What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation therapy, involves exposure to specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. Proponents claim it can help improve skin conditions, reduce inflammation, boost collagen production, support cellular health and more. This type of therapy uses red and near-infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) generally between 600-1000 nanometers (nm) in wavelength. Devices used for red light therapy include light therapy beds, panels and handheld devices.
How does it work?
Red Light Therapy Beds and near-infrared light is absorbed by the mitochondria in cells, it stimulates an increase in cellular energy production called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This leads to more stable functioning, faster replication of healthy cells and improved cellular communication. The light also stimulates the production of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects. Many clinical trials have shown evidence that red and near-infrared light therapy can reduce pain, stiffness and swelling in conditions like arthritis as well as speed wound healing.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Proponents claim red light therapy can provide an array of benefits:
- Skin rejuvenation: By boosting collagen production, red light therapy is promoted as an anti-aging treatment that reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots over time. Clinical trials show it improves skin elasticity, tone and texture.
- Acne treatment: The anti-inflammatory effects are believed to help reduce acne breakouts and soothe existing lesions when combined with topical treatments. Some small studies support its efficacy for acne.
- Hair growth stimulation: Near-infrared light is thought to increase circulation in hair follicles, stimulating keratinocyte growth and prolonging the anagen hair growth phase. This has shown promise for treating pattern baldness when combined with minoxidil.
- Sports recovery enhancement: Red light therapy is used by athletes and physical therapists to speed muscle recovery after intense workouts or injuries by reducing pain, swelling and stiffness. This allows for faster return to activity.
- Wound healing acceleration: Clinical trials demonstrate red and near-infrared light therapy increases collagen deposition, angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation and wound tensile strength to heal cuts, injuries and post-operative wounds more quickly.
- Neurological support: Some research suggests red light therapy could benefit conditions like Parkinson's disease and traumatic brain injuries by promoting new neuron growth and cellular regeneration in the brain. However, more research is still needed.
The Growth of Red Light Therapy Beds
While portable red light therapy devices are increasing in popularity, red light therapy beds which expose the whole body are gaining ground as a wellness treatment offered in med spas, chiropractic clinics, physical therapy offices and specialized light therapy centers. Compared to handheld devices which target one area at a time, whole body exposure from beds is believed to provide more comprehensive benefits in less time.
Red light therapy beds generally have panels emitting 660nm or 850nm red and near-infrared wavelengths from LEDs along the inside ceiling and walls. Treatments last from 10-40 minutes depending on the condition being addressed and technology used. The client simply lies down under the panels in light clothing while the LEDs are turned on. Some advanced beds have moving panels for uniform exposure across the body. Most do not emit enough heat or UV light to tan or burn the skin.
As technology improvements reduce prices, red light therapy beds have expanded access to this treatment modality beyond expensive medical facilities. They are now available for individual at-home use or through membership-based light therapy studios. Scientific validation of red light therapy's benefits continues to grow in popularity with consumers looking for natural ways to enhance wellness, rejuvenate aging skin and speed recovery without drugs or surgery. According to some estimates, the light therapy market is growing at nearly 15% annually and could reach $8 billion worldwide by 2026.

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