Red Light Therapy: Benefits and Uses Explained
What is Red Light Therapy?
Light-based therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate deep into the skin and underlying tissues, promoting healing and rejuvenation at the cellular level. The red and infrared wavelengths —ranging from 625nm to 1000nm—penetrate the deepest, reaching into the dermis and even the subcutis/hypodermis layer, where they stimulate the mitochondria within cells. This boosts ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, the primary energy source for cellular functions, which accelerates healing, reduces inflammation, and promotes skin regeneration.
The image below illustrates how various wavelengths of light affect different skin layers:
- Ultraviolet (UV) and violet light only penetrate the outermost layers of the skin, targeting dead cells in the epidermis. These shorter wavelengths are not used in red light therapy due to their harmful effects, such as DNA damage and increased cancer risk.
- Blue, green, and yellow light penetrate slightly deeper, reaching the epidermal and upper dermal layers, where they are effective for treating conditions like acne and superficial skin issues.
- Orange, red, and infrared wavelengths penetrate beyond the epidermis into the deeper dermis and hypodermis layers. This promotes tissue repair, boosts blood circulation, and stimulates collagen production. These wavelengths are essential for targeting both skin and deeper tissues, enhancing muscle recovery, wound healing, and overall skin health.
By using longer wavelengths, such as red and infrared light, this method provides a safe, non-invasive approach for healing and rejuvenating the skin and deeper tissues. Unlike UV light, these wavelengths do not carry harmful risks, making them a safer option for promoting recovery and skin health.
The Health Benefits
Red and InfraRed light Treatments have been scientifically proven to offer a wide range of health benefits, addressing various aspects of wellness.
Our high-quality beds meet all British Quality and Safety Standards, and optimise benefits by delivering targeted, multi-wavelength therapy, unlike many cheap or budget alternatives.
Here is an brief list of the key benefits backed by research:
Pain Relief and Reduced Inflammation
This treatment promotes recovery by increasing blood circulation and reducing inflammation in muscles and joints. Ideal for relieving chronic pain, arthritis, and injury-related discomfort.
Targeted Studies
- Pain Relief & Reduced Inflammation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38309304/
Highlights general analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of this treatment, applicable to various pain types. - Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28748217/
Examines the general anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation, focusing on mitochondrial modulation. - Mitochondrial Redox Signaling in Inflammation Reduction: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29164625/
Provides a cellular-level exploration of pain and inflammation reduction, with findings applicable to diverse conditions. - Phototherapy on Inflammatory Markers: https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03416998
Demonstrates general inflammation reduction, relevant across muscle recovery, injury, and other inflammatory conditions. - Pain and Spasm Reduction: https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03436459
Offers broad relief from muscle spasms and pain via local receptor activation, applicable to various pain types.
Skin Rejuvenation
By boosting collagen production, this method helps reduce wrinkles, scars, and improve skin elasticity. It targets fine lines and skin texture, promoting a more youthful appearance.
Targeted Studies
- Restoring Skin: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24049929/
Stimulates collagen for wrinkle reduction and improved skin texture. - Enhanced Skin Rejuvenation LED Therapy: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lsm.21034
LED phototherapy aids skin recovery and rejuvenation post-laser resurfacing. - Actinic Keratosis Treatment on Hands: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39002836/
Red light photodynamic therapy enhances skin appearance by treating actinic keratosis. - Wrinkle Treatment: https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000000981
660 nm red LED therapy effectively improves wrinkles, equal to or better than white LEDs.
Condition-Specific Applications
- Paronychia: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33961534/
Reduces inflammation and improves skin condition in nail bed infections.
Enhanced Muscle Recovery
After workouts or injuries, this therapy speeds up healing by stimulating cellular repair and reducing inflammation, ideal for athletes and recovery from strain or surgery.
Targeted Studies
- Musculoskeletal: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26858986/
Reduces inflammation and supports recovery in musculoskeletal injuries. - Muscle Recovery in Myofascial Pain Syndrome: https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03436459
Increases blood flow and cell metabolism, aiding muscle recovery. - Soccer Muscle Recovery: https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03416998
Pre-exercise treatment reduces muscle damage and fatigue markers in soccer players.
Condition-Specific Applications
- Shoulder Tendons: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35648258/
Enhances recovery and function in shoulder tendinopathy. - Hip Joints: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29909435/
Improved Circulation
Increased nitric oxide production improves blood flow and oxygenation, crucial for cardiovascular health and accelerating the body's natural healing.
Targeted Studies
- Systemic PBM for Circulatory Health: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37318623/
Reviews systemic PBM, showing improved blood circulation, arterial pressure modulation, and positive effects on hematological markers with ILIB and VPBM. - Intravascular PBM and Circulation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37374210/
iPBM therapy significantly increases HGB and HCT levels, suggesting enhanced blood oxygenation and circulatory efficiency.
