Red light therapy (or low-level red light therapy) uses low-level wavelengths of near-infrared light on targeted parts of the body to reduce inflammation. During the treatment, photons in the light get absorbed by photosensitive molecules in skin cells, which leads to tissue repair.
While many of the hot skincare and recovery treatments at top spas may have little other than placebo effect, red light therapy has validating studies to back the claims. Randomized controlled trials in athletes have shown significant muscle repair and even increased muscle growth.
Origins of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is an evolution of many different light therapy practices. Before the 20th century, physicians began experimenting with light to treat different diseases. The first successful use of light therapy treated lupus lesions. The subsequent invention of the laser improved the precision and intensity of treatment options, including photodynamic therapy which has been uses in conjunction with other chemicals to treat skin disorders.
Alongside physicians, scientists at NASA have used red light in experiments conducted to spur plant growth and to treat wounds in astronauts. The research contributed to a greater understanding of how red light therapy works, identifying the deep penetration of red light into the body, and its manipulation of mitochondria. Mitochondria control cell metabolism and play a key role in the immune system and production of inflammation.
What are the benefits of red light therapy?
Red light therapy effectively energizes the cells by boosting the efficiency of cell repair, and boosting new cell growth. Some benefits of red light therapy are:
- Increased blood flow
- Reduced inflammation
- Collagen production
- Improved wound healing
- Muscle repair and growth
- Reduced stretch marks, wrinkles, age spots, scars, sun damage, alopecia, and acne.
The benefits of red light therapy may also improve psoriasis, rosacea, excema, arthritis, and muscle or tendon pain. In other words, red light therapy is a jack of all trades when it comes to your beauty and wellness routine.
Our favorite Red Light Therapy Tools:
The brand: Solowave
4-in-1 Skincare Wand & Activating Serum Kit
The brand: Dr. Dennis Gross
The brand: Riki Loves Riki
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FAQs
Q: When was red light therapy invented?
A: The history of red light therapy dates back to the 19th century. Since then the tools have evolved to provide a myriad of benefits of red light therapy.
Q: How does red light therapy work?
A: You get the benefits of red light therapy because it penetrates deep into the skin where photons in the light interact with mitochondria cells to excel cell growth.
