There are many crunchy bandwagons you can jump on and it can be hard to decipher what’s legit and what’s just a trend. So is Red Light Therapy (RLT for short) a fad or does it offer real benefits? I have found that answer for myself so read on to find out the 16 ways you can use RLT at home from someone who personally uses it on a consistent basis. You will feel more equipped to make your own decision about red light therapy and if it’s a good investment for you and your family or not.
I don’t ascribe to ALL of the crunchy and/or holistic trends out there that so many instagram and TikTok influencers might say I need. But, I am someone who seeks more natural ways to improve my health and wellness, so if something strikes my fancy, I do my own research to find out if it would have potential benefits for me and my family and something I want to invest in. Red Light Therapy is one of the things that I have invested in due to the tried and true benefits in my personal experience.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red Light Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that exposes skin and tissues to low-wavelengths of light, primarily red and near-infrared (NIR) light, to stimulate cellular activity and promote healing and repair.
How It Works
The light wavelengths penetrate the skin and interact with the mitochondria, aka the ‘powerhouse’ of cells. This stimulation increases the production of ATP which is the cell’s energy currency. This increased energy is what allows the cells to function more efficiently which leads to improved healing and repair. There is also a release of nitric oxide which promotes blood flow and reduces inflammation.
Why You Should Use Red Light Therapy
Skin Health & Rejuvenation
1. Anti-Aging: Exposure to red light can have anti-aging effects. It stimulates collagen & elastin production which can help lessen wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and redness giving a more youthful appearance.
2. Skin Appearance: RLT can improve skin tone and texture by enhancing blood circulation and removing reducing redness.
3. Skin Conditions: Red light can also help to treat acne by reducing bacteria, inflammation and redness. It has been used to treat other conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. I occasionally get small bouts of psoriasis on my face from stress. My first step for healing is to focus on my nervous system and managing stress better and the second is to use my red light!
4. Wound Healing: RLT can speed up the healing of cuts, burns and other skin injuries by encouraging tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation. I recently used it on my son’s foot after he stepped on a monster truck (true story) and cut the bottom of his foot. I could visibly tell that it significantly sped up the healing process with the skin over the wound.
Pain Relief & Inflammation Reduction
5. Joint & Muscle Pain: Red Light Therapy is often used for pain and inflammation reduction in conditions like arthritis and chronic back pain. It improves circulation and encourages healing in damaged tissues. It also increases endorphin production creating a natural pain reliever. Over time, this can help increase joint flexibility and function.
6. Post-Exercise Recovery: After a hard workout, RLT can reduce muscle soreness and speed recovery by decreasing inflammation.
7. Stomach Pain: The reduction of inflammation can also assist in relieving pain in the abdomen whether from menstrual cramping or other stomach pains.
8. Dental Pain: By promoting tissue regeneration, RLT can help accelerate healing in the mouth. With the release of endorphins which are natural painkillers, red light can also help to decrease swelling and pain. About a year ago, I had an abscessed wisdom tooth and used my red light before and after it was pulled to help not only with pain but healing as well.
Mental Health & Brain Function
9. Improved Mood: Red Light Therapy has been linked to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety by increasing ATP production (cellular energy) and circulation in the brain.
10. Seasonal Affective Disorder: RLT can improve blood circulation which can contribute to mood regulation. It can also increase serotonin production which has been known to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
11. Sleep Improvement: Red light exposure at night may help regulate your circadian rhythm and support melatonin production which can improve sleep quality. Not to mention, you’ll get better sleep due to the potential reduction of pain and discomfort.
Overall Health Benefits
12. Increased Circulation: Red light can boost blood flow which can improve overall cellular health and function.
13. Immune System: The enhanced cellular function that RLT induces can boost the immune system.
14. Thyroid Support: RLT may help protect thyroid cells and limit ongoing damage by reducing inflammation. With the ability to increase cell energy, red light can improve the overall function of thyroid cells, potentially leading to better hormone production. As someone who struggles with a minor hypothyroid issue, I use the red light over my thyroid often to help with its functionality.
15. Hair Growth: Whether you’re dealing with thinning hair from postpartum or an autoimmune illness, RLT can help stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth.
16. Postpartum Recovery: Red light therapy supports hormone balance which is great for postpartum and your overall well-being.
Bonus! Use red light on your pets with skin conditions, joint pain, cuts and wounds or other ailments!
Types of Red Light Devices
- Handheld Wands – Wands are compact and portable, ideal for targeted treatments. One of my first experiences with red light was at a medical massage therapist and she used it on my wrist to help with joint pain I was having due to my lupus.
- Masks – The mask is designed for whole face coverage and is great for those looking to naturally improve skin appearance and anti-aging.
- Panels – Panels are larger devices that can be positioned specifically for larger area. I use my red light panel almost daily. It’s convenient and easy to use for majority of the issues noted above.
- Full-Body Mat – Full body mats are used for whole body treatments or longer sessions.
- Full Body Panel – Full body standing panels are also an option. These are often at wellness centers that offer red light therapy as a service.
How to Use Red Light Therapy
1. Choose a device or find a location – panel, mat, wand, face mask
2. Prepare the area – Be sure to wash your and dry your skin. You want to use red light on clean skin.
3. Protect your eyes – Wear eye protection, goggles are often provided..
4. Use consistently – Point the red light directly toward the chosen area, about 6 inches away. You should use the light directly on bare skin, not through clothing.
5. Use consistently – For best results, use a few times a week consistently on chosen area.
My Favorite Red Light – Lumebox Red Light
The Lumebox Red Light is my favorite for all of the reasons I’ve listed below. I use it for a variety of issues and am comfortable using it on anyone in my family who needs it because it’s been tested for safety. You can see it’s portable and clearly well-worn because I take it with me on trips and anytime it might come in handy. It is a higher quality red light and worth the investment.
- HSA/FSA Eligible
- FDA Registered
- Low EMF Exposure
- 3rd Party Tested for Safety
- Portable & Easy to Use
- Covers More Surface Area
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve learned a little bit more about red light therapy, hopefully you feel equipped to make your own educated decision about it. It might be trendy, but I definitely believe this one is actually worth the hype.
For more ideas to stock your wellness supply kit or how to create a holistic medicine cabinet, check out these posts.
Ive been using one on my thyroid for about a year now and recently on plantar fasciitis pain- love it!
This past summer I used RLT because I *believe* a dog got into some poison ivy then rubbed up against me so my torso was COVERED! I used RLT to help with the inflammation because the rash was so angry. I didn’t know there were all these other reasons to use it too! Thanks for sharing.