With red light therapy, you expose your skin to a lamp, device, or laser with a red light. A part of your cells called mitochondria, sometimes called the “power generators” of your cells, soak it up and make more energy. Some experts think this helps cells repair themselves and become healthier. This spurs healing in skin and muscle tissue.
Full Answer
What is the best red light therapy?
The best red light therapy device is the one that gives you the best energy density, irradiance, and physiological effects that you need. But the most effective device is also the one you will use the most. So versatility and portability are part of what makes the FlexBeam the most effective red light therapy device on the market.
What are the pros and cons of red light therapy?
- Powerful LED Panel – The RejuvaliteMD has plenty of power to stimulate skin healing with its 120 bulb LED light panel. ...
- Multiple Light Wavelengths – Not only does it provide red light, but the device also features yellow, amber, and infrared light. ...
- Flexible Arm – Perfect for people who want to be comfortable while they get their red light therapy. ...
Does red light therapy really work?
Yes, red light therapy appears to work in reducing the signs of aging. However, the length of time in achieving the desired results can vary from person to person. It is also advisable that maintenance treatments are utilized regularly, as not doing so will cause lines and age spots to appear again.
What are the dangers of red light therapy?
- Stroke
- Severe aortic stenosis • Recent heart attack • Unstable angina pectoris • Lupus erythematosus, if on steroids (this interferes with blood circulation) • Brain tumors
- Untreated or unresolved dehydration
- Multiple sclerosis
What do you put on before red light therapy?
What Should I Put on My Face Before Red Light Therapy? For best results, it's always recommended to use LED products on a clean face with no serums or moisturizers. This allows the light therapy to effectively penetrate the skin without any barriers.
What should I put on my face before led light therapy?
Immediately prior to using your home light therapy device, wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Or, use the device first thing in the morning before applying any skincare products to your face. For maximum benefit, direct the LED lights at each target area for three minutes, then move on to the next area.
Do you need lotion for red light therapy?
Although there is nothing wrong with using lotion if you choose to, it is not necessary. There are no scientific studies showing that applying lotion before or after red light therapy is beneficial or recommended. If the question is lotion or no lotion, the short answer is no—it's simply not necessary.
Do you wear clothes during red light therapy?
Red light can only be absorbed by your skin when fully exposed. You can wear clothes during your treatment, or you can be nude. Be sure any clothing does not cover the area of the body you're treating.
How do I prepare my face for red light therapy?
Perform your skin care routine as usual in the days leading up to your appointment. Treat your skin nicely—avoid irritating your skin with aggressive exfoliant products or sun exposure. Clean your skin with a gentle, non-drying cleanser before treatment to remove any mineral-based sunscreen or makeup containing zinc.
What serum do you use with LED light therapy?
Several potentially effective hydrating serums are: The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid Serum 2% + B5. The Plant Base Waterfall Moist Balanced Hyaluronic Acid 100. Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E & Vitamin B5 for Sensitive Skin.
Should you wear goggles in red light therapy?
A: It is not required that you wear eye protection, nevertheless the lights are very bright and may be uncomfortable for some individuals with sensitivities to light.
Can you use red light therapy after moisturizer?
After? You should not use any type of skin lotion, cream, or serum before or during light therapy. This is true whether you are using an acne mask, wand, light panel, or any other device. Light therapy is most effective when there is nothing between your skin and the light being radiated upon it.
Can you use hyaluronic acid with red light?
Low-level red and infrared light increases expression of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in skin. Light therapy has attracted medical interests as a safe, alternative treatment for photoaging and photodamaged skin.
Can red light therapy go through bandages?
If there is a layer of clothing, a dressing, a bandage or a cast between the laser and the skin, much, if not all, of the energy is lost to the material before it can enter the body.
How soon do you see results from red light therapy?
