What is Red Light Therapy

The Red Spectrum Revolution 

Many medical technologies like genetic testing, surgical robots, and MRI seem futuristic. However, the truth is that healthcare science has made amazing strides and has greatly benefited us.

Another aspect of skincare technology that seems futuristic is red light therapy. But in reality, it’s a tried-and-true ‘pod’ technology. It combines traditional therapies, such as light and laser therapy, into a simple, seamless treatment. Its popularity stems from the availability of smaller red light treatment equipment you can use at home.

Red light treatment has one main advantage: it helps treat chronic inflammation. It reduces joint and muscle discomfort. Now, let’s dive into understanding what is red light therapy in detail.

Tracing the Roots of Red Light Therapy 

The origins of red light therapy (RLT) can be traced back to ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Egyptians. They recognized the medicinal effects of sunlight. Light therapy’s contemporary evolution started in the late 1800s. Danish physician Niels Ryberg Finsen employed it to treat ailments like lupus vulgaris.

RLT advanced over the 20th century thanks to developments in artificial light sources. Scientists such as Endre Mester and Albert Szent-Györgyi have substantially contributed to our understanding of it. Mester’s pioneering work with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) demonstrated the potential of light for tissue regeneration and repair.

In the 1990s, NASA studied photodynamic therapy to grow plants in space. Unintentionally, they discovered that RLT can heal wounds and repair tissue. This finding sparked scientific curiosity and launched RLT into the wellness and medical sectors.

Cellular biology-based scientific principles underlines the working of RLT’s. It promotes cellular energy production by stimulating mitochondrial function. In addition, it controls inflammatory reactions. Furthermore, FDA authorization of particular medical therapies is a proof of their effectiveness and safety.

RLT is a non-invasive, multifaceted therapy. It has applications in healthcare, skincare, and athletic performance enhancement. This is proved by its historical evolution and scientific foundations.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

Researchers believe that red light treatment functions by affecting the mitochondria. Mitochondria are the ‘powerhouse’ of your body's cells. 

For skin health, red light therapy is for:

•  Encouraging the synthesis of collagen. Collagen is the protein that provides skin its suppleness, strength, and structure.
•  Boost the fibroblasts that produce collagen. Collagen is part of the connective tissue that makes up the skin.
•  Boost the tissue’s blood circulation.
•  Lessen cell inflammatory response.

What is Red Light Therapy Good For?

Health Benefits

• Hair Growth: Red light aids in reducing inflammation and increasing the flow of blood to the hair and scalp. It reduces hair loss by giving hair follicles better access to nutrients and oxygen. Research on low-level laser therapy (LLLT), which uses light in the red and near-infrared spectrum, found that it was extremely safe, had very few side effects (such scalp itching), and has boosted the thickness of hair and density.
• Reduce Pain: Using red light to lessen pain and inflammation is possible if you follow the proper dosage and protocol. A particular protein on the outermost layer of the neuron decreases the cell’s capacity to convey pain signals or sense it when it absorbs light.
• Aid in Rehab From Injuries and Sports Performance:  Red light stimulates your mitochondria, the energy-producing core of your cells. This sets off an enzyme that increases ATP, the cell’s ‘energy currency,’ and ultimately aids in muscle development and repair. 

Using red or near-infrared light photobiomodulation treatment (PBM) before exercise may improve muscle function. It can also heal muscle injuries and lessen soreness and suffering after a workout.

• Promotes Brain Health: Red light treatment, which involves shining a helmet-mounted light source on your head positively impacts brain health. Remarkable research indicates that photobiomodulation therapies enhance neurocognition. It also helps people who have had strokes or severe brain injuries. It improves blood flow and oxygenation to the brain. This could help create new synapses and neurons and decrease inflammation.
• Accelerate the Healing of Wounds: Red light can be used to wounds on the skin or face to promote healing. In these situations, red light penetrates the skin until it fully heals. In addition, it will also promote tissue regeneration and enhance cell function. It will also lessen inflammation and discomfort, release growth factors, and provide additional advantages to promote healing.
• Diminish Cancer Treatment Side Effects: Oral mucositis is characterized by pain, ulcers, infection, and bleeding within the mouth. It is one potential adverse effect of radiation or chemotherapy treatment. 

Furthermore it has been effectively utilized to treat lymphedema following a mastectomy and burns from radiation treatments. Light therapy does not bring any new negative effects.

It boosts immune system function or supplement existing anti-cancer treatments. It is being considered as a possible future cancer treatment.

Skin Benefits

What is Red LED light treatment if not the strongest of LED lights that is used to treat various skin conditions. Numerous research studies have been conducted on the possible benefits of red light therapy device to improve skin.

RLT aids in different skin conditions by:

• boosting the skin’s synthesis of collagen, which provides the skin its suppleness
• boosting the fibroblast manufacturing process, which aids in the synthesis of collagen along with other tissue fibers
• enhancing the flow of blood and tissue cells
• shielding cells from harm and boosting mRNA in the cells, which aids in cell stimulation
• enhancing the texture of the face
• lowering the tiny lines
• lessening the severity of wrinkles
• revitalize the skin
• enhance the skin tone
• enhance the skin’s texture

Bringing the Therapy Home: Do-It-Yourself Solutions 

Red light therapy (RLT) has become quite popular. This has led to a boom of convenient and easily accessible at-home devices, such as red light therapy masks and devices. These devices use red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide users with therapeutic effects without the requirement for expert intervention.

Red light therapy at home masks and devices are affordable and simple. They have become popular, making it easier for people to incorporate RLT into everyday activities. A noteworthy example is the Mychway  red light emitting LED mask, which applies RLT benefits to your skin.

You should however, adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions to reduce potential dangers when using RLT devices at home. Even though they are usually considered safe. 

At-home RLT devices have shown amazing outcomes in various applications. These include pain management, wound healing, and skin care. However, person-to-person outcomes could differ based on things like your skin type and the problem being addressed.

Side Effects of Red Light therapy

RLT is an entirely organic process. Unlike UV light from the sun, it treats the skin to safe light wavelengths.

As a result, there is essentially little chance that receiving RLT may create harmful effects. However, harm to tissue and cells may result from an inexperienced doctor or overexposure to the treatment. Home-use products have the potential to be misused and result in burns, skin damage, or injury to exposed eyes.

FAQs

1.Who should & should not use red light therapy? 

Those who have cancer or a family history of the disease should not use red light therapy. According to a 2019 study, red light therapy can increase the aggressiveness of cancer cells. There are advantages, but further study is still required.

2.Can you do red light therapy every day?

On average, you should use red light treatment three to five times a week. However, the frequency of using red color in LED light therapy sessions will vary depending on the kind of treatment you need. For the same benefits, some people need multiple red-light treatment sessions daily, while others might need one session per week.

3.What Other LED light colors can be used with RED Light? 

You can simultaneously address many skin issues using these light combinations.

Red + Blue: Excellent for skin prone to acne and wrinkles and aging. Purple light has a calming influence on well-being and enhances lymph metabolism.

Red + Yellow: Aids in reducing dark spots, smoothing out wrinkles, and completely rejuvenating the skin. This mixture fortifies the immune system and helps restore skin suppleness.