Red Light Therapy Benefits, Risks and Its Overview

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Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy is a treatment that may assist the skin, muscle tissue, and other parts of the body in healing. It utilises low levels of red light to target the skin and cells. It works by increasing the production of mitochondria, the cells' energy sources.
This may enhance cell function and repair. Red light therapy is also sometimes known as low-level laser therapy, low-power laser, low-power laser therapy and photobiomodulation.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

In red light therapy, you reveal your skin to a device, lamp, or laser with a red light. It utilises an LED (light-emitting diode) which emits the correct spectrum of light. Red LED light travels deeper into the skin compared to the blue LED light, which is occasionally used to treat skin surface conditions like acne.

When the light enters into your skin, your mictochondria soak it up and create more energy, which assists cells repair themselves. 

Red light therapy uses very less level of heat & does not hurt or burn the skin. Different from the light used in tanning booths, it does not expose your skin to damaging UV rays.

Benefits of Health Therapy

Wrinkles and Fine lines
LED phototherapy is effective in treating ageing skin. Red light therapy can have positive skin rejuvenation effects by increasing fibroblasts, which make collagen and, in turn, provide skin with structure, elasticity, and strength. 
Acne
Red light therapy can reduce mild and moderate breakouts. 
Scarring
Red light therapy may assist modulate key cell characterises which contribute to scarring. It use to lower collagen production in scar tissue, enhancing or preventing thickening scars.
Healing Wound:
Hard to heal wound such as diabetic ulcer present a major skin treatment issue. Nevertheless, Red light therapy may accelerate the process of healing. 
Hair Growth
Red light therapy may lower the effects of androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of hair loss caused by a genetic predisposition to an excessive reaction to androgens such as testosterone anytime after puberty. 

By lowering inflammation and increasing blood flow & circulation to the scalp, it has the potential to increase the cell activity to that activity. Red light therapy may increase hair thickness and density, but more research is required.

What are the skin conditions that red light therapy is being tested for?

• Improve wound healing.
• Reduce stretch marks
• Improve psoriasis, rosacea and eczema.
• Improve scars.
• Improve sun-damaged skin.
• Reduce wrinkles, fine lines and age spots.
• Improve facial texture
•  Improve hair growth in people with androgenic alopecia.
• Improve acne.

Red light therapy devices
There are multiple types of red light therapy devices, a few of which can be used at home. However, home devices are typically less powerful than those used in clinics and may be less efficient or consume more time to work.
Red light therapy mask
This covers your entire face has red LED lights on the inside, pointed toward your skin. It is made to be worn for a short length of time multiple times a week. It is used as a treatment for wrinkles, acne or other facial skin concerns. 
Red Light Therapy Bed
This device resembles a tanning bed; however, instead of UV lights, it uses red LED lights. It provides ample space for you to comfortably lie down inside, allowing your entire body to be exposed to the rejuvenating red light.
Red Light Therapy Panel
A comfortable option for both clinics and homes, this panel consists of red LED lights that can be mounted on a wall or placed on a table. Panels come in different sizes, ranging from small to large. 
Small panels are ideal for targeting particular areas of your skin, you can efficiently use the red light therapy. These wands are specifically useful for treating small areas like the back of the hands, a single knee, or particular spots on the face.

Is Red light therapy effective?

Many experts admit that they don't know that all the claimed uses of RLT are effective. Most say the studies published so far only highlight the potential for specific conditions. However, more studies need to be done.

Red light therapy is still an emerging treatment that is creating growing interest. Nevertheless, at this point of time, there is no sufficient evidence to support most uses.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe?

Red light therapy is safe and is not linked with any side effects, at least if used in the short term and as recommended. The therapy is not invasive, toxic and not as harsh as certain topical skin treatments.

Unlike cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning booths, red light therapy does not use this kind of light. But, if products are misused or overused or not following directions may result in damage of your skin or eyes. 

The long term safety red light therapy devices is not fully known. The best option is to see a dermatologist or qualified cosmetic therapist. 

Risks of Red Light Therapy

Even though red light therapy is safe and non-invasive, it is essential that the level of light used is not too harsh. Majority of home devices have instructions dictating the frequency and amount of light to use, however one should always consult a dermatologist if needed. 

It is also vital to avoid any harsh treatments directly after red light therapy and to continue with daily SPF usage, as the treatment may leave the skin sensitive to UV radiation.

 
How to use red light therapy?

The most common red light therapy devices are masks and wands. They make it easy to include the treatment in your skincare routine. Cleanse skin before red light therapy so that no sunscreen or makeup is on the face. Apply the serums and moisturisers following. With treatment times ranging from three to fifteen minutes, it provides an instant moment of relaxation and rejuvenation.