12 Red Light Therapy Benefits For Skin, Hair, and Health

Choosing the ideal skin rejuvenation and pain relief therapy from the many available options can be daunting. This is where the red light therapy makes things easy for you. From improving skin laxity to treating joint pains to improving hair growth, this low-level light and laser therapy has recently become quite popular.

What makes it a preferable treatment? How does red light therapy benefit the skin? Is it possible to do it at home? Well, we have answered these questions in this article. Read on to learn more about its benefits, safety, side effects, and any precautions that you must take.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that produce low-intensity light to decrease inflammation and provide pain relief (1). The low-intensity red and near-infrared light emitted by the diodes enters deep into the skin and heals it from within. Although it is a complementary therapy used alongside other conventional treatments, it might help accelerate the healing of various dermatological conditions such as wrinkles, fine lines, acne, and wounds. It is also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT) and photobiomodulation (PBM).

Red light therapy is also used as part of photodynamic therapyⁱ  A therapy involving light-sensitive medicine and a light source (usually from a laser) to kill abnormal or cancerous cells. where it functions as an activating agent for photosensitizing medications. Though this therapy has gained recognition from medical practitioners and therapists, some people still doubt its safety.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe?

Red light therapy, if used as directed, can be safe and has a low risk of side effects. According to a controlled trial, this therapy was found to be a non-toxic, non-invasive, non-ablative, and atraumaticⁱ  Any medical or surgical procedure used to improve the skin without causing injury or trauma to the tissue. that can improve the skin’s appearance and reduce the noticeability of lines and wrinkles (2).

Learning how this therapy works will help you understand more about its safety.

What Does Red Light Therapy Do?

Mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cells, absorbs red light particles. This improves the production of adenosine triphosphate (or ATP, the energy-carrying molecule) in the mitochondria. With more energy, the cells respond better and function more efficiently. This process helps improve and rejuvenate cells, repair the skin, and boost new cell growth (1).

From stimulating collagen production to reducing inflammation to blood circulation improvement, red light therapy benefits your health in many ways.

Health Benefits Of Red Light Therapy

Red Light Therapy For Skin

RLT is one of the most beneficial treatments for several skin issues, such as wrinkles and fine lines, healing burns, psoriasis, and so on.

1. Helps Treat Vitiligo

RLT can increase pigmentation by improving the production of melanocytes and reduce depigmentation by blocking autoimmunity. This makes it an effective treatment for vitiligo (3).

2. Helps Treat Acne

Light therapy for acne is a clinically proven and widely recommended procedure. It works by reducing bacteria on the skin, promoting clearer and healthier-looking skin over time. It positively affects the secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands and helps shed keratinocytesⁱ  Cells present on the outermost layer of the skin that stick together and fail to shed (during acne), causing skin issues. , which heals acne faster. It also helps in inflammation reduction caused by acne (3).

3. Helps Reduce The Appearance Of Wrinkles

RLT has anti-aging effects and stimulates the production of fibroblastsⁱ  Cells that help in the formation of connective tissues and secrete collagen to form the structure of tissues. that secrete the collagen protein. Improved collagen production can regenerate the skin, improve its laxity, and reduce wrinkles (3).

4. Helps Treat Scars

The therapy reduces inflammation, increases fibroblast production, improves collagen synthesis, and helps form new blood vessels. This helps reduce the appearance of scars and accelerate wound healing (4).

5. Helps Treat Psoriasis

RLT has anti-inflammatory properties that help heal wounds and reduce the appearance of lesions. According to a preliminary study conducted with LED energy at 830 nm and 633 nm, light therapy is one of the safest and most effective solutions to improve the symptoms of psoriasis (5).

Red Light Therapy For Hair

The therapy helps stimulate epidermal stem cells in the hair follicles and propels them into the anagen phase to improve hair regeneration. According to a controlled study on both men and women, red light therapy or low-level laser therapy (which employs light on the red and near-infrared spectrum) is effective for improving hair growth and treating alopecia (6).

A blogger shares how she combated PCOS hair loss with red light therapy: “After 8 weeks, I noticed that my hair was shedding less and growing faster. After 16 weeks, I saw a significant improvement in my hair volume and quality. My hair looked fuller, shinier, and healthier. My scalp felt more hydrated and less itchy (i).”

Red Light Therapy For Weight Loss

While there is limited research on the effectiveness of red light therapy in weight loss, it is a safe and effective method to reduce fat. According to one study, RLT creates temporary pores in fat cells that help lipids (fat molecules) leak out (7). Another clinical study supports the claim that RLT can help reduce the waistline (8).

Red Light Therapy For Eyes

The red and near-infrared light can penetrate certain tissues. Our eyes rely on these for the energy required to carry out associated metabolic processes. Thus, this light may help in the treatment of optic nerve trauma, macular degenerationⁱ  An age-related eye disorder that causes loss of vision or blurred central vision due to macula damage. , retinitis pigmentosaⁱ  A group of rare, genetic eye disorders where the retina is damaged and causes severe vision impairment. , and other retinal injuries (9).

Red Light Therapy For Muscles And Joints

Applying red light therapy before exercise may enhance muscle performance, helps with muscle recovery, and reduce post-workout pain and soreness (10). Red light therapy’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties also help treat degenerative knee osteoarthritisⁱ  A form of arthritis where the protective tissues at the knee joints wear down gradually and worsen over time. in elderly people and improve joint health (11).

