Red Light Therapy (RLT) has emerged as a popular, noninvasive treatment to promote full-body healing and healthy-looking skin. RLT face masks and beds have become commonplace in medspas, tanning salons, gyms, and even medical offices. So, what exactly is red light therapy, and is it worth the hype? We are going to break down everything about the benefits of Red Light Therapy you need to know!
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
RLT is non-invasive, using low-level wavelengths of red light to promote healing. Red light penetrates the skin and reaches deep into cells where it enhances the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This is beneficial because ATP boosts cellular energy and encourages tissue repair.
Additionally, red light can stimulate collagen production. Increased collagen means fewer wrinkles and fine lines while simultaneously improving skin elasticity. This is one of the reasons why RLT is finding its way into more and more dermatology clinics. It’s changing the game when it comes to natural and non-invasive anti-aging treatments.
Health and Wellness Benefits of Red Light Therapy
As research into red light therapy continues to expand, the science behind its benefits is emerging. From improving muscle recovery to enhancing mental health, RLT offers many potential advantages.
Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery
RLT has helped many athletes recover from injuries and speed up muscle recovery. RLT increases blood circulation to affected areas, which reduces inflammation and pain. A crossover study found that red light therapy can be a beneficial, non-invasive option for improving muscle function during rehabilitation after musculoskeletal injury.
Improves Skin Health
We’ve already mentioned that RLT is beneficial for its anti-aging effects, but its skin health benefits don’t end there. It’s also effective for reducing acne and lessening scarring, thanks to its ability to regenerate cells and increase collagen production. Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated that red light therapy is effective and safe for skin rejuvenation.
Boosts Mood and Mental Health
Exposure to RLT has been shown to improve mood and mental health, primarily benefitting those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Unfortunately, SAD affects about 5% of adults in the U.S. and can last for about 40% of the year. The red light wavelengths may support the brain’s release of serotonin, which can lead to improved mood and energy levels.
Supports Wound Healing
Since red light therapy can reduce inflammation and enhance tissue repair, it’s now being utilized in some medical settings to speed up the healing process of burns, cuts, and even surgical wounds.
How to Use Red Light Therapy
You might have seen those red light masks and systems sold online for at-home usage, such as Joovv and Omnilux. These at-home devices can offer convenience and regular access, but professional treatments might provide more potent results due to stronger devices. Not to mention, the at-home devices can carry a hefty price tag.
For best results, it’s typically recommended to undergo RLT 2-3 times a week for about 10-20 minutes per session. However, it all depends on the device, as some may require longer or more frequent sessions.