Red light therapy (RLT) is a type of treatment that uses red and near-infrared light to improve the overall health of the skin. This therapy is often used to treat conditions like wrinkles, acne, scars, and dark spots and the overall appearance of your skin, but with the additional of near infrared it can also provide whole-body healing benefits as well. Red light therapy is becoming increasingly popular as more people are looking for alternative treatments for both their skin problems, anti-aging effects and chronic illnesses… or even just for optimizing wellness and vitality!

Skin-related Benefits

•  

•  

  Red light therapy is a visible wavelength of 630-660 nanometers, with near infrared in the 800-990 nanometer parameters. This penetration boosts collagen production which leads to firmer, smoother skin with fewer wrinkles and fine lines. Red light therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments like micro needling or chemical peels to maximize results.

  
  

  Here are some of the other skin-related benefits:

  
  

  1. Reduces wrinkles and fine lines: Have you heard of using lasers to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? What about red light therapy? A growing body of evidence suggests that red light therapy can be an effective way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, with few, to no side effects. Here's a look at how it works.

  
  

  Red light therapy is a type of phototherapy that uses low-level wavelengths of red or near-infrared light to stimulate skin cells and promote healing. Studies have shown that red light therapy can increase collagen production, improve blood circulation, and reduce inflammation. All of these effects can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

  
  

  This study looked at the effects of RLT on 136 volunteers who had significant sun damage. The women were divided into two groups, with one group receiving eight weeks of twice-weekly treatments with a red light device, and the other group receiving no treatment. At the end of the study, the researchers found that the treated group had significantly less wrinkles than the untreated group, with less skin roughness.

  
  

  Additionally, LED (Light-Emitting Diode) therapy has proven improved skin tone with 91% of subjects in a 12-week followup, according to a study in The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 

2. Stimulates collagen production: Collagen is a protein found in the connective tissue of our bodies, including skin, joints, bones, and tendons. It's what gives our skin its elasticity and strength. Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen. This loss of collagen leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and a loss of firmness.

The light in red light therapy stimulates collagen production and helps to speed up cell turnover. Red light therapy works by penetrating deep into the skin to stimulate collagen production. This process is known as "photobiomodulation," which can modulate inflammatory cells.

When our bodies are exposed to certain wavelengths of light, it causes a chain reaction that leads to increased collagen production. But not all wavelengths of light are equal when it comes to photobiomodulation. Studies have shown that red and near-infrared light are the most effective for stimulating collagen production.

One study found LED treatments would increase collagen 31% more in treated vs. non-LED treated individuals, as evaluated on a tissue-engineered Human Reconstructed Skin model.

Other studies have shown similar results. A study published in 2014 found that red light therapy can increase intradermal collagen density and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

One of the best things about RLT is that it's completely safe and has no negative side effects. Unlike some other skin care treatments, there's no risk of sun damage with red light therapy. You can use it as often as you like without fear of damaging your skin. In fact, many people find that their skin looks and feels healthier after just a few sessions of red light therapy!

3. Fades scars and dark spots and reduces hyperpigmentation: Red light therapy can also help to fade dark spots caused by sun damage or melasma.

Red light therapy works by increasing blood flow to the treated area, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the cells. This in turn helps to reduce inflammation and promote cell turnover. The stimulation of collagen production can help to reduce the appearance of the skin.

One of the most common uses for red light therapy is to fade scars. Whether you have surgical scars, acne scars, or any other type of scar, red light therapy can help to reduce their appearance. Red light therapy works by stimulating collagen production and improving circulation in the area, which helps to fade the scar tissue.

A benefit of RLT is that it can help reduce hyperpigmentation, which is a common skin issue. Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of an area of skin due to an overproduction of melanin. It can be caused by sun damage, hormonal changes, or certain medical conditions. Red light therapy can help to minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation. 

Melanin is responsible for giving your skin its color. When you have hyperpigmentation, it's because there's an overproduction of melanin in a specific area. Red light therapy works by penetrating deep into the skin and inhibiting the production of melanin.

4. Treats psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea: Not only does red light therapy stimulate collagen production, but it also helps to reduce inflammation and speed up healing. This is why red light therapy is often used to treat conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

The anti-inflammatory properties of red LED light can help to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and swelling. By improving circulation and boosting collagen production, red LED light can help even out your skin tone and give you a more youthful appearance.

One study from Dermatological Surgery showed that RLT alone can be effective for treating acne vulgaris, which is caused by a blockage of sebaceous glands in hair follicles.

Numerous studies have shown that red light therapy can be effective in treating inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. In one study, 30 patients with psoriasis were treated with red light therapy three times per week for eight weeks. At the end of the study, 80% of the patients had experienced significant improvements in their symptoms.

