Red Light Therapy Guide: Benefits, Usage, Before & After Results
Red light therapy involves exposing your body to low-level red and near-infrared light for a range of health and aesthetic benefits. But what exactly are those benefits and what results can you expect?
This comprehensive guide will explain what red light therapy is, how it works, its uses and what kind of before and after outcomes you might see with consistent use.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy, sometimes called photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), simply means exposing your body to red beams or wavelengths of light delivered via laser or LED devices.
Wavelengths in the red to near-infrared range (about 600-900nm) have unique cellular effects that stimulate healing, reduce inflammation and restore optimal function. By triggering beneficial biological reactions, red light can provide therapeutic effects helping resolve issues like:
- Skin conditions
- Wound healing
- Hair loss
- Pain relief
- Performance enhancement
- Anti-aging benefits
This non-invasive treatment is drug-free, has virtually no side effects and exposes you to no UV damage unlike sunlight.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Red and near-infrared wavelengths penetrate skin and cells to effect physiological changes at the mitochondrial and cellular level, triggering the following:
- Boost ATP (cell energy) production
- Increase blood flow - improves circulation and oxygenation
- Stimulate collagen and elastin production
- Reduce oxidative stress/free radical damage
- Activate lymphatic drainage
- Balance immune response - reduces inflammation
In essence, red light fuels normal cell function leading to enhanced tissue repair, growth and general wellness.
Red Light Therapy Applications
Given those biological mechanisms, red light therapy is uniquely suited to treat conditions like:
Skin Health
- Wrinkles + fine lines
- Skin texture, tightness, tone
- Scarring and stretch marks
- Eczema, psoriasis
- Rashes, sun damage, vitiligo
- Acne
Muscle Performance + Recovery
- Increase strength, endurance, athletic output
- Reduce muscle soreness post-workout
- Speed healing of strains, sprains
Pain Relief + Healing
- Arthritis aches and swelling
- Joint, tendon, nerve injuries
- Back, neck, shoulder pain
- Post-surgical wound healing
- Damaged nerves - numbness, tingling
Hair + Nails
- Combat hair thinning/loss
- Encourage new hair follicles
- Strengthen nails
Other
- Neurological conditions
- Vision restoration
- Cognitive function
- Balance hormones
- Improve sleep
- Boost immunity
Red Light Therapy vs Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas emit light on the infrared spectrum to heat body tissues several inches below skin. This causes sweating to stimulate detox.
Red light therapy devices emit red and near-infrared light but without significant heat. The light wavelengths directly effect cellular function to energize tissue and accelerate healing.
While both modalities offer health perks, infrared saunas and red light therapy work differently in the body.
At-Home Red Light Therapy Treatments
Professional red light therapy is administered at medical or aesthetic clinics. However, at-home use is surging thanks to affordable FDA-cleared devices that deliver clinical-grade results.
Some popular options include red light wands or face masks, full body panels mounted inside a stand-up booth, and handheld or wall-mount panels. Brands like Redjuvenator, Mitored and Quantum Red offer high quality at-home devices.
Home options feature varying red/near-infrared light combinations tailored to anti-aging, skin improvement, pain relief, wound healing and more.
Benefits of At-Home Use
- Non-invasive + easy self-administration
- Effective clinical-level light dosages
- Affordable over multiple professional treatments
- Use on your schedule for faster total body benefits
How Long Until I See Results?
When undergoing red light therapy, how long until you see results depends on:
- The condition being treated
- Severity of the condition
- Your age, genetics and lifestyle habits
- The wavelength, power density and dosage deployed
That said, many users notice some subtle improvements after a couple weeks of consistent red light therapy treatments. The most dramatic visible changes typically manifest around the 8-12 week mark.
Red Light Therapy Before and After
The best way to showcase red light therapy results is through before and after photos. While outcomes range based on the above factors, here are some typical changes noted:
Skin Complexion + Texture
- Reduced fine lines, wrinkles
- Fewer blemishes, breakouts
- Fading of scars + discoloration
- Improved skin tone, radiance
- Pore tightening
- Healthier scalp, thicker hair
Body Composition + Contours
- Fat loss - trimmed waist, hips, thighs
- Cellulite smoothing
- Muscle building with strength training
Mobility + Activity
- Decreased stiffness, swelling, soreness
- Increased flexibility, range of motion
- Faster workout recovery
- Enhanced athletic speed, power, endurance
Additionally red light therapy can resolve issues like cold sores, shingles and skin wounds faster while reducing infection risks and side effects.
Treatment Guidelines
To achieve optimal red light therapy results, stick to these guidelines:
Sessions
- Daily use works best long-term
- Aim for at least 3-5 sessions per week
- Consistent sessions promote cumulative benefits
Length
- Session duration varies by device but plan for 10-20 minutes total body illumination sessions; facial masks alone may be as little as 5 minutes
Distance
- Panel-style devices work best around 6-10 inches from skin
- Move slowly around body illuminating all areas during longer sessions
Follow your device guidelines for optimal timing and usage. Be patient for changes to manifest over 6-12 weeks.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Clinical research has confirmed red light therapy poses virtually zero health risks when used properly. Unlike UV rays from the sun, red light wavelengths are too big to penetrate past skin and damage DNA or lead to burns, premature aging or cancer.
Mild red light therapy side effects can include:
- Slight heat sensation where skin meets light
- Rare reports of minor headaches or nausea
- Temporary pinkness or redness after treatment
These sensations typically subside quickly. Always follow your device guidelines carefully.
Takeaway
As this guide outlines, red light therapy offers an impressive array of aesthetic, performance and therapeutic benefits via non-invasive mechanisms. Research continues to unveil the immense potential of different wavelengths of visible light to heal and rejuvenate the body.
Daily at-home red light therapy coaxes your body to function at a cellularly youthful, healthy and efficient level. Just be patient when undergoing treatments and capture before/after photos to showcase your mentransforming journey!
FAQs
What conditions can red light therapy treat?
Red light is used to improve skin, wounds, pain, hair growth, immunity, athletic performance, neurological conditions and much more.
How is red light therapy different than infrared saunas?
Infrared saunas use heat to make you sweat, while red light therapy directly interacts with cells to stimulate tissue repair and other biological benefits without heat.
What results can I expect to see from red light therapy?
Typical results after 6-12 weeks may include fewer wrinkles, blemishes and scars, fat loss, better skin tone, thicker hair, increased muscle mass, pain relief and faster healing.
Are there side effects or risks to red light treatments?
Red light poses virtually no risks or side effects. Mild heat sensation, redness or dizziness may occur temporarily. It cannot burn skin or cause cancer like UV light.