With every year comes a host of new health and wellness trends, and in 2024 the use of red light therapy is one that is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. This innovative, non-invasive treatment is believed to offer a raft of benefits including reduced inflammation and pain, increased melatonin and better sleep, and even a serotonin boost to enhance your mood, so it’s easy to see why regular sessions are now seen as essential acts of self care that have made their way into many of our schedules.
Harnessing the power of low-level red and near-infrared light to promote healing and rejuvenation, here we take a look at what red light therapy is, how it works, and why it might be just what you need to uplevel your health in 2024.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy works by using specific wavelengths of light – typically between 600 and 1,000 nanometres – to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular function, increasing blood flow to facilitate an increase in their supply of oxygen and other key nutrients needed for optimal health. Unlike ultraviolet light, which can damage the skin, red and near-infrared light are widely considered to be safe and non-invasive, and its ability to penetrate the skin to varying depths means it’s able to simultaneously promote a number of different therapeutic effects.
How does red light therapy work?
Red light therapy works by stimulating the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, enhancing their ability to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell. Increased ATP production leads to improved cell function, which in turn can accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and promote regeneration. This mechanism of action is what makes red light therapy effective for a wide range of applications.
The benefits of red light therapy
So now that the science is out of the way, how exactly can using red light therapy benefit you? Well, it seems there are a number of ways. These include:
Improved skin health
Red light therapy stimulates collagen production, which in turn, can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to give you a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion. It has also been shown to be a powerful tool for the reduction of the appearance of scars thanks to its ability to improve skin tone and texture, as well as being used as a tool in the fight against acne.
Pain relief
Red light therapy also has the power to help reduce inflammation, hence its growing application in the management of chronic pain conditions like arthritis. It’s also a great secret weapon to have up your sleeve when it comes to post-exercise ‘DOMS,’ as by promoting increased blood flow and faster tissue healing, it’s also able to help your muscles recover more quickly.
Better quality sleep
Red light therapy may also increase the natural circadian rhythm of the body, resulting in improved sleep. Not only that, but it also increases the body’s overall melatonin (the sleep hormone) production, helping you to drift off faster.
Enhanced mood and cognitive function
If you struggle with regular bouts of low mood or are simply in need of a little boost, then good news; regular RLT sessions are said to drastically elevate levels of the happy hormone (serotonin) within the body, enhancing your mood and making you feel a little bit more positive. Not only that, but there is also growing evidence that RLT can help with cognitive function, and may even help in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
The science behind red light therapy
Numerous studies support the efficacy of red light therapy for various conditions, with clinical trials demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing pain, improving skin health, and enhancing muscle recovery. The growing body of evidence has led to increased acceptance and utilisation of red light therapy in both clinical settings and at-home treatments, and there are now a variety of devices that can be bought and used at home.
At-home red light therapy devices
With such a plethora of options now available for purchase, it’s easier than ever to find the best at home red light therapy devices to suit your needs. At-home devices vary in size and can range from handheld units to larger panels, with something for everyone and making it quick and simple to incorporate red light therapy into your weekly routine.
The recommended frequency of use for red light therapy will vary depending on what you’re using it to address, but as a general rule of thumb, most people will see benefits with two to three sessions per week. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment to ensure that it’s safe for you to proceed.
Safety and side effects
Red light therapy is generally considered safe when used appropriately, but reading the manufacturer’s manual on your home device is crucial before beginning treatment to ensure that you’re using it safely and correctly.
Side effects are rare, but may occasionally include temporary redness or tightness in the treated area.
