Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy (RLT) is a new treatment that has proven effective in treating wrinkles, redness, acne, scars, and anti-aging. The therapy involves exposing skin to low wavelengths of red or near-infrared light. Many researchers say that further clinical trials need to be conducted to confirm its treatment efficiency. So, if you think red light therapy might help, talk to your doctor about whether this is a good treatment option for your skin problem. In this article, we investigate the history of red light therapy, its proven benefits and risks (based on scientific evidence), and what products are available today for home use.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
It is a skincare treatment that utilizes low levels of red light to improve your skin's appearance, e.g., reducing wrinkles, redness, scars, and acne. It also claims to treat other medical conditions. Much research is going on right now, with the publication of small studies and much buzz on the Internet about red light therapy for every kind of health use. While the results of a few studies hold some promise, we are still unsure what capacity RLT is effective.
Here are some other common names for red light therapy you might also hear: Low-level laser light therapy, Non-thermal LED light, Low-power laser therapy, Cold laser therapy, Soft laser therapy, Photobiomodulation and phototherapy, Biostimulation, and photonic stimulation. [1]
What Is the History Behind Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy's history dates back to the 19th century when Danish physician Niels Ryberg Finsen began using ultraviolet (UV) rays to treat skin conditions, for which he received a Nobel Prize in 1903. [2] The form of Red light therapy we know today was first discovered in the 1960s by Hungarian Physician Dr. Endre Mester, who began testing its efficacy for healing wounds and promoting hair growth in mice during laser investigations.
A major advance came in the 1980s when NASA began investigating different types of red light that could enhance plant growth in space. These studies further acted as a forerunner towards establishing how it could benefit human health by healing wounds and even easing the stress to which astronauts were subjected due to space travel. By the early 2000s, red light therapy had established itself as an effective non-invasive method for treating numerous conditions and evolved from lasers to LED-based devices that were available both in-clinic and at-home.
Red Light Therapy Benefits
RLT usually exposes the body to low-wavelength red light. In this way, red light can pass through the skin and into its deeper layers, from which mitochondria present in your skin cells will absorb these particles. This can make the cells produce more adenosine triphosphate, an energy source for all cells. Supporters claim that this ability may result in RLT having beneficial effects. That extra energy may help the cells respond to damage and recover.
While there is some early research into RLT, we do not yet have any solid evidence that this treatment works. Numerous studies have shown that the therapy is promising, but only wider-reaching clinical trials with humans will help define what RLT can (and cannot) be used for. That said, here are several potential benefits of RLT.
Skin Rejuvenation
RLT is of interest to many because of its potential skin health benefits. A 2018 review concluded there is little to no evidence that RLT works as a treatment for skin health and cosmetic appearance by: [3]
- Boosting collagen production, which is the protein that keeps skin strong and elastic
- Increasing blood and tissue cell circulation
- Stimulating fibroblasts to make collagen and other proteins for tissue production
- Reducing wrinkle severity
- Reducing fine lines
Also, remember that much information on RLT is derived from animal or test-tube studies investigating how it works. This is reflected in the above clinical trial, in which many human studies used very small sample sizes. The results highlight the therapy's promise but do not constitute definitive proof that it will be effective in all cases.
Wound Healing & Tissue Repair
There are many different ways in which light therapy may help the wound-healing process, including some of these: (4)
- Alleviating inflammation in the cells
- Increasing healthy fibroblasts in the skin
- Stimulating the formation of new blood vessels, more formally known as angiogenesis
- Increasing the production of skin collagen
Improving Acne
The results of this study suggest that RLT alone or combined with BLT is a promising therapy for treating acne vulgaris. [4] Red light therapy is thought to work by increasing the activity of mitochondria, energy-producing components in our cells. This can reduce oxidative stress, often accompanied by chronic inflammation and pain. As such, red light therapy has been used to deal with conditions like arthritis, muscle pain, or joint pain.
