What Is Red Light Therapy

RLT uses low-wavelength red light similar to those emitted by the sun. When you expose your skin to red light, the cells absorb the light’s particles into the mitochondria. The red-light particles help skin cells produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy factory of a cell.

You need to expose your skin repetitively for a certain period for red-light waves to work. Red light doesn’t generate heat at low wavelengths as it penetrates the skin. 

The exposure produces a positive biochemical effect in your cells, making them stronger. RLT may help cells in oxygen consumption, transportation of electrons, and production of adenosine triphosphate.

In scientific literature, red light therapy is also referred to using other names, such as:

• Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)
• Cold laser therapy
• Photonic stimulation
• Soft laser therapy
• Biostimulation
• Low Power Laser Therapy (LPLT)

Red light therapy devices use light-emitting diodes (LEDs). They produce low-intensity red and near-infrared light. The light penetrates the body cells to promote healing. RLT devices don’t use heat and are noninvasive and painless.

What Can Red Light Therapy Do?

The support for the use of RLT and its benefits stems from this function. The extra energy boosts your cells. Your cells then can rejuvenate themselves and respond better to damage.

Currently, research surrounding RLT lacks conclusive evidence due to limited clinical studies. Studies so far show that RLT has promise. However, there is a need for more extensive studies in humans to determine the potential use and side effects of RLT.

In the 1990s, NASA used LED technology in space to promote photosynthesis. Supposedly, exposure to the light helped the space scientist’s hands heal faster. It led to studies of the potential medicinal application of red light during space travel. 

The initial research targeted the treatment of muscle atrophy, bone density issues, and slow wound healing due to weightlessness in space.

RLT is gaining popularity as a dermatological treatment and in cosmetics. Dermatologists use RLT to treat certain conditions. However, there is a need for more clinical research to support its claimed benefits fully.

The Benefit of Red Light Therapy

There have been many studies over the past 2 decades suggesting promising results in the use of RLT. However, red light therapy still needs more clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness.

Determining the effectiveness of a medical product requires extensive human trials and studies. Currently, the only objective evidence of RLT effectiveness is animal studies or cell tissue. Most researchers say the test looks promising, but more human studies are needed. 

According to studies, red light impacts our cells in the following ways:

• Wound healing and tissue repair
• Reduction in some cancer treatment side effects like radiation dermatitis, lymphedema, and oral mucositis
• Improving your hair growth for people with androgenic alopecia
• Short-term treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
• Reducing myopia progression
• Reducing psoriasis in the treatment of scars
• It helps improve cognition for people with Alzheimer's by improving neural function and protection
• Build up collagen that helps improve skin complexion and diminish wrinkles
• It helps relieve pain and inflammation in Achilles tendon

The use of red light can extend to the treatment of specific types of cancers. The process is known as photodynamic therapy. In the procedure, red light acts as an agent for the medication.

Red Light Therapy Uses

1. Dermatology and cosmetic

Red light therapy is popular in cosmetics and dermatology. It increases the density of collagen and blood circulation in skin tissue. Research shows that red light stimulates collagen production in cells.

RLT can be part of photodynamic therapy. It can help activate an agent in the skin for more light absorption. In the process, red light may provide benefits for:

2. Improving Skin Appearance

It stimulates cells that make collagen to enhance appearance. Collagen gives the skin its elasticity, hence improving its appearance. Red light lifts and tightens lax skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Wound Healing

Red light can help chronic wounds to heal better. It encourages the growth of new skin and blood vessel networks. 

RLT stimulates the formation of new blood vessels or angiogenesis. It also increases fibroblasts in the skin and the production of collagen, reducing soreness.

4. Treating Acne

RLT can be effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Studies show it can reduce the number of inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions. It also reduces the amount of sebum oil the skin excretes. 

Red light can be used in combination with other treatments like blue light therapy to treat acne vulgaris.

5. Hair Growth

Although there is a need for more research, low-level laser light is known to help in treating pattern hair loss. The application of a specific red light band can stimulate hair follicle proliferation. Its implementation in androgenetic alopecia shows some positive effects on hair growth.

Promotion for red light therapy also includes treatment for some other common skin conditions like:

• Sun-damaged skin
• Eczema
• Age spots
• Stretch marks
• Rosacea 

6. Dental Pain

There are prospects of using red light therapy to treat oral health conditions. RLT can reduce oral pain, ulcers, and inflammation. It can also help in keeping unhealthy microbes in check.

