If you’ve scrolled through your social media feed lately, you might have seen people standing in front of large, glowing panels that illuminate their entire bodies with a distinct, otherworldly red hue, reminiscent of visuals from a futuristic narrative. This striking imagery isn’t just for show; it represents the growing trend of full body red light therapy, a technique that is moving from the fringes of high-tech treatment into mainstream wellness practices. As this intriguing method pops up everywhere, from your gym to luxury spa retreats, getting the scoop on how it works, what it targets, and how it promises to shake up your wellness routine in all the right ways can equip you with the insights to decide if it is the right fit for you.
What Is Full Body Red Light Therapy?
Also known as low power laser therapy, photonic stimulation, and biostimulation, full-body red light therapy is a treatment that exposes the entire body simultaneously to specific wavelengths which reach the skin and tissue at different depths. Red wavelengths from 600 to 650 nanometers are in the lower range and penetrate the skin to a depth of 1.0 to 2.0 millimeters or the superficial dermis. Near-infrared wavelengths from 650 to 950 nanometers are longer and travel about 2.0 to 3.0 millimeters into the tissue. This allows them to affect structures in the deeper dermis and upper hypodermis, including blood vessels, lymphatic pathways, fibroblasts, collagen fibers, nerve endings, and fat cells.
What Happens during a Therapy Session?
For this therapy, preparation involves making sure the skin is clean and dry, without any lotions, oils, or makeup that might block or reflect the light. When the session starts, the user stands or sits in front of a large panel device positioned close enough to allow the light to uniformly reach the entire body without scattering. The light source remains steady throughout the session and the user stays in a fixed position at a set distance from the panel to ensure even exposure across the entire body. Additionally, clothing is generally kept lightweight and minimal—such as fitted sportswear or swimwear—to allow the light to reach as much of the skin as possible without significant obstruction. As for protective measures, the only one required is the use of eyewear if the device emits bright light near the eyes, especially when near-infrared wavelengths are combined with visible red light.
When the session ends, typically between a few minutes and half an hour after it starts, the device is turned off which concludes the treatment.
Post-Therapy Skin Considerations
After a red light therapy session, wearing loose, breathable clothing allows the skin to cool naturally and prevents residual heat from being trapped against the body. Exposure to saunas, steam rooms, and hot showers should also be postponed. As skin temperature is raised as a result of red light, these environments can prolong surface warmth and delay the skin’s return to its normal state. Similarly, exposure to polluted air or environments with smoke or chemical fumes should be avoided, as the skin may be more vulnerable to environmental stressors in the hours following treatment.
Additionally, applying heavy skincare products or occlusive creams immediately afterward should be deferred since the skin may be more reactive to strong ingredients. This consideration also applies to regions near the scalp. In these areas, you’ll want to delay using dry shampoos or styling products that contain alcohols or synthetic polymers such as silicones found in hair serums or sprays. Applying these products too soon after exposure may lead to itchiness or dryness.
When the therapy targets the face or other sensitive areas, exfoliants, scrubs, and chemical treatments should be delayed for several hours as they may aggravate the skin while it is still in a responsive state. Moreover, you need to refrain from applying makeup immediately after facial treatments because the skin barrier may be more permeable and prone to reacting to pigments, preservatives, and fragrances. Additionally, if using multiple modalities such as microdermabrasion or microneedling, these should not be scheduled immediately after a red light session unless directed by a practitioner, as overlapping treatments can overwhelm the skin’s capacity to recover.
Lastly, with full-body sessions, you may want to avoid applying self-tanners or skin bronzers for at least a day. These products depend on stable skin conditions to develop evenly and may react unpredictably on recently treated tissue.
Full-Body LED Panel Devices for Red Light Therapy
Full-body red light therapy employs large LED panels designed to deliver therapeutic wavelengths uniformly across the entire body surface. These stationary devices contain multiple light-emitting diodes arranged across the surface so the light comes from many points and spreads more uniformly across the treatment area.
