The Benefits of Red Light Therapy

The Comprehensive Benefits and Considerations of Red Light Therapy 

Red light therapy (RLT) is a non-invasive treatment utilizing specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular activity.

This innovative therapy offers a range of potential benefits for various health concerns, from reducing chronic pain to improving skin appearance. Let’s delve deeper into how RLT works and explore its applications:

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

RLT harnesses the power of light energy to boost cellular function. These specific wavelengths are absorbed by mitochondria, the energy powerhouses within our cells. This absorption triggers a cascade of beneficial effects, including:

• Increased ATP Production: ATP is the primary energy currency of cells, and increased production can enhance cellular performance and repair processes.
• Reduced Inflammation: RLT has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, potentially alleviating pain and promoting tissue healing.
• Stimulated Collagen Synthesis: Collagen is a key structural protein in skin, providing elasticity and firmness. RLT can encourage collagen production, leading to improved skin texture and reduced wrinkles.

What are the Benefits of Red Light Therapy?

Chronic Pain 

RLT has shown considerable promise in managing chronic pain. Studies highlight that RLT can reduce mechanical sensitivity and neuronal cell death while modulating glial responses following spinal cord injuries, which are often associated with chronic pain (Hu et al., 2020). By decreasing inflammation and promoting healing, RLT provides a non-pharmacological alternative to traditional pain management methods. 

Muscle Recovery 

Red light therapy can help to reduce muscle soreness and improve muscle recovery after exercises. This can be a great addition to your recovery routine, in addition to stretching, hydration, rest, etc.

Arthritis 

For arthritis, RLT has been found effective in reducing pain and improving joint function. The therapy enhances mitochondrial activity, increases ATP production, and modulates inflammatory responses, collectively aiding in symptom relief. Research indicates significant reductions in pain and swelling among arthritis patients undergoing RLT (Wickenheisser et al., 2019; Hamblin & Demidova-Rice, 2007). 

Cellulite 

RLT also shows efficacy in improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of cellulite. The therapy stimulates collagen production and enhances skin firmness. Clinical trials report notable improvements in skin texture and elasticity following RLT sessions, making it a viable non-invasive option for cosmetic enhancement (Li et al., 2021).  

Aging of the Skin 

RLT is widely used for its anti-aging effects on the skin. It promotes collagen and elastin production, which improves skin texture and reduces wrinkles. Additionally, RLT supports cellular regeneration and repair, essential for maintaining youthful skin. Studies confirm that RLT can significantly diminish signs of aging by enhancing dermal healing and reducing inflammation (Avci et al., 2013; Li et al., 2021). 

Red light therapy may also offer skin benefits such as: 

• Reduced wrinkles and fine lines
• Fades scars and stretch marks 
• Improves skin tone and texture 
• Reduced redness and inflammation

Psoriasis 

Emerging evidence suggests that RLT may benefit individuals with psoriasis, an autoimmune inflammatory skin condition. Preliminary studies indicate that red and near-infrared light therapy can reduce the severity of psoriatic lesions and improve patient satisfaction with minimal side effects (Ablon, 2010). Another study found that combining red light with systemic photosensitizing agents effectively treated psoriatic areas, promoting reepithelialization (Berns et al., 1984). 

Sleep

New research is emerging on how red light therapy may benefit sleep by reducing sleep-awake cycle disruption. However, the research on this is still limited at this time. 

Contraindications and Concerns 

While RLT is generally considered safe, certain contraindications and concerns should be noted: 

• Pregnancy: Due to the lack of safety data, RLT is contraindicated during pregnancy. It is essential to avoid this therapy if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Eye Safety: Patients with pre-existing ocular conditions or those using photosensitizing medications should undergo ophthalmological consultation before starting RLT. Although RLT does not typically cause retinal damage, caution is advised (Gadit, 2012; Gallin et al., 1995).
• Cancer Concerns: There is ongoing research to determine the safety of RLT in patients with malignancies. Some studies suggest that RLT does not promote tumor growth in existing cancer patients, but further research is necessary to confirm these findings (Myakishev-Rempel et al., 2012).
• Photosensitivity: Individuals with heightened sensitivity to light or those taking photosensitizing drugs may experience adverse reactions. Proper screening and consultations are essential to mitigate risks (Raškauskas, 2011). 

How Often Should You Use Red Light Therapy?

When it comes to red light therapy, consistency is key — but more isn’t always better. For most people, 3 to 5 sessions per week is the sweet spot, with each session lasting anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes depending on the device and the area being treated. Beginners may want to start with shorter, less frequent sessions (2 to 3 times per week) to see how their body responds before gradually increasing. For targeted concerns like muscle recovery, joint pain, or skin rejuvenation, daily use is generally considered safe and can even accelerate results. Most users begin noticing benefits within 4 to 8 weeks of regular use, though some — particularly those using it for mood support or sleep improvement — report feeling a difference much sooner. The best approach is to treat red light therapy like any wellness routine: stay consistent, listen to your body, and give it time to work.

Red light therapy offers a range of benefits for chronic pain, arthritis, cellulite, skin aging, and potentially psoriasis, supported by extensive scientific research. Its ability to modulate inflammation, promote healing, and improve skin health makes it a valuable therapeutic option and we are excited to offer it to our concierge members with Vida’s Functional Medicine.

If you are considering red light therapy, but are not sure if it is right for you, ask your Functional Medicine physician. 

References 

1. Bolton L. Wound Phototherapy. Wounds: a compendium of clinical research and practice. 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33166263/
2. Hamblin MR, Demidova T. Mechanisms of low level light therapy. 2006. https://lightforcemedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MRH-2006-LLLT-rev.pdf
3. Avci P, Gupta A, Sadasivam M, Vecchio D, Pam Z, Pam N, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2013. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24049929/
4. Hu D, Moalem-Taylor G, Potas JR. Red-light (670 nm) therapy reduces mechanical sensitivity and neuronal cell death, and alters glial responses following spinal cord injury in rats. J Neurotrauma. 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32552352/
5. Wickenheisser VA, Zywot EM, Rabjohns E, Lee HH, Lawrence D, Tarrant T. Laser Light Therapy in Inflammatory, Musculoskeletal, and Autoimmune Disease. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2019. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31267251/
6. Li W, Seo I, Kim B, Fassih A, Southall M, Parsa R. Low‐level red plus near infrared lights combination induces expressions of collagen and elastin in human skin in vitro. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33594706/
7. Gadit A. Light therapy: does it play an important role in mental health? JPMA. 2012;62(5):511-512. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22755324/
8. Gallin P, Terman M, Remé C, Rafferty B, Terman J, Burde R. Ophthalmologic examination of patients with seasonal affective disorder, before and after bright light therapy. Am J Ophthalmol. 1995;119(2):202-210. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7832227/
9. Myakishev-Rempel M, Stadler I, Brondon PJ, Axe D, Friedman M, Nardia FB, Lanzafame R. A preliminary study of the safety of red light phototherapy of tissues harboring cancer. Photomed Laser Surg. 2012;30(9):551-558. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22853435/
10. Raškauskas V. Application of light therapy in psychiatry. 2011. https://sm-hs.eu/application-of-light-therapy-in-psychiatry/
11. Berns M, Coffey J, Wile A, Rettenmaier M, Berman M, Disaia P, Weinstein G, Mccullough J. Response of psoriasis to red laser light (630 nm) following systemic injection of hematoporphyrin derivative. Lasers Surg Med. 1984;4:1-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6235419/