Promoting Hair Growth
Some types of RLT may aid in the development and regrowth of hair. A test study from 2021 found that when a certain red light band is applied, it helps with hair follicle expansion, which looks hopeful and gives a base for further research. [5] In addition, a 2021 review of RLT use in androgenetic alopecia treatment concluded that light therapy can increase hair growth, although more so in combination with prescription medications designed to improve hair growth. [6]
Relieving Pain
As aforementioned, RLT might also help relieve pain in certain health conditions. For instance, a 2021 review reported that low-level LASER and light therapy may reduce pain severity in osteoarthritis, non-specific knee pain, fibromyalgia, low back pain, and neck pain. [7]
Improving Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Regulation
Another area in which red light therapy is fast emerging is ensuring better sleep quality and circadian rhythm control. In this regard, exposure to red light in the evening could signal the body to start producing melatonin, the hormone associated with sleep. This would become very important for people who often have sleep disorders or difficulty sleeping because of the modern lifestyle that frequently results in excessive exposure to blue light from screen time.
Enhanced Athletic Performance
Red light therapy has also caught the attention of athletes and fitness enthusiasts because it may boost performance and reduce recovery times. According to several studies, red light therapy can enhance muscle endurance, reduce fatigue, and quicken recovery after extreme physical activity. Therefore, it is a great choice for athletes who want to increase their training and need as little break as possible due to injuries or sore muscles.
What Are the Potential Dangers and Risks?
Though generally safe, red light therapy is not devoid of associated dangers and risks. Knowing these risks can help you decide whether red light therapy is a good option.
Eye Damage
One of the main concerns with red light is its potential to damage the eyes. While the light applied in red light therapy is less intense than other types of laser therapy, uninterrupted exposure to red or near-infrared light can harm the eyes. As such, you should take precautions and use protective eyewear during treatment. Furthermore, red light therapy should be applied to pre-existing eye conditions only under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Skin Sensitivity
Red light therapy is mostly performed for skin health improvement. Yet, it can induce stress-sensitive skin in some people, especially those with sensitive skin or a rosacea-related condition. In rare instances, it might result in skin irritation, redness, and even burns, particularly when a device is used or set for a long time or inappropriately. It is wise to closely follow the manufacturer's instructions and start with shorter treatment periods to observe how the skin will react.
Potential Interactions with Medications
Red light therapy has known interactions with some medications, namely those raising the skin's sensitivity to light. Photosensitizing medications, including some antibiotics, antifungals, and retinoids, increase the risk of having side effects from red light therapy due to the heightened skin sensitivity to light. People taking such medications should consult with a health professional before initiating red light therapy.
Lack of Regulation and Standardization
One of the biggest disadvantages to red light therapy is unregulated and standardization in the market. Major disparities in efficacy and safety between red light therapy devices can occur, most of which rely on wavelength, duration, and intensity of exposure. Because of the lack of industry standards, consumers could purchase subpar or dangerous products. Do your homework, and find reputable brands for devices tested to be safe and effective.
Types of Products Available
There are many types of red light therapy devices, some that you can use at home. However, home devices are typically less powerful than those found in clinics or may be less effective or slower to achieve the same results. Examples of red light therapy devices include:
Handheld Devices
Handheld red light therapy devices are lightweight, compact units meant for localized treatment of areas like the face or joints and scars or small wounds. They are commonly used in cosmetic skin treatment, pain therapy, and hair growth. A handheld device is loved for its mobility and ease of use and is perfect for red light therapy beginners or those looking to treat specific areas.
Red Light Therapy Panels
These are massive devices that can treat a larger area of the body. And since the panels can be used on the entire body, they are a great choice for those wanting to treat many issues at once – whether it's concerning improving their skin health or muscle recovery - or even maintaining optimal wellness. Red light therapy panels are also available for desktop or wall-mount options, so you can choose whether to stand or sit while using the device.
Red Light Therapy Beds
Red light therapy beds can provide complete, full-body exposure in just one sitting for a more immersive experience. A red light therapy bed is like a tanning bed but uses red or near-infrared light instead of UV light. While red light therapy beds are typically found in spas or wellness centers, some prefer to purchase at-home devices. They're popular because they can get complete treatments within minutes.
