat acne vulgaris, alopecia, wound healing, psoriasis, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis. LED phototherapy has shown an excellent safety profile, making it a valuable treatment option for both medical and cosmetic purposes. With proper use of red light you can expect to see improvement of collagen density, amount, and organization in skin and hair cells. 

Joint Health and Pain Reduction

Red light therapy offers a safer alternative to improving joint health and pain reduction, as opposed to highly addictive treatments like opiates. Managing pain in a non-addictive, non-invasive way is crucial to improving overall quality of life for patients. The use of red light has been shown to reduce inflammation and swelling, promote healing, and reduce pain for an array of musculoskeletal conditions. There is evidence that LED therapy reduces pain intensity in osteoarthritis, pain post-total hip surgeries, fibromyalgia, TMJ, knee pain, neck pain, low back pain, and even fibromyalgia.

One of the most unique things about red light is the overall reduction in inflammation, noted in disorders of the joints, traumatic injuries, lung disorders, and in the brain. According to some studies, red light therapy can reduce inflammation in the brain, abdominal fat, wounds, lungs, and spinal cord.

Muscle Recovery and Performance

Red light can stimulate, heal, and regenerate damaged tissue. Both pre-workout and post-work out red light sessions can increase sports performance in athletes. A review of 46 clinical trials showed the effects of red light therapy on muscle tissues ranging from increased muscle mass gained after training to decreased inflammation and oxidative stress in muscle biopsies. 

Improved Mood and Sleep Quality

Red light therapy can also be used for aiding in the treatment of mood disorders and sleep improvement. One study in 2015 documented immediate improvement in depressive symptoms after just 1 hour of red light therapy in people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.  According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, “Red Light therapy is an effective treatment of SAD with effect sizes similar to those of antidepressant therapy.”

In terms of sleep, nurses at Northern Westchester Hospital found the use of red light protocols has been shown to positively impact patients' sleep quality and recovery. The longer wavelengths of red light have been found to be less visually disruptive to sleep compared to white overhead lights. Patients sleeping in a room with red light experience more uninterrupted sleep and improved sleep quality. This in turn allows the body and brain time to repair and recover.

Potential Risks of Red Light Therapy 

 As of now, there are no known side effects when using red light therapy. However, it is important to speak with a clinician before using any red light therapy device. People with photosensitivity, lupus, polymorphous light eruption, or those taking medications that make skin sensitive to light must make sure to check in with a healthcare professional before undergoing treatment with a red light therapy device. 

Conclusion

Whether using a face mask, handheld device, or LED panel, the unassuming glow of red light offers a wide range of benefits from anti-aging, hair growth, and muscle recovery to sleep and mood enhancement.

Written by Haeli Gutierrez

Edited by Gwyneth Campbell

References

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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided in this article for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information from this article should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.