FAQ’s

Red light therapy (RLT) works by using low-wavelength red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin and tissues, stimulating cells in ways that can support healing, reduce inflammation, and promote various benefits. Here’s a breakdown of how it works at a biological level:

1. Absorption of Light by Cells (Mitochondria)

The primary mechanism behind red light therapy is the absorption of light by the mitochondria in your cells. The mitochondria are the “powerhouses” of cells, responsible for producing energy (specifically ATP—adenosine triphosphate).

• Red and near-infrared light (600-1000 nm) is absorbed by the mitochondria in the skin and tissues. This absorption increases their energy production, specifically increasing ATP production.

• ATP is the energy currency for your cells, and more ATP means cells have more energy to perform their normal functions (e.g., repair, regeneration, reducing inflammation).

2. Increased Cellular Repair and Regeneration

When cells have more energy, they work more efficiently to repair and regenerate. RLT helps:

• Stimulate collagen production: Collagen is a key protein in the skin that helps maintain structure and elasticity. Increased collagen helps with skin aging, wrinkles, and wound healing.

• Enhance tissue repair: RLT promotes faster healing of damaged tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin, by stimulating cell proliferation and repair.

3. Improved Blood Flow and Circulation

RLT can enhance circulation by dilating blood vessels and promoting the release of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach the tissues. This can contribute to:

• Faster healing: More nutrients and oxygen reach damaged tissues, supporting faster recovery from injuries.

• Reduced inflammation: Better circulation helps remove waste products and inflammatory markers from tissues, reducing swelling and promoting recovery.

4. Reducing Inflammation

One of the significant benefits of red light therapy is its ability to reduce inflammation. It can help modulate inflammatory pathways, leading to:

• Less pain: By reducing inflammation and promoting healing, RLT may reduce pain, especially in conditions like arthritis or muscle soreness.

• Lowered oxidative stress: RLT can reduce free radical damage and oxidative stress, which contributes to chronic inflammation and aging.

5. Effect on Skin and Anti-Aging

RLT has been shown to benefit the skin by:

• Promoting collagen synthesis: As mentioned, increased collagen production leads to smoother skin, reduced wrinkles, and improved skin tone.

• Reducing the appearance of scars: By stimulating skin regeneration and collagen formation, RLT can help reduce scar tissue formation and improve the appearance of existing scars.

• Boosting skin hydration: Improved blood flow and cellular activity can help with skin hydration and elasticity, giving a more youthful appearance.

6. Other Benefits

• Muscle Recovery: RLT can reduce muscle soreness and fatigue after exercise by promoting faster muscle repair.

• Joint Pain Relief: For conditions like osteoarthritis, red light therapy can help reduce joint pain and stiffness.

• Hair Growth: Some studies suggest that RLT can stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth, especially for those with conditions like androgenic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness).

Yes, red light therapy (RLT) is considered safe when used correctly. It’s been researched for a variety of applications, including pain relief, skin care, wound healing, and reducing inflammation. The therapy typically uses wavelengths of light in the red and near-infrared spectrum (around 600–1000 nm), which are thought to penetrate the skin and tissues to stimulate cellular repair and healing.

It can seem like Near-Infrared (NIR) LEDs aren’t working because they operate differently compared to visible light LEDs, so you might not see them glowing or emitting light in the same way. Here’s why they appear not to be working and how to understand their function:

1. Invisible to the Naked Eye

NIR light typically falls within the 700-1000 nm wavelength range, which is just beyond the visible spectrum of light. This means you can’t see it with the naked eye. Even though the LEDs are on and emitting light, it’s not something you can visually perceive like the red or blue light you might be familiar with in some devices.

• Visible red light (typically around 600-700 nm) will look like a bright glow, but near-infrared light will appear dark or completely invisible even though it is still active and working.

2. Types of NIR LEDs in Devices

Some red light therapy devices use both red and NIR LEDs. The red light might be more visible to you, but the NIR LEDs could still be doing their job under the surface, penetrating deeper into the skin and tissues.

• Red light penetrates primarily the outer layers of the skin, while NIR light can reach deeper tissues, muscles, and even joints, providing therapeutic benefits that you can’t directly observe.

• Check the specifications of your device to confirm whether it uses both red and NIR light, as sometimes the NIR LEDs are more powerful or longer-lasting than the visible red LEDs.

3. Device Settings or Issues

If you believe the NIR LEDs aren’t working, consider these troubleshooting steps:

• Check the device power: Ensure the device is plugged in and working properly. Some devices have indicators to show whether the NIR LEDs are active.

• Test the device: If you have a smartphone camera with an infrared filter, you may be able to use it to observe the NIR light. Some smartphones can detect wavelengths in the NIR spectrum, showing you a light that looks invisible to the human eye.

• Device malfunction: If the device is newer and the NIR LEDs aren’t working, there may be an internal issue like a malfunctioning LED or power component. In that case, contacting the manufacturer or customer service would be the best course of action.

4. Proper Usage

If you’re using a red light therapy device and don’t see the NIR light, it’s still likely working as intended. Just make sure you’re using the device for the recommended duration and distance from your skin for the most effective results.

Using red light therapy (RLT) is pretty straightforward, but to get the best results, there are a few key guidelines to follow. Here’s how to use your red light therapy device effectively:

1. Choose the Right Area

• Target the right area: Identify which area of the body you want to treat, whether it’s for skin care, pain relief, muscle recovery, or joint inflammation.

  • For skin issues (wrinkles, acne, scars), treat the face, neck, or other affected areas.

  • For muscle or joint pain, aim at the specific muscle or joint (e.g., knees, shoulders, back).

• Distance from the skin: Keep the device around 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) away from the area being treated. Some devices may have specific recommendations for distance based on their design.

2. Time Duration

• Recommended time: Typically, 10-20 minutes per area is sufficient for most people. You may need to adjust based on the device strength and your skin’s response.

• Frequency: For optimal results, use the therapy 3-5 times per week. Some people may use it every day, but starting with a few sessions per week is a good approach.

  • For skin rejuvenation, shorter sessions (about 5-10 minutes) may work well.

  • For muscle or joint pain, longer sessions (10-20 minutes) may be more effective.

3. Positioning

• Be still: Try to remain still during the session to ensure consistent light exposure on the treated area. Moving too much could reduce the effectiveness of the therapy.

• Angle the device: If using a handheld device, angle it to get the best light exposure to the skin. Some people use a stand to keep the device in place and ensure the light is directed toward the skin evenly.

4. Eye Protection

• Use goggles if necessary: If you’re using NIR light (near-infrared) therapy or close-range red light therapy, protect your eyes. Most NIR light is invisible to the naked eye, but prolonged exposure could cause discomfort.

  • Many devices come with protective goggles. If not, wearing sunglasses or eye protection is a good idea.

  • For red light, it’s less of a concern, but if you’re sensitive to light, consider protective glasses.

5. Clean the Skin

• Clean and dry your skin before starting treatment to ensure there’s no dirt or oil that could block the light from penetrating effectively.

• If you’re treating areas with acne or scars, make sure the skin is free from lotions, creams, or makeup, as these could interfere with the light’s effectiveness.

6. Consistency is Key

• Red light therapy works best with regular use over time. Results won’t usually be immediate, but with consistent application, you should start seeing improvements in 2-4 weeks depending on the area being treated and the condition you’re targeting.

7. Post-Treatment Care

• After your session, you can resume normal activities. There’s no downtime needed, and you don’t need to do anything special after the treatment.

• Some people prefer applying moisturizer or skin care products after a red light session to enhance the benefits, especially if they’re using it for skin health.