Each session is 15 minutes long
Red light therapy (RLT) is a treatment that uses low wavelength red light to reportedly improve your skin’s appearance, such as reducing wrinkles, scars, redness and acne. It’s also touted to treat other medical conditions.
Red light therapy is thought to work by acting on the “power plant” in your body’s cells called mitochondria. With more energy, other cells can do their work more efficiently, such as repairing skin, boosting new cell growth and enhancing skin rejuvenation. More specifically, certain cells absorb light wavelengths and are stimulated to work.
Red light therapy may work in skin health to:
~ Stimulate collagen production, which gives skin its structure, strength and elasticity.
~ Increase fibroblast production, which makes collagen. Collagen is a component of connective tissue that builds the skin.
~ Increase blood circulation to the tissue.
~ Reduce inflammation in cells.
Red light therapy is promoted as a treatment for some common skin conditions, including to:
~ Improve wound healing.
~ Reduce stretch marks.
~ Reduce wrinkles, fine lines and age spots.
~ Improve facial texture.
~ Improve psoriasis, rosacea and eczema.
~ Improve scars.
~ Improve sun-damaged skin.
~ Improve hair growth in people with androgenic alopecia.
~ Improve acne.
Red light therapy appears to be safe and is not associated with any side effects, at least if used short-term and as directed. This therapy is not toxic, not invasive and not as harsh as some topical skin treatments. Unlike the cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning booths, RLT doesn’t use this type of light.
However, if products are misused — perhaps used too often or not according to directions — there’s a chance your skin or eyes (if not protected) could be damaged. The long-term safety of devices that use red light therapy is not yet known.
Your safest option is to see a dermatologist or qualified, trained, cosmetic therapist. A dermatologist can make sure your skin condition is what you think it is and can discuss the merits of red light therapy and other treatment options.
How many treatments will I need? You'll likely need ongoing treatments. This is not a one-time treatment for most skin conditions. You'll need to be seen one to three times a week for weeks or even months.
Will I achieve the desired results? Everyone's skin in different so results can vary. Also, the wavelength of the red light source ranges. The wavelength affects how deeply the light penetrates your skin.
Source: © 2022 Cleveland Clinic. All Rights Reserved.
Reasons NOT to use Red Light Therapy:
~ Any diseases that involves the retina of the eye, including diabetes
~ If you are on any photosensitizing medications like lithium and certain antibiotics
~ If you have a pacemaker or heart stints
~ If you are unable to control bodily functions such as urination/deification
~ If you have any open wounds on the body
~ If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Consult with your physician before use of Red Light Therapy