Red light therapy has been in the spotlight for the last few years.
Many people turn to this non-invasive treatment method to help them heal wounds, improve skin condition, fade surgical scars, speed up muscle recovery, and enhance overall well-being.
What’s more, red light treatments have become widely accessible as at-home LED light therapy entered the market.
So it is only logical that you have questions about this intriguing treatment.
In this article, we dive deep into the science behind red light therapy and tell you everything you need to know before starting the RLT sessions.
History Of Red Light Therapy
You may have just heard about red light therapy, but it’s been around for quite a while.
In the early ’90s, Scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) first discovered red light as a way to grow plants in space.
They observed that red light wavelengths could create perfect substitutes for natural sunlight and promote faster metabolism in plants.
These early observations inspired scientists to take the research even further to see whether red light could be beneficial for humans.
Since then, thousands of studies have been conducted, which proved that red light therapy is an effective and safe treatment for versatile issues.
FDA approved the first red light therapy device in 2002, and the rest is history.
Why and How Does Red Light Work
Red light therapy involves being exposed to low-level light wavelengths for 10-20 minutes each session.
The red light particles can work below the surface of the skin, reach deeper tissues, and target your concerns from within.
This is achieved by optimizing cellular functions. Red light increases mitochondrial metabolism, leading to boosted energy production.
This means that your cells are getting more resources to carry on their daily activities properly. A red light therapy device helps in optimizing cellular functions and processes making it beneficial holistically for the body.
What’s more, if your body is trying to recover in any way, enhanced cellular processes lead to faster regeneration.
Benefits Of Red Light Treatments
The list of red light therapy benefits is genuinely overwhelming. Let’s take a look at the most prominent ones:
Skin Improvement
Red light therapy has been proven to be an effective weapon against common skin issues, such as acne, sun damage, rosacea, eczema, etc.
Red light particles improve cell turnover and blood circulation.
This helps your skin get rid of the compromised tissue more rapidly while delivering necessary nutrients that promote healthier cells.
What’s more, red light therapy has anti-inflammatory properties.
Thanks to this, your body fights inflammation and kills acne-causing bacteria quicker.
Wound Healing
Red light therapy has been proven to aid in wound healing, even when you’re dealing with a deep, open wound.
When repairing the damage, your body goes through several stages – preventing blood loss, cleaning the affected area, and fixing the tissue.
Naturally, it can take up to three months to heal the injury, but red light therapy can speed up the process drastically.
Exposure to red light wavelengths minimizes inflammation and helps keep the area clean.
Additionally, it forms new vessels and repairs damaged ones, which provides the wound with the necessary elements for healing.
Boosted collagen and elastin production works in favor of closing the injury and developing healthy skin tissue.
Weight Loss
If you’re trying to lose weight, red light therapy has some great benefits for you.
It helps improve metabolism, meaning that your body is digesting food more efficiently.
Most importantly, RLT has been proven to accelerate the fat-burning process.
It works great even in thighs, upper arms, lower abdomen, where it’s usually harder to remove excess fat.
What’s more, RLT helps get rid of stretch marks that are often a byproduct of weight loss.
Red light particles enhance collagen levels in your system.
This essential protein promotes a textureless and smooth appearance of the skin.
Where Can I Get Red Light Therapy?
Just a few years ago, red light therapy was only accessible in selected clinics. Fortunately, now we have a lot more options.
You can sign up for red light treatments in salons and many dermatologists’ offices.
Alternatively, you can purchase your own red light therapy panel and enjoy the treatment sessions at your convenient time and location.
Keep in mind that proper red light therapy devices should have FDA approval.
Also, you need to ensure that you get your healthcare provider’s opinion before starting with RLT.
The success of the treatment greatly depends on your condition and medical history.
Therefore, your physician will be the only person competent enough to recommend it as the most optimal option for you.