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What is red light therapy?
Red Light Therapy is a therapeutic modality that has been shown to offer many benefits:
from relieving minor aches and pains to improving skin quality through collagen production to helping ease side effects of traumatic brain injuries.
How does red light therapy work?
Red light is thought to work by producing a biochemical effect in cells that strengthens the mitochondria. The mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell — it’s where the cell’s energy is created. The energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of all living things is called ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
By increasing the function of the mitochondria using RLT, a cell can make more ATP. With more energy, cells can function more efficiently, rejuvenate themselves, and repair damage.
RLT is different from laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapies because it doesn’t cause damage to the skin surface. Laser and pulsed light therapies work by causing controlled damage to the outer layer of the skin, which then induces tissue repair. RLT bypasses this harsh step by directly stimulating regeneration of the skin. The light emitted by RLT penetrates roughly 5 millimeters below the skin’s surface.
benefits of RED Light Therapy
1. Collagen Production: Reduce Wrinkles & Scars
Red light therapy has a long list of benefits (as you’ll see!). But, when people talk about RLT, they’re generally referring to it in the context of skin care. RLT’s ability to stimulate balanced collagen production is what makes it one of your skin’s best friends.
2. Skin Health: Treat Acne, Psoriasis, And Rosacea
Dealing with chronic skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, or rosacea?
Red light therapy can help. Its collagen-producing properties help promote the growth of new, healthier skin tissue. It can also help repair damage from UV rays and sun overexposure.
3. Hair Loss: Grow Healthier, Thicker Hair
Red light therapy makes for a great alternative to hair loss medications like Minoxidil (Rogaine) and Finasteride (Propecia).
Especially if you experience any of the side effects of these medications.
4. Weight Loss: Get Rid Of Stubborn Fat And Cellulite
Losing weight can be tough. Results are slow, and it can often be discouraging seeing the same number on the scale week after week.
Maybe you’ve tried one of those popular “fat loss” supplements or “guaranteed” weight loss exercise programs and got disappointing results. Or maybe you saw some initial results, but the pounds quickly came back.
Whatever the case may be, red light therapy can make a great addition to your weight loss journey.
5. Muscle Repair: End Soreness & Improve Performance
Hate feeling sore days after your workouts?
I know I always struggle walking up my stairs days after an intense leg day workout.
Fortunately, red light therapy when used after exercise can reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and speed up muscle recovery. And, when used before exercise, RLT can improve performance and endurance [12].
You’ll be able to exercise harder and longer before feeling tired. Plus, you won’t feel as sore after your workouts as before!
6. Chronic Pain: Get Long-Lasting Pain Relief
Dealing with chronic pain can be exhausting and stressful. What’s more, long-term pain is often linked to a lower quality of life.
Chronic pain sufferers commonly report having to deal with skyrocketing healthcare bills, mood/mental health issues, poorer cardiovascular health, and decreased sleep quality.
Taking pain medication can be an effective short-term solution, but you risk issues like addiction if you rely on them long-term. This often means you’re worse off than before, as you now need these drugs to function “normally”.
Unlike pain medications, red light therapy doesn’t actually block pain. It works by improving the health and function of our cells, leading to a pain-free body in the long-run.
Clinical studies have shown RLT to relieve pain in people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, dental pain, oral mucositis (from chemotherapy), and back pain . In particular, RLT seems most effective in reducing joint pain
7. Wound Healing: Recover From Injuries Faster
Red light therapy can speed up the healing process, especially when it comes to slow-healing wounds like burns.
RLT works by reducing inflammation, stimulating angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), promoting collagen production, and boosting granulation tissue production.
Granulation tissue is a thin layer of tissue cells that your body produces to cover your wound. The faster the wound is covered, the faster your body can start repairing the damage