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Best Light Therapy Products For Skin Rejuvenation

In the most recent years, when skin treatments are being discussed, the phrase light therapy is usually going to be thrown around. It may seem silly at first to some people. Light can make me look younger? Light can heal my skin? No more wrinkles? You mean the sun? Oh I have to sit in front of a light? How could that work?!

It works, everyone. It has been proven over and over again! Light therapy is being used to treat not only skin conditions and disorders, but also the inevitable aging process that we all have to go through. You’re still going to grow older, but that doesn’t mean your skin has to look the same as your age! The all natural, chemical free, drug free therapy is breaking headlines everywhere. There are a few different forms of light that work to rejuvenate the skin. Red light therapy, blue light therapy, and a combination of the two are all being used to reduce wrinkles, minimize fine lines, tighten the skin, get rid of cellulite, heal scars, and more. We’re going to break it down for you between you start digging deeper looking at products…

Red Light – Stimulates the production of collagen, which is a protein used to repair damaged tissue and to replace old tissue. This will help treat fine lines and reduce large sized pores.
Blue Light – Kills Prophyrins, which is the acne causing bacteria in the skin’s pores. It also has a calming effective which is great for hypersensitivity.
Green Light – A balance between red and blue light. Balances color pigment, reduces fine lines, adds nutrients to aging skin, speeds up healing process of wounds, and can treat scars.

Light therapy treatments for these conditions can be conducted in a dermatologist’s office or in the comfort of your own home. While the devices doctor’s use are going to be slightly more powerful and you will be supervised throughout the treatment, it often gets extremely expensive to visit a dermatologist each time you want to undergo light therapy treatments. This is why scientists have begun to improve at home skin rejuvenation light therapy treatments. In order to get the best results, it’s important to speak with a doctor first, set a schedule for yourself, and fit the treatment into your routine. The easier it is to fit the treatment into your schedule, the better you will be about making it happen. It’s also important to keep an open mind. Light therapy treatments aren’t going to rejuvenate your skin immediately and keep you that way after just one treatment. Be patient, follow a schedule, and you’ll have the skin you’ve always dreamed of.

Below is a list of the Best Light Therapy Products for Skin Rejuvenation. You can use all of these devices in the comfort of your home, they’re easy to use, and you can follow your own treatment plan. Does it get any better?!

NORLANYA Photon Therapy Facial Salon Skin Care Treatment Machine

Amazon for $264.09

This skin care system is advanced and highly reviewed, making it one of the best options on the market for skin rejuvenation. The NORLANYA Photon Therapy Facial Salon Skin Care Treatment Machine uses red, blue, and yellow lighting to reduce wrinkles, spots, fine lines, reduce inflammation, heal scars, and kill acne. The changeable light panels, which each include about 140 LED bulbs, emit light at different wavelengths. Red is at 630 nanometers, blue is 470 nanometers and yellow is 590 nanometers. The high intensity of this machine allows for cell growth and rejuvenation anywhere on the body with dermatologist level results. The NORLANYA Photon Therapy Machine is foldable, easy to transport, and can be manipulated to effectively treat any part of the body.

Carer 3 Color LED Mask

Amazon for $142.99

Light Therapy skin rejuvenation masks are a great way to soley focus on the health and cosmetic appearance of your skin. There are a lot of masks for sale but it’s takes doing a little research to find the one that is going to be the most effective. The Carer 3 Color LED Mask ranks pretty high in our books. This skin care mask uses 3 different photon therapy options. Patients can choose to use red, blue, or green LED lighting to help achieve the correct results. The red light emits light at wavelengths between 650 to 730 nanometers. The blue light emits light at wavelengths between 430 to 450 nanometers. The green light, which is a combination of red and blue light, emits light at wavelengths between 525 to 550 nanometers. This company recommends using the mask for at least 20 minutes a day and claims that you will see results in just 4-6 weeks! Worth a shot, right?