It May Take Up to 4 Months to See Results From Red Light Therapy. It helps to think of red light therapy as exercise for your cells. Much like with weightlifting for your muscles and cardio for your heart and lungs, red light therapy strengthens your cells' ability to produce energy (how exactly does it do this?
Does red light therapy tan you?
Red light is proven effective in the repair and rejuvenation of skin. Red light emits ZERO UV and will NOT tan you.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT) is a treatment that uses low wavelength red light to reportedly improve your skin’s appearance, such as reducing wrinkles, scars, redness and acne. It’s also touted to treat other medical conditions.
How did interest in red light therapy evolve?
NASA originally began experimenting with red light therapy on plant growth in space and then to help heal wounds in astronauts. Like many developments, other potential uses began to be investigated.
How does red light therapy supposedly work?
Red light therapy is thought to work by acting on the “power plant” in your body’s cells called mitochondria. With more energy, other cells can do their work more efficiently, such as repairing skin, boosting new cell growth and enhancing skin rejuvenation. More specifically, certain cells absorb light wavelengths and are stimulated to work.
For what skin conditions is red light therapy being tried?
Red light therapy is promoted as a treatment for some common skin conditions, including to:
Is red light therapy effective?
Most experts say that they don’t know yet if RLT is effective for all its claimed uses. Most say that the studies published so far show some potential for certain conditions, but that more studies need to be conducted. Red light therapy is still an emerging treatment that’s generating growing interest.
Is red light therapy safe?
Red light therapy appears to be safe and is not associated with any side effects, at least if used short-term and as directed. This therapy is not toxic, not invasive and not as harsh as some topical skin treatments. Unlike the cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning booths, RLT doesn’t use this type of light.
Are devices purchased for at-home use a safe, reasonable option?
You’ll find many red light therapy products if you search on the internet. While these products are generally safe to use, they may use a lower wavelength frequency (meaning they’re less powerful) than devices that may be used by dermatologists or other trained skin professionals. You may not get the results you hope for.
What is the name of the therapy that uses red light?
biostimulation. photonic stimulation. low-power laser therapy (LPLT) When RLT is used with photosensitizing medications, it’s referred to as photodynamic therapy. In this type of therapy, the light only serves as an activating agent for the medication. There are many different types of red light therapy.
What is the purpose of red light?
The scientists found that the intense light from red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) helped promote growth and photosynthesis of plant cells. Red light was then studied for its potential application in medicine, more specifically to find out if RLT could increase energy inside human cells.
How does RLT work?
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.
What does RLT do?
RLT is considered experimental for most conditions. There’s limited-to-no evidence showing that red light therapy does the following: treats depression , seasonal affective disorder , and postpartum depression. activates the lymphatic system to help “detoxify” the body. boosts the immune system.
Why do people use red light beds?
Red light therapy used in an medical office setting may be used to treat more serious conditions, like psoriasis, slow-healing wounds, and even the side effects of chemotherapy.
How does red light 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).
Is RLT effective?
Additional clinical research is needed to prove that RLT is effective. At the moment, however, there’s some evidence to suggest that RLT may have the following benefits: promotes wound healing and tissue repair. improves hair growth in people with androgenic alopecia.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a form of photobiomodulation or a treatment that uses light-emitting diodes (LED) or low-level laser therapy to stimulate cellular activity to achieve therapeutic benefits.
Red Light Therapy: NASA Says It Works!
Red light therapy has been used by NASA to promote faster cell growth to aid in wound healing. It is also used to combat the effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients. Using the same principle, red light is used to stimulate collagen production that is essential in keeping younger and firmer skin.
Traditional Medicine and Color Therapy
Traditional medicine also believes in the power of light. This type of medicine focuses on the energy flows of the body or more popularly known as chakras. They believe that Red Color Therapy is used to drive overall vigor and strength. Red light is also used in Color Punctures to stimulate acupuncture points instead of using needles.
