What Is Red Light Therapy?

The treatment of red light is a method of making use of the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for treating cosmetic and medical ailments. It emits low-intensity red and near-infrared light into the cells of the body to promote healing. It’s non-invasive, painful, and doesn’t utilize heat.

Hungarian doctor Professor Endre Mester first used red light therapy in 1967, while researching the reaction of cancerous cells in response to exposure to radiation. Nowadays, this therapy is employed in a dental, medical spa and home settings to repair damaged tissues and ease discomfort as well as swelling. 1

Red light therapy is known under a variety of names, such as:

• photobiomodulation (PBM) also known as photobiomodulation therapy
• Laser light therapy at low levels (LLLT)
• Laser therapy with low power (LPLT)
• Cold laser therapy
• Biostimulation
• Photonic stimulation
• Soft laser therapy

Therapy using red light forms an aspect of photodynamic therapy too. In this instance, the red light stimulates an agent that helps your skin to absorb light.

This article will explore the mechanisms that underlie red light therapy and the way it is effective for a wide range of ailments.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

Red light therapy utilizes low-power red light to stimulate mitochondria which are the cells’ energy generators. The majority of energy produced by mitochondria is stored in a molecule known as Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and allows your body to store and utilize to store energy. 2

The effects of aging, illness or other lifestyle issues can cause mitochondria less able to produce ATP. The use of red light therapy triggers a reaction that reverses the decline.

Why Red Light?

Red light therapy employs light that is in the near-infrared or red region since this wavelength is the most effective in absorbing tissues. It is readily absorbed by the components of cells that absorb the energy of light. 3

How Is Red Light Therapy Used?

The use of red light is for many reasons as well as for the treatment of dental, skin, and other inflammatory ailments.

Skin Conditions and General Skin Health

Red-colored light treatment is a well-known method for treating acne, scars, redness, and wrinkles. This could be due to the light’s effects in collagen production as well as blood circulation within skin tissues. The use of red light therapy could aid by assisting in these ways

• Anti-aging Red light therapy can be used to improve facial appearance for skin damaged or damaged by the sun’s rays. It can stimulate the generation of skin cells, which produce collagen proteins. This assists in lifting and tightening lax skin, and decreases wrinkles. 4
• Acne Treatment with cold lasers could be a viable solution for the problem of acne vulgaris however, there is no evidence to support it. The light may reduce inflammation, irritation, as well as sebum production within the face. 5
• The growth of hair Low-level laser light therapy could aid in treating pattern hair loss both in men and women however more research is required. 6
• Wound Healing The treatment of red light could assist in healing chronic wounds. It could also stimulate the growth of new skin cells and aid in helping the formation of new blood vessel networks. 7

Read More: Hairmax vs Capillus

Dental Pain

Dental specialists use treatment with red light to alleviate a range of oral issues. It can help alleviate pain, inflammation and ulcers. It also helps keep harmful oral microbes under control. The following treatments utilize the therapy of red light:

• Temporomandibular disorder (TMD): TMD causes discomfort and jaw clicking and also a limited jaw movement. The use of red light therapy can ease pain, improve mobility, and increase muscle activity in those suffering from this condition. 8
• Periodontitis: The use of red light therapy may help fight periodontitis which is a persistent accumulation of bacteria in the dental cavity. Alongside photodynamic therapy, this method can help to decrease the amount of bacteria involved in this kind plaque build-up. 9
• Mouth burning syndrome Low laser therapy with light has helped reduce the pain in postmenopausal women who experience burning sensations in their mouths. 10
• Stomatitis minor recurrent aphthous stamatitis (MiRAS) is identified by painful lesions that appear on your lips, the palate and the cheek lining. In a study conducted in 2020 of children between 5 and 12 years old, the use of red light therapy decreased swelling and pain of the ulcers of MiRAS within 2 months. 11

Inflammation

Near-infrared light, or red light stimulates cells and speeds in the creation of antioxidants as well as lower inflammation markers. Soft laser therapy can improve circulation to relieve inflammation conditions without surgery or medication which includes: 12

• Osteoarthritis The results of several studies have revealed that treatment with red light can help reduce disability and pain for people suffering from knee osteoarthritis. The benefits can even last for up to 12 weeks following the completion of treatment. 13
• Tendinitis The pre-exercise red light therapy could enhance athletic performance and speed up recovery of muscle injuries. This could be because of the treatment’s capacity to reduce oxidative stress caused by exercise. 14
• Psoriasis Laser therapy using cold is a standard treatment for moderate to mild Psoriasis, an auto-immune inflammatory skin disease. However, each form of this condition requires various light sources for effective treatment and to avoid burns to the skin and other adverse side effects. 15
• Carpal tunnel syndrome In one study low-level laser therapy was found to help alleviate pain from carpal tunnel syndrome in the hands considerably. Also, it increased the electrical activity of the median nerve. 16

Other Conditions

The red light therapy can help support your body’s healing processes. Sores from cold, dementia and mood disorders can also respond to this treatment in the manner follows:

