Red Light Therapy: Effectiveness, Treatment, and Risks

Red light therapy (RLT) is a popular and controversial treatment that claims to improve various skin conditions, such as wrinkles, acne, scars, and inflammation, as well as other health issues, such as hair loss, pain, and dementia. But what is red light therapy, how does it work, and what are the benefits and risks of using it? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more, based on the current scientific evidence and expert opinions.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, low-level laser therapy, or cold laser therapy, is a treatment that exposes the skin or other parts of the body to low levels of red or near-infrared light. These wavelengths of light are believed to stimulate the mitochondria, the “powerhouse” of the cells, and increase the production of energy, collagen, and blood flow. This, in turn, may enhance the healing and regeneration of the tissues, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and modulate the immune system.

Red light therapy is different from other types of light therapy, such as blue light therapy or ultraviolet light therapy, which are used to treat skin infections, mood disorders, or vitamin D deficiency. Red light therapy does not produce heat, damage the skin, or cause sunburn. It is also not the same as the red light used in photodynamic therapy, which activates a drug to destroy cancer cells or other lesions.

Red light therapy can be done in a doctor’s office, a salon, a dental clinic, or at home, using various devices, such as lamps, panels, masks, or handheld units. The treatment duration, frequency, and intensity may vary depending on the condition, the device, and the individual. Typically, a session lasts from a few minutes to an hour, and may be repeated several times a week or month.

What does red light therapy treat?

Red light therapy has been investigated for a wide range of health conditions, but the evidence for its effectiveness is still limited and inconsistent. Some of the most common and promising applications of red light therapy are:

• Skin health and aging: Red light therapy may improve the appearance and texture of the skin by stimulating the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which are essential for skin elasticity, hydration, and wound healing. Several studies have shown that red light therapy can reduce wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, pigmentation, and inflammation, and improve skin tone, smoothness, and brightness. Red light therapy may also help with acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin disorders, by reducing inflammation, bacteria, and sebum production, and enhancing the skin barrier function.
• Hair growth: Red light therapy may stimulate hair follicles and increase blood circulation, which may promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. A meta-analysis of 11 studies found that red light therapy was effective and safe for treating androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss, in both men and women. Red light therapy may also help with other types of alopecia, such as alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, or chemotherapy-induced alopecia, but more research is needed to confirm this.
• Pain and inflammation: Red light therapy may reduce pain and inflammation by modulating the inflammatory response, increasing blood flow, and activating the endorphin system, which is involved in pain perception and relief. Several studies have shown that red light therapy can help with various types of pain, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, back pain, neck pain, tendinitis, and post-surgical pain . Red light therapy may also speed up the healing of wounds, burns, ulcers, and fractures, by stimulating the formation of new blood vessels, collagen, and skin cells.
• Brain health and cognition: Red light therapy may improve brain function and cognition by increasing blood flow, oxygen, and glucose delivery to the brain, and by stimulating the growth of new neurons and synapses, which are essential for learning and memory. Some studies have suggested that red light therapy can enhance cognitive performance, mood, attention, and memory, and may also help with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and depression .

What are the risks and side effects of red light therapy?

Red light therapy is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, as it does not cause heat, pain, or damage to the skin or other tissues. However, some possible risks and side effects of red light therapy are:

• Eye strain or damage: Red light therapy may cause eye strain, irritation, or discomfort, especially if the light is too bright or too close to the eyes. In some cases, red light therapy may also damage the retina, the light-sensitive layer of the eye, and cause vision problems or blindness. Therefore, it is important to wear proper eye protection, such as goggles or sunglasses, when using red light therapy, and to avoid looking directly at the light source.
• Skin irritation or infection: Red light therapy may cause skin irritation, redness, itching, or rash, especially if the skin is sensitive, dry, or damaged. In rare cases, red light therapy may also cause skin infection, such as herpes simplex, if the device is not clean or sterilized. Therefore, it is advisable to test the skin for any adverse reaction before using red light therapy, and to keep the skin and the device clean and hygienic.
• Photosensitivity or allergic reaction: Red light therapy may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight or other sources of light, which may lead to sunburn, blistering, or pigmentation. Red light therapy may also trigger an allergic reaction in some people, especially if they are taking certain medications, such as antibiotics, antihistamines, or antidepressants, that can cause photosensitivity. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid sun exposure or use sunscreen after red light therapy, and to consult a doctor before using red light therapy if you have any medical condition or are taking any medication that may affect your skin.
• Interference with other treatments or conditions: Red light therapy may interfere with other treatments or conditions, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or thyroid disorders, and may worsen the symptoms or reduce the effectiveness of the treatments. Red light therapy may also be contraindicated for people with certain conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, or pregnancy, as it may stimulate the growth of tumors, affect blood sugar levels, induce seizures, or harm the fetus. Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice before using red light therapy if you have any of these conditions or are undergoing any of these treatments.

FAQs

• How often should I use red light therapy?

The frequency and duration of red light therapy may vary depending on the device, the condition, and the individual. Generally, red light therapy is used for 10 to 30 minutes, 3 to 5 times a week, for 4 to 8 weeks, followed by a maintenance period of once or twice a week. However, some studies have used different protocols, and some people may need more or less sessions to see results. It is advisable to follow the instructions of the device manufacturer or the healthcare provider, and to monitor the progress and adjust the treatment accordingly.

• How long does it take to see results from red light therapy?

The results from red light therapy may vary depending on the device, the condition, and the individual. Some people may see immediate or short-term results, such as reduced pain, inflammation, or redness, while others may need longer or repeated sessions to see lasting or cumulative results, such as improved skin texture, hair growth, or cognition. Generally, it may take from a few weeks to a few months to see noticeable results from red light therapy. However, some studies have reported faster or slower outcomes, and some people may not respond to red light therapy at all. It is recommended to track the changes and evaluate the benefits and risks of red light therapy.

• Is red light therapy safe for everyone?

Red light therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated for most people, but it may not be suitable or effective for everyone. Some people may have contraindications, such as cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, or pregnancy, that may prevent them from using red light therapy, or may require medical supervision. Some people may also have adverse reactions, such as eye strain, skin irritation, photosensitivity, or allergic reaction, that may limit or stop their use of red light therapy. Some people may also have unrealistic expectations, such as reversing aging, curing diseases, or achieving perfect skin, that may lead to disappointment or dissatisfaction. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before using red light therapy, and to use it with caution and moderation.

Conclusion

Red light therapy is a treatment that uses low levels of red or near-infrared light to improve various skin conditions, such as wrinkles, acne, scars, and inflammation, as well as other health issues, such as hair loss, pain, and dementia. Red light therapy is thought to work by stimulating the mitochondria, the “powerhouse” of the cells, and increasing the production of energy, collagen, and blood flow. Red light therapy is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, but it may have some risks and side effects, such as eye strain, skin irritation, photosensitivity, or allergic reaction.