How Trophy Skin RejuvaliteMD Red Light Therapy Works
Light is energy. When red light penetrates the skin, it powers up the natural healing properties of our body at a cellular level. It activates our body’s metabolic processes and spurs the creation of collagen and fibroblasts.
Pros and Cons of using Red Light Therapy
There have been over 50 years of research about the use of red light therapy. Although there were no reported risks or contraindication to its use, if you are pregnant, if you have any medical conditions, or you are taking any medications, you may want to speak to your doctor first before undergoing light therapy.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy is 100% natural, chemical-free and a drug-free way to combat signs of aging. Unlike chemical solutions or toners that you apply on your skin, the natural red light used in the LED lamp penetrates the skin to activate cellular activity.
Applications of Red Light Therapy
Because Red light therapy can help speed up the skin's ability to heal, it can be used to address numerous problems including the following:
Who is the Red Light Man?
In Part 1 of this interview with light expert Joe Hollins-Gibson, we talked about what red light therapy entails, and the key skin, hair and health conditions it can treat. Joe is the founder of Red Light Man, a retailer specializing in powerful, next-generation light devices. If you missed Part 1, check it out here.
How much light intensity should I use for my skin?
Most studies seem to indicate that a relatively moderate light intensity exposure, but for a longer time, is optimal for the skin. I would use a 50 to 100 mW/cm² light intensity. Results tend to be worse if you go for short intense sessions.
What is the difference between red and infrared light?
The most obvious difference is that red light (600 to 700 nm) is visible and bright, whereas infrared or near-infrared light (700 to 900 nm) is non-visible and can only be perceived as a faint warmth on the skin.
Is red light therapy safe?
Proper red light therapy is about as safe of a treatment as you can find. It won't do harm even in very high doses and there's no real way to injure yourself with it. You can create a mild skin hyperthermia with the higher power densities like 250 mW/cm² of red light, but it's not a serious concern.
Is blue light harmful?
I view blue light as somewhat of a health risk. It's not as harmful if used in combination with red light, or as part of sunlight, but I would not recommend an isolated source of only blue light for any at-home treatment.
Can you use red light on acne?
In theory, you can use either one for pretty much any skin condition. Red light seems favoured for things like sunburn, acne, hair loss, wound healing, yeast infections, general anti-aging and so on. Studies comparing the two types of light seem to show similar results, though.
Is light therapy the cheapest?
It is the cheapest source of light, due to being the most energy-efficient lighting technology. As you will only be using the light therapy device for several minutes a day, it won't have a noticeable effect on your electricity bill. All you need to look at is the watt consumption of a device and the session times.
What wavelengths are used in red light therapy?
Red light therapy uses wavelengths of light between 625nm and 1100nm. Visible red light is between 620 and 750nm.
Why do you use red light on your arm?
In simple terms, it uses red light to aid in healing and repairing your cellular tissue. This treatment can be used to heal an ever-growing number of healthcare issues. Anything from increasing the speed with which a cut on your arm heals, to reducing the ageing effects on your body have been proven to be successful.
What wavelength is red light?
Red light therapy uses wavelengths of light between 625nm and 1100nm. Visible red light is between 620 and 750nm. Although the range 700 nm to 750 nm have been found to have limited biochemical activity and are not often used. Near-infrared therapy lights used for therapy emit anywhere between 750nm and 1100nm.
How far does red light penetrate?
The red wavelengths of light are absorbed into or penetrate our skin to a distance of about 8 mm. The distance the light penetrates is dependent on the strength of the light emitted as well as the wavelength of light. Stick with us through this as it is about to get a little scientific!
Why did NASA use red light?
Their device was a success, but it was also discovered that the red light helped heal the NASA scientist skin wounds. Because of this, NASA began studying the use of LEDs as a way to increase the metabolism of human cells and promote healing, again with the hope of using this for astronauts.
When was low level laser therapy first used?
