By Kiko Dametra
Suffering from skin issues or mental health problems? Then, red light therapy could help. In recent years, the therapy has become increasingly popular as a non-invasive and effective treatment option in the health industry.
In 1967, Endre Mester, during his time at Semmelweis Medical University, Hungary, observed that laser light can stimulate hair growth and facilitate wound healing in rats.
Red light therapy devices are now commonly found in numerous hospitals and wellness centres. Although still considered a non-mainstream science, many clinical and academic centres are embracing this therapy. Also, the availability of affordable home-use devices has significantly contributed to the popularity of this skincare method.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Also known as photobiomodulation, which refers to how different cell components respond to different light wavelengths, red light therapy is a skin treatment method incorporating low-wavelength red light. This therapeutic technique harnesses specific light wavelengths to interact with the body cells.
This non-invasive procedure exposes the body to red light that stimulates bioenergetics and cellular processes.
How Does It Work?
Different light wavelengths affect the body in various ways, and light therapy uses this principle to target specific conditions. The most common wavelength of red light therapy is 660 nanometers, penetrating deep into the skin and tissues. When exposed to red light, the body cells absorb the photons, activating the mitochondria.
Activation of the mitochondria leads to increased energy production that boosts healing and growth. The increased energy production levels result from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and nitric oxide release to promote blood flow. These processes improve skin health, relieve pain, and enhance recovery.
What Are The Benefits?
Red-light therapy offers many health benefits beyond beauty. These include:
Assists Skin Health
Wavelengths of red light penetrate the skin and trigger collagen production, which promotes skin elasticity. This results in reduced wrinkle formation. Additionally, red-light therapy decreases inflammation and promotes wound healing. It's suitable for treating acne and rosacea.
Boosts Energy And Cellular Health
Red light therapy is known to improve cell energy production. Exposing the body cells to red light stimulates ATP production, the primary energy source for cellular functions. This energy boost enhances bodily functions and promotes overall well-being.
Improves Mood And Mental Health
Red light therapy stimulates serotonin release, a neurotransmitter crucial for regulating mood and emotion. By increasing serotonin levels, red light therapy alleviates depression and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, it enhances cognitive function and improves focus, providing mental clarity.
Reduces Stress And Improves Sleep
Exposure to red light stimulates endorphin release, which are natural painkillers and mood boosters. This promotes a sense of relaxation, reducing stress levels. Moreover, red light therapy regulates the body's circadian rhythm, enabling a more balanced sleep-wake cycle.
Promotes Hair Growth
Red light therapy is a potential solution for individuals with hair loss or thinning hair. The therapy stimulates hair follicles, promoting hair growth and improving hair density. It promotes blood flow and facilitates nutrient delivery to the scalp.
Aids Weight Loss
Red light therapy has been explored for its weight loss and body contouring benefits. Still, it is no magic bullet, and traditional diet and exercise remain essential. It helps by stimulating the release of fats from fat cells, aiding in reducing stubborn fat deposits.
Additionally, the role of red light therapy in improving blood circulation and lymphatic function is crucial for eliminating toxins and waste products. The combined effect makes the technique valuable to a healthy diet and weight management routine.
Reduces Inflammation
The body responds to injury or infection naturally through inflammation, but chronic inflammation can cause health issues. Red light therapy has anti-inflammatory effects. It regulates cellular processes and promotes better circulation to alleviate muscle soreness, arthritis, and tendonitis.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
Yes, it is generally safe, although too much light may damage skin tissues, and too little light won't work. Potential risks include itchiness, redness, erythema, and oedema. Consequently, it's essential to use it under professional guidance. If you have a red light therapy device at home, follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
Protecting your eyes during sessions is essential, as looking directly into the light source can cause eye damage. Protective eyewear or closing your eyes during treatment to ensure safety is necessary. If you have historical eye conditions like retinal disorders or cataracts, consult an eye care professional before starting the therapy.
Similarly, if you're taking medications, like tetracycline, that cause photosensitivity, you must seek medical advice before undergoing the treatment.
Red light therapy use is evolving, with numerous potential health and wellness benefits coming to light. However, if you are considering it, it is vital to understand the science behind this therapy, its benefits, and the safety considerations involved.
Consulting with a healthcare professional and implementing red light therapy correctly can help enhance your well-being, making it worth considering if you wish to feel and look healthier in 2024!
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