Red light therapy has been one of the most talked-about treatments in the beauty community in recent years. Countless influencers swear by RLT’s benefits, claiming that the power of light is the secret behind their flawless skin. Doing a tiny bit of Googling has revealed that red light therapy’s advantages aren’t limited merely to skin improvement.
The low-light wavelengths can help eliminate nerve pain, muscle fatigue, testosterone deficiency syndrome, and wound healing. Moreover, RLT can aid in bettering cognitive functions, improve mood, and help you cope with anxiety and depression.
It sounds like red light therapy is a holy grail of treatments! But how much of these claims are backed by proper research? And if all of it is true, what makes RLT such an effective cure for so many different issues?
Here’s what we found out:
Red Light Therapy’s Optimizing Powers
The secret behind red light is its power to deliver concentrated wavelengths of light to deep layers of the skin. During the treatment, cells absorb light particles, which is where the magic begins. Red light releases cellular energy, making our cells more productive at their job. This promotes the chain of processes in the body. For example, red light therapy boosts the production of collagen, elastin, and fibroblasts, the elements that make up our tissue. What’s more, increased cellular function helps improve circulation, which is crucial for delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
So, to keep it simple, exposure to red light particles boosts a bunch of processes inside your body, which results in enhancing healing powers alongside general well-being.
Red Light Therapy Benefits
Skin Improvement
One of the most prominent advantages of RLT is its ability to promote healthier and younger-looking skin. Research shows that red light effectively fights bacteria and inflammation, the common causes and byproducts of acne. It acts as a non-invasive and safe way of reducing breakouts without compromising your overall health.
Additionally, red light therapy is a proven method for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. RLT is also a great way of getting rid of acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sunspots.
Wound Healing
A 2014 study found that red light therapy promotes faster wound healing. The reason is simple – anti-inflammatory properties of the treatment reduce chances of bacteria getting into the wound. Red light particles encourage the production of proteins that make up your skin, which helps close the injury much quicker.
What’s more, continuous light treatments give your body enough resources to decrease the chances of developing scars after healing.
Increased Testosterone
Another great thing is that red light therapy’s powers aren’t limited to improving superficial issues. Extensive studies have shown RLT can help those suffering from testosterone deficiency.
As we all know, testosterone is a sex hormone that defines male characteristics during puberty and helps maintain quality of life during adulthood. If your testosterone production is suppressed, you may experience low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, insomnia, weight gain, and muscle atrophy.
Using red light for testosterone results in restored hormonal balance. Additionally, RLT has the potential of increasing healthy sperm production and sexual satisfaction. While it’s individual for everyone, studies indicate that it takes about 2-4 weeks of continuous red light treatments to improve testosterone levels.
Improved Sleep Quality
Sleep deprivation may seem like a way too common condition to worry about. But, in the long run, poor sleeping patterns can lead to severe health complications. A recent study revealed that insomnia significantly increases the chances of developing heart disease. Needless to say, lack of sleep negatively impacts our productivity and cognitive functions.
Red light and near-infrared wavelengths have a soothing effect on the brain. Most importantly, these low-level light particles boost the secretion of melatonin, the hormone that sends signals to the brain, telling it that it’s time to sleep. So, if you’re suffering from sleep deprivation, red light therapy can be your savior. Keep in mind that the most optimal way of using the light treatment for improving sleep quality is getting it before bedtime. Therefore, having an in-home red light therapy device may be the best option for you.
Muscle Repair
Beauty influencers aren’t the only ones preaching about red light benefits. In fact, way before the skincare community discovered it, professional sports players had been using RLT for muscle repair. It’s a well-known fact that athletes go through extensive physical training throughout their lives. They are no strangers to muscle sprains and tears either. Red light therapy’s power to promote quicker healing helps the sportsmen keep up with their exhausting lifestyle.
But who says that only athletes can enjoy red light’s benefits for muscle recovery? If the post-workout soreness is killing your motivation, RLT can help you with that. Red light aids in delivering necessary nutrients to the muscles that ensure fast tissue regeneration. So the light sessions before or after workouts can be a real game-changer for you.
Where To Get Red Light Therapy
A few years ago, red light therapy was only accessible at doctors’ offices. Nowadays, you can purchase a light treatment device and get all the medical-grade benefits at home. Because it is such a simple procedure with no proven side-effects, RLT is entirely safe to do without a professional’s assistance. However, it is recommended that you visit your health care specialist before starting the treatment sessions. As effective as red light therapy can be, the real results depend on your unique medical history. So to ensure that you’re making the most optimal decision consult a professional physician.