Panels can differ in size and configuration which affects their coverage. Some are tall, narrow, and often mounted vertically which makes them suitable for front or back exposure while standing. These models typically treat one side of the body at a time, and the user must turn around during the session to achieve full coverage. Others are wider and modular, with multiple panels that can be connected to increase coverage or built into a wraparound structure designed to enclose the body for more uniform exposure. Since these panels are intended to treat larger areas and their output covers a wider surface, they require more time to deliver the necessary cumulative energy dose. As the sessions are longer, these panels are low in intensity to avoid adverse effects.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy offers a number of benefits such as skin rejuvenation, improved treatment of various skin conditions, faster healing of burn scars and wounds, and enhanced hair growth.
Skin Rejuvenation
Skin rejuvenation is a promising application of red light therapy which has been extensively studied for its effectiveness. In one notable study, 76 patients were assigned to four groups: one receiving a placebo light and the others treated with devices emitting wavelengths of either 633nm, 830nm, or both combined. The patients underwent treatments twice a week over a period of four weeks. Following the treatments and a three-month follow-up period, significant improvements were observed in the groups exposed to the actual LED light. Wrinkles were reduced by up to 36% and skin elasticity improved by up to 19% from baseline. Additionally, analyses of skin samples showed notable increases in collagen and elastic fibers which are key components youthful skin.
The effectiveness of red light therapy is further illustrated by another study that investigated the use of a red light mask in rejuvenating aging facial skin. This study focused on 20 healthy Caucasian women who used the mask for 12 minutes twice a week over three months.
The researchers measured various aspects of skin health, including smoothness and complexion, firmness, and wrinkle depth. By the end of the study, there was a noticeable smoothing of fine lines, with a 38.3% reduction in the depth of crow’s feet wrinkles. The skin’s overall contour also became more defined as sagging of the facial oval decreased by 24.8%. Additionally, the skin’s firmness increased by 23.6% and elasticity showed an improvement of 18.7%. The skin’s surface also became smoother as roughness decreased by 23.8% and tone became more uniform, with the complexion’s homogeneity improving by 34.9%.
Improving Skin Health
In addition to improving skin quality, red light therapy has been shown to lead to positive results in the treatment of various skin conditions. One study focusing on acne, for example, tested how two types of light therapy—red and infrared—affect mild to moderate acne. The study involved 28 adults who received red light treatment on one side of the face and infrared therapy on the other. By the end of the treatment, the side exposed to red light showed a strong improvement. The number of acne spots dropped by about 77%. On the other side of the face treated with infrared light, the number of spots decreased by around 17%.
Red light therapy has also demonstrated promise in managing inflammatory conditions like psoriasis. One such study explored the use of LED therapy for this chronic skin disorder, characterized by patches of red, itchy, and scaly skin. The study focused on the effectiveness of two specific types of LED lights: one at 830 nm, which is near infrared, and the other at 633 nm, which is visible red light. The study involved nine patients with chronic psoriasis which had not responded well to other treatments. These patients, three men and six women with an average age of 34.3 years, underwent treatment sessions with these LED lights. Each session lasted 20 minutes, with treatments administered twice a week over a period of 4 to 5 weeks. By the end of the study, all patients completed their LED treatment courses, with some requiring a second round of therapy. The results were quite positive, with psoriasis clearance rates ranging from 60% to 100% by the end of the follow-up period which lasted between three and eight months. The study concluded that LED therapy using these specific wavelengths is not only effective but easy to use, painless, free of side effects, and suitable for all skin types.
Restoring Joint Function
Beyond its dermatological applications, red light therapy has shown effectiveness in treating joint disorders such as arthritis and osteoarthritis. Several studies have explored the use of low-power therapy in this area. In particular, one of these studies examined whether low-power light could help relieve pain and improve mobility in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. The researchers grouped fifty participants into three treatment categories: 8 received infrared light, 15 were treated with red light, and 17 underwent placebo therapy. All groups completed sessions lasting 15 minutes each, twice a day for a duration of ten days.
