Red Light Therapy
You must wonder what red LED light therapy might work for? Well, when we say red light, we refer to the light of the visible spectrum with the longest wavelength (650 nm) and the lowest energy. These properties of red light make it a very reliable medium for topical therapies for skin and hair conditions.
Red light therapy was developed for very different pursuits, as opposed to its implementation in skin conditions at present. Red light therapy was designed by NASA in order to vitalize plants growing in space. Subsequently, red light therapy was found to be effective in healing topical wounds of astronauts.
The widely popular method of using UVA/ UVB light for treating skin conditions like vitiligo or hair conditions like alopecia has pronounced side effects such as itching, redness of the skin, sunburn, and even cataract in the eyes. On the contrary, red led light therapy (RLT) is a relatively safer option for treating a wide array of dermatological issues. Red light therapy is also known as PBM (photobiomodulation), LPLT (Low-power Light Therapy).
How does red led light therapy work?
Since its advent, red light therapy has undergone multiple trials by researchers to gauge its efficacy. Based on these trials and experiments, the current understanding of how red light therapy works on human skin and hair cells is as follows-
Red led light therapy: mechanism
According to research, red therapy light directly affects the mitochondria, also known as the “power plant” of human cells. The mitochondria absorb the energy from the red led light which elevates the ATP levels in cells. The increased ATP signals modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and transcription factors (i.e., your skin cells now have more oxygen and energy to use). This leads to an increase in cell proliferation (i.e., cell turnover) and stimulates fibroblasts which are responsible for developing collagen in your body. Ultimately, enhanced collagen levels heal the skin of any dead, decaying, or damaged cells and uplift your skin’s elasticity, structure, and health.
Red led light therapy: method of application
This involves exposing your skin to a red led light device, or led face mask. It is possible to use these tools at home without supervision; however, consulting a dermatologist is best to understand the duration and power of the red light that you may need for your condition. Rest assured, unlike UV rays, the red LED light will not cause any burning sensation on your skin.
Benefits of red led light therapy
There are multifaceted benefits of red LED light therapy. Clinical trials indicate that red LED light therapy is effective in dermatological issues. In general, red LED light therapy can be used in moderation to maintain skin health, especially after the age of 35.
Reduces wrinkles and aging of the skin
The Photomed Laser Surg published the clinic research named “A Controlled Trail to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment in Patient Satisfaction, Reduction of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Roughness, and Intradermal Collagen density Increase” at 2014 Feb. A total of 136 volunteers participated in this prospective, randomized, and controlled study. They made the conclusion that “Broadband polychromatic PBM showed no advantage over the red-light-only spectrum. However, both novel light sources that have not been previously used for PBM have demonstrated efficacy and safety for skin rejuvenation and intradermal collagen increase when compared with controls.”
Prevents hair loss and treats alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in men and women. In recent studies, red light therapy has been established as an effective treatment for alopecia. Dr.Jung Soo Yoon, MD, Dr. Won Young Ku, etc Published the research “ Low-Level Light therapy using a helmet type device for treatment of androgenetic alopecia” at 2020 Jul. Sixty participants diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia aged from 19 to 65 years were recruited. The Research made the conclusion that “Led Light Therapy showed a significant effect on increasing hair density in patients with androgenetic alopecia. Led light therapy could be a safe and effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia in both sexes.
Healing psoriasis
Domer Laser published the article of Led light therapy for psoriasis at 2021. Using LED red light to treat 30 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, the research adopted the LED therapy light red (640 ± 15) nm irradiate the relevent acupuncture point, during the treatment time, stop all medications and other treatments during irradiation. After 2 sessions of red light therapy, the effective rate of red light therapy for prostatic is up to 93.3%.
Red LED light therapy: common side effects
The FDA has declared red LED light therapy a safe method of treatment; however, there are some long term and short term side effects that one must be aware of-
Temporary side effects
Red light exposure during the therapy may lead to the following short-term side effects-
- Straining of theeyes
- Headaches
- Minimal Swelling of the skin
- Itching of the skin
- Dryness of the skin
- Irritability
Long-lived side effects
This refers to the semi-permanent to permanent effects that may arise from using red led light therapy
- Cataract: the red light exposure is particularly strenuous to the eyes, which may result in cataract in rare cases. This risk can be prevented by wearing protective gear while receiving the RLT.
Red light therapy pros and cons
Red light therapy pros
- Painless
- No drugs are required
- Minimal side effects
- Suitable for all skin types
- Can be used to treat different skin conditions
- Is effective in neural and bone degeneration
Red light therapy cons
- You can see visible results only after multiple therapy sessions
- Once started, this therapy needs to be continued. It is not effective if discontinued abruptly.
- Can damage your eyes if protective gear is not used
To learn more about red LED light therapy device, visit Led Light Therapy
