The science behind red light therapy: Does it really work?

In recent years, red light therapy has gained popularity as a treatment for a variety of health issues. It is used for a variety of health concerns like from reducing wrinkles and acne to relieving pain and promoting muscle recovery.

In this blog, our main motive is to discuss what red light therapy actually is and whether it really works. We not only discuss the science behind it but also explain its mechanism, benefits and potential risks.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT) which is also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM), is a special treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red light to stimulate cellular activity. Red light is not the same as ultraviolet (UV) light which is very dangerous for the skin and can damage it, on the other hand red light is safe and does not cause burns or other harmful effects.

How does red light therapy work?

The science behind red light therapy revolves around its ability to stimulate the mitochondria, which is also known as the powerhouse of the cell. Now, it’s time to discuss how it works.

• Light absorption: Red and near infrared light wavelength penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the mitochondria.
• Increased ATP production: When the light is absorbed it boosts or increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule that stores and transports energy within cells.
• Enhanced cellular function: When the production of ATP increases, cells can function more efficiently, thus leading to faster repairing, reducing inflammation and improving overall health.
• Activation of healing processes: Red light therapy also increases the release of nitric oxide which has the ability to improve the flow of the blood. In addition to improving the blood flow it also reduces oxidation stress.

Benefits of red light therapy

Red light therapy is used for a wide range of applications and the research is still ongoing. RLT has several health benefits which are described below:

Skin health

RLT provides several benefits to the skin. It is used for making skin more youthful and attractive. Here are the key features of RLT on skin.

• Reduces wrinkles and fine lines: RLT has the ability to reduce wrinkles and fine lines by stimulating the production of collagen, which improves the elasticity of the skin and reduces signs of aging.
• Treats Acne: Red light therapy also has the power to treat acne. The anti-inflammatory properties of red light are very beneficial for reducing acne and making the skin clear.
• Promotes wound healing: RLT has the ability to speed up the healing process of cuts, scars and other skin injuries.

Pain relief

RLT is also very beneficial for getting relief from pain.

• Reduces joint pain: Red light therapy is very beneficial for reducing joint pain. It actually has the ability to alleviate the pain and inflammation in several conditions like arthritis.
• Relieves muscle soreness: Athletes use this therapy to speed up the recovery of their muscles. In addition to this, they also use this therapy to reduce soreness after workouts.

Hair growth

RLT is also used for promoting and increasing hair growth.

• Stimulates hair follicles: RLT has been used to promote hair growth in people with baldness.

Mental health

Red light therapies are also used to support mental health, such as improving mood and enhancing the quality of sleep.

• Improves mood: RLT also helps in improving the mood by reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety. It works by increasing serotonin levels.
• Enhance sleep quality: Exposure to red light in the evening can promote the production of melatonin. It is a hormone which is responsible for sleep.

Eye health

RLT is also used for the health of the eyes.

• Protects Vision: Latest studies and research indicate that red light therapy helps in protecting against age-related muscular degeneration (AMD) and other eye conditions.

Does Red light therapy really work?

The effectiveness of this therapy depends on several factors including the condition it has been treated for, the device used and the treatment protocol. While there are many advantages and benefits of this therapy according to several studies, it’s important to note that research is still in its early stages, and more large-scale studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Now we will discuss the benefits according to the current evidence:

• Skin health: Multiple studies show that red light therapy can improve the texture of the skin, has the ability to reduce wrinkles and promote wound healing.
• Pain relief: Research also shows that RLT is used for reducing pain and inflammation in several conditions like arthritis and muscle soreness.
• Hair growth: This therapy is also used for promoting hair growth in people with baldness.|
• Mental health: While early studies show that RLT has a great effect on mental health and positively affects mood and sleep, more research is needed to confirm its effect.

Potential risks and side effects

After discussing the benefits and advantages of RLT, now it’s time to discuss some risks and side effects to be aware of:

• Eye strain: If you are using this therapy for a long time or giving a long exposure to bright red light it can cause eye strain or discomfort.
• Skin irritation: Red light may be dangerous for some people and they might experience mild redness or irritation. It happens especially with higher intensity devices.
• Overuse: If someone is using red light therapy too frequently or for too long it may reduce its effectiveness and cause adverse side effects.

How to use red light therapy

If you are interested in using this therapy, then here are some tips to get started.

• Choose the right device: The first step while using red light therapy is to choose the right device. Look for a device that emits red and near-infrared light in the 600-850 nm range.
• Follow instructions: After choosing the right device it’s important to follow the specific guidelines for use. Actually each device comes with specific guidelines. Follow them very carefully and avoid overuse or misuse for proper functioning.
• Start slowly: Whenever you use it, it’s important for you to begin with short sessions of almost 5 to 10 minutes and gradually increase the duration as your skin adapts.
• Be consistent: Many people who use this therapy are not consistent so it does not give effective results. If you want the best results, use therapy regularly typically three to five times per week.
• Combine with other treatments: RLT can be used alongside other skin care or pain management treatments to increase its benefits.

The future of red light therapy

As you know the research on this therapy is still continuing, and, the potential applications of this therapy are expanding day by day. Scientists are exploring its use in areas like:

• Brain health: Early studies suggest that red light therapy helps improve cognitive function and protects against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
• Weight loss: Some recent studies also believe that this therapy helps reduce fat by breaking down fat cells.
• Cancer treatment: Red light therapy is being investigated as a complementary treatment for certain types of cancer.

Conclusion

Red light therapy RLT is a promising treatment with a wide range of advantages and benefits from improving the health of the skin to relieving pain and promoting the growth of hair. More research is needed to fully understand its mechanism and effectiveness.

If you are considering trying red light therapy then it’s important to choose a high-quality device follow the recommended guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions. If you use it consistently it helps you achieve your health and wellness goals.