Red light therapy (RLT) has become a more popular treatment option for individuals who seek alternative skincare that does not rely on medical creams. Here is an overview of red light therapy that can help you decide if it’s the right treatment for you.
History
Red light therapy appeared in laboratory experiments in the 1960s to stimulate hair growth and wound healing. However, few medical institutions and researchers approved of its effectiveness. Intensive research has increased its popularity among medical practitioners and has become a serious therapeutic option for dermatological applications. Recent technological advancements have made modern red light therapy available for cosmetic purposes.
Mechanisms
Red light therapy is a type of phototherapy that uses red low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) to treat various skin conditions. Red light therapy increases mitochondria activity in the cell. This particular molecule — often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell — soaks up the red light radiation and increases its energy output.
This energy absorption increases the regenerative capabilities of cell tissue. It can also reduce inflammation and increase blood circulation.
Uses
Red light therapy can treat numerous skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea. It can also reduce stretch marks, wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. This therapy has been found to increase wound healing and improve facial texture. In addition to its benefits for the skin, red light therapy can treat hair loss conditions like androgenetic alopecia. Finally, it is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis and tendinitis.
Benefits
Numerous research studies are still ongoing to understand the breadth of red light therapy fully. However, studies have shown its effectiveness and highlighted skin and pain treatment benefits. Here are some of the benefits of RLT.
Increases skin youthfulness
Red light therapy stimulates collagen production, which can increase skin youthfulness. Collagen tissue is an important building block in skin formation and restoration that gives it its elasticity, strength, and structure. Collagen can boast a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, collagen can improve the body’s immune system, which can help protect skin against bacteria that encourage acne development.
Helps with wound regeneration
Red light can stimulate tissue regeneration and healing. Its influence on wounds can affect skeletal muscle performance, while anti-inflammation can increase wound healing. Therefore, people prone to injury — like athletes — can increase their recovery times.
Lessens pain
RLT can lessen pain by acting on neuron transmitters. Therefore, it can reduce pain from conditions like arthritis and Achilles tendons. Additionally, it can work on other types of pain, like dental pain caused by temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome.
Complements cancer treatment
RLT can reduce the severity of pain and skin damage before cancer treatments, especially approaches that use radiation therapy. This therapy can also reduce other side effects like oral mucositis and make cancer treatment more bearable for patients.
Risks and Side Effects
RLT risks and side effects vary depending on the device used and the treatment time. The most common side effects are burns and blisters. Also, users have a small risk to develop more serious side effects from red light therapy, such as skin or eye damage. However, most of these side effects develop due to improper use and defective devices.
Qualifications for Use
Most people can use red light therapy with minimal risks. However, you should not use red light therapy if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Current research cannot fully ascertain whether it is safe for pregnant women, their unborn babies, or breastfeeding children.
You should consult your physician or dermatologist before you take this treatment. Ideally, an experienced person can supervise your treatment and avoid the risks associated with RLT. Visit us at New Image Beauty Bar for red light treatment.