The Ultimate Guide To Red Light Therapy
The skincare and wellness industry cycles through trends faster than cellular turnover, but when there is something that really works, people take notice. While it has been around since the 1800s, red light therapy has had a strong resurgence in the past decade as a treatment to reduce the signs of skin aging, boost collagen production, aid with wound healing, and more. Using red and near-infrared wavelengths of light, this non-invasive treatment has a range of health benefits that we’re excited to shine a light on. From at-home masks to professional treatments and saunas, there are numerous exciting ways to experience the healing powers of red light therapy. Explore the ultimate guide to red light therapy.
History of Red Light Therapy
While sunlight has been used in many cultures as a form of photomedicine, modern light therapy began in the late 1800s, when Danish physician Niels Ryberg Finsen successfully treated skin lesions from lupus vulgaris using an electric light. For his breakthrough therapy, he not only won the Nobel Prize in Physiology, but paved the way for many new light therapy treatments thereafter.
Fast forward to the 1960s, when researchers discovered that certain types of light could stimulate the growth of hair and cells in rats. This led to the development of new red light therapy techniques, which have since evolved to the treatments that exist today. While red light therapy is still not mainstream practice, its usage grows by the day.
Keep an ear out, because red light therapy is also called low-level laser light therapy, low-power laser therapy, non-thermal LED light, biostimulation, photonic stimulation, soft laser therapy, cold laser therapy, photobiomodulation and phototherapy.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
So, how does it all work? Red light therapy sends wavelengths of light into the skin, where they are absorbed. The light penetrates the cells and stimulates the mitochondria to produce more energy. This increased energy production promotes healing and regeneration in the body, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin and increasing blood circulation. All of this can result in improved skin, joints, and overall health. Explore more about how red light therapy works in the ultimate guide to red light therapy.
Types of Red Light Therapy
There are two main types of red light therapy: targeted and whole body. Targeted is typically used for dermatological purposes, like treating acne and rosacea or reducing the appearance of wrinkles. With targeted, red light can be applied through the use of LED face masks and handheld devices. Whole body red light therapy provides overall wellness benefits like improved circulation, increased energy, and reduced inflammation. Exposure to red light panels or time spent in a red light sauna can even help you sleep better!
Potential Health Benefits of Red Light Therapy
While red light therapy is popular for its skin benefits, there is a long list of other reasons why you might like to try this innovative light treatment. Here are a few of its most remarkable health benefits.
- Reduces the appearance of acne
- Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves conditions like psoriasis, rosacea and eczema
- Provides pain relief
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves sleep quality
- Heals wounds
Popular Red Light Therapy Treatments
You can either try a red light therapy treatment at a clinic, or invest in an at-home device. Here are some of the most common ways to treat your body to red light therapy.
Face Masks
Red light face masks use low-level LED lights that are embedded in the mask to administer the light therapy. They are becoming a popular addition to a weekly skincare routine and are convenient and easy to use at home. We love DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro by Dr. Dennis Gross. This FDA cleared face mask uses a combination of blue and red light therapy to improve the overall texture and appearance of your skin.
In addition to LED face masks, you can also find masks to reduce the signs of aging on your neck. The Artemis LED Mask and Neck System is another product we highly recommend. You can opt for the complete system, which includes the LED face mask, neck mask, and a sterilizer. Or, you can purchase each part separately.
Hand-Held Devices
Portable and easy-to-use, red light therapy hand-held devices use targeted red light therapy to treat specific areas of the body. They are often used for pain relief and reducing inflammation in specific areas such as the back, neck, and joints. They can also be used in skincare routines.
Red Light Sauna
Red light saunas by companies like Sunlighten provide whole-body red light therapy. These saunas emit red and near-infrared light that surrounds the entire body. When you compare a red light therapy vs infrared sauna, the difference is that an infrared sauna heats the body and brings you to a sweat for maximum detoxification. A red light therapy sauna is much more gentle while still reducing inflammation in the body, improving circulation, and enhancing detoxification. Red light saunas are also often used by athletes to aid in muscle recovery and improve performance. Not to mention, they are a relaxing and therapeutic experience!
Red Light Therapy Bed
For complete body healing, there is nothing more relaxing than a red light therapy bed. Containing panels of LED lights, these special beds lightly warm the skin while promoting blood circulation and detoxification. It is generally recommended to do a 15-minute treatment 3 to 5 times per week for several months to see results.
Red Light Therapy Panels
Rather than a full sauna or bed, you can also purchase red light panels to stand or sit in front of. They can be used to treat large targeted areas of the body, depending on how many panels you purchase.
Red Light Therapy Cost
The cost of red light therapy can be high, but it will vary depending on the type of treatment and whether you are going to a clinic or using a device at home. Handheld devices are often more affordable than whole-body treatments like red light saunas or panels. The cost will also depend on the frequency and duration of treatment.
Who is Red Light Therapy Good For?
There are so many reasons to try red light therapy. When it comes to your skin, it can soothe conditions like acne or psoriasis, reduce the signs of aging, and smooth out uneven textures. Red light therapy can also be used to reduce joint pain, help regulate your circadian rhythm, and detoxify your body. It is generally safe for most people, but should be avoided in specific cases. For example, if you have diabetes or are taking photosensitizing medications, you should not use red light therapy.
Red light therapy provides a host of healing benefits for the body that many people swear by. It has a long history, but is only just becoming more popular as a way of treating common conditions in a holistic, non-invasive way. If you’re interested in giving red light therapy a try, we recommend first speaking to your healthcare professional to find the best way to treat your individual needs.