What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT) is a simple, non-invasive therapeutic treatment that uses low-level red wavelengths of light to treat skin issues, such as wrinkles, scars, and persistent wounds, among other conditions. Red light therapy is just like the wavelengths of light your body needs from sunlight, but without the heat or UV rays that may cause sun damage.
NASA originally began experimenting with red light therapy on plant growth in space and then to help heal wounds in astronauts. Like many developments, other potential uses began to be investigated.
How does Red Light Therapy work?
RLT works 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.
RLT is different from laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapies because it doesn’t cause damage to the skin surface. Laser and IPL therapies work by causing controlled damage to the outer layer of the skin, which then induces tissue repair. RLT bypasses this harsh step by directly stimulating regeneration of the skin. The light emitted by RLT penetrates roughly 5 millimeters below the skin’s surface.
What are the benefits of Red Light Therapy?
Our Red Light Therapy system blends 5 different wavelengths of light that offer therapeutic benefits for a wide array of applications and deeper penetration for maximum results. These benefits may include:
- Stimulation of stem cells in the hair follicle to encourage active growth.
- Improvement of skin health, including stimulation of collagen production, increased tissue repair, and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. Red-Light Therapy has also been shown to help reduce inflammation and breakouts.
- Promotion of cellular health, strengthening the hair and improving skin elasticity, as well as promoting connective tissue health.
- Improved circulation by dilating the blood vessels for increased flow and protecting red blood cells and platelets.
- Reduced recovery time by accelerating muscle repair and stimulating mitochondria and stem cells.
- Reduced inflammation, which can soothe sore muscles, joint pain, and arthritis, and may also ease symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases, spinal cord, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Increased fertility by increasing testosterone production. There is evidence that Red-Light Therapy may also stimulate the brain’s pineal gland.
- Reduced pain by easing joint stiffness and soreness, diminishing inflammation, and reducing muscle spasms and increased blood flow.
How often should I use Red Light Therapy?
Everyone has unique treatment needs. Some effects, like muscle recovery or an improvement in skin tone can happen quickly after red light application, while other effects can take more time. Results depend on improved cellular health and other biological processes that occur when red light stimulates cells. A large part of treatment success is due to consistency. For chronic conditions, a realistic expectation for results is from one to four months of use. We recommend starting with 30-minute sessions (15 minutes for the front of your body, 15 minutes for the back) three to five times a week.
After you’ve achieved your desired results, less frequent ongoing sessions can help maintain Improvements in skin tone, pain management, muscle health, and hair regrowth.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
Red light therapy is safe and is not associated with any side effects when used as directed. This therapy is not toxic, not invasive, and not as harsh as some topical skin treatments. Unlike cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning booths, red light therapy doesn’t use this type of light.
The light is quite bright, which may be uncomfortable, but is not dangerous. We do offer protective eyewear to make your experience more comfortable
How do I prepare for Red Light Therapy?
Very little preparation is needed for red light therapy. However, certain products can affect how red light therapy penetrates the skin or may change the way it works inside the cells. Preparing your skin will help you get the most out of your red light therapy treatment. Before your session:
- Perform your skincare routine as usual in the days leading up to your session.
- Treat your skin nicely – avoid irritating your skin with aggressive exfoliant products or sun exposure.
- Clean your skin with a gentle cleanser before treatment to remove any mineral-based sunscreen or makeup containing zinc. Any product that contains sunscreen will block some of the light waves.
- Retinol should not be applied prior to red light therapy, as the combination can cause some skin irritation. You can, however, use retinol after your session.
- Wearing clothes will block red light from penetrating your skin. If you plan to use red light therapy for the full body, you will want to undress to your comfort level.
What you do right after your red light therapy session is also important, as it helps your skin absorb creams and serums, making it the perfect time to apply anti-aging products, anti-acne products, and other cosmetic products. Remember to drink lots of water, as it may help with the effectiveness of red light therapy.
Who should NOT use Red Light Therapy?
While red light therapy is known to be completely safe, painless, and non-invasive, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or other health care provider before starting any sort of treatment plan. This is particularly important if you are pregnant or if you’re undergoing certain treatments already. Some medications, for instance, can increase your photosensitivity, which can lead to temporary redness and tightness in the skin after using red light therapy.
What to expect during your Red Light Therapy session:
As noted above, very little preparation is needed prior to a red light therapy session. When you arrive, you will be guided to a private room and given instructions on how to operate our red light therapy machine by a spa specialist. Once your spa specialist departs, you will undress to your comfort level and settle in to relax under the warm glow of red light therapy. The light is very bright, so protective eyewear is provided to make your experience more comfortable.
The light will sit between 6”-18” inches away from your skin, depending on your desired results. Unlike some beauty treatments, not much is felt with red light therapy, except sometimes some warmth from the light. Most find it to be very tranquil and relaxing.
We sell our red light therapy sessions in 30-minute increments to allow for 15 minutes on the front half of your body and 15 minutes on the back. Since there are no side effects, you may be tempted to spend as much time under a red light therapy light in one setting as possible, but red light therapy does not work this way. Hour-long sessions won’t be more effective than 15-minute sessions and may actually reduce the effectiveness of the treatment if it means you’re skipping sessions.
Is there a maximum or minimum age required to use Red Light Therapy?
For anyone under 18, we require parental consent. There is no maximum age as long as one is capable of physically getting on to and off of the red light therapy table.