What is Red Light Therapy?
Red Light Therapy is a process of emitting light wavelengths through the skin to stimulate your body's natural healing and regeneration processes. Red light, and particularly near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths, penetrate deep into the body where they have a stimulating effect on cells. Light photons absorb into the mitochondria, which are colloquially known as the “power generators” of cells. As mitochondria soak up the light, this increases production of cellular fuel known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The cells become energized, making them better able to perform their functions, and repair and regenerate themselves more efficiently.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
YES! Thousands of peer-reviewed studies have been conducted on red light therapy, and none have found any safety issues with either short-term or long-term use. Studies that included follow-ups showed no adverse effects after prolonged use of light therapy LED devices.
When evaluating the effects of red light therapy, it’s important not to confuse it with ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) phototherapy, because treatment involving UV wavelengths does carry risks. Some light wavelengths, such as UVA and UVB, are harmful to your body, but red and NIR light are actually beneficial for a wide range of health and wellness applications.
The only exception to this strong safety record is individuals with highly photo-sensitive skin, and people taking medications that amplify their photosensitivity. For this reason, it's very important to understand your medications (some do not overtly state that they have photo-sensitizing effects).
Is Red Light Therapy Scientifically Proven?
The process by which low-level laser therapy positively impacts health at the cellular level has been scientifically proven. Some of the fascinating benefits of RED/NIR therapy include:
Anti-aging
Regular use reduces fine lines, sagging skin, sun damage, and wrinkles by stimulating collagen and elastin production, reducing inflammation, and stimulating blood flow
Hair Regrowth
Red light supports the regrowth of hair when light photons energize dormant hair follicles. It also helps treat underlying conditions such as hypothyroidism, which can contribute to non-hereditary hair loss.
Weight loss
Red light therapy can help with fat loss and helps with spot-treatment of fat, since it causes fat cells to develop tiny fissures that allow lipids to leak out. It also increases the thickness and suppleness of skin, which helps reduce the appearance of cellulite
Chronic Skin Disorders
Red light in the 620nm to 660nm range, and NIR light in the 810nm to 850nm range, effectively treat acne, psoriasis, non-melanoma skin cancers, rosacea, and other skin conditions by reducing inflammation and promoting healthy collagen production
Physical Performance
Red and NIR light wavelengths help maximize athletic performance and speed up healing of muscle damage due to intense exercise or injury.
Low Back Pain
Near-infrared light supports healthy muscle and connective tissue growth and reduces inflammation to ease chronic low back pain.
Osteoarthritis Pain
Red light reduces inflammation to ease joint pain and restore mobility.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
When delivered within the optimal wavelengths and energy levels, red and near infrared light protect your body’s cells from nitric oxide damage, which can otherwise stop the cell’s production of ATP when you’re stressed or ill.
Red light photons allow your cells to continue utilizing oxygen effectively by minimizing the absorption of nitric oxide. Only clinical-grade red light therapy can reach all the way into a cell’s mitochondria to stimulate healing and regeneration to help improve your appearance, performance, and overall well-being.
The term “red light therapy,” which is also referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, encompasses light therapy in the red (630nm to 660nm) and near-infrared (810nm to 850nm) range.
Red light devices use light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs to deliver specific wavelengths of light in powerful concentrations that absorb into the skin and have therapeutic benefits at the cellular level.
Red light, and particularly near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths, penetrate deep into the body where they have a stimulating effect on cells. Light photons absorb into the mitochondria, which are colloquially known as the “power generators” of cells.
As mitochondria soak up the light, this increases production of cellular fuel known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The cells become energized, making them better able to perform their functions, and repair and regenerate themselves more efficiently.