Red Light Therapy Face Masks
They're wearable devices specifically fashioned to target your facial treatments. Usually, the masks combine red light therapy with other forms of light therapy, like blue light therapy, for varying skin concerns. Red light therapy face masks have become a top favorite among those who aspire to the perfect skin texture and diminish fine lines and wrinkles or acne.
Red Light Therapy Caps and Helmets
People who want to explore red light therapy for hair loss can purchase red light caps and helmets. These are worn on the head, and the red light will then be directly supplied to the scalp, enhancing hair growth and reducing thinning of the hair. Many people suffering from androgenetic alopecia or other conditions related to hair loss are reportedly using red light therapy caps and helmets.
Red Light Therapy Wands
The wands are similar to handheld devices but are usually more compact and tailored for targeted use. Wands often become indispensable for treating spots, as they can be focused on small specific wrinkles, scars, or blemishes. As noted above, you can use red light therapy wands right in your home, which work wonders for targeting smaller problems.
Red Light Therapy at Home
With the ever-increasing volume of red light therapy products, increasing numbers of users prefer using red light therapy at home. However, it would help if you heeded some key considerations to guarantee safe and effective treatment.
Choosing the Right Device
The specific wavelength, light intensity, and treatment area are critical in choosing the home red light therapy application device. For example, devices at this end of the spectrum—considered very effective for red light therapy—emit light at 630-670 nanometers or 810-850 nanometers, corresponding to red light and near-infrared light, respectively. The other essential factor is having a device with the appropriate power output to get enough light penetration to deliver therapeutic effects.
Understanding Treatment Duration & Frequency
The efficiency of the red light treatment at home depends greatly on the time one takes and the frequency of the treatment. Daily quick sessions best serve skin rejuvenation and hair growth, while pain relief and muscle recovery may take longer sessions. Be sure to follow your manufacturer's instructions regarding recommended treatment time and frequency of use since overuse may harm your skin, causing irritation or burn.
Protecting the Eyes
Again, protecting the eyes from damage is very important in red light therapy. You should do this even if you apply the treatment at home, especially for high-intensity devices or when treating any area near the eyes. Some red light therapy devices have protection built into them for the eyes, but protective eyewear can give extra protection.
Monitoring Skin Reactions
A person undergoing home treatment with red light therapy should observe their skin to ensure they do not get any adverse reactions. In general, red light therapy is safe. However, it can contribute to skin irritability or sensitivity in some people's skin in several cases. If any of these symptoms happen, you must check the frequency of using this product or stop using it immediately. Speaking to a medical professional before treatments may help determine if there are any risks related to specific skin types or conditions.
Integrating RLT with Other Treatments
Individuals who use red light therapy for specific purposes, such as acne or pain management, may find real advantages in combining the therapy with other treatments. This may include topical treatments, physical therapy, or other forms of light therapy, including blue light therapy, to enhance results. However, patients should combine treatments under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid possible interactions or side effects.
Key Takeaway
Red light therapy has become extremely popular due to its long list of benefits ranging from skin rejuvenation to pain and hair growth. Although scientifically backed, this non-invasive therapy has risks related to eye damage and skin sensitivity. Because there are so many red light therapy products that you can buy to use at home, all you have to do is find the right device and follow guidelines on how to operate them properly (and consult with a professional if needed). As more research continues to unveil, the uses and benefits of red light therapy will likely continue to grow.
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References
- Cleveland Clinic [ Red Light Therapy ]
- MitoRedLight [ The History of Red Light Therapy: A Comprehensive Timeline ] June 16, 2021
- National Library of Medicine [ Phototherapy with Light Emitting Diodes ] February 1, 2018
- American Academy of Dermatology Association [ Lasers and lights: How well do they treat acne? ]
- National Library of Medicine [ Hair Growth Promoting Effects of 650 nm Red Light Stimulation on Human Hair Follicles and Study of Its Mechanisms via RNA Sequencing Transcriptome Analysis ] November 4, 2021
- National Library of Medicine [ Role of Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) in Androgenetic Alopecia ] Oct-Dec 2021
- National Library of Medicine [ Low-intensity LASER and LED (photobiomodulation therapy) for pain control of the most common musculoskeletal conditions ] December 16, 2021
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Last Modified: August 26, 2024