Quasar MD Plus

BabyQuasar for $595.00

Baby Quasar is a highly reviewed light therapy skin care company. They make many products to target skin rejuvenation and acne treatment.Their Quasar MD Plus uses red lighting to help slow the skin’s aging process as well as a few other cosmetic benefits. The Quasar MD Plus is FDA cleared, dermatologist recommended, and has proven positive results for at home treatments. The treatment head is 1.94 inches in diameter and it uses 5mm LEDs. While there is a smaller option for this device, the Baby Quasar Plus, the larger treatment heads allow patients to cover more space, shortening the treatment time. Red light therapy is 100% safe and has no side effects. Plus, the company that makes this device claims this handheld wand to be their best weapon against anti-aging. Time to add it to your shopping cart!

Posted on April 10, 2016 In Acne, Blue Light Therapy, Light Therapy, Products, Red Light Therapy, Skin Treatments

Sunlight & Mental Health

What Is Sunlight?

Sunshine! It gives us tans, beach days, blooming flowers, pretty green grass, a need for oversized sun hats, an excuse to go outdoors, and oh so much more. But the most important thing sunshine may contribute to our lives is it’s effect on our mental health. But before I get into that, let’s learn a little more about the sun. Let’s learn the facts.

Sunlight is a portion of the electromagnetic radiation that is given off by the all mighty and powerful sun. Using more specific terms, the sun gives off infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light. For us little people down on Earth, sunlight is filtered through the atmosphere surrounding the Earth, thus providing us with daylight. This means the sun is present above the horizon. When the sun’s rays are not being by clocked by clouds, which creates diffused light, they shine right on down to us. This creates sunshine, which is an unbeatable combination of radiant heat and bright light. Too much sun isn’t always a good thing. It’s important to always wear sunscreen, protect your skin from overexposure, and always drink enough water. The sun is more than powerful and can easily control our bodies.

If you’re like me, you cross your fingers, pray to the weather gods, and hope with everything inside of you that every single day of the year will be sunny. This is because sunlight is known to have positive effects on the brain, can drastically improve your skin, can ease health problems, and most definitely raises energy levels. If we are smart about how we manage our time with the sun and how it fits into our lives, we can be exposed to a world of health benefits. The most important effect the sun can have on our bodies, may be our mental health.

Our Mental Health…

Our mental health is something that shouldn’t be tampered with too much. According to Mental Health, a website dedicated to the study of the human brain, mental health is not only important, it’s also intricate. According to the website,

“Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
Family history of mental health problems”

(MentalHealth.gov)

It’s important to remain happy, remain sane, and have a good outlook on life in order to achieve the highest possible quality of life. Our mental health is a sensitive part of us. It can be quite a rollercoaster so it’s smart to always keep your seatbelt on.
Of course, there is an endless list of factors that could have a negative effect on our mental health. We could have family issues, we could be suffering from heartache, we could be struggling with a severe disorder, disease, or condition. The list goes on an on. However, one of the most common reasons why someone’s mental health levels would decrease is due to the weather.
It is incredibly common for people who struggle with Depression, seasonal changes and Seasonal Depression to just shrug it off, but it is taking a toll on their mental health for sure. For example, the way the weather effects us. It’s easily to call feeling down during winter the “winter blues.” Or if you get to work before the sun is up and then get out once the sun has already set, you are not going to stay at the top of your game. This is where Depression can either show up again or appear for the first time. It’s easy to just wait it out, letting yourself hibernate and feel low. But the truth is…our brains love the sun! Our bodies are far more sensitive to sunlight than most people recognize. The winter blues and our not so great daily schedules can take a serious toll on us and they rely on whether or not the sun is out and planning on sticking around.

Light Therapy For Mental Health…

When struggling from Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Seasonal Depression, or seasonal changes, you don’t need to just sit and wait around for things to get better. One form of light therapy was created in order to help treat the conditions we are discussing. A light therapy device can be used to help treat the symptoms associated with these conditions. It doesn’t work in one day, but it’s a step in the right direction.

People struggling with Depression or these seasonal related conditions first choose which form of light therapy prefer according to their lifestyle as well as their symptoms. A light therapy device for this sort of treatment provides a measured amount of light through fluorescent bulbs or panels. The light intensity is typically between 2,500 to 10,000 lux. Depending on the device chosen, which could be a panel, box, lamp, or simulator, the patient would choose a schedule. The treatment is most effective if a set amount of time is scheduled on a regular basis.

