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Red Light Therapy: Healing & Skin Rejuvenation

There is a lot of buzz in the media and on social media platforms about a biohacking tool that has been known to showcase promising results in cellular function enhancement. Yes, we are talking about red light therapy which is also known as low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation. This research backed scientific solution has numerous benefits and is a powerful healing modality that not just reduces inflammation but also boosts overall wellness. This low power unique alternative treatment uses light wavelengths between 630 nm and 700 nm, this frequency stimulates mitochondria to help in the acceleration of cell growth and function.

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Science Behind This Photobiomodulator

The breakthrough of biomedical engineering, which began in the early 1800s marks the scientific beginning of red-light therapy. The action through red light therapy happens in mitochondria, where the calcium ion channels absorb the red light and result in new protein synthesis. The photobiomodulator reduces oxidative stress and improves and regulates antioxidant defences and reduces inflammatory markers. The effect on inflammatory markers is beneficial in the healing of traumatic injuries, joint disorders, lung disorders, and brain disorders too, as the activated macrophages calm down. This low-level energy enhances ATP production in mitochondria, improves cell signalling, and contributes to the synthesis of growth factors. This therapeutic biohacking tool attenuates oxidative stress as well. Even NASA is continuously researching to find out more clinical or therapeutic benefits of this treatment.

What Are The Indications Of Red-Light Therapy?

This promising therapy is indicated in multiple conditions, and several clinical trials have been done to showcase its effectiveness for different health conditions. This photostimulation harnesses specific wavelengths to give results on various indications.

  • If you are looking for age reversal, this red-light therapy stimulates collagen and works on wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
  • If there is inflammation, a wound, or a cut and abrasion, this biohacking tool can accelerate healing because of stimulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.
  • The therapeutic device of low-level red light is potentially efficient in preventing and controlling myopia; it is recommended that if the therapy is taken daily for 3 months, the results are astonishing.
  • If you are facing anxiety or mood swings, this non-invasive treatment works wonderfully on nerves and can benefit neurodegenerative disorders. It significantly improves sleep quality.

What Is The Difference Between Photobiomodulation And Red Light Therapy?

  • PBM, which is photobiomodulation, is a broader umbrella term that involves all light therapies that stimulate biological processes for the benefit of mankind. Wherein the red light therapy is the specific wavelength of the photobiomodulator category falling between 600 and 700 nm and particularly improves skin health and joint health by collagen stimulation and enhancing muscle recovery.
  • The key difference is that PBM offers benefits that are more aligned towards medical improvement, wherein the specific wavelength of red-light therapy offers overall wellbeing and aids in aesthetics and wellness. Therefore both have overlapping benefits, and their use depends on the specific goal of the guest and expert suggestion.
  • At a glance both these terms look the same as if they can be interchanged but in reality, they differ remarkably in precision and purpose. Where one impacts deeper tissue and the other delivers surface-level benefits.
  • Both irradiations impart physiological effects on cells and tissues, and the benefits range from promotion of vitamin D synthesis and better alignment of circadian rhythm to improved alertness and reduced stress.
  • Other benefits of red-light therapy include improvement in allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and contact dermatitis, where the inflammatory response is reduced by the treatment. Also, in diabetic eyes and mastitis too, it can be indicated to seek reduction in inflammation and accelerated healing and recovery.

How Is This Red-Light Therapy Delivered?

There are different ways and methods to administer this modality. From its first documented use dated back in 1893 till today, the procedure has evolved considerably in many ways. With significant advancement in technology, various devices are now available to deliver red light therapy effectively and efficiently. Since the dawn of civilization, this technique was accepted but hidden in rituals like worshipping the sun. Egyptians, too, had specific sun temples to harness the power of red-light wavelengths. Ancient civilisations knew about the great healing powers of the red light thousands of years ago. From Greek to Roman to Chinese civilizations, all had various customs aligned around the knowledge of this practice.

  • LED masks
  • Red light bed or chamber
  • Handheld device
  • All these are designed to cater to specific needs by different execution parameters.
Frequently Asked Questions about Red Light Therapy

The LED mask is a device used for the face to harness the light therapy session for treatment of acne, it also works on fine lines, wrinkles and helps in improving skin texture.

The procedure can be executed daily. However, the appropriate frequency is decided after understanding the concerns, its severity and outcome expected. Also, the red-light device being used is important to define the frequency of execution, because some devices need weekly or fortnightly execution. Another important factor is use of any other complimentary therapy to support and enhance the result. In such a case the execution plan will be made in accordance to the conjunction procedure aligned.

The procedure is powerful enough to start the benefits as soon as the first session is delivered. To see a considerable outcome it is important to complete the sessions suggested by the expert. The recommendation is dependent on outcome expectation and device being used to facilitate results.

The simple and straight answer to this question is No. The wavelength is safe and free from ultraviolet light that mutates cells and is carcinogenic. So there is no known side effect for the same.

There is no pain or discomfort that you will experience, a mild sensation of tingling, itching can be experienced depending on your skin’s sensitivity.