Red light therapy has been one of the most talked-about treatments in recent years. Many dermatologists, professional sportspeople, and beauty influencers talk about the tremendous benefits of this therapeutic method. Apparently, red light therapy can help with versatile skin concerns, including acne, psoriasis, rosacea, scarring, as well as promote muscle recovery, wound healing, improve sleep quality, blood circulation, and overall well-being.
Having heard about the fantastic advantages red light therapy has, one can’t help but wonder – is it a real deal? Can exposing yourself to some red light LEDs help you improve so many issues?
We dug deep into the research behind RLT and found out some interesting stuff. Here’s what you should know about red light therapy:
Red Light Therapy Has Been Around Longer than You Think
Even though it may seem like the hype around red light therapy has started just now, out of nowhere, this method has been around for quite some time.
In 1967, Hungarian physician Dr. Endre Mester accidentally discovered photobiomodulation. He was experimenting with mice and noticed that low-level laser wavelengths promoted hair growth and wound healing.
After that, the red light’s power was rediscovered in the ’90s when NASA started researching ways to substitute natural sunlight in space. They were looking for a light source that’d promote plant growth in such an unnatural habitat. The scientists were testing red and infrared light’s effects on plants using LED light panels as a source of light. In the process, those who were responsible for monitoring the plants noticed that skin on their hands improved drastically.
Inspired by the surprising results, NASA stretched the research further, observing red light’s effects on humans. Over thousands of research later, red light therapy has become a widely accepted course of treatment for versatile health concerns.
Red Light Therapy Accelerates Our Cellular Functions
The primary source of red and infrared light’s effectivity is their effect on our cellular processes. The light wavelengths that are used in red light therapy fall between 650nm-850nm, which compared to other visible lights on the specter have exceptionally powerful effects. Due to deep penetration (5-10mm), red light therapy allows your body to fight the root of the problems and repair from within.
When red light particles enter the body, our cellular metabolism gets optimized. ATP production increases, meaning that our cells get more energy to carry out their functions. What’s more, red light has been proven to enhance healing abilities and raise our endurance.
Red Light Therapy Can Be Used in Many Ways
One of the best things about red light therapy is that it has countless applications. It can be a major addition to your beauty routine and improve your complexion. Moreover, if you’re fighting acne, red light can help ease inflammation and stop the spread of bacteria. Tackling with psoriasis? Red light therapy has been proven to promote quick healing of psoriasis scales and help avert complicated flare-ups.
Apart from skin improvement, red light therapy can be your most loyal companion if you’re working out. Many professional athletes turn to RLT before and after exercise because it eases up muscle soreness and helps them stay on top of their game. What’s more, red light therapy has been shown to increase overall energy levels (due to increased blood circulation), keeping you much more motivated during workouts.
If you’re suffering from sleep deprivation and insomnia, red light can be a solution for you too. Studies indicate that being exposed to red light therapy a few minutes before sleep boosts melatonin production, making it significantly easier for you to fall asleep.
Red Light Therapy Is Completely Safe
As we’ve already mentioned above, red light therapy has been around for a long time. Even though there is extensive research done on the subject, scientists didn’t find any adverse side effects. What’s more, RLT is an entirely non-invasive treatment and you do not feel anything during the sessions (no heat or pain). And let’s not forget that red light therapy doesn’t expose you to harmful UVA/UVB rays.
All these make this therapeutic method quite universal. However, we still recommend you get your doctor’s opinion before turning to red light therapy as the success of the treatment can vary from person to person.
You Can Get RLT at Home
Even though it looks like it, red light therapy is not much of a luxury. Although, going to the salon or dermatologists’ office can get quite expensive, as it requires multiple sessions to show results. Because of this, we believe that getting your own RLT device is the most optimal idea. Red light therapy devices of different sizes and purposes are widely sold online. Therefore, you’ll be able to get one that’s just right for your needs. Most importantly, with FDA-approved, quality at-home devices, you can get all the medical-grade benefits without leaving your house!
Matthew Caldera is the founder and CEO of nuYOU LED, a leading provider of red light therapy devices. As a dedicated biohacker and RLT specialist, Matthew aims to make science-backed information about red light therapy and self-improvement more accessible to everyone. To achieve his goal, Matthew uses up-to-date research materials and converts them into easily digestible articles, answering frequently asked questions of those interested in the power of red light.