Natural Sunlight For Mental Health…

Sunlight does more than just lift our moods, it actually cures depression symptoms. It does this by raising levels of anti-depressants in the brain. Serotonin, which is a mood lifting chemical, is produced at a higher rate on sunny days. While light therapy devices can help raise Seratonin levels as well, nothing beats the real thing.

It may sound funny at first, but treatment for depression and seasonal depression can most certainly be done with natural sunlight. Similar to a light therapy device, setting aside a part of your day on a regular basis is the same concept. Not everyone is lucky enough to live somewhere where they can receive this sunlight throughout the year, but if you are, you should take advantage of it. It’s too good for you not to!

Don’t Forget!

“Adding a little sunshine to your life by getting outside more can relieve anxiety and reduce depression. If you live in higher latitudes with little sunlight, a light box may provide some mood-boosting benefits. From treating skin conditions to strengthening bones, sunlight has other health benefits as well. Because excess sun exposure is linked with increased skin cancer risk, refrain from staying outside too long without sunscreen. If you’re going to be outside longer than 15 minutes or so, you’ll need a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.” -(HealthLine.com)

“Discovering the environment’s impact on cognitive functioning within the context of seasonal disorders may lead not only to better understanding of the disorders, but also to the development of targeted interventions to enhance everyday functioning and quality of life.”
-Shia Kent, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Posted on April 8, 2016 In Light Therapy, Mental Health, Sunlight, Uncategorized

Best Light Therapy Products For Depression

Light Therapy is being used to help treat depression all over the world. Many people struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a form of depression that occurs annually during the fall and winter months. Due to the fact that there is little to no sun during these months and the time changes make it difficult to keep track of what time of the day it is, it is easy for depression to settle in. For people that struggle with depression regardless of the time of year, Light Therapy has also been proven effective. Light has the power to lift energy levels, making it easier to live with depression. Also, depression and insomnia commonly go hand in hand. Light Therapy helps keep the brain’s internal clock in check which can help fight insomnia. Waking up to “sunlight” in your room can awake you in the right mood and remind your body that it is time to arise and get the day started.

Whether you’re struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, depression, insomnia, or any other disorder that’s got you down, Light Therapy might be the right path for you. A simple light box that you leave on your desk may flip your life around. Spending as little as thirty minutes in front of a light box while you read, work, eat, write, or knit may be what you need to feel like yourself again. More 3 million people in the United States are diagnosed with depression each year. If you or someone you know is one of those 3 million people, Light Therapy can take a heavy burden off your shoulders. Shouldn’t you give it a chance? This is why we made a list for you. Below you will find the best at home Light Therapy products currently on the market. All of these products are highly reviewed, easy to use, and have the power to drastically improve your life. What are you waiting for? Start reading!

Carex Health Brands Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp
Amazon for $119.79 (on sale!)

If you’re going to fight depression, why not do it the right way? The Carex Health Brands Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp is one of the best at home light therapy devices on the market. This lamp provides the maximum recommended 10,000 lux of glare-free white light. It safely blocks 99.3% of UV rays. It also projects the light downwards, which is doctor’s recommend as the best method for treatments. The angle and height are both adjustable, making this lamp easy to use in most places. Spending as little as 15 minutes each morning in front of this lamp can drastically increase energy levels and have you feeling rested and ready to take on the world.

Philips HF3520 Wake-Up Light With Colored Sunrise Simulation
Amazon for $129.99 (on sale!)

Dawn/sunset simulators are one of the best treatment methods for Seasonal Affective Disorder, depression, or insomnia. The Philips HF3520 Wake-Up Light mimics the sun rise each morning and the sunset each night at the time of your preference. This device is slightly different than most simulators on the market. Philips actually made this light to mimic the colors of the sun which will help you gradually wake up or fall asleep. There is also a choice of 5 natural and calming sounds. Waking up in this fashion each morning is guaranteed to start your day off right as well as keep your circadian rhythm (your mind’s internal clock) in check. Letting yourself wind down with the colors of the sunset will also improve your nightly sleep.
Aside from being a simulator, the Philips HF3520 Wake-Up Light is also an FM radio and a tap-to-snooze alarm clock. Why wouldn’t you want to add this product to your bedside table? It has everything!