After completing the therapy, significant reductions in pain were observed in both the infrared and red light groups, with decreases of more than 50%. The ability to perform daily activities also improved significantly in these patients compared to the placebo group. Additionally, the patients treated with red and infrared light experienced a longer duration before needing further treatment compared to those in the control group. This indicates that the benefits of the therapy were not only immediate but also lasting which reduces the need for frequent treatments.
Muscle Recovery
Red light therapy has been found to enhance muscle strength and growth as well as delay fatigue. These findings have been demonstrated in several studies, one of which focused on whether adding laser therapy to eccentric training could further improve muscle strength and size. The study involved 30 healthy men divided into three groups: one that did no training, a second that performed only eccentric training, and a third that received both eccentric training and laser therapy. After eight weeks, the participants that combined laser therapy with training showed greater improvements compared to those who did only the training. Specifically, their muscles increased in size by 15.4% compared to 9.4% in the training-only group. They also improved their muscle strength by 20.5% compared to 13.7% when keeping the muscle still under tension and by 32.2% vs 20.0% when resisting a stretching force.
Other studies have explored whether red light therapy could help delay muscle fatigue and improve physical performance. One of these studies investigated this effect by involving ten healthy men who received either red or infrared laser therapy or a placebo treatment.
After the therapy session, the participants were asked to hold a steady arm position for one minute to measure how consistently they could sustain muscular effort over time. The results showed that those who received red light therapy were able to maintain the position more effectively, with performance levels 13.09% higher over the full minute. Similarly, those treated with infrared laser therapy demonstrated greater stability throughout the task, with a 13.24% improvement in performance.
Since participants sustained effort more consistently throughout the exercise period, their muscles were less prone to fatigue which suggests the therapy helped delay its onset.
Scar and Wound Recovery
Red light therapy has been studied as a potential treatment to improve the healing of burn scars and wounds. One of these studies explored whether applying it systemically could help burn wounds heal faster and reduce pain in patients. It involved 138 patients with burn injuries, divided evenly into two groups: one received standard treatment while the other received daily therapy sessions lasting 30 minutes until their wounds fully healed. The results showed that the group treated with red light healed faster, averaging about 19.9 days, compared to approximately 21 days for the standard treatment group. Additionally, patients receiving light-based therapy experienced less pain during dressing changes on days 10 and 14 after the injury.
Further evidence of these benefits comes from research examining the healing of second-degree burns. In particular, researchers investigated whether using wavelengths of 630-650 nm could improve healing and speed up recovery of second-degree burns on the lower legs. The study involved 62 patients divided into two groups, both of which were given standard treatment with a protective cream for burns. One group, however, also received 20-minute sessions of red light therapy before the cream was applied.
After 21 days, this group showed better outcomes, including faster wound healing, significantly less fluid leakage, reduced swelling and redness around the burn area, and notably less pain and itching.
Hair Growth
Red light therapy has also been used to support hair growth, and research shows encouraging results. One study, for instance, examined its effect on hair growth in persons with androgenic alopecia which is a common type of hair loss. Ninety people between the ages of 18 and 70 took part and were divided into three groups. One used a laser hat that emitted 655 nm red light, another group used a new laser scanner that combined 808 nm infrared and 655 nm red light, and the last group received no treatment.
After the study period, the participants using the laser scanner showed the best results. They grew more thick, healthy hairs—on average 9.61 new hairs per square centimeter compared to 9.16 in the laser hat group. Meanwhile, the group that received no treatment lost hair, with an average decrease of 1.8 hairs per square centimeter.
Oral Health
Low-level laser therapy has shown beneficial effects on oral health conditions such as burning mouth syndrome, stomatitis, and periodontitis. Studies exploring burning mouth syndrome (BMS), in particular, have reported encouraging outcomes. One recent study, for example, explored whether laser therapy with a wavelength of 635 nm could provide immediate pain relief to patients suffering from BMS.
