Red light is a form of light-emitting diode (LED) skin therapy that is known above all for its anti-aging properties. “Red light is a small band of 600-650 nm in the visible light range and penetrates through the dermis and into the hypodermic,” says Dr. Ava Shamban, MD, board-certified dermatologist and owner of Ava MD. “Red light was originally explored by NASA to boost overall astronaut health through reducing bone and muscle loss.” On a cellular level, it works to repair and heal your skin. “The sun gives plants the energy they need to convert light energy into chemical energy. Similarly, red light gives our skin energy to charge our power cells, the mitochondria,” says celebrity aesthetician and dermatological nurse Natalie Aguilar. “With this energy, cells are able to repair themselves, become healthier, and can promote healing in skin and muscle tissue.”
What are the benefits of red light therapy?
Depending on how deeply a particular device penetrates, LED therapy is thought to have different biological effects. “The most common benefits of red light therapy includes a decrease in inflammation and an increase in cellular energy, which plays a role in collagen production, smoothing of lines and wrinkles, promoting wound healing and reversing signs of photo-aging in the skin,” says Aguilar. It also is used as a treatment for acne.“While blue light is used for acne due to its antibacterial support, red light can also work for acne treatment in terms of helping regulation of sebum for preventing future breakouts,” says Dr. Shamban. “Additionally, it can improve scars, help with healing of pustules and reduce inflammation. For acne vulgaris, very often red and light therapies are combined in-office.” It may also be a treatment option for psoriasis. “Red light therapy can also help with reducing inflammation conditions, such as psoriasis,” adds Dr. Shamban. Thankfully, the therapy itself does not hurt. “LED therapy is completely painless. For the most part, you feel nothing but a slight warmth,” says Aguilar. However, the bulbs are so bright that you will need to wear protective goggles during treatment. “Red light therapy is that one device that is always working overtime at both dermatology offices and spas. Often, clients who received an aggressive laser or incurred an accidental burn are immediately put under LED lights to speed up recovery and healing,” says Aguilar. There are other benefits that red light therapy may provide that aren’t skin-related, too, such as:
Improved mental health
“I have a client who is a psychiatrist and treats her patients with seasonal depression by using red light therapy,” says Aguilar. “Because the amount of sunlight we are exposed to decreases during winter, light therapy helps to ease symptoms by increasing energy levels.” Early studies have found this to be a possible effective treatment. Currently, studies are also being done on the effects that red light therapy may have on dementia.
Muscle health
There are also LED body beds that help muscle tissue, and other parts of your body heal. Studies have found that red light can help muscle growth and decrease inflammation.
Bone health
In addition, LED is being studied for dental pain and plaque reduction, chronic pain and osteoarthritis by helping to decrease inflammation that can contribute to pain.
Fertility
Red light therapy may help with infertility or other fertility issues. However, this is still being studied, and remains inconclusive. “Fertility connection is all speculation. At this point, there are not any significant studies in support, so we do not have date endpoints to truly make that correlation,” says Dr. Shamban.
How many red light treatments do you need?
Red light therapy treatments can be done in an office or at home. “In-office treatments are stronger and more powerful than home versions, but always follow instructions and timing on your home device,” notes Dr. Shamban. It’s also important to note that not all at-home therapies are the same, and you should do research or consult your dermatologist or skincare provider on the tool you choose to invest in. “The quality of red light devices varies greatly; some aftermarket devices might not deliver the light intensity required to provide therapeutic benefits,” says Aguilar. Depending on which one you use, the amount of treatments can range based on your individual goals. “One can receive a professional treatment once a week, or use an at-home device as often as desired,” says Aguilar. “For example, a 20-year-old can benefit from a weekly at-home treatment, whereas someone in their 50’s would need to treat themselves more often to see a visible difference.” In-office treatments will require more frequent visits. “Usually, about 10 treatments are usually required. They can be daily (or 2-3 times a week) for about 15-20 minutes,” says Dr. Shamban. When it comes to results, keep in mind that they’re more cumulative than immediate. “There may be some immediate, superficial and temporary improvements after each treatment, but ultimately, light therapies are a cumulative effect,” adds Dr. Shamban.
How much does red light therapy cost?
While the cost depends on the treatment area and your location, there is a general range. “The cost can range from $50-$150 per session when done in the office,” says Aguilar. There are also many at-home devices that can be used, which also vary in cost. “An at-home device can cost anywhere from $165 to $60,000 (such as a LightStim bed panel),” says Aguilar.
What are the risks that come with red light therapy?
Red light therapy is generally safe for all skin types and ethnicities according to Dr. Shamban. “Seeing a qualified, well-trained provider is always of paramount importance,” she says. “Risks are very low. However if too strong or too long, there is the possibility for atopic irritation or damages ranging from blisters to burns.” And some people should not use red light therapy, or seek extra guidance before trying. “Pregnant women, diabetics, and anyone with sensitive skin should consult with their primary physician prior to treatment,” says Aguilar. Next up, here are the benefits of using a sauna.
Sources
Dr. Ava Shamban, MD, board-certified dermatologist and owner of Ava MDNatalie Aguilar, celebrity aesthetician and dermatological nurseThe Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease: “Improvement in Depression Scores After 1 Hour of Light Therapy Treatment in Patients With Seasonal Affective Disorder.“Photonics: “Photobiomodulation for Alzheimer’s Disease: Has the Light Dawned?“J Biophotonics: “Photobiomodulation in human muscle tissue: an advantage in sports performance?“Hindawi: “Efficacy of the LED Red Light Therapy in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders: Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial"BMC Oral Health: “Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy suppresses dental plaque formation in healthy adults: a randomized controlled clinical trial"Clinicaltrials.gov: “The Effect of Light Therapy on Chronic Pain"Arthritis and Research Therapy: “Can osteoarthritis be treated with light?“Laser Therapy: “Personal Overview of the Application of LLLT in Severely Infertile Japanese Females”
