Everyone loves healthy and glowing skin, and if it comes alongside healthy hair, even better. If healthy hair and skin are your current dream, then Red Light Therapy (RLT) could just be the magical wand to make it real.
Red light therapy is a treatment procedure that uses safe levels of red light as a remedy for skin conditions such as wrinkles, psoriasis, acne, redness, and scars. It is also used to reverse hair loss due to alopecia and other related conditions, relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis, sports injuries, and fibromyalgia, and manage several other health conditions that we shall mention along the way.
And that list takes us to our next key question. Exactly how does red light therapy work?
People use red light therapy with different devices, depending on the target area. Generally, masks, wands, panels, and lamp beds are used for skin treatment, while caps, helmets, and combs work for hair treatment. Although skin health appears to be the main focus, these devices also work in a range of other red light therapy applications, including pain management. Regardless of the type of application, here’s how to use red light therapy:
1. Choose an appropriate RLT device:
I mentioned earlier that face masks, wands, panels, and lamp bends are the common RLT devices used on the face and other body parts, while helmets, caps, and combs are used for hair therapy.
Smaller RLT devices like masks and wands work well for designated areas like the face, while panels and lamp beds are effective for larger body areas or whole-body therapy.
Also, you can choose home-use red light therapy devices sold online or opt for professional RLT devices used by dermatologists and cosmetic experts.
Whichever your choice, we always recommend the involvement of a professional to ensure proper use of RLT devices and better results.
2. Know the key features of the RLT device:
Red light therapy devices use wavelengths and specified energy (power) densities to penetrate your skin with light. You also have to use them several times a day for a recommended period.
We mentioned earlier that the safe therapeutic window of red light devices is considered to be between 600nm and 1200nm. The range also depends on the type of therapy being sought.
For example, a study found that a RLT device with a wavelength of 633nm and 830nm delivers excellent results for skin rejuvenation.
Heat can be damaging to the skin. So, depending on the device and its application, RLT devices can work at energy densities from 0.1 J/cm2 to over 126 J/cm2.
A study established that LED red light is safe at energy density ≤320 J/cm2 for colored skin and 480 J/cm2 for non-Hispanic Caucasian skin. Levels above that can cause adverse effects.
The frequency of using RLT devices depends on the condition being treated and the desired outcome. Generally, you will need to use the device 2-3 times a day in 10-20-minute sessions. This can go on for weeks or months in order to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome.
3. Cleanse your skin
RLT therapy works best on clean skin. Before initiating the therapy, ensure your skin is free of anything that can compromise light absorption, like makeup, lotions, and other skin products.
4. Place the RLT device at the right distance
If you are using a home red light therapy device, ensure you read the instructions so you know the recommended device distance from your skin. Face masks are created with safety measures to sit directly on your skin, but other devices may need to be 6-12 inches away from the skin surface.
5. Stick to a routine
As with other types of therapy, RLT works best if you faithfully stick to a routine. While it may take weeks to notice significant outcomes, consistency is the key.
6. Take safety precautions
Again, working with a professional is your best bet when using red light therapy devices. Doing that will ensure you have the right device for the right condition.
And, whether you work with RLT device manufacturer instructions or with the guidance of a professional dermatologist or esthetic specialist, you should bear these safety precautions in mind:
With these tips in mind, you probably want to know what are the benefits and risks of using red light therapy. Let’s talk about that now.
You’ll find many red light therapy benefits listed in blogs and web content. But, it’s important to check if these benefits are research-backed.
In the section on the effectiveness and how red therapy light works, you can read about the different research-based uses and promising outcomes, which we consider as benefits of red light therapy. These include:
While red light therapy has significant benefits, it can also pose some risks if not used according to the instructions.
Wrong use of red light therapy can include:
If this happens, red light therapy can come with the following side effects:
A dermatologist also warns of long-term effects, such as enhanced skin aging signs with extended use. Check out that info in this video .
The general consensus among experts is that red light therapy works and is effective in the treatment of a range of conditions.
Regardless, a lot still needs to be done to establish the full range of effective use of red light therapy in various applications. This is because of these reasons:
Regardless, research has shown that red light therapy is effective and works in the areas of application discussed below.
Skin Health
Red light therapy for skin health is used for both medical and esthetic purposes in the following and other skin health conditions:
Plenty of research has been conducted on the effectiveness of red light therapy on skin health with positive outcomes.
Hair Health
Red light therapy for hair health targets hair follicles. These are the nerve fibers that surround hair roots and are crucial for hair growth and strengthening the hair roots. RLT for hair health is used in the following cases:
Research has confirmed that RLT has positive outcomes in hair health.
For example, a study using wearable RLT head devices reported excellent hair regrowth with 1.5 times visible increased hair length and 3x extended hair regrowth area in 20 days.
Another research also confirmed that RLT devices with a 650nm wavelength promoted significant proliferation of hair follicles and hair growth.
Pain Relief and Inflammation Control
Researchers have tested the efficiency of red light therapy as a non-invasive option in pain management and inflammation control. The studies indicated hope for positive outcomes in conditions such as:
Some of the studies used non-human participants (like rats), raising the need to confirm the results with human samples.
Oral Health and Jaw Pain
Although not highlighted as much as its role in skin health, red light therapy has also shown promising results in oral health, especially for pain management in temporal mandibular disorders.
Two double-blind randomized controlled trials, one with 50 dental students and the other with 60 patients, recorded significant relief from myofascial pain after using RLT. Both groups also showed improvement in the number of tender muscles and clicking.
Other key areas where red light therapy has shown potential positive outcomes include:
To put together all you know so far about red light therapy, a final key question on its safety is crucial.
By and large, red light therapy is safe.
That’s especially true because most RLT devices use near-infrared light, which is non-invasive.
However, you should adhere to the risk prevention tips mentioned earlier, like following manufacturer instructions and using devices in good condition.
If you use home red light therapy devices, ensure they are FDA-approved for proven safety. And, if you opt for a wellness center, tanning salon, or beauty spa, conduct thorough research to ensure they are reliable before using their RLT services.
Once again, as an overall recommendation, red light therapy is safest when used under the guidance of a licensed dermatologist or cosmetic professional.
Research on red light therapy has shown potential positive outcomes in treating skin conditions like psoriasis, age-related signs such as wrinkles, acne, and wound healing.
Red light therapy has also shown promising outcomes in pain and inflammation management, muscle repair, and hair health, among other conditions.
Getting positive outcomes from red light therapy entails properly using devices such as masks, wands, panels, and lamp beds, at the recommended wavelengths and frequency.
More research still needs to be done to exhaust the full range of red light therapy applications, benefits, and possible risks.
While that is ongoing, it’s best to use red light therapy under the guidance of a licensed dermatologist or cosmetic expert, even when using home RLT devices.
