Can a gentle glow be capable enough to transform your skincare and wellness routine? With the help of revolutionary treatment, called red light therapy – it is possible! This therapy utilizes low-level light energy to target skin issues and promote healing. Well, once confined to spas and clinics, this therapy is now becoming prevalent. It promises benefits varying from glowing skin to improved muscle recovery. Red light therapy (RLT) is a therapeutic technique used to treat skin conditions with the help of low-level wavelengths of red light. It is a phototherapy that can alleviate skin issues like wrinkles, stretch marks, acne, scars, psoriasis, redness, inflammation, etc. It can even repair muscle tissues and foster healthy ageing. A study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology online discovered that red and blue-based light therapies show remarkable effects on healing mild to moderate inflammatory acne lesions. There are several uses of red light therapy, but before getting into its benefits, let’s understand how it works.
How Does This Therapy Work?
RLT operates by continually exposing low levels of red and near-infrared light on your skin for a set amount of time. The usage of low power density penetration is deemed more successful than the high power density penetration. The corresponding exposure may create a positive biochemical effect within your cells, reinforcing the mitochondria where the cell’s energy is generated. Red light therapy may accomplish this by accelerating the transportation of electrons, consumption of oxygen, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) levels. The increased energy of mitochondria leads to efficient cell functioning and repair and rejuvenation.
6 Red Light Therapy Benefits
This emerging therapy is prestigious for providing plenty of benefits that can improve your wellbeing. Here are seven remarkable Red light therapy benefits:
- This therapy shows promising results for skin rejuvenation by boosting fibroblasts, which make collagen and give skin elasticity, firmness and strength.
- RLT is used to increase collagen production and improve the remodelling of scar tissues.
- This therapy shows promising results for healing wounds like diabetic foot ulcers.
- It can heal chronic pain, like arthritis and tendonitis, by decreasing inflammation and facilitating muscle repair.
- Also, it improves blood flow to accelerate skin and muscle recovery.
- It promotes healthy skin cell growth and repair to help decrease signs of ageing.
Note: The effect of red light therapy before and after may vary based on the duration and frequency of RLT sessions, skin conditions, and skin type.
Possible Side Effects
Although the benefits of this therapy seem promising, you must know red light therapy side effects, as outlined below.
- People with conditions that cause light sensitivity (like lupus) or those taking medications that boost light sensitivity must avoid using this therapy.
- Pregnant women are recommended to refrain from this therapy because its benefits are not well-studied in the context of pregnancy.
- Intense levels of red light can lead to skin blistering issues.
- Direct exposure to red light can damage the eyes. Hence, you must wear a red light therapy mask like protective goggles.
- Also its intense exposure can cause irritation, redness, or burns.
- Improperly using devices of red light therapy at home can create skin burns or other skin damage.
Unveiling the Hidden Risks of RLT
Although the therapy provides many benefits, it’s important to stay aware of the potential risks associated with it. Certain dangers of red light therapy are:
- Usually, RLT is painless and safe, but there is not yet a clear consensus among experts on – can red light therapy cause cancer.
- Some people have developed lesions, burns, and blisters in the following cases:
- After using red light therapy devices for 30 minutes
- After falling asleep with the device still on
- Corrosion in the device or wires being broken
Where to Get Red Light Therapy?
You can get this therapy at gyms, tanning salons, and local day spas. Also, you can purchase FDA-approved red light therapy devices online. Consult with a doctor first and then start with the related treatment. Due to this therapy, you may need to undergo several treatments before realizing any positive difference in your body.
Takeaway
Red light therapy is recommended to help treat common skin issues, and as a new treatment approach, it holds a lot of potential. Before availing of this therapy treatment, it is a good idea to consult with your dermatologist or a healthcare provider. Your skincare professional will assess your skin first and then ask you to undergo an appropriate diagnosis. Make sure to discuss treatment options with them to achieve the desired results.
