WHAT IS IT? 

Red light therapy (RLT) is a treatment that may help in the healing of your skin, muscle tissue, and other body parts. It exposes your body to low-intensity red or near-infrared light. Infrared light is a kind of light that your eyes cannot see but your body can detect it as heat. Red light is comparable to infrared light, except it can be seen.

It is believed that red light works by causing a metabolic response in cells that activates the mitochondria. The mitochondria are the cell's powerhouse, producing all of the cell's energy. ATP is the energy-carrying molecule present in all living organisms' cells (adenosine triphosphate).

A cell can produce more ATP by boosting the function of the mitochondria via RLT. Cells can perform more efficiently, regenerate themselves, and repair damage if they have more energy.

WHY SHOULD IT BE OF INTEREST?

Here are the most important benefits you can get from it:

1. It may help to smooth your skin and reduce wrinkles. RLT can also help with acne scars, burns, and UV sun damage. [1]
2. It is beneficial for wound healing. [2]
3. It helps in the treatment of psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema. [1]
4. It reduces inflammation and pain in people suffering from Achilles tendonitis. [2]
5. It is effective against periodontitis and tooth infections. [2]
6. It may also be a helpful pain therapy in people suffering from certain conditions. [2]
7. It promotes hair development in persons suffering from androgenic alopecia. [1]
8. It stimulates the lymphatic system, which aids in "detoxifying" the body. [3]
9. It can treat postpartum depression. [2]

HOW TO TAKE IT?

It is typically performed at a doctor's office. However, several hairdressers and dental clinics do it as well. You can also purchase a red light therapy device on your own. Side effects and injuries are more likely using salon and at-home treatments. If you're considering red light therapy, consult your doctor first.

If you browse the internet for red light treatment products, you will find a lot of options. While these items are typically safe to use, they may have a lower wavelength frequency (therefore being less strong) than devices used by dermatologists or other qualified skin professionals. You might not achieve the desired outcomes.

References:

1. Alexander. (n.d.). “A Controlled Trial 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”. Retrieved from Nih.gov: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3926176/ 
2. Cleveland. (n.d.). “Red Light Therapy”. Retrieved from Clevelandclinic.com: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22114-red-light-therapy 
3. Therapy Lights. (n.d.). “Red Light Therapy Benefits For Better Health, Today”. Retrieved from Platinumtherapylights.com: https://platinumtherapylights.com/blogs/news/red-light-therapy-benefits