• Cold sores from herpes prevention Treatment with red light could be effective in treating and preventing chronic cold sores. Which is a common disease caused by the herpes virus. But, more research is required to prove the validity of this. 17
• Alzheimer’s Disease The levels of formaldehyde within the brain have been linked with the oxidative stress that causes memory loss and a decline in. Research suggests that the use of red light therapy may break down formaldehyde and enhance cognitive functioning in people suffering from the mild or moderate form of Alzheimer’s disease. which is a progressive brain disease. 18
• anxiety in a study in 2019 that involved brain stimulation, red light improved anxiety symptoms for people suffering from the generalized anxiety disorder. The patients were also in better sleep when they received treatments. 19

Unproven Claims

The majority of people use red light therapy to treat the following diseases. But, the science is yet to prove the effectiveness of the treatment for:

• SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) The review in 2019 concluded that there was not enough evidence to support the use of red light therapy as a therapy for the disorder of seasonal affective, which is a form of depression that is triggered by changes in the seasons. 20
• The loss of weight The lack of reliable research studies has been conducted to prove the benefits of weight loss from the red light therapy. But, limited research suggests that it can help to reduce waist circumference. 21
• Back pain In a variety of controlled trials, the use of red light therapy did not alter disability or pain in those who suffer from persistent, nonspecific lower back pain. It appears that the positive outcomes were based on weak evidence. 22
• To stimulate cancer treatments According to a review of 2021 low-level laser light therapy can assist in the treatment of cancer. However, the safety overtime of its application on tumors or in close proximity to them hasn’t been established. 23

Pros and Cons of Red Light Therapy

If you are thinking about cold laser therapy it is crucial to weigh its possible benefits and potential risks. There are practitioners or devices in numerous suitable settings. However, this procedure may not be effective for everyone.

Benefits

The red light therapy is non-toxic and non-invasive. It is safe for all types of skin. It doesn’t require the application of harsh chemical substances or heat that can cause irritation or burn skin.

Additionally, the treatment does not make use of the ultraviolet (UV) light that is believed to cause skin cancer..

Red light therapy is simple to obtain at dental or medical offices as well as tanning salons, spas or beauty salons. Home devices are also readily accessible.

Side Effects and Risks

There is no standard on how long or how strongly red light therapy is to be administered, therefore there is a small possibility of adverse side consequences. The long-term safety of this treatment is still to be assessed. If you are using red light therapy devices in the wrong way or for too long it could cause injuries to your eyes or skin.

Instant results are possible in certain situations. However, it may take several weeks or even months to see improvement.

Home-based red light therapy devices are safe, but they’re not as effective as professional equipment. The quality of the devices varies and certain devices may not deliver the benefits you’d expect. The clinical treatments of a skilled professional can offer greater certainty of a positive outcome with minimal or no adverse consequences. But, it could require frequent appointments.

Individuals who suffer from hypersensitive skin or those suffering from diabetes must consult their medical physician before taking this therapy. Pregnant women must also consult the advice of their doctor.

Treatment Alternatives

A majority of the research studies using the use of red light therapy had smaller sample sizes, therefore further research is required to verify the safety and effectiveness of this treatment. Your therapist or doctor could suggest other non-medical therapies to help manage your condition.

The options include:

• The anti-inflammatory diet Certain food items can aid in reducing or preventing chronic inflammation, which can cause various ailments. 24
• CBT: Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT): CBT, also known as psychotherapy or the practice of talking, has been a documented treatment for mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. 25
• Therapy with cups This ancient method also boosts blood flow. This can aid in relieving psychiatric and inflammation disorders. 26
• Acupuncture Acupuncture is shown to have the potential to ease chronic discomfort, improve the appearance of skin and help improve mental wellbeing. 27

Costs and Insurance

The cost of red light therapy is between $25 and $200 or more per session. Prices vary based on the location of the treatment and the method of treatment. 28 Keep in mind that treatments should be scheduled roughly every three weeks, and may last for months.

Home-based devices can cost between $149 and several thousand dollars.

Presently, the majority of insurance policies don’t provide coverage for red light therapy. Certain dermatologists may be able to provide this service, however. The insurance company you choose to use can offer information on costs and the benefits you can avail.

The Basics of Major Medical Health Insurance

Summary

Red-light therapy treatment is a safe treatment that utilizes near-infrared or red light sources to aid in healing muscles or skin areas in your body. It’s also known as photobiomodulation as well as low-level laser therapy as well as other terms.

The red light treatment exposes the patient to very low levels of an LED or laser-generated light that penetrates the skin and muscle. In contrast to UV lights, this kind does not cause any heat or cause skin burns.

The treatment could also combat the effects of oxidative stress (imbalance between antioxidant and free radical substances within your body) and reduce inflammatory reactions within cells. It can help treat conditions like dental issues, muscle strain as well as aging skin as well as cognitive decline.

Red light therapy shouldn’t cause discomfort or burns to your skin. If you notice any irritation, stop use and seek out a medical physician.

A Word From Verywell

Red light therapy is an affordable and non-medical method for treating a wide range of ailments. That do not respond to traditional treatments on their own. The procedure is completely safe and suitable for the majority of patients.

A doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis of any illness you’d like to treat with this method. They will also direct you to alternative treatments that are known to be efficient. Check to see if your physician is licensed and has a proven reputation for providing red light therapy. If you’re considering buying an at-home device the options thoroughly.