Red light therapy continues to grow in popularity as a natural, non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical treatment for a variety of conditions. If you’ve heard of red light therapy, which is also called low-level light therapy (LLLT), photobiomodulation, and LED therapy, you’ve undoubtedly wondered if it works.
That brings us to the purpose of this article … to not only tell you how well red light therapy works, but also show you that it works with before and after pictures. But first, here’s a short primer on red light therapy.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a natural treatment that uses red and near-infrared (NIR) light to stimulate beneficial biological processes in the body. The term “red light therapy” is often used to refer to both red and NIR light.
Using light for healing is not a new phenomenon; it has been used for centuries. Yet even though ancient healers knew about the therapeutic effects of sunlight, they had no way of knowing how or why it was effective. It wasn’t until much later that scientists learned about wavelengths of light, and how they differ in size based on their color.
For instance, scientists now know that of all the colors in the spectrum, red and NIR wavelengths are the longest – and therefore, the most beneficial. Red wavelengths range from 620 to 750 nanometers (nm) and NIR wavelengths range from 780 to 1200 nm.
Hundreds of studies have revealed that the greatest positive biological effects on the human body are achieved with red light between 630 and 660 nm, and NIR light from 810 to 850 nm. This range of red and NIR wavelengths is known as the “therapeutic window.”
Cellular Stimulation
When we talk about “positive biological effects,” it’s in reference to red/NIR light’s ability to stimulate cells; more specifically, the mitochondria inside cells. These tiny organelles control each cell’s metabolism and energy production, and their primary task is to produce cellular fuel known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
If mitochondria fail to produce enough energy, it results in a condition called mitochondrial dysfunction – and as a result, cellular performance, metabolism, and lifespan suffer. In fact, many chronic diseases are now attributed at least partially to mitochondrial dysfunction.
What Does Red Light Therapy Treat?
Red light is best known as an anti-aging powerhouse, but there's so much more to it. Let’s look at some of the areas where red LED therapy has proven itself to be effective, with before and after images to support the use of this natural treatment.
Many areas of the body can be treated with red light, from head to toe. It can become a valuable part of anyone’s self-care and health management routine, whether it’s used for skin concerns like skin rejuvenation or for deep-tissue conditions such as joint pain.
Some of the most popular and well-documented uses for red/NIR light therapy include the following:
- Acne
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Eczema
- Hair Loss
- Cold Sores
- Cellulite
- Stretch Marks
- Scars
- Wounds
We’ve compiled photographic evidence of conditions that are successfully treated with red and near-infrared (NIR) light: real people, with real results.
Numerous studies, along with plenty of anecdotal evidence, have confirmed the benefits of red/NIR light for relief from osteoarthritis knee pain, relief from neuropathy pain, better sleep, brain health, muscle performance and recovery, Alzheimer’s, and improved eye health.
For more in-depth information about how red light therapy can benefit these and other conditions, visit the PlatinumLED Therapy Lights Learning Center.
Note about research: Many of the studies conducted on red light have used low-level laser devices rather than light-emitting diode (LED) devices, simply because LED light therapy devices are relatively new. However, LED light has been shown to be as effective as low-level laser therapy in generating results. Thus, researchers are starting to use LED red light therapy devices in their studies.
Let’s deep-dive into some of the many ways you can benefit from red light treatments.
How Red Light Therapy Treats Acne
Light is increasingly being used as a non-pharmaceutical way of treating mild to moderate acne. Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects more than 85 percent of adolescents. In 2016, researchers discovered that red light therapy inhibits the growth of bacteria that infect skin ulcers, even in cases of severe acne. Regular treatments with red light can help reduce inflammation, support rebuilding healthy skin, and reduce acne scarring.
How Red Light Therapy Reduces Wrinkles
Perhaps the most popular use for red LED light therapy is skin rejuvenation. Red light has been shown to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and sagging skin primarily by boosting elastin and collagen synthesis. Red wavelengths absorb into the area of the skin that contains fibroblasts, which are the cells that produce collagen.
