Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses red or near infrared light to help heal muscles, skin, or other parts of the body. It is also known as photobiomodulation, low-level laser therapy, and other terms. Red light beds found in salons are said to help reduce cosmetic skin problems such as stretch marks and wrinkles. In a doctor's office, red light therapy can be used to treat more serious conditions, such as psoriasis, slow-healing wounds, and even the side effects of chemotherapy.
When exposed to red light, a part of cells called mitochondria - sometimes called “energy generators” of cells - absorbs it and produces more energy. Some experts believe that this helps cells repair and become healthier. This stimulates healing of skin and muscle tissue. Acne is often accompanied by a good amount of inflammation.
Red light therapy helps soothe and diminish redness, and minimizes oil production and bacteria on the skin. For best results, do phototherapy treatments every day or at least 5 times a week. Consistency is crucial for effective phototherapy. The more regularly you use phototherapy, the better your results.
Treatment may produce short-term benefit, but regular phototherapy is needed to see longer lasting effects. Because regular use is so important, it is more effective to use a personal phototherapy device than to go to a spa or a dermatologist for less frequent treatments. Red light therapy accelerates the healing of wounds and injuries in the body and also reduces inflammation. It may improve joint range of motion, which is a common problem for those experiencing arthritis, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and other forms of joint pain.
It also helps reduce pain for fibromyalgia sufferers. Red light therapy is also used to treat precancerous lesions such as actinic keratosis. It helps increase collagen and fibroblast production to help correct unsightly telltale signs of aging. Once you buy your home LED device, perform a benchmark test to rule out your body's light sensitivity. Make sure your doctor has credentials and an established reputation for performing red light therapy.
The biggest advantage of using red light therapy at home is the ability to use it on a daily basis without incurring the additional costs that professional treatment would entail. Red light therapy is 100% natural, FDA-approved and requires no downtime. Because red light can penetrate the skin, you can cure rosacea-related acne without the use of chemicals that make the skin more sensitive. The results of some studies seem promising, but the full effectiveness of red light therapy has not yet been determined. There are no established guidelines for how long or intensity red light therapy should be applied, so there is a slight likelihood of adverse effects. For optimal results with red light therapy, it should be used consistently for a while - every day or at least 5 times a week - and with the right intensity for your body's sensitivity.
