Red Light Therapy Review - 13 Things You Need to Know

Red Light Therapy is a popular option for rejuvenating the skin and possesses other benefits as well. Many claims are made, such as anti-aging advantages and faster recovery of damaged tissue. There are many concerns and questions about this therapy, so we thought it would be a good idea to take a closer look.

The idea of repairing the skin and improving the skin’s condition with a pure light seems farfetched. Our experts analyzed the science behind this technology to identify whether this is an effective and safe procedure. We share our findings with you below.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), low-level light therapy, or biostimulation, is an emerging therapeutic approach that exhibits promise in addressing a variety of skin concerns, including wrinkles, redness, acne, scars, and other signs of aging. This treatment employs low-level wavelengths of red light to target specific skin issues. Although numerous researchers suggest its potential, it is crucial to note that additional clinical trials are required to substantiate its efficacy as a therapeutic intervention.

Red light therapy falls under the umbrella of alternative medicine and is also referred to as soft laser therapy, photonic stimulation, or lightbox therapy. It involves the application of low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to the body’s surface. Advocates of this therapy assert its ability to alleviate pain, stimulate cell function, and even contribute to insomnia management, although these claims are attributed to the manufacturers and require further scientific validation.

The core mechanism of red light therapy involves the transmission of low-power red light wavelengths through the skin. This process is imperceptible and non-painful, as it does not generate heat. The red light penetrates the skin to a depth of approximately eight to 10 millimeters, exerting positive effects on cellular energy, as well as various nervous system and metabolic processes. It is important to approach the therapeutic potential of red light therapy with a critical perspective, acknowledging both its reported benefits and the need for additional research to establish its broader effectiveness.

Let’s take a look at a little of the science behind red light therapy.

• Medical Hypotheses – Red light therapy has been researched for more than a decade. It’s been shown to “restore glutathione” and enhance energy balance.
• Journal of the American Geriatrics Society – There’s also evidence suggesting that red light therapy can reduce pain in patients with osteoarthritis.
• Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy – Research also shows that red light therapy can improve wound healing.

Red light therapy is useful for treating:

• Hair loss
• Acne
• Wrinkles and skin discoloration and more.

How Did Red Light Therapy Start?

Endre Mester, a Hungarian physician, and surgeon, is credited with discovering the biological effects of low power lasers, which happened a few years after the 1960 invention of the ruby laser and the 1961 invention of the helium-neon (HeNe) laser.

Mester founded the Laser Research Center at the Semmelweis Medical University in Budapest in 1974 and continued working there for the rest of his life. His children continued his work and imported it to the United States.

By 1987 companies selling lasers claimed they could treat pain, accelerate healing of sports injuries, and more, but there was little evidence for this at that time.

Mester originally called this approach “laser biostimulation,” but it soon became known as “low-level laser therapy” or “red light therapy.” With light-emitting diodes adapted by those studying this approach, it then became known as “low-level light therapy,” and to resolve confusion around the exact meaning of “low level,” the term “photobiomodulation” arose.

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Red Light Therapy Claims

Manufacturers of low-power lasers often assert that red light therapy products, such as beds and pads, have the potential to alleviate pain and enhance cellular function. According to these claims, exposure to red light may induce a positive biochemical response within cells, particularly in the mitochondria—the powerhouse of the cell responsible for energy production. This purported mechanism involves an increase in the transportation of electrons, elevated oxygen consumption, and higher levels of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The heightened energy levels are believed to lead to improved blood circulation, allowing other cells to function more efficiently. This enhanced functionality encompasses tasks such as skin repair, the promotion of new cell growth, and the stimulation of collagen, thereby reducing wrinkles and facilitating skin rejuvenation. The specific absorption of light wavelengths by certain cells is highlighted as the triggering factor for these responses.

