What do doctors say about red light therapy?

RLT is generally safe and may be a very effective treatment option for people seeking smaller changes in their skin or to keep the skin healthy and reduce inflammation. Other applications of RLT have promising early evidence, but there is not enough reliable evidence in humans to call it effective in every case.

Is red light therapy scientifically proven?

There's no scientific evidence to support red light therapy use in weight loss, cancer, cellulite removal or mental health concerns like depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Is red light therapy FDA approved?

“Red Light Therapy is a clinically studied, FDA-approved treatment that can improve the appearance of skin if you have acne, scars, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging,” says Shane Miller, a licensed esthetician and the owner of the popular Instagram account @howtohydrate.

Can red light be harmful?

Red light therapy is generally considered safe, even though researchers aren't exactly sure how and why it works. And there are no set rules on how much light to use. Too much light may damage skin tissue, but too little might not work as well.

What is red light therapy pros and cons?

Key Takeaways: Red light therapy is used for skin health, body contouring, mood, brain health, hair regrowth, and pain management. Possible side effects are topical and mostly temporary, including hyperpigmentation and skin sensitivity.

The science behind the growing trend of red light therapy

Do dermatologists recommend red light therapy?

“They aren't a game changer when it comes to fine lines, wrinkles, hair loss, etc.” Still, red light therapy definitely shows promise in the field of dermatology, especially due to its safe, noninvasive nature and its minimal side effects.

Who should not use light therapy?

People who have eye problems or who take medicines that cause sensitivity to light should not use light therapy without first consulting a doctor.

What are the long term effects of red light therapy?

RLT is a completely natural process. It exposes the skin to levels of light that are not harmful — unlike UV light coming from the sun. Because of this, there is virtually no risk of side effects from undergoing RLT.

Is it OK to do red light therapy everyday?

The answer is yes. As long as you are following the manufacturers instructions, you can use red light therapy everyday. If you have chronic pain, it's recommended to start a daily routine with using red light therapy.

Does red light therapy affect hormones?

One study shows that red light therapy elevated levels of “dehydroepiandrosterone” (DHEA). DHEA is essential for the synthesis of sex hormones and the production of progesterone, estrogen and testosterone.

Can red light therapy damage eyes?

Ultimately, the risk of eye damage is unlikely, says Shamban. “There would need to be a significant overload or cumulative exposures to bright and high intensity,” she says. “Generally, these treatments are simple, safe and controlled to achieve their skin goals, without any residual negative effects on the eyes.”

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

How long does it take to see results when doing red light therapy? Every individual may respond differently to specific treatments and results will also depend on the goal you want to achieve. However, with daily use, you should be able to see improvements in 4 to 6 weeks.

Does red light therapy reduce wrinkles?

Combats The Signs Of Aging

That's where red light can come in. ”By stimulating collagen and elastin production, red light therapy helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, giving skin a more youthful appearance,” Dr. Engelman says.

Does red light therapy cause facial hair?

Stimulates Hair Growth. Red light therapy isn't just for women. Men with patchy facial hair can benefit from red light therapy as well. It can help stimulate hair growth, filling in those unsightly patches.

What time of day is best for red light therapy?

The most optimal time for a light therapy session is morning or evening around the time of sunrise or sunset. This mimics the time of day when we receive the most red and near-infrared light from the natural sun.

What should I put on my face before red light therapy?

Salicylic Acid & BHAs

Salicylic acids and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) penetrate deep into the skin to clear clogged pores, reduce inflammation, and loosen and exfoliate dead skin cells. Treatments containing salicylic acid and BHAs work well with red light therapy.

Do celebrities use red light therapy?

Since then, other celebrities such as Kelly Rowland, Emma Stone, and Chrissy Teigen have openly shared their positive experiences using red and blue light facial therapy treatment. Some actresses love red light therapy so much, they have their own equipment set-up in their homes.

Which is better red light therapy or infrared?

If you want to treat skin conditions on the surface, Red light LED session is focused and effective. If there is toxicity in the body or stronger metabolic effects are desired, an Infrared session may be the better choice.

What are detox symptoms from red light therapy?

How many times a week should you do red light therapy?

If you are using red light therapy to improve your skin tone, minimize the visible signs of aging, and heal sun damage, you can expect to undergo red light therapy in 10- to 20-minute sessions, 3 to 5 times each week for one to four months.

What is red light therapy best for?

Red LED light therapy may reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of collagen, a protein responsible for younger-looking skin that diminishes with age. Blue LED light therapy may destroy acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes).

Is red light therapy good for inflammation?

Natural light therapy & inflammation treatment: Red light therapy alleviates chronic inflammation by increasing blood flow to the damaged tissues, and it's been found in numerous clinical trials to increase the body's antioxidant defenses.

Is red LED light cancerous?

Red light therapy is nontoxic, noninvasive, and considered safe for all skin types. It does not require the use of harsh topical substances or heat which can irritate or burn the skin. Also, the treatment does not use ultraviolet (UV) light, which is reported to cause skin cancer.