Red light therapy is an emerging treatment that offers various health benefits, like treating health conditions and promoting skin rejuvenation. While it’s a relatively new treatment, it’s gaining popularity and a following for its health benefits.
While we know it’s important to remain mindful and protect ourselves from extended exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light sources like the sun and tanning beds, which can cause burns, blindness or cancer, how does red light therapy compare?
Keep reading to learn more about red light therapy, including how it works, its benefits and if it's safe to use.
What Is Red Light Therapy and How Does it Work?
Red light therapy harnesses the power of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecule for cellular renewal, promoting rejuvenation, boosting immunity, easing muscle fatigue and defying signs of aging. There are several places to receive this treatment, including a licensed dermatologist, your primary care provider, health spas and even some gyms.
According to the National Library of Medicine, red light therapy (RLT) promotes wound healing, tissue repair and prevention of tissue damage, among other benefits. It utilizes low levels of red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that penetrate your skin and enhance your cells’ mitochondria production. Since the mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, enhancing their functions greatly improves your cells’ overall function and ability to repair themselves.
RLT works by penetrating red light into your skin. Red light is used because it can penetrate your skin at the deepest level compared to other light therapies. When the light enters your cells, your mitochondria absorb it and use it as an enhanced energy source, boosting their efficiency.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy can help rejuvenate your skin by treating wrinkles, acne scars, hypertrophic scars, healing burns and reducing signs of aging, like sagging skin. Other benefits of RLT include:
- Helping treat nonmelanoma skin cancers
- Improving psoriasis
- Pain relief from tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome
- Promoting hair growth
- Reducing cancer treatment side effects, like oral mucositis
- Reducing inflammation
- Stimulating collagen production
- Tissue repair
While red light therapy is a noninvasive treatment alternative, it’s important to talk to your doctor to find out if it’s right for you.
Determining Its Safety
RLT is generally safe when performed by a medical professional, but more research is needed to determine its overall safety. Unlike tanning booths, RLT doesn’t expose you to harmful UV rays that damage your skin. However, it’s important to note that extended exposure to red light therapy treatment is not recommended. While low levels of red light exposure don’t produce heat or hurt your skin, too much exposure can lead to various health concerns, like eye damage.
Red Light Therapy at Home
There are various at-home red light therapy devices you can use, including:
- Face masks
- Handheld wands
- Therapy beds
- Therapy panels
In general, at-home devices are safe to use. However, it’s important to note that they’re less powerful than the tools health care providers can use, so results may vary. It’s also important that you talk to your doctor before using any at-home red light therapy treatments. While many on social media may claim its safety and positive health effects, always consult your doctor before receiving treatment.
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Visit us here to learn more about our wellness care services, or schedule a dermatology appointment today.