In this study, 94 participants received a treatment session using a laser inside the mouth. Immediately following the session, the majority of patients (71.3%) reported reduced pain. On average, participants experienced roughly a 40% decrease from their initial pain levels, and no adverse reactions or side effects were observed. Overall, the therapy was found to be highly effective, except in cases where patients had low pain levels before the treatment or where factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, dry mouth, and gum issues could reduce its effectiveness.
Alongside BMS, red light therapy has shown promising outcomes in treating stomatitis, a condition characterized by painful lesions in the mouth, accompanied by redness and occasional bleeding. One study demonstrating its effectiveness investigated whether laser therapy with wavelengths of 810 nm could reduce pain, the size of the lesions, and healing time in 30 patients with stomatitis. In the study, each patient had two separate ulcers, with one undergoing laser therapy and the other serving as a control with no active intervention. The laser therapy was conducted in a single sitting, divided into four sessions. The patients were then evaluated and the findings were significant. The results showed a significant difference in healing times between the two groups. Ulcers in the active treatment group healed on average in 3.05 days, compared to 8.90 days for those in the control group. Additionally, immediately after the laser application, ulcers that received the real treatment showed a decrease in pain for 28 out of 30 patients.
Lastly, red light therapy has been researched for its potential benefits in treating periodontitis, with studies indicating positive results. One study, for instance, investigated the use of 660-nm LED light therapy alongside non-surgical periodontal treatments like scaling and root planing. Nineteen patients with periodontitis participated, each receiving different treatments across three sections of their mouth. One received LED light from the start of the treatment to the end of scaling and root planing, another from the completion of these procedures to a subsequent evaluation, and a third served as a control group. The findings indicated that all treatments improved gum health by reducing bleeding, plaque, and the depth of the pockets between the teeth and gums which are key signs of periodontitis. However, the areas treated with LED light showed more significant improvements, particularly those that received continuous light from the start of the treatment to the end of scaling and root planing. The study also observed a significant reduction in proteins that cause gum inflammation, with the most notable decrease in the group that received continuous treatment.
Weight Loss
There has been ongoing scientific discussion regarding the effectiveness of red light therapy for weight loss, and several studies have reported promising results. One of these recent studies examined whether a combination of three low-level laser wavelengths—blue, infrared, and red—could decrease abdominal size non-surgically. The study used a blue LED to increase blood flow and deliver more oxygen to the tissues because it supports the breakdown of fat molecules. A red laser was used to stimulate the fat cells to release stored fats, and infrared therapy was included to penetrate deeper layers of tissue so that the treatment affected both surface-level and deeper fat deposits.
The study included eighteen women who participated in twelve laser therapy sessions, scheduled twice weekly. During each session, the researchers applied a diode laser system emitting continuous waves of blue light at 450 nm, infrared at 808 nm, and red light at 630 nm. The results were promising, with significant reductions in various sections of the abdomen. Specifically, measurements for the lower section dropped from around 100 cm to 96 cm, for the middle from 97 cm to 92 cm, and for the upper from 92 cm to 87 cm.
In a separate study, researchers further explored the impact of low-level light therapy on weight loss. The study included 42 obese women divided into two groups, both of which followed an exercise program for four months. One group additionally received phototherapy (low-level laser treatment) and the other did not. Both groups had comparable reductions in body mass (around 4% to 5%) and body fat (about 9%). However, the women who underwent phototherapy showed more notable improvements in several areas. For example, insulin levels decreased by about 30% in this group, compared to around 10% in the control participants. Similarly, insulin resistance improved by approximately 31% with phototherapy versus about 10% without it. These results are promising because lower insulin levels and resistance can help the body store less fat and burn existing energy reserves more effectively which supports weight loss.
Sleep Improvement
Red light therapy has been studied for its potential benefits in improving sleep quality. One such study explored the impact of therapy on sleep and athletic performance among elite female basketball players. The study involved 20 athletes split into two groups: one received 30 minutes of red light therapy each night for two weeks while the other group did not receive any treatment.