Another study looked at the effect of phototherapy on patients with atopic dermatitis, which is a type of eczema. It showed clinical score improvements and also fewer chances of remission with this type of therapy . Another study showed that red light therapy significantly improved the symptoms of atopic dermatitis lesions in combination with treatment for supporting the immune system. 

Body-related Benefits

1. Pain Relief: If you suffer from chronic pain, red light therapy can be a great way to find relief. The infrared light penetrates deep into the tissue and helps to reduce inflammation. If you're struggling with pain, you're not alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, 25.3 million adults experience chronic pain, and 40 million experience severe pain.

There are many different types of pain, and it can be caused by a wide variety of factors. But regardless of the cause, if you're living with pain, you want relief—and you want it fast. That's where red light therapy comes in.

Red light therapy can use red and near-infrared light to treat a wide range of conditions, from sore muscles to chronic pain. It's believed to work by promoting healing and reducing inflammation. And recent studies have shown that it can be an effective treatment for pain.

The near infrared frequencies included in red light therapy works by stimulating the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the body's main source of energy, and it plays a key role in cell function. Red light therapy is non-invasive and does not require any downtime. If near infrared is included in the device and emits red and near-infrared frequencies, absorbed by the cells in the body, the light energy stimulates mitochondria—the powerhouses of cells—to produce ATP. This increased ATP production leads to reduced inflammation and enhanced cell function. By stimulating ATP production, red light therapy can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

A number of studies have shown that red light therapy can be an effective treatment for pain relief. One study published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that red light therapy was effective in reducing chronic neck pain. Another study published in Lasers in Medical Science found that red light therapy was effective in reducing shoulder pain associated with rotator cuff tendinitis—a common condition that causes inflammation and pain in the shoulder joint. 

Red light therapy uses different wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and underlying tissue. When the light is absorbed, it triggers a biological response that reduces inflammation and speeds up the healing process. This helps to relieve pain and improve function.

1. Sleep Quality: Do you have trouble falling asleep? Or staying asleep? You're not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from some form of insomnia, and it can take a toll on your health, work, and personal life. But there's hope! Red light therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for insomnia and sleep disorders. Infrared light helps to regulate the circadian rhythm and can improve overall sleep quality.

Red light therapy stimulates the production of melatonin, which is a hormone that helps regulate sleep. Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland, which is located in the brain. When our eyes are exposed to red light, it signals to the brain that it's time to start producing melatonin. 

A study published in the journal Sleep Medical Review found that people who used red light therapy benefitted if they had general sleep issues or circadian rhythm disorders.

Often, RLT can improve sleep quality in people with insomnia and other sleep disorders. Many fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly than those who did not receive red light therapy.

Red light therapy is a safe and effective treatment for insomnia and other sleep disorders. If you're looking for a natural way to improve your sleep, red light therapy may be worth considering.

1. Brain Function and Mood: Near Infrared light has been shown to improve brain function and protect against neurodegenerative diseases.

Red light therapy has been shown to improve mood and increase levels of serotonin. Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons. People who suffer from SAD often experience low energy, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite or weight.

Red light therapy is one treatment option for SAD that has gained popularity in recent years. But how does it work? Studies suggest that red light therapy can improve brain function and mood by increasing levels of serotonin, the “happy hormone.” Let’s take a closer look at how red light therapy helps the brain and mood.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood, appetite, and sleep. Low levels of serotonin are linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

Another study found that red light therapy improved symptoms of depression with use just one hour a day.

In addition to improving mood, red light therapy has also been shown to improve brain function. Multiple studies found that red light therapy improved cognitive performance in people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Another study found that this light therapy improved symptoms of ADHD in children.

Red light therapy is also being studied as a potential treatment for concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury. A concussion is a type of brain injury that can cause symptoms like headache, nausea, and dizziness.

1. Immunity: Red light therapy can help to boost the immune system and fight off infection. There is evidence that red light therapy can help improve immunity.

One study found that red light therapy was able to increase the activity of certain immune cells, which are important for fighting off infection. Additionally, another study found that red light therapy was able to improve the function of immune cells in people with acute respiratory distress syndrome and even post-COVID lung support. Though more research is needed, these studies suggest that red light therapy could potentially be a helpful treatment for boosting immunity.

But how does it help immunity? Because, as mentioned, red light therapy can increase levels of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy molecule that our cells use for everything from metabolism to division. ATP is essential for cell function and a healthy immune system.

ATP isn't the only molecule that's important for immunity; another is nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is a signaling molecule that helps regulate immune responses. It's also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and is activated by near infrared frequencies.  

Studies have shown that red light therapy can increase levels of nitric oxide. That's a significant increase that can help boost immunity and protect cells from damage.