According to the National Center for Atmospheric Research, red light exists in wavelengths between 620 and 750 nanometers. Most light in our atmosphere is blue, which is why the sky appears blue to our eyes. We all know that ultraviolet (UV) light can cause significant damage to the skin with too much exposure. According to the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, these different light wavelengths trigger cellular changes.
Specific wavelengths can trigger positive changes that allow cells to function better. This is where red light therapy comes in.
But what are the red light therapy benefits, and how does it work?
Continue reading to learn what red light therapy is and the five key benefits you can expect.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Photomedicine is a wellness approach that uses lights of varying wavelengths to treat health conditions. Red light therapy, or RLT, is a type of photomedicine. RLT is usually used alongside conventional healthcare methods to see the most significant results.
For example, let’s say you have fine lines and wrinkles. Besides using red light therapy devices, your overall treatment plan may include topical retinol treatments and in-office injections. In addition, if you use red light therapy for chronic pain and inflammation, your treatment plan may include medications and physical therapy.
The use of red light therapy provides many benefits in the treatment of various issues. Continue reading below to learn of five key benefits you can expect from RLT.
1. Treat and Prevent Fine Lines and Wrinkles
If you’re looking for a way to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming, RLT may be an excellent addition to your prevention skincare routine. If you already have lines on your face, red light therapy may help make them less noticeable.
Collagen is the primary build block for your body’s skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. It makes up 30% of the proteins found in your body. Research suggests that red light therapy could help stimulate collagen, although the best results were in slight to moderate wrinkles.
Collagen plays a significant role in skin elasticity and overall health. RLT could help turn back the clock a few years by stimulating greater collagen production by promoting more youthful, healthier skin.
2. Decrease Acne
Although we associate acne mostly with teenagers, getting older doesn’t guarantee that acne goes away. In fact, hormones are generally to blame for teen acne. Hormones can also cause acne around a woman’s menstrual cycle, during menopause, and in pregnancy.
Hormones aren’t the only culprit, either. Greasy foods, nutritional imbalances, infections, poor sleep, and various other things can also cause adult acne. Thankfully, red light therapy shows promise in decreasing acne so you can feel confident about your skin.
A randomized controlled study saw that RLT decreased skin lesions (including acne blemishes) by an average of 36%. It’s been suggested that red light can assist in killing bacteria and easing inflammation, two necessary things in eradicating acne.
3. Improve Brain Health
Although research hasn’t yet been conclusive, promising recent studies show that red light therapy could potentially improve brain health. An article published in the Journal of Neuroscience Research in 2018 states that RLT could improve blood flow and oxygen to the brain in those who have suffered strokes or brain injuries.
The anti-inflammatory effects of red light therapy can also help improve brain health. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often cause inflammation in the brain or the head surrounding it.
If some of the damage from TBIs could be reversed, it could vastly improve the short and long-term outlook for those suffering from them. More research still has to be done to verify this benefit further. However, promising current studies show that RLT could be responsible for significant medical breakthroughs in the near future.
4. Promote Hair Growth
A study published in 2020 noted that red light therapy could be a promising new treatment for thinning hair and balding. The study indicated that low-level laser therapy, which employs low levels of red light, seems to increase hair thickness and density. Minor side effects, like scalp itching, were noted but steadily faded over time.
This is promising news for the 35 million men and 21 million women battling thinning hair or baldness. A chance to promote hair growth and reverse thinning along the scalp could improve confidence and quality of life in this group.
5. Reduce Pain and Inflammation
Red light therapy could be beneficial if you battle with chronic pain or recently suffered a sports injury. Using the correct dose could ease pain and reduce inflammation. Of course, if you’re using RLT for pain or inflammation, it’s most beneficial when combined with treatments like physical therapy, pain medications, and chiropractic care.
Chronic or severe pain can significantly decrease a person’s quality of life and make it challenging to complete even the most basic daily tasks. But, RLT targets a specific protein found on the neuron’s surface that reduces the cell’s ability when it absorbs light. For this reason, red light therapy may be especially useful in managing conditions like neuropathy.
Reap Red Light Therapy Benefits For Yourself Today
As you can see above, you could reap many red light therapy benefits. The benefits above are only a sample of what RLT may be used for and is not an exhaustive list by any means.
The DNA Vibe, a pioneer in Intelligent Light Therapy, is the device we recommend at our Littleton, CO, wellness center. There are specific reasons why we like this device.
First, DNA Vibe wearable devices use red light therapy, near-infrared light, and specific magnetic frequency to maximize the benefits. All of these therapies perform different health tasks in the body.
Second, the intelligent processing of the frequencies in this device helps optimize the healing and repair processes. This intelligent processing also supports the power plants in the cells to create more energy for all the activities the cells need to do.
Are you ready to reap the numerous benefits of red light therapy for yourself? Check out DNA Vibe’s website to learn more about how to start this therapy today.
You can also message us using our online contact form if you prefer, and someone will contact you as soon as possible.
With over 20 years in the field, Dr. Dody is a seasoned chiropractor specializing in Functional Nutrition, Neurofeedback, and the Koren Specific Technique (KST). His unique ‘whole person approach’ identifies the root causes of health issues, offering patients not just relief but lasting wellness. Recognized for his expertise, Dr. Dody’s treatments often yield dramatic improvements from the very first visit.