Red light therapy is additionally advocated as a treatment for various common skin conditions, including but not limited to:

• Improving Wound Healing: Manufacturers claim that red light therapy can accelerate the healing process of wounds.
• Reducing Stretch Marks: The therapy is purported to have a positive impact on the appearance of stretch marks.
• Diminishing Wrinkles, Fine Lines, and Age Spots: Red light therapy is suggested as a means to reduce the visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and age-related skin discolorations.
• Enhancing Facial Texture: It is claimed that the therapy contributes to an improved overall texture of facial skin.
• Addressing Skin Conditions like rashes, bumps, redness, and itching: Manufacturers suggest that red light therapy may have a positive effect on the symptoms of these skin conditions.
• Improving Scars: The therapy is promoted as potentially beneficial in improving the appearance of scars.
• Addressing Sun-Damaged Skin: Red light therapy is claimed to be useful in addressing skin damage caused by exposure to the sun.
• Promoting Hair Growth: Some manufacturers assert that red light therapy can enhance hair growth in individuals.
• Managing Acne: The therapy is suggested as a potential treatment for acne.

It’s important to note that these assertions are claims made by manufacturers, and while there is some research supporting certain aspects, further scientific investigation is needed to substantiate these claims and determine the therapy’s overall efficacy for various applications.

Red Light Therapy “Ingredients”

There are no ingredients for the therapy. However, there is a lot of equipment that is useful for red light therapy, listed below.

• Cold Laser for chiropractic
• Bed
• Pad
• Red laser devices
• Led devices

Keep in mind that you should consult with your physician before starting the therapy.

Does Red Light Therapy Work?

That is the million-dollar question. The answer to this question depends on the reason red light therapy is used.

The mechanism by which the therapy works is not precise, and despite a lack of consensus on its validity, some studies suggest that the treatment may be modestly effective.

Red Light Therapy Benefits

Red light therapy has a variety of benefits ranging from neuro-muscular benefits to skincare and others. Some benefits of the therapy include:

• FDA approval
• Rejuvenating skin
• Promotes hair growth

Details On Red Light Therapy And Weight Loss

Red light therapy and weight loss have been a primary argument between supporters and critics of the therapy. According to Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, red light could affect hunger, which reduces the intake of extra fat into the body.

How To Use Red Light Therapy

You’ll use red light according to the directions where you’re receiving the treatment.

Red Light Therapy Cost

Based on where you receive your treatment, the cost varies. For example, the value of the therapy at Planet Fitness is included with your Black card membership.

Red Light Therapy Side Effects

Relating to safety, red light therapy appears to be safe. There is the chance the therapy side effects may be localized burning of the skin.

Red Light Therapy Product Warnings

Red light therapy appears safe. However, there are some warnings when using therapy.

Eyes

Do not aim laser beams into the eyes, and everyone present should wear appropriate safety glasses.

Tattoo

Treatment over a tattoo with higher irradiance laser may cause pain as the dye absorbs the laser energy and gets hot.

The hair on the head

Treatment of the head and neck with high irradiance laser may cause pain as the melanin in the fine superficial hair follicle absorbs a lot of the laser energy.

Very dark skin

Occasionally some people with very dark skin feel an unpleasant amount of heat.

What Users Are Saying

“So far I’m a fan; easy to use, not heavy or cumbersome. Can use this to pinpoint therapy in a particular location where I am having trouble spots. The light seems to be a decent quality make; you can almost feel a bit of warmth coming off of it, but at the same time it is not warm. I can’t describe it properly. It has an internal timer so it lights up for only 10 minutes at a time. I have a full light therapy mask but for days when I am not in the mood to break out the full treatment, I use this hand held one. I am finding the battery to be good so far and am overall quite happy with this.”

“Let me start by saying I never leave reviews but this little device has done WONDERS to my skin and my acne has vanished. It took about two weeks to see results, I used it 5X a week for 10 min. Then decreased it to three times a week once I saw my acne disappear. I have oily skin and struggled with hormonal acne for YEARS. I’ve done accutane 3 times and a bunch of creams. Nothing worked and I felt hopeless. BUY THIS IF YOU HAVE THE SAME STRUGGLES.”

“I bought this to help with carpal tunnel. It was ineffective for me. (I did get relief and a cure by taking vitamin B6.) I let a friend of mine use my Tendlite to try to get relief for his dupuytren’s contracture. It was ineffective.”

The Bottom Line on Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy is an alternative to traditional therapies, claiming to help improve skin, reduce acne, and acts as an anti-aging treatment. While there are before and after photos showing its effectiveness, there’s little research supporting any claims.

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