After two weeks, the group that used red light showed about a 75% increase in melatonin levels while those given the placebo experienced only a slight change. Moreover, the participants in the active group showed better sleep outcomes compared to those who received no treatment. The time it took them to fall asleep dropped by about 83%, with a nearly 28% increase in how they rated their sleep quality and an 82% improvement in daytime alertness. Additionally, participants who received therapy increased their running distance from about 7,874 feet to 8,858 feet, a 12.5% gain. In contrast, the placebo group maintained a distance of around 8,202 feet with no meaningful change.
Cognitive Function
Extensive research has examined how red light therapy influences cognitive performance. One of these studies looked at how a form of this therapy known as transcranial photobiomodulation affects people with severe traumatic brain injury. The research involved 10 adult patients who underwent therapy three times a week for six weeks, with each session lasting 30 minutes. They were evaluated before the therapy, a week after completing it, and again three months later. The findings showed that this therapy improved blood flow and oxygen levels in the brain which helped enhance brain function.
Another study explored whether red light therapy could improve brain function in older adults, particularly in the frontal areas which manage tasks like decision-making and self-control. In the study, 30 older adults with no history of mental health conditions participated in brain function tests before and after a short, 7.5-minute session of red light therapy. The wavelengths were applied to their foreheads and the back of their heads using a device with light-emitting diodes. The results showed that those who received the actual therapy and not just a placebo saw noticeable improvements in their ability to make decisions, control impulses, and respond flexibly to changes.
Combining Red Light Therapy with Other Treatments for Enhanced Effects
Red light can be combined with other forms of therapy for more comprehensive treatment outcomes, particularly in areas like skin care, pain management, and muscle recovery. For instance, in the context of skin care, topical treatments such as serums and moisturizers may be applied after sessions. This is because the therapy increases the skin’s permeability and allows for the deeper penetration and more effective absorption of skincare products.
In pain management and rehabilitation, red light can effectively complement physical therapy. Its application helps reduce excessive inflammation and alleviate pain which allows patients to perform exercises with reduced discomfort. Simultaneously, it maintains inflammation at a level that supports repair processes and healing.
Furthermore, combining light-based therapy with massage can help speed up muscle recovery. Red light boosts energy production in the muscle cells which they use for repair and recovery. At the same time, massage improves lymphatic drainage and speeds the removal of fatigue-inducing byproducts like lactic acid from the muscle tissues.
The benefits of this combination have also been demonstrated in research. For example, one study investigated the effectiveness of chiropractic massage combined with red light therapy. The study included 28 healthy participants who received either massage alone, massage with infrared light, or no specialized treatment (control group). Initially, all participants were screened to exclude any with cardiovascular diseases, brain injuries, mood disorders, psychiatric diseases, and those on medications that might interfere with the treatment outcomes. Then they received a 20-minute chiropractic massage during which a roller device moved along the participants’ spines, from the neck to the tailbone, to systematically treat the muscles. For those in the combined treatment group, this massage included an additional source of infrared heat. The findings showed that participants who received only the massage experienced about a 6% improvement in voluntary contraction which indicates muscle recovery. The participants in the combined heat and massage group saw about an 11% improvement whereas the control group showed no significant change.
Additionally, heart rates fell by 4.8% among those who underwent massage therapy and by 5.7% among participants receiving combined therapy with infrared heat. Anxiety levels, as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, saw a decrease of approximately 14.5% for participants in the massage group and 19.6% in those receiving the combined therapy. These reductions in heart rate and anxiety indicated significant stress relief compared to the control group.
Where to Get Full Body Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is available in several settings tailored to different needs, including hospitals, dermatology offices, rehabilitation centers, wellness clinics and spas, and retreats.
In hospitals, red light therapy uses medical-grade devices designed for deep tissue stimulation and regulated clinical use. These devices are operated under strict supervision and are integrated into care plans for wound healing, pressure ulcers, diabetic foot lesions, and postoperative recovery. It is also occasionally used in pain management for conditions involving soft tissue injury and nerve irritation.
At dermatology offices, professionals use medical-grade devices to address conditions like psoriasis, severe acne, and deep tissue injuries. Dermatologists often integrate red light therapy into treatment plans that include topical medications, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing to improve overall skin condition and support healing.
