Where should you place a light therapy lamp?

Place your light therapy lamp near you but not directly in front of you. The light should be in your field of vision but you should not look directly at it. For best results, position your light therapy lamp from 6 to 24 inches from your face at a 30 to 45 degree angle from your eyeline.

How far away should a light therapy lamp be?

Typical recommendations include using the light box: Within the first hour of waking up in the morning. For about 20 to 30 minutes. About 16 to 24 inches (41 to 61 centimeters) from your face, but follow the manufacturer's instructions about distance.

Should you look directly at a light therapy lamp?

You should NOT stare directly at the lights. Start with 30 minutes of light exposure per day. Start light therapy in the early morning, as soon as possible after awakening (between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.). Response usually starts in a few days, and by two weeks the symptoms should be definitely improving.

How do you use a light therapy lamp?

Can you use a light therapy lamp all day?

Depending on the individual, treatment might last 20 minutes up to three hours, and a person might have light therapy once or more per day for consecutive days until symptoms improve. Your doctor can provide guidance on how long you should use light therapy.

Mayo Clinic Minute: Lift your mood with light therapy

What time is best for light therapy?

Most studies indicate that early morning treatment (before 8 am) is optimal. It is now well established that the therapeutic effect of light is mediated through the eye, although patients should not stare at the units directly.

When should you not use light therapy?

The major contraindications for the use of light therapy are diseases that involve the retina of the eye, such as diabetes, and the use of photosensitizing medications like lithium, melatonin, phenothiazine antipsychotics, and certain antibiotics.

Is it OK to do light therapy at night?

Specialists often recommend using dim lights in the evening in conjunction with bright light exposure in the morning during the advancement of the sleep schedule. For maintenance, some patients continue the treatment indefinitely, while some reduce their daily treatment to 15 minutes.

How often should I use LED light therapy at home?

It's recommended to start using the light therapy three to five times per week for the first few weeks, then two to three times for weeks four through 12, and then one to two times a week to maintain results, or however you see fit—it depends on the intensity of your acne or scarring.

Does light therapy work with eyes closed?

Your eyes should remain open throughout the treatment session. Damage to the eye's retina is a theoretical risk, but it has not been found to be a problem thus far. Nevertheless, you should take precautions to get your dose of light as safely as possible.

Can you overdo light therapy?

Getting two or more treatments in each visit helps clients save valuable time and enjoy better results. Clients are also encouraged by the fact that red light therapy is safe – because it does not harm the skin or the underlying tissue, there is virtually no risk of overdoing it.

Can you overuse light therapy?

It is possible to get too much light, which can produce discomfort including feeling “wired,” such as after consuming too much caffeine. Working with an experienced clinician, and starting with general guidelines, many SAD patients arrive at a “dose” that works well for them.

How much light therapy per day?

Light therapy requires individuals to sit in front of the lamp (about 14 to 24 inches away from your face) daily for 20 to 30 minutes. Researchers recommend to not go over 30 minutes a day. The light therapy causes a chemical change in the brain to produce less melatonin and more serotonin to help improve your mood.

How long should I use my light therapy at home?

Some people with SAD find that light therapy can help improve their mood considerably. This involves sitting by a special lamp called a light box, usually for around 30 minutes to an hour each morning.

Does red light therapy have to touch your skin?

The red/near-infrared rays need to get through to your skin/tissues/bone. We have a comfortable and private room for you to undress and expose the area you want treated. Light must shine directly on clean, bare skin. You can sit or stand at least 6 inches away from the unit during your treatment.

What are the risks of light therapy?

How long does it take to see light therapy results?

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 light therapy work through the eyes or the skin?

The authors found that the antidepressant effects of phototherapy were much greater for 10 patients when light was applied to the eyes than when it was applied to the skin, suggesting that its effects may be mediated by the eyes.

How many times a week should I do light therapy?

Everyone reacts differently, depending on their age and the condition of their skin. In general, best results are achieved over an 8 – 12 week period. It is recommended to start with a commitment of 15 minutes, which is the maximum time in our Red Light Therapy bed, at least 3-5 times per week for the first 1-4 weeks.

Do light therapy lamps increase vitamin D?

Yes, light therapy lamps can help your body make vitamin D, but you shouldn't ignore their risks. They're able to do this because they use UV light, which means spending time under them can increase your risk of skin cancer just as laying out in the sun would.

What should I do before light therapy?

Guide to Preparing Your Skin for Red Light Therapy

Treat your skin nicely—avoid irritating your skin with aggressive exfoliant products or sun exposure. Clean your skin with a gentle, non-drying cleanser before treatment to remove any mineral-based sunscreen or makeup containing zinc.

Do you moisturise before light therapy?

Don't put on lotion or moisturizer for 24 hours before each treatment. For each treatment, you will need: Protective goggles. You will get these from the company that supplies your phototherapy machine.

Do you wash your face before light therapy?

The first step in any effective skincare routine is to cleanse your face. Your face must be clean of sweat, makeup, and topical products for the LED light to properly penetrate and treat skin.