Red Light Therapy Machines: What Are They and How Do They Work?
Red light therapy has become an increasingly popular natural treatment option for a wide array of conditions. But what exactly are red light therapy machines, and what evidence supports their growing list of health claims? Let's explore the basics of this emerging therapy and see if it might benefit your wellness needs.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy involves exposing your skin to a device emitting low-power, red and near-infrared wavelengths of light. These narrow bands penetrate tissue deeper than other light to enhance cell functioning.
While initial development focused on red light for skin health, further research found additional perks like managing joint pain, improving dental surgeries, reducing cellulite, and even limiting hair loss. The diverse applications make red light therapy popular among aesthetic spas and pain management clinics.
How Red Light Machines Work
Red light units work by emitting wavelengths between 640 to 900 nanometers (nm) from light emitting diodes (LEDs) or lasers. LEDs don't concentrate light as intensely as lasers, but still penetrate skin deeper than blue or purple light, for example.
Manufacturers tune red light devices to emit wavelengths best suited for different purposes. Wavelengths between 640 to 660 nm penetrate skin the deepest to stimulate collagen and treat wrinkles. Near-infrared light from 800 to 900 nm targets more subcutaneous tissue to reduce inflammation and joint pain.
What Does the Research Say?
Dozens of studies support red light therapy benefits, but experts say more high quality research is needed. Still, current findings indicate red light can:
- Reduce wrinkles, scars, acne spots, and cellulite by stimulating collagen production
- Speed healing of wounds and cold sores
- Treat joint pain and arthritis by reducing inflammation
- Grow healthier hair and prevent balding by stimulating follicles
Other preliminary research suggests it may benefit dental surgeries, thyroid conditions, nerve damage, brain function, eyesight, and immunity. Conclusions remain mixed about psoriasis, herpes, and hair removal so far, however.
Are There Any Risks?
Light boxes used within recommended guidelines are generally very safe without any known long-term risks. Unlike tanning beds' intense UV radiation, red light does not damage DNA or age your skin. Mild side effects like headaches or dizziness sometimes occur but fade shortly after treatment ends. Blisters or burns may form if manufacturers' advised session lengths and distances aren't followed.
Red light is not safe for sensitive populations, however. Pregnant women should avoid it since safety remains unclear for the fetus. People with epilepsy or on photosensitizing medications that increase light sensitivity should use it cautiously if at all.
What Conditions Can Red Light Therapy Treat?
The unique cellular stimulation of clinical-grade red light shows therapeutic promise for various wellness goals. More research may reveal additional approved treatment uses as well.
Skin Health
One of the most popular uses of today's red light therapy machines is for aesthetics and anti-aging. Red light penetrates skin deeper than blue or purple light to regenerate tissue at the cellular level.
In particular, red light boosts fibroblast activity in the deeper dermis skin layer. Fibroblasts produce collagen and elastin to keep skin firm, supple, and youthful looking. Elastin also gives skin its stretch ability.
By recharging aging fibroblasts, red light can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, smooth scars and stretch marks, and minimize pores. It also fights acne bacteria and inflammation to clear up breakouts.
Wound Healing
Red light can also accelerate healing after surgery, burns, blisters, skin tears, abrasions, and other wounds. It works by stimulating faster cell turnover and collagen production to mend damaged tissues.
Supplementing antibiotics and dressing changes with red light has helped heal stubborn wounds in some cases. Improved microcirculation from red light also reduces pain and complications and speeds recovery.
Hair Growth
Androgenetic alopecia and other conditions can slow or totally halt hair follicles' growth phases. This causes increasing bald patches and thinning hair over time. Hair follicles shrink until they no longer produce visible hair.
Red light is believed to penetrate skin and soft tissue to stimulate these dormant follicles. Irradiating follicles with certain wavelengths seems to jump start their regrowth cycle. Red light may also prolong the growth period to produce longer, thicker strands.
While research is still emerging, red light therapy shows promise for encouraging new growth without drugs or transplants. However, results seem to depend heavily on wavelength, treatment length, consistency, and cause of hair loss.
Pain Relief
Red light therapy also reduces inflammation and oxidative damage believed to drive many types of chronic joint and nerve pain. Reducing inflammation can limit painful swelling, stiffness, and irritation.
Common conditions it improved pain for in clinical studies include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, nerve injuries, postoperative pain, and temporal mandibular joint pain. Improvements start gradually but often result in restored range of motion and physical function.
While not fully understood, better microcirculation to nourish tissues and blocking pain signaling pathways are proposed mechanics. The light may also boost natural opioids produced in the body.
Other Uses
Research also demonstrates promising injury healing results post dental surgery to regrow gum tissue and bone density. Red light therapy could become routine care after dental work.
Preliminary findings suggest red light therapy benefits brain function in dementia and stroke patients, hearing loss, eyesight, and immunity against sickness and allergies. But much more controlled research is needed.
Types of Red Light Therapy Devices
Interested in trying red light benefits? Many options exist, from clinical devices to at-home products. Each has pros and cons to consider.
In-Office Red Light Therapy
The most powerful red light devices are only available in professional aesthetician or pain clinics. Clinical light beds and panels use high density medical-grade LEDs or laser arrays.
In-office red light beds and booths allow your whole body to absorb wavelengths for maximum benefit. Clinics also employ trained staff to operate devices safely and effectively during supervised sessions.
Downsides include the hassle of appointment bookings and travel. Clinical red light treatments may also cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per session without insurance coverage.
At-Home Red Light Devices
At-home red light therapy devices provide convenient access (often at lower cost). Most resemble tanning booths or large computer monitors. Treatment involves sitting near the panel for a length of time daily.
While at-home units utilize weaker intensities than medical devices, several clinical trials found similar results. Brand, light quality, and dose consistency impact outcomes more than intensity alone.
Drawbacks involve finding reputable brands offering standardized doses. Treatment also requires discipline to use properly daily. Devices run anywhere from $200 to over $1,000.
Red Light Therapy Masks
Newer red light face masks deliver wavelengths directly to skin. Masks resemble hockey goalie or protective face gear. Flexible straps secure orientations over your face during brief sessions.
Masks stimulate collagen and reduce inflammation for anti-aging benefits, acne reduction, and younger appearance. However, they don't treat hair loss or deeper joint/nerve issues. Brand reliability varies widely.
Using Your Red Light Device
Follow proper protocols to maximize benefits and limit side effects when trying light therapy. Tips for safe, effective use include:
- Read manufacturer guidelines to determine appropriate session length and treatment area size based on your model
- Place the panel the recommended distance from skin (often 6 to 12 inches)
- Protect eyes and do not stare into the light
- Start conservatively (5 minutes daily) then increase if no reactions occur after a few weeks
- Hydrate skin afterwards with aloe vera gel to relieve any heat discomfort
- Be consistent and commit daily for at least 4 weeks to see improvement
Keep increasing exposure time gradually to 10 to 20 minutes per area as tolerated without side effects. Stop immediately if pain, blistering, headaches or other concerning symptoms develop.
Should You Try Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is an emerging treatment showing measurable results for various stubborn health, skin, and pain conditions. More research may reveal additional benefits as well. With conservative use, home devices provide a relatively safe option to try.
However, consult your dermatologist or physician before starting. Discuss your health history and any medications or supplements you take, as red light remains contraindicated for some groups. Your doctor can also help determine if light therapy may provide measurable improvements.
While more evidence is still needed for some uses, red light therapy appears a helpful complementary therapy for skin rejuvenation, acute/chronic pain, and stimulating hair growth. Just be sure to invest in reputable equipment and stick to responsible protocols for best results.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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