The following are some of the oral health conditions that use red light therapy for treatment:

• Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD): It affects the jaws, causing discomfort, clicking, and limited jaw movement. RLT may relieve pain, increase movement range, and improve jaw muscle activity in TMD conditions.
• Periodontitis: The condition results from a chronic buildup of dental plaque bacteria. RLT, together with photodynamic therapy, can help reduce the bacteria associated with periodontitis.
• Burning mouth syndrome: RLT helps reduce the symptoms in postmenopausal women with burning sensations in the mouth.
• Stomatitis causes painful lesions on the lips, cheek lining, and soft palate. It occurs due to Minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis (MiRAS). Studies show red light therapy reduces pain and size of MiRAS ulcers within two weeks.

7. Alleviating Inflammation

Near-infrared light (red light) encourages cells to make antioxidants faster. It also helps cells make lower inflammatory markers. RLT can help relieve pain in inflammatory conditions like:

• Osteoarthritis: Red light therapy can reduce pain in knee osteoarthritis patients. Patients will experience the benefits of RLT for up to 12 weeks after treatment.
• Tendinitis: Pre-exercise red light therapy in sports helps improve performance and speedy recovery after muscle strain. RLT after strenuous exercises help combat oxidative stress.
• Psoriasis: It is an autoimmune inflammatory skin condition. Soft laser therapy is typical in the treatment of mild and moderate psoriasis. However, different types of psoriasis need different light sources during treatment. 

It is essential to seek your healthcare provider's advice for the effective source to avoid any side effects.

8. Reducing Pain

Red light therapy may be effective in reducing pain in certain health conditions such as:

• Fibromyalgia 
• Neck pain
• Non-specific knee pain
• Low back pain

9. Enhancing Bone Recovery

Since red light stimulates blood vessels and ATP creation, it can help heal fractures. However, there is a need for further research to fully assess the mechanism of using red light therapy.

So, is red light therapy effective?

Most experts say that they don’t know the effectiveness of RLT in its claimed uses. 

Is Red Light Therapy Safe?

Red light therapy is safe. Currently, it isn’t associated with any side effects. RLT isn’t toxic, invasive, or harsh like topical skin treatments. RLT doesn’t use cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) light. 

However, product misuse or failure to follow directions can have consequences. The long-term effects of using RLT devices aren’t yet known. 

You must consult your dermatologist or a qualified cosmetic therapist before using red light therapy. A professional healthcare provider will help you understand your condition and the best treatment option.

Before trying red light therapy, you should understand its possible side effects and risks.

• Currently, there are no set guidelines on the length of exposure and the strength of the light waves.
• Results may be inconsistent due to various reasons. 
• Red light therapy is known to cause retinal eye damage. Ensure your eyes are protected whenever using RLT devices.

Although RLT is relatively safe, prolonged or high-intensity exposure may cause skin damage without following guidelines. 

Where Can You Get Red Light Therapy?

When seeking red light therapy, it depends on the intended use. There are different devices for use in different fields. You can get red light therapy at:

• Medical facilities
• Spas
• Beauty salons
• Tanning salons 
• Gym
• At home

Red light treatments are done every three weeks and may need to continue over a long period. RLT can be a significant investment and requires proper consultation and planning for its effectiveness.

Most insurance policies do not cover red light therapy. So, you may need to cover the costs out of your pocket. If a health provider like a dermatologist offers the service, your health insurance may not cover the costs.

However, you can consult your insurance provider to see whether the policy covers RLT and its devices. The insurance company will also guide the cost and the benefits available under the scheme.

Red Light Therapy at Home

On the market, there are red light devices for medical and home use. RTL devices for home use are less powerful than those used at a medical clinic or spa. These devices are generally safe for home use. 

There are many red light therapy products advertised online. You can also see RLT devices promoted at wellness centers, beauty spas, saunas, salons, and gyms. 

You should be cautious about who is supplying the medication and where you receive the treatment. Always check with a medical professional about the best treatment option.

You should observe the following when using red light therapy at home.

• Choose the right red light therapy equipment according to your treatment needs.
• Be consistent in your therapy for optimal results.
• Work with a professional RLT expert, dermatologist, or certified cosmetician.
• Record and keep track of your progress. You also need to discuss it with your healthcare provider.

Redlitex offers high-standard red light therapy panels that are safe for home use. The products come with easy-to-use features to help users during operation.

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