In rehabilitation centers, therapy is delivered using high-intensity, clinical-grade LED or laser-based devices that can penetrate into deeper tissues and influence musculoskeletal structures. Thus, therapy at these centers is commonly used to support recovery from orthopedic injuries such as tendon and ligament damage, joint inflammation, and soft tissue trauma. It is also applied in post-surgical care to reduce swelling, accelerate wound healing, and limit scar tissue formation. The treatment is often integrated into broader recovery protocols and scheduled around physical therapy to improve tissue response and reduce recovery time.
With a focus on restorative treatments, sleep clinics provide red light therapy using devices set to wavelengths around 660 nanometers, known to influence melatonin production, a hormone important for sleep regulation. The therapy is often recommended for patients with circadian rhythm disorders such as delayed and advanced sleep phase syndrome, as well as for those experiencing sleep disruptions due to jet lag or shift work. The treatment is administered in a controlled environment specifically designed to promote relaxation. This includes rooms outfitted with soundproofing to block external noise, temperature control to ensure comfort, and soft, dimmable lighting that mimics natural light patterns. Sessions are typically scheduled in the evening or before bedtime to help boost natural melatonin levels and prepare the body for sleep.
In addition to its applications in clinical settings, red light therapy is increasingly popular at wellness centers and spas where professional-grade devices are used for purposes such as anti-aging, scar reduction, body contouring, and muscle recovery. Moreover, these facilities often combine red light with other wellness treatments such as massage therapy, facials, and aromatherapy to provide a holistic approach to relaxation.
Additionally, retreats offer full body red light therapy using state-of-the-art devices that treat skin issues like wrinkles and stretch marks, support muscle recovery, promote detoxification, and alleviate joint and soft tissue discomfort—something already embraced by places like THOR. This therapy is typically part of a broader program of health-focused activities that take place in wellness facilities like treatment rooms, yoga studios, and seminar spaces, for activities such as bodywork, breathwork, guided movement, and nutritional consultations. The quiet natural surroundings in these retreats are used for outdoor activities such as forest bathing, cold water immersion, and sunrise stretching. Moreover, the schedule in these retreats combines both structure to encourage consistent participation and past time for rest, reflection, and personal exploration.
Lastly, in home settings, red light therapy is carried out using compact LED panels. They are used to address concerns such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, and mild joint or muscle discomfort. While the depth of light penetration and intensity may be more limited, regular use over time can support gradual improvements in skin appearance and pain relief. Results are typically observed over several weeks to a few months of regular sessions.
Wrapping Up
The allure of red light therapy has certainly transcended its initial buzz, firmly planting its roots in our everyday wellness landscapes. As it lights up everything from the local gym corners to the serene spaces of luxury spas, it is clear that what once seemed like a futuristic oddity is now an accessible health trend. This journey from niche to norm has sparked curiosity and if it nudged yours too, here is your sign to give it a try and explore the benefits firsthand.
FAQ
How does traditional heat treatment differ from red light therapy?
Unlike red light therapy which uses low levels of light to penetrate the skin and boost cellular energy, the conventional method involves applying heat to the affected areas to improve blood flow, relax the muscles, and alleviate discomfort. Additionally, using red light does not necessarily involve a heat sensation while the traditional method works to affect the thermal sensors in the tissues.
What is the difference between red light and ultrasound therapy?
Red light therapy uses waves that penetrate the skin and are absorbed by its outer and subcutaneous layers. This happens because chromophores—molecules that absorb light—are abundant in these layers, and they capture the light effectively and prevent it from reaching deeper tissues. As a result, the light is used for energy generation in cellular processes at these more superficial layers, yet, the processes initiated there help heal the deeper tissues.
Conversely, ultrasound waves are less susceptible to absorption by the skin layers. Moreover, they are mechanical vibrations that physically move the molecules of the body’s tissues. As the molecules vibrate, they generate heat which softens the tissues and makes them less stiff and resistant to the movement of sound waves. As a result, they can travel further and penetrate deeper into the body, which is why they are used to directly treat deeper layers of tissue.