Specific Circulatory Interventions
- Cerebral Blood Flow in Migraines: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37876003/
Intravascular laser therapy improves regional cerebral blood flow and vascular outcomes, offering potential for circulatory and migraine management. - Near-Infrared PBM and Stroke Recovery: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38572660/
Near-infrared PBM improves cerebral blood flow and vascular function through enhanced eNOS phosphorylation, offering potential for stroke adjunct therapy. - Platelet Protection During Circulation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30446721/
LLLT reduces platelet destruction and stabilises function during extracorporeal circulation, offering circulatory support in medical interventions.
Wound Healing and Scar Reduction
By promoting cell regeneration and stimulating collagen, it accelerates wound healing and reduces scar appearance, aiding post-surgical recovery.
Targeted Studies
- Burn & Wound Repair: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21033120/
Accelerates recovery and alleviates pain in burn and acute wounds. - Wound Healing & Scar Reduction: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38309304/
Potential enhancement of wound healing through activation of cellular proliferation and migration pathways.
Condition-Specific Applications
- Post-episiotomy Healing: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21982202/
Promotes healing and reduces pain following episiotomy. - Effective Skin Restoration for Actinic Keratosis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39002836/
Photodynamic therapy with red light aids in the healing and reduction of actinic keratosis lesions on the hands. - Post-Surgical and Non-Surgical Wound Healing in Dentistry: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36225465/
Low-level laser therapy promotes wound healing in dental applications, aiding recovery after surgical and non-surgical procedures.
Boosted Immunity
Regular use is linked to enhancing the immune response, making the body more resilient to infections by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Targeted Studies
- Enhanced Immune Response through PBM: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28748217/
PBM therapy up-regulates antioxidant defences, reduces oxidative stress, and shifts macrophages to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, supporting immune resilience in various inflammatory conditions.
Condition-Specific Applications
- LLLT in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04754607
LLLT reduces thyroid antibodies and oxidative stress, improving immune function in Hashimoto's patients. - Effects in Chronic Autoimmune Thyroiditis: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02240563
Improves thyroid function and reduces thyroid antibodies, aiding immune regulation in autoimmune thyroiditis. - Modulation M2 Macrophages: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39294621/
Modulation of M2 macrophages, promoting immune response in spinal cord injury recovery.
Specialised Treatment Studies
- Modulate Immune Responses and Inflammation: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03691766
Improves muscle endurance and reduces inflammation in multiple sclerosis patients.
Improved Joint Health
It reduces stiffness and improves flexibility in joints, helpful for those with joint pain or arthritis.
Targeted Studies
- Joint Inflammation: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/6150353
Explores cellular and tissue-level effects of laser irradiation in chronic inflammation, shedding light on its therapeutic benefits. - Musculoskeletal Conditions: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9254421
Reviews effectiveness of LLLT in treating musculoskeletal conditions, highlighting promising results with proper dosage. - Nonpharmacologic MSK Pain Treatments: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33064421/
Highlights LLLT's short-term benefits for chronic neck and back pain alongside multimodal approaches.
Condition-Specific Applications
- Shoulder Joints/Rotator Cuffs: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35648258/
Improves shoulder joint health and function in rotator cuff tendinopathy. - Jaw and Jaw Movement: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24197518/
Cellular Regeneration
Promotes the repair of damaged tissues and stimulates the growth of new cells, maintaining healthy skin, muscles, and connective tissues.
Targeted Studies
- Mitochondrial Redox Mechanisms in Tissue Regeneration: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29164625
PBM promotes cellular recovery and regeneration, influencing stem cell function through mitochondrial redox signaling, supporting tissue repair. - Laser Therapy and Tissue Regeneration: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/1133995
Explores the cellular changes and mechanisms by which laser therapy promotes tissue repair and regeneration, focusing on wound healing. - Cellular and Tissue-Level Repair Mechanisms: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22045511
LLLT enhances cellular function and regeneration at both the cellular and tissue levels, aiding in various conditions.
Condition-Specific Applications
- Neuronal Cell Protection: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32552352
Red-light therapy decreases neuronal cell death and modulates glial cell activation, supporting regeneration in spinal cord injuries. - Neuronal and Glial Health in Spinal Cord Injury: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27561854
Promotes recovery by reducing cell death and increasing anti-inflammatory macrophages in spinal cord injuries.
Other Health Benefits undergoing Further Study:
Recovery from Sun Damage
Promotes skin repair by stimulating collagen production and reducing inflammation, accelerating recovery from sunburn and UV-related damage.
Hair Growth Support
By enhancing blood flow to hair follicles and stimulating cellular activity, this therapy helps combat hair thinning and encourages healthy growth.
Stretch Mark Reduction
Through increased collagen and elastin synthesis, this treatment can visibly improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time.