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was originally discovered towards the end of the 1960’s, but it is only in recent history that its use has become more widespread. There were initial concerns with the use of lasers because of the prohibitive cost, the need for trained staff to use them and ongoing safety concerns.
Is red light therapy long term?
No long or short-term effects. Although there is more research being done into red light therapy as we speak there has to date been no short or long-term effects for anyone who has undergone the treatment! Noninvasive. Light therapy, in general, is a transcutaneous and is noninvasive. It won’t take over your life.
Why do people use red light for acne?
Treatments containing salicylic acid and BHAs work well with red light therapy, but many people opt for red light therapy to treat signs of acne because their skin is too sensitive for chemical treatments.
Does red light therapy affect skin?
Certain products can affect the way red light therapy penetrates skin or change the way it works inside the cells. Some products enhance the beneficial effects of PBMT, while others interfere with the action of red light therapy.
Does sunscreen block light?
Any product that contains sunscreen will block some of the light waves. While manufacturers design sunscreen to block ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) light, it can also block the red and near-infrared LED lights used to deliver red light therapy.
Can I use retinol before PBMT?
Applying retinol product after red light therapy can give your skincare routine a boost. However, you should never apply retinol before a PBMT treatment, as the combination can cause unexpected skin reactions and irritation.
How does red light therapy work?
Let’s say you’re using red light therapy to improve your skin’s appearance. Given that you see your face in the mirror every day, it might take someone pointing out how radiant you look or asking if you’ve had work done for you to take notice of your progress. The same goes for chronic pain. You may not even realize your pain is decreasing until one day you’re able to climb stairs without using the handrail or lift a box without flinching.
What is the difference between red light and NIR light?
Red light and near-infrared (NIR) light have different functions. Red light is effective for skin issues , hair growth , and wound healing. NIR, on the other hand, penetrates deeper and is mainly used for conditions such as pain relief , muscle healing and recovery , and cognitive health , to name a few.
What is Rouge Ultimate?
We’ll be honest, we think everyone should have a Rouge Ultimate in their home as it can tackle the big issues and the smaller complaints at the same time. However, we know that’s not a possibility for everyone, and is not essential if your main goal is alleviating arthritis pain in your hands, for instance, or improving your facial complexion. Keep in mind, though, that for full-body issues such as fibromyalgia or conditions involving large body parts like chronic back pain, a larger panel will provide more efficient treatment, allowing you to see results quicker, and to spend less time in front of your device.
Is red light therapy a miracle cure?
First, it’s not a miracle cure. In fact, one of the reasons consistent and frequent use is so important is that once treatment stops, the issue is likely to return after a time.
Does sunscreen block red light?
Just as clothes block UV light from penetrating your skin, it will block red and near-infrared light as well. As for sunscreen, it’s designed to block UV light, but it will also work as a barrier to some red and NIR light, preventing it from penetrating as deeply. And for those who wear makeup, take note that many foundations contain SPF. If yours does, you might consider using red light therapy in the morning before applying makeup, or after washing your face before bed.
Can you make mistakes with red light therapy?
There are no grave mistakes with red light therapy. However, small missteps or oversights can potentially alter the effectiveness of your treatment. The key is recognizing them and making the necessary adjustments.
Skincare Treatment
Photobiomodulation (PBMT) is one of the least-invasive types of clinical skincare treatments out there, which means aftercare is fairly minimal. Going into a session free of sunscreen or makeup will help the healing rays penetrate more deeply. Yet you don’t need to avoid skincare products after your session.
Chronic Joint Pain & Injury Therapy
The good news is that PBMT can help with a range of health issues, including joint pain and muscle soreness. The even better news? If you’re recovering from an injury, you don’t have to alter your doctor-approved daily schedule to accommodate red light therapy.
General Wellness Appointments
Red light theory doesn’t interrupt your healthy routine—it complements it. Rather than stopping your fitness program to work PBMT into your life, you can make it an additional wellness component.
