Red light therapy is a treatment using infrared and red light to improve health. It is increasingly popular nowadays, and many different products are on the market. However, before using it, you need to understand the pros and cons of this treatment method. 

RLT is one type of phototherapy that uses the red spectrum to treat several conditions. There are also blue, green, yellow, and other kinds of light that can affect our health. You can get this and other information from the Heliotherapy InstituteLinks to an external site.. This resource explores phototherapy as a natural way to treat the body and improve overall health.

This article will discuss the essential tips you need to know about red light therapy!

Red light therapy definition

Red light therapy is a type of treatment that uses low-level red or near-infrared light to treat various conditions and promote healing. It’s also known as photobiomodulation, low-level light therapy, and biostimulation. It is sometimes used as an alternative to traditional medical treatments.

There are two types of red light therapy: continuous wave (CW) and pulsed. CW red light therapy is when the wavelength is constant, while pulsed red light therapy delivers energy in short bursts. It is a topical treatment because it uses a device emitting light directly to the injured area.

Red light therapy is generally considered safe for most people and has a small number of side effects. However, it is always best to consult your doctor or dermatologist before beginning any new treatment, especially if you have a medical condition.

In what way can I use a red light?

The most common way to use a red light is by taking a device that emits both red and infrared light. There are many different brands and types of these devices, but they all work similarly. They include LED lights, lasers, and lamps.

You can also find red light therapy products that emit only red or infrared light. These are less common, but they can be just as effective as devices that emit both wavelengths of light.

• Treatment usually involves exposing the skin to the red light for a short period, typically between 5 and 20 minutes.
• You can do this once or twice daily, depending on your schedule and available time. 
• Most people tolerate treatment well and do not experience any side effects.
• You can do this treatment anytime, as it doesn’t depend on the weather or seasonal changes.
• You can use RLT in spas, clinics, or at home.

Influence on the health 

The main reason for the popularity of red light therapy in recent years is that it has a beneficial effect on the treatment of the body. The mechanism for this effect is that RLT affects the body's primary source of energy, called the mitochondria [1Links to an external site.]:

• Red light penetrates deep into the skin, stimulating the mitochondria in the cells;
• They produce many ATP molecules, which promote the creation of new cells.
• This process stimulates renewal in the body.

Below we have compiled the most proven effects of red light therapy on our health.

Skin treatment 

One of the most popular uses of red light therapy is to improve the appearance of the skin. Many people use it to reduce inflammation and enrich their overall tone. Red light therapy affects skin health in several ways:

• It can stimulate collagen production, resulting in firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin.
• It has an anti-aging effect on reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other age spots and forms of sun damage. 
• It can help get rid of acne [4Links to an external site.] by decreasing breakouts and bacterial growth.
• It is effective in treating psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea.
• It can reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. 
• It improves skin texture and elasticity.

There are several ways to use red light therapy to treat your skin. One standard method is to use a handheld device that emits red light directly onto the skin. Another option is to sit under a larger panel that emits red light over a wider area.

When considering red light therapy for your skin, you should remember some rules: 

• First, it is essential to consult with a dermatologist or other medical professional to see if this treatment is proper for you. 
• Second, be sure to use a device cleared by the FDA for use on the skin.
• And finally, follow all manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Anti-inflammatory effects 

Red light therapy can help to reduce inflammation both internally and externally. It is because light’s red and near-infrared wavelengths penetrate deeply into the tissues. There they can stimulate the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). It is the energy molecule powers all cells in the body, increasing cell metabolism and releasing inflammatory mediators. So RLT is an excellent way to treat such inflammation conditions as:

• Reducing symptoms of arthritis [2Links to an external site.];
• Decreasing pain in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome;
• Reducing chronic neck and low back pain;
• Soothing sore muscles after a workout;
• Decreasing symptoms of Herpes cold sores.

Dental conditions

Red light therapy can often alleviate toothaches, gum disease, and other dental problems. The light can help to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, which can lead to a reduction in pain and discomfort. RLT is effective in the treatment of some dental conditions, including:

• Gingivitis;
• Periodontitis;
• Tooth decay. 

It is thought to work by stimulating collagen production and improving blood circulation in the gums. Some studies have shown that red light therapy can effectively reduce inflammation and promote healing in the gums.

