In the world of wellness and beauty, new trends pop up almost daily. But few have garnered the scientific backing and widespread acceptance that red light therapy has achieved. Gimmicky? A resounding NO.
With over 3,000 peer-reviewed scientific studies done by 2018, this therapy is something we should all be considering. From improving skin health to boosting your mood, red light therapy offers a multitude of benefits that can help enhance your overall well-being.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular function. Originally developed by NASA to grow plants in space, this technology has found its way into the medical, wellness, and beauty industries due to its numerous health benefits.
I started my obsession with red light therapy after reading Ari Whitten’s Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy book, full of research backed goodness and guidance on how to pick the right products for you. He is still the most sought after expert on Red Lights, which is evident if you search his name in Apple Podcasts. I highly recommend his book to help guide you beyond this blog post for more info. If you folllow the link and purchase it from Amazon I may receive a small commission. Any bit helps!
Top 10 Reasons to Use Red Light Therapy
1. Improved Skin Health
Red light therapy can help reduce wrinkles, scars, and acne. The light penetrates deep into the layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting cell regeneration. This leads to smoother, younger-looking skin.
2. Enhanced Recovery from Surgery
Postoperative patients can benefit significantly from red light therapy. It accelerates the healing process by promoting cell repair and reducing inflammation, speeding up the recovery period. I used red light (see sources below) pre- and post-surgery for my neck fusion, low back laminectomy and now for a disc replacement. Can we just agree that car accidents suck?
3. Faster Muscle Recovery
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts can use red light therapy to speed up muscle recovery. The therapy helps reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, allowing for more effective workouts and quicker recovery times. Olympic athletes and competitive or professional athletes of nearly every sport boast the faster recovery time obtained from using red light as part of their daily practices.
4. Cell Production
Red light promotes the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of all living things. Increased ATP production means more energy for cells to perform their functions effectively, leading to overall better health. Thereby helping anything from fertility to gingivitis to removing wrinkles, lines and veins on the surface of your skin, to decreasing pain and increasing energy. Mitochondrial energy production assists every type of cell in the body, improving the health of every organ and every cell. For a more comprehensive list of research backed benefits check out Ari Whitten’s book, link above in the intro.
5. Mood Stabilization
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other mood disorders can be alleviated with the help of red light therapy. The light stimulates the brain, helping to balance chemicals that affect mood and emotional well-being, and may help ADHD symptoms such as concentration level as well.
6. Better Sleep
Exposure to red light therapy can help regulate sleep patterns. It impacts melatonin production, the hormone responsible for sleep, making it easier to fall asleep and enjoy a restful night.
7. Increased Energy Levels
If you’re feeling sluggish, red light therapy can give you a much-needed energy boost. By enhancing cellular function and ATP production, the therapy helps to increase overall energy levels.
8. Reduced Pain & Inflammation
Red light therapy has anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in treating chronic conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. It helps to reduce pain and improve joint function. Having a red light panel on my wall has helped my back pain from my herniated discs tremendously.
9. Improved Blood Circulation
Healthy blood flow is crucial for overall well-being. Red light therapy stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and improves circulation, enhancing nutrient and oxygen delivery throughout the body.
10. Hair Growth
Struggling with hair loss? Red light therapy can stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. Studies have shown significant improvement in hair density and thickness with regular use. There are special red light helmets for this exact purpose.
Where to Purchase and How to Pick a Panel
Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Panel
When selecting a red light therapy panel, consider the following factors:
- Wavelength: Look for devices that offer a combination of red (around 660nm) and near-infrared (around 850nm) wavelengths for maximum benefits.
- Power Density: A higher power density ensures deeper penetration and more effective treatment. Aim for at least 100mW/cm².
- Size: Consider the size of the treatment area. Larger panels can cover more area at once, but they may also be more expensive.
- Quality and Certification: Ensure the device is FDA-approved or has other relevant certifications to guarantee safety and effectiveness.
Beyond Panels
Panels are by no means the only option out there. Red Lights come in all shapes and sizes for whatever body area you are seeking benefit for. Links to products I recommend and regularly use are attached. When it comes to Amazon.com, I will also receive a small commission – win/win!
- Face Mask – a firm shaped mask with straps to hold it onto the face. Doesn’t usually cover the neck (which would be a bonus). The one I have has features to change to other therapeutic colors depending on your needs. Think – inflammation, rosacea, acne, aging, or enhancing the products/serums you use on your face.
- Red Light / Cupping combo – one thing I love for self-care is cupping. With the opportunity to combine that therapy with red light? I’m in! We love doing a bit of self-care on tight back muscles at home with this product from Revo.
- Small Wand – I have two of these. They are used to focus on a small area of the face or neck and can be used in conjunction with serums or a face wash.
- Red Light Helmets – I have not tried these, however there is great promises that it could help with hair loss, improve the health of your scalp, and increase hair growth, all while looking like an alien investigator from the 80s.
- Intimate vFit Wand – created by JoyLux and promoted by Halle Berry, this device is use intervaginally to rejuvenate menopausal tissue by strenghtening the pelvic floor, increasing tightness and natural lubrication.
- Red Light Heat Pads – Perfect for wrapping around your low back, or specific ones for your shoulder, these add in the red light benefit with heat for those achy, sore muscles. I have one of these and am still undecided on its effectiveness. The one linked here is a gift my husband gave me for a cruise (since you aren’t supposed to plug heat packs in). This was my way to get red light and heat on my back during the cruise, as it is cordless! I also bring it to work for those overnight shifts.77y
Where to Buy
Here are some reputable sources to purchase your red light therapy panel:
- Joovv: Known for its high-quality, medical-grade devices. This is my choice for the full red light panel. Pricey, but worth the $$$. I’m in love with my red light panel that I’ve attached onto the wall for near daily use. My back and gut always feel better when I use it. I get no commission from Joovv by recommended them (although I should!).
- Platinum Therapy Lights: Offers a range of panels suitable for both personal and professional use.
- Mito Red Light: Provides affordable, effective devices with excellent customer service.
Conclusion
Red light therapy is a fascinating and effective way to boost your health and well-being. From improved skin health to better sleep and enhanced recovery, the benefits are vast and well-supported by scientific research. If you’re looking to explore new wellness therapies, red light therapy could be a game-changer.
Pro Tip: Check manufacturer instructions for proper usage for any particular product – as distance from skin, length of exposure time, and frequency matter. Reach out to their website if you don’t get the information you need from the product manual.
