- Red light therapy (RLT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level red and near-infrared light to support healthy skin without causing damage like UV rays.
- The light penetrates skin cells, energizing mitochondria (the cell’s power source) to produce more ATP (energy), which is beneficial for supporting healthy skin and hair and muscle recovery.
- Research shows RLT can support optimal skin, hair and muscle health by positively influencing biological processes that are involved in their maintenance.
- RLT is generally safe but requires precautions. Use protective goggles to shield your eyes. Avoid overuse to prevent skin irritation. Choose FDA-cleared devices for best results.
- For effective use, follow device instructions (distance, timing). Be consistent. Monitor skin reactions and adjust as needed.
In the ever-evolving world of health and wellness, red light therapy (RLT) has emerged as a promising, non-invasive treatment for supporting healthy skin and hair.
Also known as photobiomodulation, this therapy harnesses the power of low-level red and near-infrared light to support your body’s natural ability to heal and repair damaged tissues.
Here are the science-backed benefits, potential risks and best ways to use RLT. (h/t to Healthline.com)
The science behind red light therapy
Red light therapy is a form of phototherapy that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin. Unlike ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can damage skin cells, red light is gentle and does not generate heat. Instead, it works at a cellular level to support your body’s natural energy production, which is essential for sustaining cellular processes involved in tissue repair and healing.
The therapy was first discovered in 1967 by Endre Mester, a Hungarian scientist who noticed that low-level laser light accelerated wound healing and hair growth in rats. Since then, RLT has been studied for a wide range of applications, from skin care to muscle recovery.
At its core, red light therapy works by stimulating the mitochondria, the powerhouse of human cells. When cells are exposed to red light (600 to 700 nanometers) or near-infrared light (700 to 1,200 nanometers), the light energy naturally stimulates them to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule responsible for storing and transferring cellular energy.
This natural increase in ATP helps cells function more efficiently, thus benefiting the skin and other tissues and supporting healthy blood circulation.
Because RLT uses LED (light-emitting diode) technology rather than lasers, it is non-ablative (doesn’t damage the skin’s surface) and non-thermal (doesn’t produce heat), making it a safe option for most people.
Benefits and risks of using Red Light Therapy
While more research is still needed to fully understand RLT, numerous studies suggest that RLT may offer several health and wellness benefits, including:
Supporting healthy skin
Red light therapy has gained popularity in dermatology for its ability to support the body’s natural production of collagen, an essential protein for maintaining healthy skin. (Related: 3 Luxurious DIY skincare recipes using Organic Coconut Oil and Frankincense Oil.)
Aids in muscle recovery
Athletes and physical therapy patients often use RLT to support healthy muscle recovery after strenuous physical activities.
Supports healthy hair
RLT’s positive effects have been shown to extend even to hair follicles, thus supporting strong and healthy hair.
How to use Red Light Therapy safely and effectively
Red light therapy is generally considered safe when used correctly, but there are a few precautions to keep in mind:
- Eye protection – Prolonged exposure to bright red light may strain the eyes. Wearing protective goggles is recommended.
- Overuse – Excessive use may lead to skin irritation or reduced effectiveness. Follow manufacturer or medical guidelines.
- Quality of devices – Not all at-home RLT devices are created equal. Some may be less effective than professional-grade equipment.
For people with certain medical conditions (such as photosensitivity disorders or active cancer), consulting a doctor before using RLT is advisable. Whether using an at-home device or visiting a clinic, proper usage is key to maximizing benefits while minimizing risks.
Here’s a simple guide to using RLT safely:
- Choose the right device – Look for FDA-cleared or medically reviewed products with appropriate wavelengths (typically 600 to 850 nm).
- Protect your eyes – Wear protective eyewear if the light is intense.
- Position yourself correctly – Stay about six to 12 inches away from the light source and always follow device instructions.
- Time your sessions – Most treatments last between 10 to 20 minutes per area.
- Be consistent – For best results, use RLT three to seven times per week over several weeks.
- Monitor skin reactions – If redness or irritation occurs, reduce session frequency.
With minimal side effects and a growing body of research backing its effectiveness, red light therapy presents a compelling option for those seeking natural, non-invasive ways to support healthy skin and overall wellness. While it’s not a miracle cure, many users report noticeable improvements with consistent use.
As science continues to explore its full potential, red light therapy may soon become a mainstream tool in holistic health and preventive care.
Where to get Red Light Therapy devices that work
The Health Ranger Store wants to make it easy for you to enjoy the health benefits of red light therapy, which is why we’re offering Mito Red Light No Blue Light Sleep Lamp, MitoQUAD Wavelength Belt Hands Free Red Light Therapy and Mito Mobile Budget Friendly Portable Red Light Therapy.
The Mito Red Light No Blue Light Sleep Lamp is available in 633 nm Red. It combines versatility, practicality and exceptional energy efficiency, delivering flicker-free lighting that is completely free of harmful blue light.
The Mito Red No Blue Light Sleep Lamp’s built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours of cordless illumination. It also has three adjustable brightness levels and a compact, travel-friendly design, making it the perfect companion for any setting or adventure.
Place the Mito Red No Blue Light Sleep Lamp on your nightstand to create a calming atmosphere that supports your circadian rhythm and melatonin production. You can also use it on your desk to counteract blue-green flickering light from screens. The soft glow of the flicker-free 633 nm Red LEDs can help reduce eye strain while providing a relaxing light that’s ideal for evening use.
You can also try MitoQUAD Wavelength Belt Hands Free Red Light Therapy, which features innovative TriChip technology that contains a whopping 405 diodes, each containing three distinct LED chips, with 1,215 chips per belt, yielding incredible coverage of all four wavelengths.
While RLT panels offer versatility, a belt may be a better choice in certain situations. For example, if you plan to use the device primarily on a single body part such as the lower back, abdomen or quadricep, an RLT belt will serve you better. The belt is also lightweight and compact and great for travel.
The MitoQUAD Wavelength Belt is one-of-a-kind and uses the same four wavelengths as our patent-pending MitoADAPT 3.0 series.
You can also try Mito Mobile Budget Friendly Portable Red Light Therapy, which features powerful red and near-infrared LEDs that you can take with you on the go.
A portable red light therapy you can bring anywhere, the Mito Mobile conveniently slips into your backpack, purse or carry-on luggage. Wireless and rechargeable, you can even take it on a plane or on the road.
Note: The Mito Mobile is an excellent option for on-the-go red light therapy. However, for first-time users of red light therapy seeking a targeted device with maximum power and efficacy, we recommend starting with one of our smaller plug-in devices such as the MitoPRO 300+, MitoPRO 300X or MitoADAPT MIN 2.0.
Visit Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store to find more products designed to support your overall well-being. You can also visit Natural.news for more tips on how to support healthy skin naturally.
Click on this link to learn more about collagen and skin aging myths and facts.
Watch this clip about Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and how you can use it for DIY skincare products, candles and more.
This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.
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Sources include:
Healthline.com
MY.ClevelandClinic.org
MitoRedLight.com
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