However, it is essential to note that red light therapy is not a replacement for good oral hygiene practices. Be sure to brush, floss regularly, and see your dentist for regular checkups to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Brain activity 

Red light therapy can help to increase brain activity and cognitive function. It increases the blood flow and the level of ATP, which are the most crucial aspects of brain activity. So there is evidence about the benefits for the brain:

• Alzheimer's disease: It improves brain function in people with this condition.
• It improves cognitive performance in people with mild cognitive impairment.
• It increases brain activity and improves working memory.
• Depression [5Links to an external site.]: It improves mood and reduces stress levels.
• Sleep quality: RLT reduces symptoms of insomnia.

Thus, red light therapy is worth trying if you want to increase brain power.

Wound healing

Red light therapy can speed up the healing of wounds [3Links to an external site.], cuts, burns, scrapes, and scars. It increases blood flow and collagen production in the area, which helps the skin to heal and repair itself more quickly. It can help to reduce inflammation in injuries.

• There are a few things to keep in mind if you're considering using red light therapy for wound healing:
• The size: Smaller wounds will heal more quickly than larger ones.
• The depth: Shallow wounds will recover more rapidly than deep ones.
• The location: Wounds on the face or hands will usually heal more quickly than on the legs or feet.

Hair loss treatment 

Red light therapy is effective in treating both male and female pattern baldness. Besides, hair loss was the first condition RLT treated in the 20th century. You should know a few things if you’re considering red light therapy for this. 

• You should understand that it is not a cure for hair loss. 
• It just helps to stimulate hair growth and slow down the progression of hair loss. 
• It's not suitable for everyone. 

Consult with a specialist to determine your individual case.

Main pros and cons of RLT

Like any other treatment, red light therapy has several pros and cons so pay attention to it before choosing this method. The potential pros include:

• It is a non-invasive procedure;
• It is painless;
• There is no downtime;
• It doesn’t depend on the season;
• It suits any skin type;
• It is an alternative to traditional medical treatments, such as drugs or surgery.

Red light therapy is a relatively safe procedure, but there are several risks, mainly if you misuse it. So check out the main cons of RLT: 

• Skin irritation; 
• Dryness; 
• Itching; 
• Burning sensation; 
• Temporary redness; 
• Swelling ;
• Blistering; 
• Eye damage. 

As you can see, there are both pros and cons to using red light therapy. So remember them before using this therapy.

Any contraindications?

Red light therapy is one of the natural ways to treat your body. However, there are a few contraindications to be aware of:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding;
• Have epilepsy;
• Take photosensitizing medications;
• Have thyroid conditions;
• People with photosensitivity or lupus erythematosus.

If you have other medical conditions, please don’t use RLT as a treatment.

Summary

In conclusion, red light therapy is a promising treatment modality with many potential benefits. However, as with any treatment, there are potential risks and side effects associated with its use. Now, as you know about them from this article, you can make an informed decision if this treatment is good for you.

Sources

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2. Dorothy Sit, MD, Women's Behavioral HealthCARE, Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. Light therapy for bipolar disorder: a case series in women.University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – 07 December 2007. DOI:10.1111/j.1399-5618.2007.00451.
3. Jean Stelian MD, Israel Gil MD, Beni Habot MD, Michal Rosenthal MD, Iulian Abramovici MD, Nathalia Kutok MD, Auni Khahil MD. Improvement of Pain and Disability in Elderly Patients with Degenerative Osteoarthritis of the Knee Treated with Narrow-Band Light Therapy – Geriatric Medical Center, “Shmuel Harofe” Hospital. DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1992.tb01824.
4. Peter Dungel PhD, Joachim Hartinger, Sidrah Chaudary MSc, Paul Slezak MD, Anna Hofmann MD, Thomas Hausner MD, Martin Strassl PhD, Ernst Wintner PhD, Heinz Redl PhD, Rainer Mittermayr MD. Low level light therapy by LED of different wavelength induces angiogenesis and improves ischemic wound healing – Preclinical Report. 31 October 2014. DOI: 10.1002/lsm.22299.
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7. Pinar Avci, MD, Asheesh Gupta, PhD, Magesh Sadasivam, MTech, Daniela Vecchio, PhD, Zeev Pam, MD, Nadav Pam, MD, and Michael R Hamblin, PhD. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring – 2013 Mar; 32(1): 41–52.