Do not be fooled by the simplicity of red light therapy into thinking it is a “one trick pony” and only works to treat issues related to the skin. This incredible health and wellness tool has benefits far beyond what you see on the surface. Red light therapy is used effectively for cosmetic reasons but also extends into many important areas of overall health and wellness.
If you are just discovering red light therapy and wondering whether or not it is right for you, read on to learn more about its incredible benefits. This safe and natural therapeutic practice has grown wildly popular in recent years for its proven ability to deliver results.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a technique that utilizes natural wavelengths of light, delivered to our bodies through the skin. This non-invasive procedure creates more energy within our cells' mitochondria. Think of the red light as a sort of “super booster” for our cells, helping them to repair, regenerate, and perform their functions more effectively.
When mitochondria are stimulated by red and near-infrared light, this creates more energy in our cells. Over time, this could mean enhanced production of collagen, which helps our skin retain a youthful glow, but it can also mean improved quality of sleep, increased performance in workouts, and reduced inflammation.
Red light therapy is a painless procedure that takes only minutes, making it a favorable alternative to other therapeutic measures that could be time-consuming, painful, expensive, or all of the above! Red light therapy can be done at home in a setting that is both comfortable and convenient.
Some skeptics are reluctant to try red light therapy for fear of harming their skin. After all, we are often bombarded by messages from the skin care industry about protecting our skin from harmful rays, and we know the dangers associated with such rays and skin cancer. Fortunately, the light emitted in red light therapy has no UVA or UVB rays, like those that damage our skin.
Red and near-infrared light is safe to use, and this kind of light will not tan or burn skin. You may feel a gentle warming, tingling, or tightness during your red light therapy session, but this is only temporary. You will not be reaching for a jar of aloe or spending days in misery like those who forget the sunscreen on vacation.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
The benefits of red light therapy continue to be discovered in the health and wellness industries, with more and more studies pointing toward this practice as a safe and natural alternative to many other types of treatment. Whether you want to try red light therapy for cosmetic reasons or underlying health issues, you will undoubtedly find it beneficial in more ways than one.
Beauty Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Most people first hear about red light therapy to address skin and cosmetic issues. It is a powerful tool for targeting a wide variety of common skin problems, from aging or loose skin to eczema and psoriasis. Red light therapy is used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and is also an effective therapy for skin inflammation and wound healing.
Many so-called “miracle creams” promise results that ultimately do not last, but a faithful red light therapy regimen can help you restore and maintain a youthful glow, with enhanced collagen production spurred on by boosting our cells. By decreasing inflammation and targeting bacteria on the skin, red light therapy has also been shown to make a difference for those with mild to moderate acne.
Hair loss, another major target of the health and beauty product market, may also be treated with red light therapy. The increased blood flow to the scalp we see as a result of red light therapy means our hair follicles get more oxygen and nutrients, making hair thicker.
Sleep Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Sleep is one of the most critical components of health, with more and more studies showing that poor sleep habits can increase a person’s likelihood of suffering serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. While there are many ways to address sleep hygiene, from buying a high-quality mattress to using prescription medication, red light therapy is a safe, natural, and cost-effective method to improve your sleep quality.
The blue light emitted from our personal devices can be incredibly disruptive to sleep patterns, and many people spend their nights tossing and turning after scrolling mindlessly before bed. Red light acts as a soothing bedtime “primer” of sorts, lessening the energizing effects of that blue light. This is why many red light therapy devotees swear by a session at night before bed.
Since red light also targets inflammation and pain, it also provides restorative measures to your body that aid in the quality of sleep.
Pain Management Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Pain management is a significant focus of the healthcare industry, with a growing interest in drug-free alternatives to traditional pain relief medications. The risk of addiction (and overdose) has become prevalent in the age of the opioid epidemic, so many physicians and patients are seeking safer options.
Red light therapy has shown tremendous promise in pain management, thanks to its targeted approach to specific areas of the body (versus oral medications that travel to nerve endings all over the body).
Red light therapy is now being used successfully to treat pain associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Achilles tendonitis, and diabetic foot neuropathy. It can target joint and neck pain, muscle pain, and wounds and burns. Red light therapy can help reduce our dependence on medications; even those medications that do not pose the risk of addiction often come with unwanted side effects, such as stomach issues or frequent headaches. A safe, natural alternative without side effects provides welcome relief to those who struggle finding pain relief.
Athletic Performance Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy offers tremendous benefits when used before and after workouts. The stimulation from red light aids our bodies in terms of both injury prevention as well as muscle recovery. Just as it is in the case of pain management, targeted therapy for certain areas of the body can be hugely beneficial for athletes. A runner recovering from a calf strain, a cyclist battling knee pain, or a golfer dealing with lower back pain can all benefit from using red light therapy.
Red Light Therapy FAQs
How Often Should I Use Red Light Therapy?
While it is safe enough to use daily, most experts recommend a few sessions per week, up to a maximum of 20 minutes per session.
Will Red Light Therapy Interfere with My Medications?
Red light therapy is considered safe with most medications, but you should always consult your physician first. You should never use skin treatments containing retinol before a red light therapy session.
What Is the Difference Between Red and Near Infrared Light?
The main difference between red and near-infrared light when used as a therapeutic treatment is that red light can penetrate the body from 5 to 10 millimeters. In contrast, near-infrared penetrates deeper into the body from 50 to 77 millimeters. Hooga red light therapy devices use red and near-infrared light to maximize the benefits of therapy.
Why Does the Light Appear to Change During the Session?
The light is not changing: your eyes are adjusting to it! Do not be alarmed if the light dims a bit toward the end. This just means your eyes have adjusted to it, so it does not feel as bright.