Better Sleep and Mood
It helps balance melatonin levels, supporting restful sleep and alleviating anxiety for improved emotional well-being, and regulating your circadian rhythm.
Reduced Fine Lines & Hyperpigmentation
With its ability to boost collagen and regulate melanin, regular treatment diminishes fine lines and evens out skin tone for a rejuvenated complexion.
Why use an Optimal Health Bed?
Compact
The red light bed is shown in its closed state. This image highlights its sleek design and compact nature when not in use, fitting seamlessly into any setting.
Quality
A close-up of the red light bed showcasing the build quality, sleek branding and user-friendly interface where users can easily adjust session time and other settings for a customized experience.
Wide Range
The red light bed is fully lit, demonstrating its operation. It showcases the powerful multi-wavelength LED lights, creating a therapeutic environment designed to promote skin rejuvenation, pain relief, and overall health benefits.
Intuitive
A close-up of someone adjusting the control panel, showing how easy it is to start and customise a session. The intuitive controls make it simple to set desired session times and adjust power.
Ergonomic
A person demonstrates how to open the red light bed, showing the internal lighting of the bed’s adjustable panels. This image focuses on the ergonomic design and ease of use.
User friendly
A woman is shown entering the red light bed, positioning herself for the session. This image highlights the ease of use and accessibility of the bed, encouraging a seamless experience.
Recovery
A man prepares to enter the red light bed, emphasizing that the bed is suitable for all genders. His physique showcases how the therapy aids in muscle recovery and wellness.
Comfort
A woman demonstrates the proper way to lie on the red light bed during a therapy session. Her relaxed posture shows how comfortable the bed is and how to maximize the bed’s therapeutic benefits.
Safe
A woman lying in the red light bed, demonstrating the use of protective eyewear. This highlights the safety measures necessary during therapy to protect the eyes from direct exposure to the light.
How Red Light Therapy works for Skin Health
One of the most popular uses for red light therapy is skin health. The 625~1,000nm wavelengths of red and InfraRed light penetrate deep into the skin, promoting collagen production and improving blood flow, which can reduce acne, wrinkles, and scars.
These specific wavelengths red light excite the mitochondria in deep skin cells, especially those at the boundary of the dermis and hypodermis. This boosts their energy production and increasing the rate of cell regeneration. This accelerated renewal process means that new, healthy cells reach the skin’s surface faster, resulting in a fresher, more youthful appearance.
Over time, this helps to ensure that the skin cells on the surface are younger and healthier than they would have been without the therapy.
Real Results, Real People
Many people have seen dramatic improvements from using our world-class products. Here are some real-world reviews from some of our customers...
FURTHER QUESTIONS
Does it work?
Yes, it has been backed by numerous scientific studies and is proven to work for a variety of health and wellness purposes.
Whether you're using it for skin health, injury recovery, or overall wellness, it offers a safe, non-invasive solution with real, noticeable benefits.
Is it safe?
Yes, Red Light and InfraRed Light Treatment is considered safe for the majority of people. It’s non-invasive, painless, and uses low-level light that doesn’t generate heat or damage the skin. Unlike UV light, this won’t cause burns or increase the risk of skin cancer.
However, caution should be taken if you have certain underlying medical conditions or sensitivities. For example:
- Photosensitivity: If you’re taking medications or have conditions that make your skin sensitive to light, you may experience adverse reactions.
- Pregnancy: While there's limited research, it’s generally recommended to consult a doctor before undergoing any therapy during pregnancy.
- Cancer patients: Those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy should consult with their healthcare provider, as it could potentially stimulate cell growth.
- Severe skin conditions: People with conditions like lupus or porphyria may experience increased sensitivity to light.
If you have underlying health concerns or are on medication. then it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any therapy.
What does near-infrared light do?
Near-infrared light penetrates deeper into the tissues than red light, promoting muscle recovery, reducing inflammation, and enhancing cellular energy production. It is particularly beneficial for joint pain and deeper tissue repair.
How long has this treatment been around?
Red light therapy has been around since the 1960s when it was first discovered by Hungarian physician Endre Mester while studying low-level laser therapy (LLLT).
In the 1990s, NASA began using it to promote healing and tissue repair in astronauts during space missions. Since then, it has been adopted by other prestigious organisations, including the U.S. military and professional sports teams, for its ability to enhance muscle recovery, reduce pain, and accelerate wound healing.
This highly-regarded therapy has now become widely popular for its therapeutic benefits in both professional and home settings.
How often should I use a LED light bed as a treatement?
