by Deirdre Layne Published October 18, 2020
Red light therapy, or RLT, uses low-level wavelengths of red LED lights to treat inflammation, scars, wounds, wrinkles and fine lines, anxiety, hair loss, and more.
RLT was first studied by NASA scientists in the early 1990s to see if it would help grow plants in space. Researchers discovered that intense red LED lights promoted both photosynthesis and synthesis of plant cells.
After these initial plant experiments, scientists began to research red lights to see if they could similarly increase energy inside human cells. Thousands of laboratory studies have been conducted over the past 30 years to determine if and how Red Light Therapy is beneficial to the human body.
The most commonly reported benefits from this therapy are dramatically reduced wrinkles & fine lines, the elimination of stretch marks, joint pain relief, and increased circulation. It is also being promoted as an excellent tool to improve hormonal health in men and women.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Red lights produce a cellular biochemical effect that strengthens your mitochondria. Mitochondria are considered "powerhouses" of the cell; it is where a cell's energy is created.
Mitochondria are rod-shaped organelles (a specialized subunit within a cell) considered to be the power generators of the cell. They convert oxygen and nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the chemical energy that powers a cell's metabolic activities.
Why Mitochondria Are So Important To Your Health
Mitochondria are thought to be strengthened using Red Light Therapy. When this happens, your cells make more ATP.
When cells have more energy, they can repair damage, function efficiently, and rejuvenate themselves.
According to one study, when we are sick, stressed, or injured, mitochondria cease to function at full capacity. When weakened, mitochondria will start producing excess nitric acid. Nitric acid is bad for the body because it interferes with the consumption of oxygen within the cell. This leads to oxidative stress, ceasing ATP production (the cell's source of fuel). Cellular death may occur as a result.
RLT is beneficial because it protects the cell from Nitric Oxide Damage. The absorption from red light photons minimizes the disruption that nitric acid can cause.
Only Red Light wavelengths can reach all the way into a cell's mitochondria (see below diagram). As soon as it penetrates the mitochondria, the light starts to stimulate, heal, and regenerate your cells. This, in turn, improves your skin's appearance, improves energy, and boosts the immune system.
One of the main benefits of RLT is that it doesn't damage the skin's surface. Red light from an LED device penetrates 4-5 millimeters into the skin and directly stimulates the skin's regeneration.
The diagram below from this clinical study shows that red light can penetrate the skin deeper than blue, green, and yellow lights.
Light penetration into skin illustrating the depth to which wavelengths penetrate human skin. Red light is extinguished some 4–5 mm beneath the surface of the skin whereas ultraviolet hardly penetrates at all and blue barely 1 mm into tissue. Fig 1
RLT is often compared to the photosynthesis process, where plants absorb sunshine and convert it into complex molecules. In Red Light Therapy, our bodies absorb energy from red light photons to enhance cellular potential, promote oxygen utilization inside each cell, and generate cellular food (ATP).
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
RLT is said to help the following conditions:
- Wounds
- Tissue Damage
- Androgenic Alopecia
- Male Pattern Baldness
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
- Wrinkles
- Insomnia
- Sun Damage
- Cold Sores
- Degenerative Osteoarthritis
- Scars
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cellulite
- Weight Loss
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Hypothyroidism
- Fibromyalgia
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
Frequently Asked Questions
Does My Skin Need To Be Exposed or Can I Wear Clothes?
The area where you are treating should be bare to be fully exposed to the red light.
Do I Need to Wear Eye Protection such as Tanning Goggles?
If you are pointing the device directly at your face, the red lights are very bright and may be quite uncomfortable. Those with sensitivities to light should wear tanning goggles.
Some people believe that allowing the red light to hit closed eyelids is very beneficial to the eyes.
How Often Should I Use An LED Red Light Device?
The answer depends on the type of device you are using:
On the Face
Most estheticians advise using it no more than three times a week and only twenty minutes each session.
On the Body
You can use it 30 minutes a day, 7 days a week.
Do I Have To Do This Indefinitely To Maintain Results?
Yes, you do have to be consistent about using your LED device a few times a week once results have been achieved.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Red light therapy is considered to be very safe. Be aware that there are reports of burns and blistering after the reviewer fell asleep while the unit was on and also from faulty devices.
If you experience any kind of reaction after using a red light therapy device, immediately discontinue using the device and contact the manufacturer. Side effects are rare, but they can happen.
What's the Difference Between Red Light Therapy and Infrared?
Red light is visible whereas infrared light is invisible.
Red light is most effective for use on the surface of the skin. It can penetrate up to 4-5 millimeters into the skin. Infrared light is also effective for use on the surface of the skin, but can penetrate much deeper; up to 38.1 millimeters (1.5 inches) into the body.
How Much Does It Cost?
Red Light Therapy devices come in all shapes and sizes and range in price. You can find simple ones for under $100 on Amazon. Here are the most popular selling devices on Amazon, and pricing to give you an idea.
Red Light Therapy Device by Bestqool, 660&850nm Near Infrared Led Light Therapy with Timer, 60 LEDs, Clinical Grade Home Use Light Therapy Lamp for Anti-Aging, Pain Relief
$169.00
Red Light Therapy Device, Serfory Therapy Light Deep 660nm for Muscle Pain Relief, Improved Blood Circulation and Skin
$99
TENDLITE Red Light Therapy Device - FDA Cleared Advanced Medical Grade Technology Targets Injury Directly and Provides Joint and Muscle Pain Relief
$159.00
Led Red Light Therapy Lamp for 660nm Grow Light Set with Stand
$89.00
DGYAO® 660nm Red Light and 880nm Infrared Light Therapy - Combination 2 in 1 - Knee Elbow Pain Relief Device at Home ，Hands Free for Tissue Recovery
$129.00
YOOVE LED Face Mask - 7 Colors Including Red Light Therapy For Healthy Skin Rejuvenation | Home Light Therapy Facial Care Mask
$110
SGROW 24W Red Led Light Red 660nm and Near Infrared 850nm Led Light Therapy Bulbs for Skin and Pain Relief- FDA Cleared
$39.99
Have you tried Red Light Therapy? Has it worked? Please share your feedback with us!
We'd love to know what device you used, how long you use it for each day, and how quickly you saw results.
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