What is Red Light Therapy?
Learn about red light therapy, the science, how it works in the cell, and more.
Hey there! Curious about what red light therapy is all about? Just as humans need nutrients from foods for proper cell function, we now know specific wavelengths of light affect our moods, enhance physical performance, power up our cells, affect our hormones, improve sleep, increase recovery, and positively affect our gene expressions. The human body actually needs light to function and be its healthiest self.
With that in mind, get ready to dive into the world of red light therapy devices, a non-invasive treatment using and safe light technology that's gaining popularity faster than a cat chasing a laser pointer!
Red light therapy, also known as LLLT therapy (low-laser light therapy), operates by utilizing specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to interact with cells in the body.
This light therapy has found its way into both the medical and aesthetic fields, making it popular in the world of skin rejuvenation treatments and much more. Numerous studies have been conducted to explore the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy treatments.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Red light therapy is a treatment method that exposes the body to red or near-infrared light, which can improve skin feeling, skin complexion, and stimulate collagen production. This type of light is not visible to the naked eye but can penetrate deep into the skin, improving complexion. Red and near-infrared light has numerous physiological and biochemical mechanisms that occur at a cellular level. To keep things simple, let’s discuss the two central mechanisms and how they benefit cellular health.
Mitochondria stimulation and energy production
These wavelengths are able to penetrate the cells and activate the mitochondria, generating an increase in cellular energy production. This is exciting because healthy mitochondria are vital to our health, disease prevention, energy, and anti-aging. When red and near-infrared light shines on the body, it stimulates the mitochondria and produces ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate). ATP is the fuel the body uses to perform every function, from breathing to thinking and even pumping your heart. Think of the mitochondria in the cells as tiny little batteries that power up all body functions and physical activity. Without red and near-infrared light, the function of our mitochondria deteriorates due to the lack of cytochrome c oxidase’s ability to bind to oxygen to produce cellular energy (ATP) efficiently.
Hormesis
Hormesis is the process by which a transient metabolic stressor stimulates adaptations that actually improve health. An example would be exercise; it creates metabolic stress and temporarily increases reactive oxygen or free radicals. In response, your body adapts to it by improving cardiovascular health, blood flow and strengthening and growing mitochondria. Red and near-infrared light activates the same cell defense as exercise by activating a low-level inflammatory response to switch on the Antioxidant Response Element (A.R.E). A.R.E. is the body's internal cellular antioxidant defense system that puts the fire out on inflammation and free radicals. Turns out the body needs red and near-infrared light to create these low-level stressors to improve overall cellular health.
Stimulates cellular function and promotes healing
One of the key benefits of red light therapy is its ability to stimulate collagen production, improving skin complexion and feeling. LLLT therapy is an effective method for achieving these results. When cells are exposed to red or near-infrared light, it enhances their energy production and metabolism, improving the skin complexion and collagen synthesis.
Additionally, this light therapy can leave the skin feeling rejuvenated and youthful. ELT (Energy Light Therapy) is a popular treatment that utilizes red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular activity and promote skin health. This can lead to improved collagen production, reduced inflammation, and accelerated healing processes. The study shows that collagen helps in repairing tissues, resulting in a better skin feeling and complexion.
Utilizes specific wavelengths to target different tissues
Red light therapy utilizes specific wavelengths of light that are known to have therapeutic effects on different tissues in the body, including the skin feeling and collagen production. This therapy is often used by professionals for its numerous benefits. Specifically, most research shows the narrow ranges of 630-680nm and 800-880nm to be the most beneficial.
For example, red light with a wavelength of around 660 nanometers is often used to treat superficial skin conditions and promote collagen production.
On the other hand, near-infrared light with a wavelength of around 850 nanometers can penetrate deeper into tissues like muscles and joints, providing therapeutic benefits.
Red Light vs. Infrared Light Therapy: What Is the Difference?
There are a few differences between red and infrared light therapy. The first is that while we can see red light, the human eye cannot detect infrared, since it has less energy than light in the visible spectrum. Second, infrared has a longer wavelength than red light, allowing it to reach deeper into our skin, muscles, and nerves.
Read More
11 Health Benefits of Infrared Light Therapy
by Dr. Tanya DePorto MD, PhD, MPH, Dip. ABPM
SEPTEMBER 29, 2022