Red light therapy (RLT) is an emerging trend in the wellness industry. While RLT devices were popularly seen in luxurious spas and clinics, these have made their way into homes, offices, gyms, and several other spaces. In fact, several studies support their effectiveness in treating wrinkles, acne, inflammation, and other signs of aging.
If you are planning to invest in medical-grade red light therapy devices, you can find several options on the market. However, it is important that you understand the applications of this therapy in treating certain issues in your body. While you should always consult a healthcare professional first, here are several ways RLT can impact your health.
Reducing Muscle Pain and Inflammation
Studies suggest that red light may have the potential to activate, heal, and regenerate damaged muscle tissue. Researchers have also found evidence that red light can help improve sports performance in athletes when delivered to muscles either before or after exercise. Similar studies also revealed that red light therapy may help increase the level of muscle mass gained after training while reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in muscle biopsies.
Improving Skin Health
Research shows that red light therapy may smooth skin and help reduce wrinkles. Experts believe that the therapy accomplishes such results by stimulating collagen production, which helps improve skin elasticity. It is also believed to improve signs of sun damage. Studies have also shown that red light therapy can be effective for acne treatment. Its ability to reduce inflammation may contribute to this. The red light may also help treat old acne scars.
Reducing Body Fat
If you are willing to reduce body fat deposits in your arms, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen, laser-based red light therapy is believed to be one of the safer ways to lose weight. Even though the clinical results are mixed, some body contouring treatments using red light therapy have shown significant differences. Since more research is required in this field, the application of RLT in this area is limited.
Improving Acne
Red light therapy has also shown positive results in acne treatment. When applied to the affected skin, red light therapy helps reduce inflammation and boost keratinocyte turnover. Keratinocytes are the most common type of skin cells and the building blocks of our top layer of skin. In multiple studies, researchers have observed promising results while treating mild to moderate acne with a combination of red light and blue light. Experts still need more research to understand the true impact of red light on acne.
Treating Androgenic Alopecia
People with androgenic alopecia may benefit from red light therapy, as it is believed to improve hair density and thickness with minimal side effects. According to several studies, applying treatment for under one hour per week was most effective. During most of these studies, researchers used red light at wavelengths of 630-660 nanometers (nm), while some studies used dual-wavelength devices. It is important to note that a majority of these studies were manufacturer-funded. So, more studies are needed in this field to further understand the impact of RLT in treating such hormone-related hair loss.
Accelerates Wound Healing
Several studies have examined the impact of red light therapy on wound healing. A review of four studies that involved 131 people with diabetic foot ulcers revealed that red light therapy had a positive therapeutic impact on wound healing with no major side effects. These studies indicate that RLT has the potential to effectively treat diabetic foot ulcers and other types of wounds.
Wrapping Up
Red light therapy has the potential to offer several therapeutic benefits. Recent clinical data suggests that RLT may help treat muscle pain, improve skin health, reduce body fat, treat hair loss, and heal wounds. While most of these studies are promising and show almost zero side effects of red light therapy, many studies have conflicts of interest or other limitations. So, it is better to consult a healthcare expert before you use any RLT device at home, in a clinic, or a spa.