The science behind Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT), low-power laser therapy (LPLT), and photobiomodulation (PBM).
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red Light Therapy (RLT) is a therapeutic technique that uses low-level wavelengths of red light to treat skin issues, such as wrinkles, scars and persistent wounds among other conditions. It may also help muscle tissue, and other parts of your body heal.
RLT exposes you to low levels of red or near-infrared light. Infrared light is a type of energy your eyes can’t see, but your body can feel as mild heat. Red light is similar to infrared, except you can see it.
Studies show that different wavelengths affect the body in different ways. Researches discovered that the most effective wavelengths of red light are in the ranges of 630-670 nm and 810-880 nm¹.
It is commonly used as pain relief or for reducing inflammation.
In the 1990s, NASA developed² a method of using red light to help grow plants in space. It wasn’t until much later that this technology became available as a therapeutic treatment in various clinical settings. It’s even used to help treat the painful side effects cancer patients get from chemotherapy.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
First, you need a lamp, laser or device that generates red light to expose your skin to.
The nature of red or near-infrared light is that it can penetrate through tissue much more easily than other types of light.
Depending on the type of device and what type of light it generates, red light can even reach all the way down to the bone level.
The major difference between red and near-infrared light is how far they can penetrate tisue. Red light can reach as deep as the first 25mm of skin tissue. Whereas infrared light can penetrate much deeper into the body³.
Strictly red light therapy involves the use of sources of light at 610-700 nm wavelengths. The most common wavelengths are 630 nm (orange-red) and 660 nm (deep red) in most commercial devices.
The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell
Researchers believe that red light works by affecting the mitochondria⁴.
The mitochondria is the part of your cells where energy is produced. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the molecule that carries energy in every living thing.
It is theorized that by exposing the cells to red light, more energy is generated in them and the mitochondria is strengthened. Thus more ATP is produced which means that the cells in your body can run more efficiently, rejuvenate and repair damage faster.
The mitochondria can absorb red light because of the energy-producing copper enzyme (cytochrome c oxidase)⁴. It absorbs light at various wavelengths between 600-1000nm. Its metabolism is usually restricted by a biologically active molecule called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide binds to cytochrome oxidase and prevents it from using oxygen.
Red light acts upon the nitric oxide molecule by photodissociating – or detaching it thus allowing cytochrome to resume its energy-producing metabolic function⁴.
Red light has also been shown to improve the structure of water in cellular cytoplasm and other areas of the body. Thus potentially providing a functional benefit to all cellular processes. The improved surface tension of cells may also improve ion exchange⁴.
ROS (reactive oxygen species)⁴ can have a positive stimulatory effect in low amounts. It increases with the use of red light.
Overall, RLT has proven beneficial. It helps improve a vast array of ailments or symptoms³ ⁵ ⁶.
Of course, for any serious conditions, it would be best to get your doctor or medical professional’s opinion first.
Can anyone use it?
Red light therapy is non-invasive. Anyone can use it – young or old.
How to use Red and NIR (Near InfraRed) light devices
As with any kind of treatment, that depends entirely on what it is used to treat and who uses it.
There is no set treatment plan. Although generally, people use it for a short amount of time. One session of 10 to 15 minutes per day for 3-4 days a week should be enough for a beginner. Depending on what results you want, anything from 6 to 8 weeks of regular exposure should suffice.
For general skin maintenance, once or twice a week is sufficient.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
Red light therapy generates very low levels of heat and won’t hurt or burn your skin. It’s not the same as the light used in tanning booths, and it doesn’t expose your skin to damaging UV rays. Researchers have not recorded any serious side effects.
Because of this, RLT is generally considered safe. Even though researchers haven’t yet discovered all of its mechanisms and haven’t entirely figured out how or why it works.
It is non-invasive, non-ablative chemical and drug-free and painless. Red light is 100% natural and FDA-cleared.
But as with any tool, too much use of red light may become straining to the eyes. To be perfectly safe, we recommend keeping them closed. Alternatively, you can use a pair of light obstructing glasses if you plan to spend a prolonged amount of time under a red light device. Although in the end, it’s much safer than using laser treatment.
Don’t fall asleep under a red light to ensure you do not overexpose your skin. Everything is best in moderation.
Red Light Therapy vs. Laser Treatments
The wavelengths used are what differentiate these two very distinct methods. Red light (610-700 nm) is bright and diffuse, acting on a larger part of the body. On the other hand, lasers (1064 nm) emit light at a much higher density on a small surface¹.
The goal of laser therapy is to damage the skin first then work to promote fast healing and revitalization. Red or near-infrared light doesn’t have nearly enough heat or intensity to damage, burn or destroy tissue in such a way ¹ ⁶.
The only risk we’ve encountered while trying red light bulbs ourselves was touching one accidentally while it was hot. So make sure to always handle it with care.
Our Takeaway
Red Light Therapy has shown many favorable results and after trying the products ourselves for a few weeks. We find that it really does help with skin-care and overall energy levels.
It is a well-researched, safe, natural and non-invasive way to improve your health with little to no adverse effects documented.
References:
[1]Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring
[2]NASA’s scientific reference on Red Light Therapy
[3]The Use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) For Musculoskeletal Pain
[4]Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation
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