Raise your hand if the site of cellulite on your skin nearly causes you a panic attack!
Well, whether you are in the hands-up count or not, you’ll be surprised how high the numbers are.
80-90% of post-pubertal women have cellulite, as well as an unlucky 2% of men.
So, what is it that’s unlucky about having cellulite?
It’s the way it makes you feel about your skin.
According to experts, a majority of people with cellulite find it aesthetically distressing and would do anything to get rid of it.
The good news is that red light therapy for cellulite could be the ray of hope those with cellulite need. And that’s what we deliver in this article.
So, let’s start by telling you what cellulite is before showing you that the innovative red light therapy (RLT) could end your woes with cellulite.
Cellulite refers to a skin condition characterized by depressions and dimples, making the affected area of the skin uneven.
Experts do not know with certainty what causes cellulite but link it to the pressure of body fat pushing against the connective tissues under the skin. This pressure causes an uneven skin appearance.
As mentioned, women get cellulite more than men. Also, cellulite signs appear mostly on body parts where fat buildup is most prominent, like the stomach, thighs, and buttocks.
It is important to mention that cellulite is not a sickness, and no one should be overly worried about it. However, its appearance reduces your skin’s aesthetic appeal.
That’s why most people try to treat it with topical, surgical, and physiotherapy solutions, including FDA-approved mechanical, injectable, and laser therapy treatments.
Unfortunately, improvement from cellulite treatment is short-lived since the condition usually reappears after some time.
This cellulite reappearance makes the noninvasive red light therapy treatment the perfect remedy. First, you can do it in the comfort of your home. Second, you can do it for the longest without experiencing adverse side effects.
But, does red light therapy really help with cellulite?
Below is the experts’ take on the matter.
Studies done to date indicate that red light therapy works to improve the appearance of cellulite, but only when used alongside other topical and physical treatments.
Let’s explain that.
So far, there are only a few scientific studies assessing the benefits of red light therapy on cellulite. These studies show promising benefits of red light therapy for cellulite treatment when applied alongside other treatments.
Here are some of those studies and what they found out:
Note: It’s important to note that cellulite in 5 of the participants reverted to the previous grade 15 months after stopping the treatment. This leads to the conclusion that you should continue RLT to prevent it from reappearing.
As you have noticed, these clinical trials have small samples. Further studies with larger samples would serve to confirm that the findings are reliable.
But that does not stop us from wondering how RLT causes improvement in cellulite.
Red light therapy treats cellulite by penetrating the skin and initiating the following mechanisms:
The resulting healthier skin from all these mechanisms evens your skin tone in cellulite-prone areas. To achieve positive results, however, you must use RLT devices correctly.
Using red light therapy for cellulite reduction follows the same principles as other RLT treatments: consistency in sessions with the right red light therapy device.
Here’s how you can use red light therapy for cellulite reduction in 5 simple steps:
Skincare with red light therapy usually uses specific wavelengths between 630-660nm. Regardless, studies have shown that near-infrared wavelengths of 800-850nm and infrared light wavelengths of 950nm can also deliver positive effects.
When treating cellulite, these wavelengths characterize medical-grade red light therapy devices used in professional wellness centers, saunas, and med spas.
However, there are FDA-approved light therapy devices, like the RedLiteX panels, that fit this description and are great for home use. They combine red light and infrared light LEDs to deliver safe and high-quality at-home cellulite treatment.
Before commencing treatment, clean the treatment area to cleanse the skin of natural or applied oils or lotions. This ensures better LED light penetration.
Follow manufacturer guidelines to set up the red light therapy device. That could mean placing a red light panel on a stand or table and tilting it to the right angle so the light can hit directly on the targeted treatment area. Ensure the device is 1-6 inches away from the skin and set the recommended light wavelength and timer for 10-20 minutes.
After consultation with your healthcare provider or dermatologists, include antiaging creams or physical treatments and activities like massages in your cellulite treatment. This will enhance blood flow and increase fat loss in the treatment area.
Beyond the red light therapy sessions, consider physical activities like walking, running, and workout training. Also, weight loss, healthy eating, and staying hydrated will help with lymphatic drainage.
Track your cellulite improvement record by taking photos on a weekly or biweekly basis. This will help you and your professional RLT guide know if the treatment is working. Look for signs of improved skin elasticity and a smoother skin tone.
Scientific studies on red light therapy for cellulite are not conclusive. However, what has been done so far suggests that:
More studies are needed for a definitive stand on red light therapy for cellulite. Nevertheless, the noninvasive light can help maintain a healthier skin tone and elasticity for people with cellulite. At the same time, it will boost the way one feels about their skin appearance.