What role does age play in the responsiveness to red light therapy?
As people age, cellular processes tend to become less efficient. Therefore, older adults might experience a slower response to the therapy, as their cells do not produce energy as effectively as those in younger people.
Additionally, the condition of the skin changes with age. Younger skin is typically thicker and has a higher collagen density. Thus, red light can reach more collagen fibers which allows it to activate a greater number of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production.
Does sun-damaged skin respond differently to red light therapy?
Sun-damaged skin often has less collagen due to the breakdown of fibers from prolonged UV exposure. Thus like aged skin, it may respond less effectively to the regenerative effects of red light therapy. Additionally, sun damage can cause the epidermis—the skin’s outer layer—to become thicker which makes it harder for red light to reach the deeper layers.
Is red light therapy safe?
Some types of light are harmful to human cells while others are not. UV light, for example, consists of shorter wavelengths that carry more energy. Thus, when it hits the skin, this high energy enables it to penetrate the cells, directly interact with DNA, and create bonds between components that normally would not join together. This disrupts normal function and can lead to mutations such as skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
In contrast, red and infrared light are composed of longer wavelengths which carry less energy that is insufficient to break bonds within DNA. These wavelengths are absorbed by the mitochondria in the skin where they stimulate energy production, and this energy is then used for cell repair and regeneration.
Moreover, red light therapy is non-invasive, so it does not require any surgical procedures or skin penetration. This reduces the risk of infection and complications associated with invasive methods, including scarring, pain, and extended recovery times. Red light therapy is also painless, with most users reporting no discomfort during therapy sessions.
Who should avoid therapy?
Red light therapy is generally safe but certain groups of people should avoid using it. These include persons with increased sensitivity to light, patients with epilepsy, and pregnant women and younger populations.
For example, people who have heightened light sensitivity due to medical conditions like lupus erythematosus or porphyria may experience skin irritation, redness, inflammation, or worsening of symptoms after exposure to red light. Similarly, people taking medications that make the skin more sensitive to light might experience adverse reactions such as itching, redness, swelling, or rash. These medications include certain antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines), acne treatments containing retinoids, and specific diuretics.
Persons with epilepsy should also avoid red light therapy if the device uses pulsing or flickering light. Since people with epilepsy are sensitive to visual stimuli, such light can trigger seizures. For those with photosensitive epilepsy, even continuous red light devices can overstimulate the brain’s visual cortex and lead to an accumulation of electrical activity that can result in a seizure.
Additionally, pregnant women should exercise caution and generally avoid red light therapy due to limited research available on its safety during pregnancy. While no conclusive evidence currently indicates direct harm to fetal development, the potential biological effects of red and infrared light on the fetus remain insufficiently studied.
Likewise, research on the long-term effects of red light therapy among younger populations remains limited. For this reason, its use in children and teenagers is approached with caution and carried out under medical supervision only when there is a clear need or benefit.
Can the regular use of certain medications impact the results of red light therapy?
The regular use of certain medications can impact the results, mainly due to the way these medications interact with the body’s cellular and systemic functions. For instance, medications that increase light sensitivity such as certain antibiotics and antidepressants can potentially cause the skin to react more intensively to therapy. This can lead to adverse effects such as skin irritation or redness rather than the intended therapeutic benefits. Additionally, certain topical and systemic steroids suppress inflammation which may diminish the therapy’s ability to stimulate collagen production and support the repair of dermal structures. This is because red light therapy relies on a controlled mild inflammatory response to signal the body to begin these processes.
Does skin pigmentation influence how effective therapy is?
Darker skin types have more melanin which absorbs some of the red light before it can reach deeper skin layers. This does not mean the therapy is less effective inherently but it may require adjustments in duration or intensity to achieve similar therapeutic effects.
How does red light therapy interact with tattoos?
