Is Red Light Therapy Really Worth the Hype?

Many people are discovering red light therapy for its incredible healing benefits. However, is it worth the hype or just a fad? Find out now!

Are you curious about red light therapy? You're not alone! This form of "photobiomodulation therapy" has been gaining a lot of traction in recent years, and for good reason. Red light therapy is said to offer a host of benefits, from "total body enhancement" to pain relief. But is it really worth the hype? In this investigative piece, we will take a closer look at red light therapy and see what the evidence says.

What is red light therapy and how does it work?

Red light therapy is a form of photobiomodulation therapy that uses red and near-infrared light to stimulate the production of new mitochondria in cells. This increase in mitochondrial activity is said to lead to a host of benefits, including improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and enhanced tissue repair.

There are two main types of red light therapy: continuous wave and pulsed. Continuous wave red light therapy is when red light is emitted at a constant wavelength, while pulsed red light therapy is when red light is emitted in short bursts or pulses.

Red light therapy can be delivered via LED lights, lasers, or incandescent bulbs. The most common type of red light therapy is LED light therapy, which is what we will be focusing on in this article.

LED red light therapy is said to be safe for all skin types and can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including wrinkles, acne, scars, and stretch marks. Red light therapy can also be used to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.

Can anyone do red light therapy?

No. Red light therapy is non-invasive and does not require any downtime making is accessible to most people who can sit or stand under an LED red light panel for a few minutes each day. However, if you are considering red light therapy, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for you. Red light therapy should not be used by pregnant women or people with a history of cancer as there is a potential risk of stimulating tumor growth.

What are the benefits of red light therapy?

Proponents of the therapy claim red light is able to:

- Improve circulation by increasing the production of new mitochondria in cells. This increase in mitochondrial activity leads to improved blood flow and oxygenation of tissues.

- Reduce inflammation by lowering the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines leads to reduced swelling, redness, and pain.

- Enhance tissue repair, reduce wrinkles, fade scars, and aid in recovery from sun exposure by increasing the production of collagen and elastin. This increase in collagen and elastin leads to improved skin texture and elasticity, as well as a decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

- Improve skin tone by increasing the production of new mitochondria in cells. This increase in mitochondrial activity leads to improved skin clarity and radiance.

- Reduce acne by reducing the production of sebum. This reduction in sebum leads to a decrease in the number of acne breakouts.

- Improve hair growth by increasing the production of ATP in cells. This increase in ATP leads to improved hair follicle function and hair growth.

Is there any science to support the benefits of red light therapy?

Yes! A quick search of the scientific literature shows there is a growing body of evidence to support the use of red light therapy for a variety of conditions.

A 2019 review article published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology concluded that red light therapy is an effective treatment for wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks. The authors also found red light therapy to be safe and well-tolerated.

A 2018 study published in the International Journal of Dermatology found red light therapy to be an effective treatment for acne. The authors noted that red light therapy can help reduce the number of acne breakouts by reducing sebum production.

A 2017 study published in the journal Lasers in Surgery and Medicine found red light therapy to be an effective treatment for hair loss. The authors noted that red light therapy can help improve hair growth by increasing ATP production in cells.

When should I use red light therapy?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best time to use red light therapy will depend on your individual goals. However, most people find that red light therapy is most effective when used regularly.

Does red light therapy have any side effects?

Red light therapy is generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effect is mild erythema, or redness of the skin. This side effect is typically temporary and will resolve on its own within a few hours.

How much does red light therapy cost?

A single red light therapy session can cost anywhere from $25 to $50, and a red light therapy device can be purchased for around $200. If you want an even more affordable way to experience red light therapy, gyms like Planet Fitness offer a solution called Total Body Enhancement that provides users with red light therapy sessions under the Black Card membership. The membership is approximately $20 per month and grants gym goers unlimited access to red light therapy though they recommend you use the machine no more than a few times a week.

Conclusion

So, is it worth the hype? We think so. It turns out that red light therapy is a mostly safe, effective, and affordable way to improve your overall health and well-being. Whether you’re looking to improve your skin tone, reduce wrinkles, or fade scars, red light therapy can help.

Give us your feedback

So, what do you think? Is red light therapy worth the hype? Let us know in the comments below!