For decades, researchers in the medical field have been searching for that once-in-a-lifetime super cure that could cure a wide range of physical ailments. While all previous attempts have failed, there is emerging evidence that red light therapy (RLT) is in fact showing value as a way to combat many medical conditions. While the usefulness is still in debate, there are certainly promising signs.
One area in which red light therapy is proving very effective is in the treatment of various skin conditions. Interestingly, the evidence of its effectiveness has caught the attention of doctors/dermatologists all over the world. The use of red light therapy to treat skin conditions has proven to be a remarkable treatment option for skin conditions like:
- Acne scarring
- Stretch marks
- Bruises and minor cuts
- Minor burns
- Dry skin and psoriasis
- Damage from the sun
Given the effectiveness of this treatment method, it would seem to be worthwhile to explain how red light therapy works.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Light energy is the primary power source to help promote cell growth in plants and animals. Inside every human cell, there are little organelles called mitochondria. Mitochondria can best be described as tiny little batteries that absorb light energy and use that energy to ignite cell growth and promote cell reparations.
While white and green light can be very helpful with human cell growth, it's red or near-infrared light that mitochondria really like. It excites the mitochondria that respond by quickly passing energy to new cells for growth and dying or damaged cells for repairing.
Red light therapy involves the use of laser or LED near-infrared light-emitting devices. When applied to a specific area of the body, the near-infrared light immediately awakens the adjacent mitochondria.
It's worth noting there are certain protocols that doctors and therapists need to follow when administering red light therapy. First, the light wave frequency setting should be set at between 600 nm to 800 nm for skin treatments. When treating other areas, it is acceptable to go up to 1000 nm. Also, treatment sessions should be limited to 2 to 3 times a week for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
RLT is a very safe treatment process when performed correctly. As it relates to treating skin conditions, patients can expect to start seeing results in three months with continuous improvements over the next nine months to a year.
Benefits of Using Red Light Therapy
We have already discussed the high level of effectiveness RLT has when treating various skin conditions. Through research, testing, and practical use, it has become clear that red light therapy is also effective in the treatment of other medical conditions. There is even evidence available that suggests RLT can help with depression and anxiety issues that are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. There has been some signs that RLT might be useful as a treatment for the following:
- Reduces cellulite for weight loss
- New hair growth and hair restoration
- Reduces inflammation that causes back, neck, and joint pain
- Muscle reparations for torn muscles
- Fighting of some gum diseases
- Correction of vision problems associated with a damaged cornea
- Giving the immune system a boost
Costs of Red Light Therapy
There are three ways people can get red light therapy treatments. They can visit a medical clinic, go to a licensed spa that administers light treatments or do it themselves with purchased laser, led, or lamp devices.
In a medical clinic, treatment sessions could run as high as $50 a session. The good news is there are circumstances under which healthcare insurance would cover a portion of the costs. In a spa setting, the prices drop to around $25 to $35. Should someone choose to go it on their own, near infrared-emitting devices can run from $50 all the way up to about $500. Prices might vary based on the purpose of the treatment.