Red Light Therapy For Dental Health

Low-level light therapy can also help kill dental plaque bacteria and improve oral health (12). According to a study, light therapy can relieve pain, improve muscle activity, and increase the range of motion in people with temporomandibular disorderⁱ  A disorder where the movement of the jaw joints and the surrounding muscles are compromised, leading to chronic facial pain. (13).

Red Light Therapy For Cardiovascular Health

A heart attack or stroke may leave scarring on the heart, which results in the thinning of its walls and a reduced blood pumping rate. While the heart cannot fully heal on its own, red light therapy can be an effective solution to treat such cases. The laser-treated bone marrow stem cells help restore heart function and overall health. A study conducted in 2011 found that using this therapy on heart cells shortly after an attack can reduce scarring by up to 80%. Red and near-infrared light therapy boosts mitochondria oxygenation and increases ATP production (the body’s energy source). When the mitochondria are energized, the cells produce more energy, promoting faster healing, better stress resistance, and improved performance (14).

Red Light Therapy For Treating Side Effects Of Cancer

Oral mucositis is a common side effect of cancer treatments where the person experiences pain, sores, infection, and bleeding inside the mouth. A study to determine its effectiveness has proved that low-level laser therapy can treat oral mucositis and other skin toxicities associated with cancer treatment (15).

While red light therapy seems to have many applications, you also need to consider its side effects before going for it.

Red Light Therapy For Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Treatment

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is depression that manifests during seasons when there is less sunlight, like the fall and winter months. One potential treatment for SAD is red light therapy, which involves exposure to red light wavelengths to help regulate circadian rhythms and help with mood enhancement. Research has suggested that when participants with SAD were exposed to red light, they showed significant sleep improvement and progress in their symptoms (16)

Red Light Therapy Side Effects

RLT is not associated with any side effects. However, the long-term safety of certain devices that people use at home to avail the treatment is not yet known. Broken wires, device corrosion, and low-quality devices may cause damage to the skin or eyes and lead to burns. One can also experience side effects if they do not stick to the therapy as prescribed or do it too often and incorrectly.

Although you can use at-home RLT devices, it is best to consult a trained medical provider for optimal results.

In the following section, we will look at the safest way you can undergo this therapy.

How To Take Red Light Therapy

You can opt for therapy based either in a medical office or at home. The former may require you to lie in a full-body LED red light bed or pod or be treated with a handheld device or LED panels of red lights for a specific amount of time. The health care provider will point the light device at specific parts of your body that need improvement or where you feel pain.

But should you prefer doing it at home, you may use FDA-approved devices that are available online (after consulting with your doctor). While the prices may vary, always use high-quality devices that have detailed instructions on how to use them. Carefully follow the instructions to avoid complications.

Salons, beauty spas, gyms, tanning salons, saunas, and wellness centers also provide RLT. However, be cautious about where you take the treatment as they may or may not be safe. Check with your doctor to determine what suits you best.

While RLT seems beneficial, not everyone can opt for it. Read on to know who cannot use red light therapy.

Who Should Not Use Red Light Therapy

Although there is no scientific evidence to claim that it cannot be recommended to anyone, practicing caution is recommended.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that people with the following complications must consult with their doctor before undergoing this therapy:

• Sensitive skin
• Diabetes
• Light sensitivity
• Recent burns or cuts
• Fever or infection
• Pregnancy

Safety Precautions

• Do not apply it to the skin longer than the suggested time.
• Wear protective spectacles for safety.
• Do not aim laser beams into the eyes unnecessarily.
• Always discuss with your doctor before undergoing the treatment.
• Use only FDA-approved at-home devices.
• Keep the device at a distance as mentioned in the instructions.

Follow these above-mentioned precautions for a safer and smoother experience with the treatment. You may also choose similar treatments to relieve pain and improve the appearance of your skin.

Other Therapies Similar To Red Light Therapy

Some other treatments similar to red light therapy that employ colored lights and wavelengths are as follows:

• Sauna light therapy
• Natural sunlight therapy
• Blue or green light therapy
• Psoralen and UV light A therapy
• Ultraviolet light B therapy
• Laser treatments

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I do red light therapy?

Since it is not a one-time treatment, one may have to attend sessions 2-3 times a week for a few weeks or months to treat most skin conditions. The number of sessions depends on the condition you want to treat and its intensity. A doctor can help determine the number of treatments based on the severity of the issue.

Can you overdo red light therapy?

While there isn’t enough evidence to support this claim, it is argued that overdoing it may cause skin damage. Hence, it’s advisable to avoid doing it more often than recommended.

Do you need lotion for red light therapy?

No, there is no need for any lotion or cream for red light therapy. However, if you want to apply some after the therapy, you may consult with your doctor. But do not apply anything before the therapy as it may affect its results.

What is the difference between red light therapy and infrared light therapy?

Red light is visible, while infrared light is not. The main difference is that the former is only effective on the surface of the skin, whereas the latter can be effective both on the surface of the skin as well as underneath it.

Illustration: Red Light Therapy Benefits For Skin Hair and Health

Red light therapy can improve your skin health in various ways. Check out this video for a detailed understanding of this procedure from an expert before trying it.

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