What Does Red Light Therapy Actually Do

Are you curious about the hype surrounding red light therapy? With its growing popularity in the health and wellness industry, you might be wondering what this innovative treatment actually does. Using specific wavelengths of red light or near-infrared light, red light therapy claims various benefits, from reversing skin aging to easing chronic pain. But what lies behind these claims? In this article, we will discuss the science of red light therapy.

What is Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level light therapy (LLLT), is a therapeutic technique that uses low-level red light or near-infrared light to target specific areas of your body. It's gaining popularity for its potential to improve various health conditions.

The wavelengths used in red light therapy, typically ranging from 600 to 850 nanometers, are able to penetrate the skin and reach the cellular level without causing any thermal damage or discomfort. This makes red light therapy a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free approach to supporting overall health and well-being.

Potential Benefits of Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy (RLT) offers a range of potential benefits across aspects of health and well-being, including skin health, pain relief and recovery, energy and metabolism boost, sleep and mood improvement, and hair growth and restoration.

Skin health

• Wrinkles and Fine Lines: RLT may stimulate collagen production, a protein that gives skin its plumpness and elasticity. This could potentially reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
• Wound Healing: RLT can accelerate wound healing by promoting cell growth and reducing inflammation.
• Acne: RLT can reduce inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria. It is also a possible treatment option for acne vulgaris.

Pain relief and recovery

• Muscle Soreness: RLT may improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation, leading to faster muscle recovery and relief from post-workout soreness.
• Joint Pain: RLT can alleviate pain associated with conditions like arthritis by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.
• Sports Performance: Athletes may benefit from RLT’s ability to improve recovery times and reduce muscle soreness, allowing them to train harder and perform better.

Energy and metabolism boost

• Cellular Energy: RLT increases mitochondrial function and ATP production for enhanced cellular energy.
• Weight Management: RLT improves fat mobilization and weight management by boosting metabolism.

Sleep and mood improvement

• Better Sleep: RLT regulates circadian rhythms and melatonin production for better sleep quality.
• Improved Mood: RLT reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and seasonal affective disorder.

Hair growth and restoration

RLT stimulates hair follicles to promote thicker, healthier hair growth. It also helps reverse thinning and balding by increasing blood flow to the scalp.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work

Red light therapy works by utilizing specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to interact with cells and tissues in the body. These wavelengths of light penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cells responsible for energy production.

Here is the cellular process involved:

• Light Absorption: During RLT, red light (typically 600-850nm) penetrates a few millimeters below the skin’s surface. These wavelengths are absorbed by chromophores, light-sensitive molecules within the cells.
• Cellular Stimulation: When chromophores absorb red light, they become energized. In the case of RLT, the main chromophore involved is cytochrome c oxidase, a key player in the mitochondria’s electron transport chain.
• Increased ATP Production: The energized cytochrome c oxidase within the mitochondria helps boost the production of ATP, the primary source of cellular energy. This increase in cellular energy fuels various cellular processes. The increased mitochondrial function leads to a cascade of beneficial effects throughout the body, as the cells have energy available to carry out their essential functions.

Common Myths about Red Light Therapy

RLT has become increasingly popular, but with its rise in popularity, several myths have also surfaced. Here are some myths debunked:

Myth 1: All red light therapy devices are the same.

There are different types of red light therapy devices, each with unique properties and applications. Red light therapy devices use wavelengths of red light (around 660nm) or Near-infrared light (850nm), while some might also use blue light (about 415nm). Each red light therapy device targets different cellular processes.

Myth 2: Red light therapy burns skin.

RLT uses low-level light. When used correctly with the recommended exposure time and devices, RLT shouldn’t cause burns. However, it’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult a doctor for any concerns.

Myth 3: Red light therapy has immediate, instant results.

Red light therapy is a gradual process, and results may vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. While some people experience noticeable improvements relatively quickly, others may require more time and consistent treatment to see significant results. Patience and regular use are often key to optimal outcomes.

Myth 4: Red light therapy is just a fad without scientific evidence.

While research on red light therapy is still ongoing, there is a growing body of scientific literature supporting its potential benefits. Numerous studies have investigated red light therapy’s effects on various conditions and demonstrated positive outcomes.

According to “Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation,” red light therapy increased skin firmness by 23.6% after 84 days of treatment. “Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation” concluded that photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is effective in reducing inflammation, which is particularly important for disorders of the joints, traumatic injuries, lung disorders, and brain conditions.

However, it’s essential to differentiate between studies conducted with appropriate parameters and those with limitations, and ongoing research continues to refine our understanding of red light therapy’s mechanisms and applications.

Atop Red Light Therapy Devices

We provide multiple red light therapy devices that can improve skin quality, relieve pain, relax muscles, and enhance overall well-being.

For targeted pain relief, our portable handheld devices use LEDs to penetrate tissue and ease arthritis, injuries, and sore muscles. Our LED therapy masks bathe the face in nourishing wavelengths to even skin tone, improve skin quality, reduce acne, and boost collagen production. We also offer full-body panels to improve circulation, speed recovery, and leave you feeling energized.

Interested in our products? Contact us for more info.