Red light therapy does not typically harm tattoos or cause the ink to fade as the wavelengths it uses do not interact with tattoo pigments. However, if the tattooed area is still healing and sensitive, you may want to avoid treating that specific spot until the skin has fully recovered.
Does the presence of body hair reduce the effectiveness of the therapy?
Body hair can act as a physical barrier that scatters or partially blocks red light before it reaches the skin. The thicker and denser the hair, the more it can diffuse light and reduce the amount that penetrates to the deeper layers of the skin where it is needed. To mitigate this, the areas undergoing therapy might need to be shaved if they are particularly hairy. In treatments where shaving is not possible or desirable, it may be necessary to use higher light intensity or extend the exposure time.
What is the best time for using red light therapy?
The best time of day to undergo therapy can vary depending on your specific health and wellness goals. For example, if you are looking to boost collagen production to improve skin quality, morning sessions might be preferable. Starting your day with red light therapy helps relax the muscles in the walls of blood vessels which causes them to widen and increases circulation. This improved blood flow delivers more nutrients to the skin throughout the day which leads to a fresher appearance.
If your goal is to reduce muscle soreness and pain and speed up recovery, consider scheduling therapy after workouts or physical activities as red light has anti-inflammatory effects.
For those seeking sleep-enhancing benefits, an evening session might be most effective. This is because exposure to red light can stimulate melatonin production at night which supports a deeper and more restful sleep.
Does therapy require an empty stomach?
Red light therapy does not require an empty stomach, and it can be used after eating without reducing its effects. However, if you have a large meal, the stomach will fill with food and digestive fluids and will expand. If therapy requires you to be in a lying down or reclined position, gravity no longer pulls your stomach downward and it begins to press more directly upward against the diaphragm and outward against nearby organs. This pressure can increase the feeling of bloating and tightness which may become especially noticeable if the session lasts longer than a few minutes.
Having a light meal, in contrast, may support the effects of the therapy because cells need nutrients to produce energy. Such nutrients include glucose from carbohydrates, amino acids from protein sources like dairy, eggs, and legumes, and certain vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, magnesium, and iron which are involved in energy metabolism. A light meal combining these nutrients could be a boiled egg with whole grain toast or a bowl of yogurt with fruit and a small handful of nuts.
Why is sleep important before therapy?
During sleep, the body engages in extensive repair and recovery processes, including the removal of toxins from the cells, restoration of cellular integrity, and synthesis of proteins essential for proper function and structure. When cells have completed these processes, they are in an optimal state to produce energy for their functions during therapy.
How does hydration affect the effectiveness of red light therapy?
Well-hydrated cells are better able to maintain a balance of electrolytes and fluids which supports their ability to produce energy during therapy. Additionally, proper hydration boosts blood circulation which helps nutrients and oxygen reach cells effectively so they can use these resources for energy production.
Does physical activity before or after therapy sessions affect their efficacy?
Physical activity before or after therapy can affect its efficacy but the impact varies based on the timing and type of activity. Engaging in exercise before a session can increase blood circulation and improve the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the cells. This can lead to more metabolic activity and energy production which may amplify the effects of red light therapy. Physical activity immediately after therapy is also beneficial because the increased blood flow and improved nutrient delivery it promotes help sustain the cellular processes that therapy started.
However, the intensity and type of physical activity should be considered. Gentle or moderate exercise such as walking or light stretching help with oxygenation and nutrient delivery. On the other hand, very intense exercise such as sprinting, heavy weightlifting, and high-intensity interval training before therapy might divert blood flow from the skin to the muscles and lead to fewer nutrients available for cellular processes.
How does smoking influence the skin’s response to red light therapy?
Smoking causes the blood vessels to narrow which reduces the flow of oxygen and nutrients needed for cellular processes in the skin. Additionally, smoking exposes fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen synthesis, to oxidative stress and free radicals which damages them and impairs their ability to produce collagen effectively. Moreover, free radicals harm the existing collagen and elastin fibers. This dual impact of degrading existing and hindering the formation of new collagen results in fewer fibers that red light can target for collagen production.
