What is Red Light Therapy?
Although light-based treatments have been around for decades, their popularity has recently exploded in both the holistic as well as conventional realms. Why the hype? It turns out that there is actually a lot of research backing the health benefits of red-light therapy, particularly for skin health and wound healing! Who doesn't want to take advantage of that?!
So, what IS Red-Light Therapy? Red-Light Therapy (also known as photobiomodulation), is actually pretty much what it sounds like! It's the use of lights which fall within the visible wavelengths of between around 600-700 nanometers (a nanometer is a billionth of a meter!). Also included in this category is Near-Infrared Light (NIR), which is an extension of these wavelengths into the 700-1100 nm wavelength range, invisible to the human eye. These longer wavelengths penetrate deeper into the body. Studies have demonstrated that these specific light wavelengths penetrate to an optimal depth, inducing controlled alterations within the body's tissues.
Understanding Red Light Therapy
Scientists have discovered that the 600-700nm wavelength of red light used in this light-based therapy penetrates all skin layers and is absorbed by the mitochondria within our cells. Mitochondria are tiny structures in our cells that generate energy as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The longer wavelengths of Near-Infrared Light (~700-1100nm), that reach further into the tissues elicit similar responses, leading to deeper internal changes. This mitochondrial stimulation activates the body's repair process, providing us with many health benefits both superficially in the skin as well as in the deeper tissues!
The best part about it? It's pleasantly comfortable for a treatment with so many benefits! And all you have to do is lie back, throw on some protective eyewear and soak in the benefits…literally!
Benefits of Red-Light Therapy
Some of the known benefits of Red-Light and Near-Infrared Light Therapy include:
Skin health improvements:
- Reduction in wrinkles and fine lines through increased collagen production
- Enhancement of skin tone and texture for a healthier appearance
Pain relief and muscle recovery:
- Assists in managing chronic pain conditions like arthritis
- Has a role in enhancing recovery after workouts or injuries
Psychological benefits:
- Potential effects on mood regulation and mental well-being
- Cleansing and restorative aspects for stress relief and relaxation
Applications of Red-Light Therapy
Red-Light Therapy can be performed professionally at a doctor's office. Regular sessions are beneficial, as long as you maintain consistency. The frequency of treatments depends on the type of Red-Light Therapy used and your specific goals. Consult with your healthcare provider to create a personalized plan that suits your needs.
For more consistent use, consider getting a portable option for daily home use! Facial masks are a popular choice to consider; however, for a more versatile option, I suggest using a Red-Light Panel. These panels offer greater flexibility as they can be applied to the face or any part of the body, providing skin benefits and helping to alleviate pain and inflammation in other areas.
Since instructions can differ between brands, I recommend consulting the user manual for the product(s) you select. Generally, daily use is advised for optimal outcomes. For Red-Light Therapy, a session lasting approximately 15-20 minutes is typically adequate. In the case of Near-Infrared, longer sessions (around 30 minutes or more) are advisable since it takes more time for the NIR wavelengths to reach deeper tissues.
Red-Light Therapy Panels for Home Use
A flexible red-light panel for home use that utilizes both the 660 nm red light and 850 nm near-infrared wavelengths for multi-purpose use!
This red-light therapy panel has 120 LEDs light, a mixed spectrum of 660nm red light (visible) and 850nm infrared light (invisible) which are the best wavelength combinations. Experience targeted, effective and powerful treatment and give your body comprehensive care.
For a more deluxe version, consider this state-of-the-art option favored by professional athletes. This Full Body Panel is designed for versatile placement anywhere you desire, complete with a convenient stand. Engineered with Dual-Chip Clinical Grade LEDs, it ensures high-irradiance performance without any flickering, providing consistent and effective therapy sessions.
*As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission on any products that you choose to purchase through links on my site, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!
Scientific Studies and Evidence
For those of you interested in digging into the scientific research behind this amazingly effective, yet pleasantly comfortable, treatment read more at the following links:
Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy - PubMed
Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation - PMC
Contraindications
While most people can benefit from consistent use of Red and NIR Light Therapy, there are a few contraindications. These include:
burns
cancer
epilepsy
pregnancy (avoid abdomen)
hyperthyroidism (avoid neck/chest)
Conclusion
To recap, Red-Light Therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a pleasantly comfortable treatment that offers visible improvements to the skin as well as deeper healing effects.
Have you tried Red-Light Therapy? What do you think? If not, are you considering it now? Let us know in the comments!
Jessica B.
Great article!