Numerous studies have confirmed these effects, most notably a German study that showed significant intradermal collagen density increase as measured sonographically. Along with wrinkles, red/NIR light therapy has successfully treated skin roughness and photoaging, which refers to sun spots and uneven skin tone.
Intradermal collagen density increase is just one way that fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin can revert to a more youthful look. We previously discussed mitochondrial dysfunction, in which cells can't perform at their best because they can't produce enough energy. Healthy, energized cells perform their specialized functions better.
The skin is the body’s largest organ; thus, it is a great indicator of how well cells are performing throughout the body. Deep-seated inflammation, skin biome dysfunctions, environmental toxins, overexposure to the sun, and poor lifestyle choices all affect skin health. Red/NIR light treatments can systematically support all organs, which, in turn, positively affects skin health.
How Red Light Therapy Treats Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that involves rapid skin cell growth and turnover, which results in silvery scales (known as plaques) and skin irritation. Red/NIR light therapy treats psoriasis by helping reduce inflammation, as well as supporting optimal skin cell health by boosting mitochondrial energy production.
Once the inflammation is reduced and cells are energized, red/NIR treatments support rebuilding healthy skin through increased collagen synthesis and better cellular performance.
How Red Light Therapy Treats Cold Sores
Fortunately, red light therapy can help with these outbreaks. Red light therapy stimulates the mitochondria, which promotes healing throughout the entire body.
In a study by researchers from Vienna, Austria, patients received red light therapy daily for two weeks. Compared to the control group, the treatment group experienced longer recurrence-free intervals during the 52-week study. In the published report, the researchers state that 10 treatments “significantly lowered the incidence” of cold sore recurrence.
How Red Light Therapy Treats Rosacea
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that causes a flushed appearance and visible blood vessels in the face. Other symptoms can include pustules (pimples), papules (also called skin lesions), and edema (swelling). Red/NIR light therapy is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it can be so effective for treating rosacea. Red light also supports the lymphatic system in removing toxins and waste for better skin cell health.
How Red Light Therapy Treats Cellulite
Cellulite is fat deposits beneath the skin of the thighs, buttocks, hips, and belly. Even toned, athletic people (mostly women) can develop cellulite, which is notoriously difficult to treat. One promising study was conducted by researchers from São Paulo, Brazil.
Twenty women (25-55 years old) participated in the study. The treatment group received 850 nm NIR treatments twice weekly for three months, and also did treadmill training. The control group did only treadmill training over the same period of time.
After the study, the researchers concluded that the treatment group experienced significant improvements in the reduction of cellulite and body aesthetics.
How Red Light Therapy Treats Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are scar tissue that forms when the skin is stretched too rapidly, such as during pregnancy or any rapid weight gain. While their appearance may fade over time, they do not disappear and can be embarrassing.
Red light has been shown to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration, partially by reducing inflammation that could be interfering with healing. When it comes to stretch marks, the key is regulating collagen and particularly elastin production to increase the skin’s ability to stretch without tearing.
Scar tissue does not contain elastin, only collagen, which results in tough and fibrous tissue designed to provide structural support (to prevent the skin from tearing).
A 2019 article in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology states that a combination of 640 nm (red) and 830 nm (near-infrared) light effectively boosted elastin production.
How Red Light Therapy Treats Scarring
Once a scar is formed in response to a skin wound, whether it’s from surgery, injury, or overly rapid stretching (resulting in stretch marks), it’s difficult to reduce its appearance.
Red light therapy boosts collagen and elastin production which helps with restoring normal skin.
Scar tissue is actually a necessary part of healing open skin wounds. But over time, red light can support the growth of new, normal skin tissue which can gradually replace scar tissue as it naturally sloughs off.
How Red Light Therapy Helps Heal Wounds
Aside from its stimulating effects on mitochondria, red and particularly NIR light also induces the proliferation and migration of stem cells, which are the body’s ‘master cells.’ These raw materials – cells from which all other specialized cells are generated – mobilize to the site of the injury to speed up tissue repair.
