Red Light Therapy Guide

WHAT IS IT, BENEFITS & HOW TO GET STARTED

Red Light Therapy 101

What is it?

Red light therapy has taken the wellness world by storm. Social media is plastered with posts hailing its benefits for skin health, hair growth, and even muscle recovery. But does it really live up to the hype?  Well, buckle up – this guide will give you the lowdown on red light therapy, including what it is, how it works, and how to know if it’s right for you.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT) is a non-invasive treatment that’s popular for skin health, among other things. It’s known by many other names like photobiomodulation (PBM), low-level laser therapy, cold laser therapy, and biostimulation.

Red light therapy devices emit specific wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin’s tissues. This then improves how the cells function. Red light therapy devices come in many forms, including wands, masks, panels, beds, and helmets.  

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

Red light therapy uses certain wavelengths of light to target the skin’s tissues and cells. The light may be red or near infrared, depending on the device. 

As the light penetrates your skin, it enhances the function of your mitochondria. These are the “powerhouses” of your cells that create energy (ATP). As mitochondrial function improves, more energy is available for cellular repair. 

Red light therapy Benefits

How it helps

While the buzz on red light therapy is big, research on RLT is still emerging. But based on studies and anecdotal evidence, it has the potential to offer a slew of promising benefits. 

Skin Health

Want to get your glow on? Red light therapy may help.  It’s said to reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of collagen. Research suggests it may:

• Improve skin elasticity 

• Reduce fine lines, wrinkles, & age spots

• Improve acne 

• Minimize scars

• Treat eczema, rosacea, & psoriasis

Other Potential Benefits

Pain relief: RLT reduces pain and inflammation. Studies suggest it may help ease pain from fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and neuropathy. 

Muscle recovery: Red light therapy may be a helpful tool for post-workout recovery. It’s shown to promote the healing of damaged muscle tissue. 

Wound healing: The anti-inflammatory effects of RLT may help wounds heal faster. 

Hair loss: Studies suggest red light therapy may stimulate hair growth and improve hair thickness. 

Dementia: In one study, red light therapy improved sleep, memory, mood, energy, and anxiety in patients suffering from dementia. 

Weight loss: Red light therapy is often used as a form of body sculpting or body contouring to stimulate fat loss. 

Who Can benefit

From RLT

As mentioned, red light therapy improves how the mitochrondia function. This can increase cellular energy, which can benefit just about anyone. That said, red light therapy’s perks vary depending on your unique health situation. 

Curious if red light therapy is right for you? If you’re looking to improve any of the following, red light therapy may help:

• Acne

• Fine lines or wrinkles

• Age spots

• Skin redness

• Skin rashes

• Pain or inflammation

• Hair loss 

• Muscle recovery

• Wound healing

• Weight loss

• Anti-aging

Who Shouldn’t Try Red Light Therapy?

Since red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment, it’s considered safe for most people. As long as it’s used correctly, that is (more on this later). However, checking in with your health care provider or dermatologist before starting is always a smart move. 

If you’re pregnant, you may want to consult with your doctor before trying red light therapy too. For now, research hasn’t found any risks of RLT during pregnancy. But it’s always best to be on the safe side. 

How to use RLT

Know your options

If you want to try red light therapy, you have a couple of options. You can get treatments from your dermatologist or at a spa. Or you can buy at-home device. 

At-home devices aren’t as powerful. But  they’re more convenient and cost less in the long run. The route you choose is up to you! Either way, here are some tips to help you have a smooth start:

Beginner Tips for RLT

• Slowly ease in. If you’re new to red light therapy, it’s best to start small and work your way up. A good starting point is 1-10 minute sessions three times a week. From there, you can slowly increase the duration of sessions. If your skin or body is super sensitive, start on the low side. 

• Be patient. The benefits of red light therapy build over time. While it’s normal to want a quick fix, try to keep realistic expectations. The more you stick with your treatments, the more likely you’ll notice improvements. 

• Stay hydrated. Just about everything works better when you’re well hydrated. And this is true for red light therapy too. Research suggests drinking water can enhance the effectiveness of RLT. So be sure to drink up!

Red Light Therapy risks

What to know

There are virtually no risks of red light therapy as long as it’s used as directed. That said, if your treatment sessions are too long or occur too frequently, side effects can happen. This may include burns, blistering, peeling, or skin redness. 

Also, if you’re using a full panel or facial device, you may want to consider eye protection (like blackout goggles). This is especially true if you get migraines or are sensitive to light. But if your device targets a small area of your body away from the face, there’s no need.

How to Use RLT Safely

Get a professional treatment. The safest way to get red light therapy is through a board certified dermatologist. They can advise you on the right treatment frequency for your skin. 

Follow instructions carefully. If you purchase an at-home device, follow the instructions to the T. The recommended treatment duration will vary from depending on the device. Opt for devices that are FDA-approved. 

What to expect

With RLT

Two of the biggest questions people have when starting red light therapy are: “How long should I be doing it?” and “How long will it take to see results?” So, let’s tackle these next. 

Red Light Therapy Timeline

For best results, red light therapy sessions are recommended 3-5 times per week. Most devices suggest 10-20 minute sessions. But if you’re new to RLT, start with 1-10 minutes to see how your skin responds. From there, you can slowly work your way up. 

As far as how long it takes to see results, there’s no simple answer. Everyone responds to red light therapy differently. Results will vary depending on the condition treated, the type of device used, and how consistent you are.

Potential Results of RLT

Within 1 to 2 weeks, you may start to notice subtle improvements like plumper skin, less pain, or a general sense of well-being. As treatment continues you may notice more significant changes:

• Anti-aging skin benefits: You may notice a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles within 4 to 12 weeks. 

• Acne: You may begin to notice less inflammation and redness within 2 to 6 weeks. 

• Chronic pain: You may notice a significant reduction in pain with 4 to 12 weeks of consistent use.     

Red Light therapy devices

Top picks Top picks

Want to try red light therapy at home? Then you’ll first need to choose a device. Between wands, masks, hats, and panels, there are tons of options out there. Here are some top picks (all FDA-approved):