The Complete Guide to Red Light Therapy at Home
Red light therapy is gaining popularity as a natural, non-invasive treatment that can improve various health issues. From easing joint pain to reducing wrinkles, red light therapy is emerging as an accessible at-home option for whole-body healing and rejuvenation.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy involves exposing your body to low wavelength red light for a set length of time. Also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy, red light wavelengths from 600 to 1000 nanometers are able to positively interact with cells in the body.
When absorbed by the mitochondria in your cells, red light therapy helps accelerate healing, improves circulation, reduces inflammation and stimulates the production of collagen and fibroblasts for faster wound repair.
Red Light Therapy vs. Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas and red light therapy devices both deliver healing wavelengths to the body. However, there are some key differences:
- Infrared saunas use higher power heating lamps to warm your body directly, while red light therapy does not emit heat.
- Red light therapy targets light photons into your cells and tissue, while infrared saunas work through body-wide heat exposure.
- Red light therapy can be done for shorter sessions (5-20 minutes), versus 30-60 minutes for an infrared sauna session.
Benefits of At-Home Red Light Therapy
Using red light therapy panels at home offers many scientifically-researched benefits including:
Increased Circulation and Reduced Inflammation
The red wavelengths boost nitric oxide production which expands blood vessels for improved circulation. This flood of fresh blood and oxygen to your cells and tissues reduces inflammation.
Natural Pain Relief
By decreasing inflammation, red light therapy can provide safe, drug-free pain relief for joints, muscles and nerves. Red light exposure also stimulates endorphins which block pain signals.
Faster Workout Recovery
Red light wavelengths penetrate deeply into muscles and joints, accelerating the body's natural healing response. This aids workout recovery by easing soreness and reducing muscle fatigue.
Skin Rejuvenation and Anti-Aging
Collagen-boosting red light rejuvenates skin by smoothing wrinkles and fine lines, fading sun and age spots, strengthening elastin fibers and reducing puffiness and dark circles.
Wound and Injury Healing
The photons delivered by red light therapy enhance the body's production of fibroblasts and epithelial cells which are critical to closing and repairing wounds for faster healing.
Hair Growth
By stimulating blood flow and regrowth factors, red light exposure to your scalp can help strengthen existing hair, reduce shedding and improve growth of new hair follicles.
Improved Testosterone and Thyroid Function
Red light therapy can naturally increase testosterone levels and thyroid hormone production by stimulating glandular function, leading to boosted energy and metabolism.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
Clinical studies confirm red light therapy is a very safe, non-invasive treatment with minimal side effects. Make sure to get your device from a reputable company and follow proper usage guidelines to avoid potential risks like:
- Eye strain - Wear provided safety glasses during use.
- Heat sensitivity - Avoid direct red light on thyroid and endocrine glands if you have issues.
- Photosensitivity - Check any medications you take for light sensitivity risks.
- Overexposure - Follow treatment times and avoid overusing your device.
How to Use Red Light Therapy at Home
Using red light therapy devices at home is easy and convenient. Most home options fall into three popular categories:
Red Light Therapy Panels
These offer full body treatment by standing in front of the large panel emitting red light. Use for 5-20 minutes 1-3 times per week based on your health goals.
Handheld Wand Devices
Smaller handheld light therapy wands allow you to target treatment to specific problem areas like sore joints. Use for 2-5 minutes per area as needed.
Red Light Face Masks
Designed for facial rejuvenation, these masks deliver targeted light therapy to your face for 10-20 minutes a session. Use a few times per week for anti-aging benefits.
Maximizing Your Red Light Therapy Results
Follow these tips to get the most out of your red light therapy sessions:
- Shave or wax treatment areas to allow maximum light absorption into your skin.
- Cleanse skin beforehand to remove oils, lotions and dirt blocking light penetration.
- Increase circulation before use through dry brushing, massage or exercise.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water before, during and after your session.
- Combine with infrared heat, LED light or microcurrent devices to boost effects.
Red Light Therapy vs. Other Colors
Red light therapy has the longest wavelengths and deepest tissue penetration compared to other light colors. Other colors do offer their own unique benefits:
Near-Infrared
The closest light wavelengths to red light therapy, near-infrared also increases circulation and reduces inflammation for pain relief and quicker injury recovery.
Blue Light
Blue light kills acne-causing bacteria on your skin. However, it does not treat wrinkles or stimulate collagen like red.
Green Light
Green light targets melanin and hemoglobin to reduce sun spots, control oily skin, minimize enlarged pores and fight acne bacteria.
Yellow Light
Yellow light boosts skin circulation and has anti-redness and inflammation properties to calm conditions like rosacea.
Choosing the Best At-Home Red Light Therapy Device
With so many red light therapy products available, it can be hard to determine which is right for your needs and budget. Keep these key factors in mind when choosing a device:
Quality of Light
Medical-grade red light therapy devices use powerful LED bulbs to emit concentrated wavelengths between 630 to 660 nanometers. Avoid cheaper LEDs emitting a wider range of wavelengths.
Coverage Area
Choose larger ceiling panels or multi-panel kits for full body treatment. Smaller handheld wands work well for spot treating. Facial masks should fully cover your face.
Power Density
Higher irradiances or mW/cm2 indicate more powerful light energy. Look for power densities between 30 to 100 mW/cm2 depending on your product.
Treatment Duration
Red light therapy doses are measured in Joules. Effective treatment times range from 2 minutes for handheld wands up to 20 minutes for full body panels.
Light Intensity
Higher light intensities allow for shorter treatment times. Intensities are measured in Lux. Look for intensities ranging from 13,000 Lux for handhelds up to 60,000 Lux for facial masks.
Safety Certifications
Legitimate companies will have their devices tested for electrical and safety compliance. Look for certifications like CE, RoHS, FDA and ETL/cETL.
The Takeaway on Red Light Therapy at Home
From reducing chronic joint pain to minimizing hair loss, red light therapy is an accessible at-home treatment that can improve many aspects of your health and appearance. Just be sure to invest in a high-quality device from a reputable company and use it properly. With continued use, red light therapy can help you look
FAQs
Is red light therapy safe?
Yes, red light therapy is a very safe, non-invasive treatment when used properly and according to device guidelines. Some minimal risks include eye strain, heat sensitivity and overexposure if overused.
How often should I use red light therapy?
Most manufacturers recommend using red light therapy 1-3 times per week for full body panels, and 2-5 times per week for targeted handheld devices and facial masks.
When will I see results from red light therapy?
Some results like improved skin may show within a few treatments. But you need to consistently use it 2-3 times a week for at least 4-6 weeks to see meaningful improvements for pain, anti-aging, hair growth, etc.
Is red light therapy better than infrared saunas?
Each offers unique benefits. Red light penetrates tissue, while infrared saunas use body-wide heat. Red light can be done quicker at home versus longer sauna sessions at a spa.
Does insurance cover red light therapy?
Most insurance plans do not cover at-home red light therapy devices. Some plans may cover in-office treatments if prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition.
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.
Add Comment