The Benefits of Red Light Therapy: When and How to Use It

Red light therapy (RLT) is a therapeutic technique that uses low-level red light wavelengths to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as wrinkles, scars, and persistent wounds. In the early 1990s, scientists used RLT to help grow plants in space. For best results, it is recommended to do phototherapy treatments every day or at least 5 times a week. Consistency is key for effective phototherapy, and the more regularly you use it, the better your results will be.

When it comes to using red light therapy on your face, we recommend doing at least one 5 minute treatment a day for best results. People who use it diligently for 4 to 6 weeks see more pronounced results. Skin color, tone, and thickness affect how quickly you absorb red light photons, so you may need to adjust your treatment time for optimal results. Red light therapy can help stimulate collagen production, thus preventing the development of stretch marks.

It can also improve collagen production and density, eliminating fine lines and wrinkles and other skin problems. LED light has been scientifically proven to treat a wide range of skin conditions, and research continues to reveal new uses. In addition, post-exercise phototherapy for maintenance can promote optimal physical performance and help prevent injury. Many athletes improve their athletic performance through red light therapy before and after conditioning exercises.

Some medications can increase photosensitivity, which can lead to temporary redness and tightness of the skin after using red light therapy. Unlike ultraviolet (UV) light that causes cancer from the sun or tanning booths, RLT does not use this type of light. Research indicates that cells involved in collagen production can be stimulated by the wavelengths provided by red light. In addition, many FDA-approved phototherapy devices are eligible for FSA because they are designed to help medical conditions. Red light hair loss therapies are recommended for people who have temporary hair loss due to problems such as medication side effects, stress, surgery, or other hair loss conditions, such as male pattern baldness or menopause.

Using red light therapy and other treatments for a long time provides better results, but patients are sometimes reluctant to adhere to long-term treatment plans.