Red light therapy has come of age in recent years, having long been considered the domain of elite spas and self-improver gurus like Dave Asprey. Today it can be found everywhere – even the grocery store aisle!
As part of its healing process, this device exposes skin cells to wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that penetrate deeply through our epidermis and reach mitochondria within cells – the power plants that generate energy – inducing an increase in ATP production which speeds up natural healing processes.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red Light Therapy, more commonly referred to as Photobiomodulation (PBM), is a safe and noninvasive way of improving health from within. PBM works by exposing skin cells to low levels of Red and Near Infrared Light that penetrate deep within, strengthening their functions while improving overall wellbeing.
Red Light Therapy is an natural healing and beauty solution, making it an excellent natural alternative to more invasive skin treatments like microneedling or lasers. Red Light Therapy works to balance skin tone, reduce signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, promote cell regeneration for brighter, plumper and more glowing skin and promote inflammation reduction, circulation improvement, wound healing support, alleviate pain relief and accelerate muscle recovery among other benefits.
“Essentially,” according to Dr. Huh, this treatment energises your cells. This happens when red and near-infrared light stimulates mitochondria within cells for energy production – something mitochondria do naturally. Stimulating them further boosts ATP production which speeds up healing while simultaneously decreasing inflammation, anxiety, immunity boosting, and improving sleep quality.
Red Light Therapy can also help balance melanin production – often the cause of dark spots and hyperpigmentation – for more even skin tone and balance. Furthermore, Red Light Therapy increases blood flow to provide essential nutrients to the skin for hydration purposes as well as to help reduce acne scars faster while speeding healing times and decreasing new wrinkles formation.
Red and near-infrared light treatments offer an alternative to UV treatments that may increase your risk of skin cancers and other serious medical conditions, without harming skin cells in any way. Red/near-infrared can safely be used on all skin types – all you have to do is follow recommended treatment durations and frequencies to see the best results!
Red light therapy has been around for decades, initially employed by NASA to assist astronauts heal wounds and even grow plants in space! Now it can easily fit into your wellness regimen with many potential benefits; we love incorporating it with functional medicine for maximum wellness!
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
People posting images of themselves wearing sci-fi style face masks or knee wraps that emit red light may look eerily familiar on social media, but these people are using devices emitting low levels of red light to promote healing and enhance the look of their skin.
Red light therapy (RLT) uses different wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin and activate cells, stimulating cellular responses and countering oxidative stress – an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants that causes cell damage leading to disease and aging. RLT may help address this imbalance through stimulating production of ATP within cells thereby helping maintain healthy cell repair and regeneration processes.
RLT can also stimulate collagen production, an essential factor for maintaining youthfulness and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen produced also forms part of connective tissue and helps decrease inflammation. If sagging skin concerns you, RLT may boost circulation while aiding the release of fatty acids to firm and smooth your complexion.
RLT can provide additional relief from muscle soreness. According to one study, participants who used RLT after performing high-intensity workouts experienced less post-exercise discomfort compared with those who didn’t use one – likely due to RLT speeding up delivery of inflammatory mediators that reduce swelling and speed healing muscles.
Red light therapy sessions don’t need to be administered by physicians anymore! Many manufacturers offer portable devices you can use at home to experience its benefits. Though these may be less powerful than the equipment found in medical offices, most come equipped with clear instructions and shields designed to avoid overexposure of eyes.
Committing to regular sessions is the best way to experience its benefits, whether alone or with help from professionals. Beginning slowly by attending only 15-minute sessions every week may work, before gradually ramping up as needed. You could also work directly with professionals to tailor an individual plan specifically tailored toward meeting your goals and addressing concerns.
Red Light Therapy Versus Radio Frequency
Red light therapy devices emit low-level wavelengths of red and near infrared light that help reduce inflammation, promote healing and revive a youthful complexion. Red light therapy helps diminish fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and promote healthier-looking complexion. Radio frequency penetrates upper layers of skin stimulating collagen production to give firmer-looking appearance.
Red light therapy and radio frequency skin tightening are both considered safe, non-invasive treatments; your choice depends on your goals and skin condition. One difference between them lies in that RF penetrates deeper into the skin than red light therapy – making RF better suited for moderate-to-severe laxity or body slimming applications.
As UV rays penetrate your skin, you may feel a slight tingling sensation as heat-shock proteins from your cells release heat-shock proteins to protect their structures from being damaged by radiation. These effects typically subside within several hours after your session has concluded; in rare cases you may also experience slight redness and swelling afterward which should subside on their own within several hours; it is wise to follow aftercare guidelines set by your practitioner so as to reduce risks of any complications arising during or following therapy sessions.
Red and near infrared light therapy at around 650nm and 850nm stimulate the cytochrome C oxidase enzyme found in mitochondria to increase energy production and improve cell function, helping combat ageing, acne, eczema, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, psoriasis scarring burns scars. However, unlike radio frequency technology which penetrates hypodermis muscle tissue for cellulite reduction or skin firming purposes.
Red Light Therapy vs. Radio Frequency
Red light therapy and radio frequency (RF) devices offer powerful anti-ageing benefits, yet they operate differently. While RF devices heat the deeper layers of skin to stimulate collagen production and thus reduce fine lines and wrinkles while tightening sagging skin, RF also smooths uneven texture, boosts hydration levels and gives skin a more vibrant complexion while diminishing sun damage, scars, enlarged pores as well as improving conditions such as rosacea, eczema acne or other common skin ailments.
Red light therapy does not directly target sagging skin; rather, it energizes cells and triggers your natural healing processes, providing an excellent treatment for skin aging as it promotes collagen production for a more youthful glow. Red light therapy has also proven highly successful against acne rosacea eczema inflammation wound healing as well as helping those living with androgenetic alopecia increase hair growth!
Near infrared (NIR) light has greater penetration into deeper layers, such as hypodermis and fascia; however, stronger devices are required for efficacy. Although NIR light cannot directly target cellulite like radio frequency therapy can, it does effectively target it by increasing mitochondrial energy production – although its results aren’t as profound.
Therefore, it is crucial that you consult a trained professional in order to determine which treatment option will best fit your unique needs and skin goals. Typically, treatments that address both superficial and deep signs of aging tend to be most successful. When it comes to improving skin firmness and lifting, radiofrequency treatment combined with red light therapy will produce the most comprehensive skin rejuvenation results possible. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that no single treatment will address every sign of aging or every skin concern – you may require additional treatments or procedures for full resolution of your concerns. To learn more about a tailored skin rejuvenation regimen tailored specifically for you please reach out – our staff would be more than happy to discuss our available solutions with you.
