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Where non-invasive treatments are concerned, red light therapy stands out for its potential to change how we approach healing. Using low-wavelength red light, the treatment’s growing popularity can be attributed to its ability to help manage healing and inflammation more effectively.
The technology used in red light therapy treatments generates a lot of buzz, but skepticism and doubt surround the treatment, since research is still ongoing. If you’ve wondered what the hype is around red light therapy treatments or whether it might be an appropriate treatment for you, read to hear what the experts have to say. What is red light therapy? Let’s find out.
In a nutshell
Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses exposure to low-wavelength, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for tissue repair and healing.
- Research is ongoing to determine red light therapy’s efficacy, but researchers feel optimistic about its proven ability to help manage healing and inflammation.
- At-home red light therapy devices are generally safe to use, but they are less powerful than what you’d experience with in-office treatments.
- It’s recommended to consult with a medical professional before trying red light therapy.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy uses LEDs to deliver red light to targeted areas of the body. Originally developed for NASA space shuttle plant growth experiments, research into red light therapy shows it can help stimulate collagen production, heal wounds, reduce inflammation and more.
How did red light therapy evolve?
Red light therapy began as a project by Quantum Devices, Inc. (QDI) in 1993 for plant growth experiments on the NASA Space Shuttle. The technology was originally referred to as high emissivity aluminiferous light-emitting substrate, or HEALS. After determining that red LED lights could grow plants in space, Marshall Space Center continued working with QDI to figure out what else these lights could be used for.
NASA was particularly interested in whether red LED lights could help accelerate healing in space because “wounds are slow to heal in a microgravity environment.” NASA and QDI’s research found several other use cases for red LED lights, including targeted cancer treatments, muscle therapy, cosmetic treatments and more.
How does red light therapy work?
Dr. Jacqueline Moore, board-certified general surgeon and founder of SkYn Med Spa, explains that, “Red light therapy works by delivering low wavelengths of red light that interact with the energy-producing cells, which, in turn, boost adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This process results in an energy boost to the cells that promotes regeneration, and this results in collagen and elastin production, a reduction in inflammation and increased blood circulation.”
When to get red light therapy?
Red light therapy can address many skin concerns, but Dr. Arleen Lamba, MD, CEO of GLO30, recommends red light therapy when you start to experience conditions best addressed “by promoting healing and collagen production, such as fine lines, sun damage or even acne scars.”
Other skin conditions that can benefit from red light therapy include dehydrated skin, dull skin, eczema, psoriasis and scars. (Some studies even demonstrate success in treating alopecia.)
Benefits of red light therapy
Increased collagen production
“Red light therapy’s impact on collagen production can’t be overstated,” Lamba shares. The treatment has a “remarkable ability to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is the essential protein that keeps your skin firm and plump.”
Wound healing
NASA and QDI’s research illuminates red light therapy’s assistance with healing. “The treatment accelerates wound healing by promoting blood circulation, which improves cellular repair,” says Lamba.
Treating acne breakouts
Although research is still ongoing as to red light therapy’s effectiveness, its ability to treat acne breakouts is promising. A research review of red light therapy’s advancements in acne treatment shows that adding red light therapy can lead to a “significant clinical improvement of acne vulgaris, especially of inflammatory lesions.”
Reduces inflammation
Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine, says that if you struggle with skin conditions related to inflammation, red light therapy can be a good option.
Studies show clear-cut evidence of red light therapy’s ability to reduce inflammation even though “the exact cellular signaling pathways responsible for this anti-inflammatory action are not yet completely understood.” If you have a condition that causes you to experience systemic inflammation, talk to your doctor about whether current research supports red light therapy as a solution.
Increases hair growth in people with alopecia
Most experts recommend red light therapy to stimulate hair growth in people with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). AGA causes hair follicles to shrink or “miniaturize” over time, which ultimately leads to hair growth stopping completely. Red light therapy plays a significant role in “promoting hair growth and reversing the miniaturization process of AGA,” per the study linked above.
Side effects of red light therapy
“The risk of side effects with red light therapy is low when used properly. Some people may experience skin drying, leading to peeling and itchiness, although this is uncommon,” explains Graf. Overall, red light therapy is a fairly safe treatment with few risks or side effects associated with it, although some patients experience temporary redness, swelling, stinging or burning after professional treatments
Moore adds that at-home devices “differ from medical devices in that they use a lower wavelength light,” which may lower any associated risks. However, at-home devices are less effective than in-office treatment.
Which skin conditions is red light therapy recommended for?
“Acne is one of the most common conditions for red light therapy because it promotes the healing of breakouts and decreases the appearance of acne scarring (if used consistently),” shares Graf. She adds that red light therapy can also “help relieve the inflammation that leads to eczema, alleviate some of the symptoms that result from psoriasis, like itching and swelling and stimulate strand growth in those with alopecia, if used consistently.”
Whom should you consult for red light therapy?
Every medical professional we spoke to agreed on one thing: Just like any other medical treatment, you should consult a board-certified dermatologist, or licensed master esthetician, before scheduling a red light therapy service. Graf specifically recommends speaking to a professional because they can give you “advice on if it’s an effective treatment for you and can give you the best at-home or in-office options.”
The AP Buyline roundup
Red light therapy is a promising treatment that has the potential to change the quality of life for many people facing different medical and cosmetic concerns. Although research is still ongoing, if you feel like red light therapy could benefit you, set up an appointment with a medical professional with experience using the devices to learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Who should not use red light therapy?
While red light therapy is generally safe for healthy, unmedicated people, those with “preexisting ocular abnormalities or increased photosensitivity” should take caution, and consult an ophthalmologist before participating in red light therapy, as further investigation is necessary to determine the treatment’s impact.
Previous studies suggest that red light therapy can increase aggression in cancer cells. However, a more recent study refutes this research, stating red light therapy is “safe for aesthetic purposes, including for patients with an oncologic history.”
Is red light therapy effective?
Most experts agree that red light therapy is effective, but current research fails to quantify its effectiveness or which doses are appropriate for different conditions. If you (and the medical professional you consult) decide red light therapy is an appropriate and safe treatment, like most prescriptive solutions, you need to be consistent to see results.
“When aiming for results with red light therapy, consistency is very important, says Lamba, adding that, “Following a consistent treatment schedule and maintaining good skin care practices can maximize the benefits over time.”
Is red light therapy safe?
Moore says red light therapy is generally a safe treatment: “Red light therapy is not associated with side effects, but theoretically improper use could lead to injury to the eyes.” Whether you’re using an in-home device or seeing a medical professional for red light therapy, it’s important to follow all care instructions.
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.