Do you know about red light therapy, and how it can benefit the skin, relieve pain and enhance general human health? It is rapidly gaining popularity for it’s on invasive procedure and functions in multiple needs of life. But what does it really claim to be? Here, in this blog you will know how the red light therapy works, the different applications of it, what are the benefits of using it and what are the downsides that you should know before you decide on trying it. If you have questions about skincare, healing an injury or just adding to your health and wellness regimen, red light therapy might be the solution.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT), also called low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, is the process of exposing the body to low levels of red – or near-infrared light. This light is able to reach beyond the dermis to initiate cells that are responsible for repairing the skin, as well as improving the blood flow. Red light is not as dangerous as UV rays which have a negative impact on the skin, instead red light supports natural healing mechanisms of the skin.
Initially invented in laboratories for the cultivation of plants in space and additional developments by NASA, RLT has since found use in troubles like skin disorders and even cosmetic procedures.
Key Uses of Red Light Therapy
A large number of people use red light therapy for various ailments which are explained below. Here are some of its primary uses:
1. Skin Rejuvenation
Many people use red light therapy today and its most common application is in enhancing the texture of the skin. The therapy also enhances the skin’s ellastin content and tightness since it promotes the regeneration of collagen that minimizes the formation of fine lines and wrinkle and other skin imperfections. It can also fine the skin texture and elasticity and hence give the skin the natural glowing skin of a young person.
2. Acne Treatment
Acne can also be treated using RLT since it is capable of minimizing redness and eradicating the bacteria that cause formation of the acne. It is used in combination with other acne medications with excellent results for inflammation and redness.
3. Wound Healing
Red light therapy accelerates the healing of wounds and injuries by promoting tissue repair. Research suggest it improves circulation of blood and stimulates new cell production for one to heal after surgery or treat small injuries like cuts or bruises.
4. How to stop inflammation and pain
RLT can be used by athletes to manage their pain while people with chronic pain conditions also use RLT to manage their pain and inflammation. It is reported that it facilitates burning of the affected area and increases recovery rate in cases of muscle injury, joint pains and arthritis.
5. Hair Growth
Consequently, for all those that are suffering from thinning of hair or development of bald patches, Red Light Therapy optimism has a positive impact in that it helps in stimulation of hair follicles which results in hair re growth. This treatment is notable for individuals that are suffering the androgenetic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness.
6. Improved Sleep and Mood
It has been established that red light treatment influences sleep-wake cycle thus has potential to enhance sleep. Some of the reports also indicated that red lights made the subjects feel happier, thus can be useful in managing diseases such as depressions and anxiety.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
With so many applications, red light therapy offers numerous benefits:
1. Non-Invasive and Painless
To those who prefer non-surgical cosmetic treatments, one of the most outstanding features of RLT is that it is a painless procedure. There’s no need for surgery or medication, and sessions are typically short, lasting between 10 to 20 minutes.
2. Boosts Cellular Health
Red light therapy helps to improve the function of cells, therefore, the healing from inside out. It enhances the function of the mitochondria, which is a cell organelle responsible for producing energy used in burning of cells, returns quicker results, and makes the body healthier.
3. Improves Skin Health
Red light therapy is a safe method for those who want to eliminate the signs of aging or to treat the acne, unlike the chemical peeling or laser therapies. It makes the skin healthier, and reminds it of its youthful condition, due to its capability of provoking the production of collagen.
4. Reduces Pain and Inflammation
For patients with chronic pain disorders, such as arthritis or muscle injuries, RLT can be used instead of drugs. This they were able to manage pain in a natural manner without side effects by reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow.
5. Supports Mental Health
Some newly developed research also points towards effectiveness of red light therapy for mental health, mood enhancement and sleep maintenance. There are examples where people note they experience less stress and have improved sleep after using it frequently.
Risks and Side Effects of Red Light Therapy
While red light therapy is generally considered safe, there are a few risks and side effects to be aware of:
1. Eye Damage
Irradiation with LED light at 630–670 nm, which red and near-infrared light, may lead to damage the eye, especially if self-treating with a home gadget. As such there are potential ways that your eyes could be damaged during treatment and so protective eyewear should be worn.
2. Overuse
The findings imply that there is an optimal dose for Bouin’s treatment proactively echoing the concept that more is not always better for red light therapy. Skin damage may be experienced once you overdo it or use a very strong device or if you are doing multiple sessions at one time. But to reduce this risk you have to adhere to the ONV recommendations of usage.
3. Lack of Regulation
Unfortunately, most red light therapy devices currently on the market may not be effective, FDA certified, and often tested. Some of the devices may be suboptimal or even dangerous if used at home. Any treatment should be discussed with a healthcare professional and use only those devices that are approved by the FDA.
4. Temporary Side Effects
There are generally no complications from the procedure but few men and women might develop some skin itching, redness, flakiness or peeling of the skin after the session. These effects may manifest themselves handmaiden to cessation of the activity and they may last for a few hours or days at most.
Who Should Avoid Red Light Therapy?
Thus, even though RLT is noninvasive and generally free from side effects when administered according to protocol, those who seek photo rejuvenation may not qualify. Red light therapy should not be taken by individuals with some underlying health conditions or individuals who are on photosensitizing medicines. Like with all therapies, pregnant women and those with a history of skin cancer should avoid this treatment without consultation from a medical doctor.
Conclusion: Is Red Light Therapy Useful?
Red light therapy has tremendous potential for use in multiple conditions and areas inclusively skin health, pain, and inflammation. The treatment in its general sense is safe but it is crucial that individuals know the side effects that are inherent in the treatment particularly if they are treatment done at home using certain devices. When you have an idea that you would like to try out red light therapy, it is advisable that you seek advice from a doctor. It’s a total body treatment that can help to critical skin issues like dull skin complexion to chronic pain and even after injury recovery.