Are you considering red light therapy and want to learn more about its pros and cons? Before trying red light therapy, many people wonder about its potential risks and the benefits they may experience, seeking to learn as much as possible about their upcoming treatment.
But with so much misinformation online, it can be hard to find the answers that you need, and it is becoming harder to know who to trust. Luckily for you, we are here to help and provide answers you can rely on.
Today, we walk you through the pros and cons of red light therapy to help you decide if it is the right treatment for you.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses near-infrared and red light to target specific cells. These infrared lights are non-thermal and offer little to no heat, setting them apart from the infrared used in new saunas. Red light therapy is designed to deprive stressed cells of oxygen, forcing them to compete with free radicals to utilise oxygen.
This process produces energy in the form of ATP. The light will then hit the cells and be absorbed, dissociating from the free radical, allowing oxygen to take its place in the cell and enabling optimal energy production.
Red light therapy has become very popular in recent years, with face masks developed to treat various conditions, from acne to wrinkles, and red light beds that allow the light to reach your entire body.
Red light therapy is considered safe and less harsh than topical skin treatments, making it a good choice for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies.
What are the Pros of Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy offers numerous benefits, making it an excellent treatment for anyone looking to improve their skin or recover after exercise. The benefits you experience after red light therapy can vary, but typically, you can expect the following pros:
It Accelerates Recovery
Using red light therapy after exercise can help speed recovery. Red light therapy can increase the quality and rate of tissue repair, enhancing your recovery, improving muscle performance, and reducing pain. An accelerated recovery allows you to return to exercise sooner, too, making your fitness goals more achievable.
It Reduces the Signs of Aging
Red light therapy reduces the effects caused by oxidative stress. These can contribute to acute and chronic pain, accelerating your aging process. Regularly using red light therapy can help to reduce the signs of aging on your face and body, slowing the aging process and keeping you looking younger for longer. You should notice an improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, alongside pigmentation from any aging spots, and an improvement in skin texture.
It Boosts Circulation and Cellular Energy
Red and near-infrared wavelengths can increase your circulation, improving blood flow around your body. It can also increase cellular energy production, helping your cells repair faster and supporting recovery after exercise or an injury.
It Can Treat Skin Conditions
Red light therapy is becoming more common to help address skin conditions. It can help with the following skin conditions:
- Improving acne
- Improving facia texture
- Improving hair growth
- Improving strength and elasticity
- Improving scars
- Improving psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema
- Improving stretch marks
- Improving sun-damaged skin
- Improving wound healing
Red light therapy increases blood circulation and stimulates collagen production, improving your skin’s strength and elasticity, making it appear more youthful and plump. To address skin conditions, a red light mask is usually worn, directing all the light to your face for better results.
What are the Cons of Red Light Therapy?
Despite the many benefits of red light therapy, there are a few drawbacks that you should consider before beginning your treatment. The drawbacks you experience will vary, but most users will report the following:
It Can Be Uncomfortable
While red light therapy is designed to be pain-free, some users do experience discomfort, especially if they have been exposed to the red light for too long. Overexposure to red light therapy can cause burns, blisters, and lesions, causing pain. You must take care when using the treatment: do not use it for more than 30 minutes at a time or fall asleep during the treatment. It can be tempting to rest during your treatment, but you should keep an eye on the time to avoid discomfort or burns.
Should you experience blisters or burns, treat them immediately and monitor them closely to ensure they do not become infected.
There is a Risk of Eye Damage
There is a potential risk of eye damage when using red light therapy that you need to be aware of. While LEDs are safer than lasers, you still need to use eye protection during red light therapy, no matter what the therapy is. Eye protection is usually provided before your treatment, and you need to ensure it is applied correctly before your treatment begins.
Start Red Light Therapy Today
While there are some drawbacks and risks to consider, red light therapy is incredibly safe and offers many benefits. Instead of trying red light therapy at home, we recommend using a professional clinic, like TH7 Body Labs, where experts are available to create a personalised treatment plan to help you achieve your goals. Contact TH7 to start red light therapy in Brisbane today.