- For skin health and rejuvenation:
You can use a light bed for therapy 3 to 5 times per week. Once desired results are achieved, then you can reduce the frequency to 1 to 2 times per week for maintenance. - For muscle recovery or pain relief:
It’s usually recommended to start with daily sessions for the first few weeks, followed by 3 to 4 times per week afterward as needed, depending on the severity of the condition. - For chronic conditions:
Once daily or more frequent treatments may be needed initially, and it’s best to follow a tailored regimen that should be provided by a doctor or healthcare professional.
How long is recommended session?
The recommended length of a therapy session can vary depending on the device and the specific treatment area, but typically:
- For general wellness and skin health, sessions usually last around 12 minutes per session.
- For muscle recovery and deeper tissue therapy, we would recommend sessions of 20 minutes.
How long does treatement last?
The effects of light treatment can last from several days to a week, depending on the frequency and intensity of the sessions.
Regular treatments are recommended for ongoing benefits.
Does this therapy help with muscle recovery after exercise or training?
Yes, this recovery process can significantly aid muscle recovery after exercise or training. The therapy works by penetrating deep into the muscle tissue, stimulating cellular repair and increasing blood flow. This helps to reduce inflammation, decrease muscle soreness, and speed up recovery times. The InfraRed Light Wavelengths used in this therapy also enhance mitochondrial function, boosting the production of ATP (the energy currency of cells), which accelerates muscle repair and regeneration after intense physical activity.
Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts use this recuperation therapy as part of their recovery regimen to improve performance and reduce downtime between workouts.
Can it be used for weight loss?
No, not as a standalone solution.
However, light treatments can support weight loss efforts when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. It works by stimulating cellular processes, which may help break down fat cells and enhance metabolism. Additionally, it is known that RLT improves circulation and reduces inflammation, which can complement overall wellness during a weight loss journey. While it’s not a primary weight loss treatment, it can be a helpful part of a broader health plan.
Can light therapy be used for acne?
Yes, light therapy, including red and blue light, can be effective for treating acne. Blue light helps by killing the bacteria responsible for acne, while red light reduces inflammation and promotes healing of the skin. When used together, they can target both the underlying causes of acne and the skin damage it causes. Red light therapy helps reduce acne scars and improves overall skin health by stimulating collagen production and reducing inflammation.
For best results, light therapy should be used as part of a comprehensive skincare routine. It may not completely replace other treatments like topical medications but can significantly support the healing process.
Can a red light bed be used for hair loss?
Yes, it has been shown to help with hair loss in certain cases. It works by stimulating hair follicles and increasing blood flow to the scalp, which may encourage hair growth. This therapy is often used for androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness) and alopecia areata, and some studies suggest it can help slow hair thinning and promote regrowth in these conditions.
However, this method works best as part of a broader hair loss treatment plan and results can vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause of hair loss.
Can light beds be used for back pain?
Yes, it can be used to help relieve back pain. The therapy works by penetrating deep into the muscles and tissues, promoting increased blood flow and reducing inflammation, which are key factors in relieving pain. This therapy stimulates cellular repair and enhances mitochondrial activity, which accelerates the healing process in muscles and joints.
Many people with chronic back pain, muscle strain, or joint issues have reported improvements with regular treatment sessions. While it can be effective in managing pain, it’s often best used as part of a broader treatment plan that may include physical therapy, exercise, or other medical treatments.
Can I use it at home?
Yes, you can absolutely use this therapy at home. Our beds are designed for home use, requiring only a standard power outlet to operate, making it easy and convenient to incorporate into your wellness routine. Whether you’re looking to rejuvenate your skin or promote muscle recovery, our beds offer professional-grade benefits right in the comfort of your home.
If you prefer a professional setting, we also collaborate with wellness centres. Feel free to get in touch, and we’d be happy to help you find the nearest centre that uses our red light beds.
Are there any dangers associated with it?
This treatement is considered safe and non-invasive, with very few risks when used properly.
Like any treatment, there are always potential dangers to be aware of:
- Eye Damage:
Prolonged exposure to intense red or infrared light without proper eye protection can potentially cause eye strain or damage. Always wear the protective eyewear supplied when undergoing therapy. - Photosensitivity:
Individuals with usual and rare skin conditions or those taking medications that cause photosensitivity (e.g. antibiotics or chemotherapy) may experience adverse reactions. - Overuse or Incorrect Use:
Excessive exposure or incorrect use of the therapy can lead to redness, or irritation, especially if the device power is set to high or used for longer than recommended. Following our expert's guidance and the device’s guidelines and timing is crucial to avoid overexposure. - Underlying Health Conditions:
People with conditions like lupus or porphyria, which cause acute sensitivity to light, should avoid any orm of light therapy as it could exacerbate symptoms. Similarly, individuals with active skin cancer should consult with a healthcare provider before using light therapy. - Use with Other Treatments:
Combining red or infrared LED therapy with certain medications, creams, or topical treatments may increase the risk of side effects. It’s important to consult with a doctor if you’re undergoing other skin or medical treatments.
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