Along with collagen production and reduced inflammation, red light therapy also increases microcirculation to bring oxygen and nutrients to the injured area and remove waste. When applied immediately after a skin injury, red/NIR treatments can help prevent the formation of scars by stimulating the production of normal, healthy skin cells.
How Red Light Therapy Treats Eczema
Like psoriasis, eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that results in extreme itching from a rash that typically appears on the arms at the elbows and behind the knees. Red/NIR light therapy can support relief from symptoms by reducing inflammation, boosting mitochondrial energy production, and increasing collagen production.
How Red Light Therapy Treats Hair Loss
Hair loss can affect both men and women, with the most common reason being genetics. Red light has been shown to stimulate activity in the hair follicles, taking them out of a dormant state into a state of active hair growth.
One study that confirmed red light’s effectiveness for treating males with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) was conducted in 2013. Participants in the study underwent at-home treatments every other day for 16 weeks.
At the conclusion of the study, the researchers found that hair counts of participants had increased by 39 percent.
Red Light Therapy Usage Guidelines
Red light therapy affects the healing process at the cellular level. Rather than only treating symptoms, it supports the body’s natural healing processes. Therefore, the main objective is to deliver light energy to the cells in the affected area, and then let individual cells "wake up" to their potential. When treating skin conditions, this could take one to four months.
This means the treatment protocol for any condition will be similar. There are, currently, no specific guidelines for how long a single session should be. The following is based on the treatment durations given to study participants.
Apply to Bare Skin
Clothing, sunscreen, cosmetics, or even lotions can block the red wavelengths from absorbing into your body, so be sure to apply red light to bare skin.
Set Your Time
Set a timer and aim for a daily session of three to 20 minutes. If you can’t manage daily treatments, aim for three to five sessions per week. Frequency is important to support not only existing cells, but emerging cells.
Get Close, and Get Comfortable
Move close to the panel and get in a comfortable position. The most light energy will absorb into your skin at about 6” from the device. This also limits the size of the area you can treat at once.
Moving farther from the device increases the treatment area but reduces the light intensity, which means longer treatment sessions.
Wear Protective Eyewear
Eyewear is provided.
Relax and Enjoy!
You can listen to an audiobook, meditate, stretch, or even nap during your session.
Be Consistent
Consistent light therapy treatments will yield the best results. Remember, red light therapy works at the cellular level to address the root causes of many conditions. The chain reactions sparked by the treatment take time to manifest. You may see some fast results, but the real benefits typically emerge after several months.
Since you don’t have to spend money on repeated in-clinic treatments, this can be a huge saving over time.
There’s no way to say exactly how long treatment should continue before it delivers the results you want. Skin rejuvenation is one example. You may have a few areas of minor sun damage and crow’s feet that could be significantly improved after a month of daily use. Or, you may have an advanced aged skin condition that will require four to six months of treatment before you experience noticeable changes.
Red Light Therapy Products and Solutions
Since red/NIR therapy has so many applications ranging from targeted treatments like carpal tunnel syndrome to full-body wellness, it makes sense to get a powerful red LED light therapy panel that can do it all: a device that has the power, wavelengths, and size you need for the best results.
Power matters. The light energy delivered by an LED red light therapy device has to be strong enough to deliver light with the intensity needed to penetrate deep into the tissues.
Weak LED light therapy devices such as masks, wraps, or handheld devices simply don’t have the power of panels. This significantly limits their effectiveness.
Another key consideration is using an LED light therapy device with the right wavelengths: specifically, red and NIR. Using these wavelengths together amplifies the effects and gives you a more comprehensive treatment.
The BIOMAX Series
The BIOMAX series takes light therapy to a new unprecedented level with the highest light energy output in their power class, and a patent-pending array of six red/NIR wavelengths delivered simultaneously for maximum effect and traces of blue light.
Check out the different options to see which one is right for you.