Northern Light Technology Travelite
Amazon for $164.99

Fighting depression, no matter what kind it is, requires consistency. When undergoing Light Treatments it is important to set a schedule and stick to it. For people that travel a lot, spend most of their day at work, or live in a small home, it is important to use a light therapy device that can easily fit into these unique lifestyles. This is why the Northern Light Technoology Travelite is one of the best at home light therapy products for depression on the market right now. This light box offers 10,000 lux of diffused light at a safe and comfortable 12 inch distance and only uses 48 watts of energy. Weighing in at only 2.9 pounds, and 13 inches in height, this lamp is extremely powerful and effective for it’s size. Don’t be fooled! It also includes a folding stand that can support the panel in either the vertical or horizontal position. The Northern Light Technology Traveliteis UV free, meaning it’s harm free and safe for anyone! Time to add this light therapy device to your travel bag!

Posted on April 7, 2016 In Depression, Light Therapy, Products

Sunlight & Vitamin D

What Is Sunlight?

Sunlight, sunshine, the sun, daylight, sun rays, whatever you choose to call it, chances are you know what it is. But let’s dig a little deeper.
Sunlight is a portion of the electromagnetic radiation that is given off by the all mighty and powerful sun. Using more specific terms, the sun gives off infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light. For us little people down on Earth, sunlight is filtered through the atmosphere surrounding the Earth, thus providing us with daylight. This means the sun is present above the horizon. When the sun’s rays are not being by clocked by clouds, which creates diffused light, they shine right on down to us. This creates sunshine, which is an unbeatable combination of radiant heat and bright light.
Too much sun isn’t always a good thing. It’s important to always wear sunscreen, protect your skin from overexposure, and always drink enough water. The sun is more than powerful and can easily control our bodies.
If you’re like me, you cross your fingers, pray to the weather gods, and hope with everything inside of you that every single day of the year will be sunny. This is because sunlight is known to have positive effects on the brain, can drastically improve your skin, can ease health problems, and most definitely raises energy levels. If we are smart about how we manage our time with the sun and how it fits into our lives, we can be exposed to a world of health benefits. For example, Vitamin D, which is crucial for our bodies to remain healthy, is activated within us when we are exposed to sun.

What Is Vitamin D?

Vitamins are chemicals that our bodies require in order for them to remain healthy. They help us fight illnesses, keep us strong, help us heal, and keep our insides working well together. Vitamin D, which is most commonly known for helping promote strong and healthy bones, can be created by the sunlight or taken in pill form. It is pretty remarkable that sunlight, when exposed to the skin, can help our bodies create Vitamin D. This is the only vitamin that can make itself. We must get our other vitamins through our foods. Vitamin D doesn’t rely on our diet, instead it relies on our exposure to sunlight.

Why We Need Vitamin D…

Our bodies need and crave Vitamin D in order to keep our bones strong and healthy. The Vitamin D Council, a website dedicated to all things Vitamin D related, took to their blog to explain why Vitamin D is so important. They described,
“Vitamin D is very important for strong bones. Calcium and phosphorus are essential for developing the structure and strength of your bones, and you need vitamin D to absorb these minerals. Even if you eat foods that contain a lot of calcium and phosphorus, without enough vitamin D, you can’t absorb them into your body. Vitamin D is important for general good health, and researchers now are discovering that vitamin D may be important for many other reasons outside of good bone health. Some of the functions of the body that vitamin D helps with include:

Immune system, which helps you to fight infection
Muscle function
Cardiovascular function, for a healthy heart and circulation
Respiratory system –for healthy lungs and airways
Brain development
Anti-cancer effects

Doctors are still working to fully understand how vitamin D works within your body and how it affects your overall health.

If your body doesn’t get enough vitamin D to keep it healthy, this is called vitamin D deficiency. Severe vitamin D deficiency can sometimes cause a condition called rickets in children and a condition called osteomalacia in adults. Both of these conditions cause soft, thin, and brittle bones. A lack of vitamin D has also been linked to some other conditions such as cancer, asthma, type-II diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, Alzheimer’s and autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s and type-I diabetes.” (VitaminDCouncil.org)

Vitamin D Deficiency…

Vitamin D deficiency is far more common than most people would ever think. How can something that is activated by a natural part of our world not being taken advantage of? There are many factors that can come into play when it comes to Vitamin D deficiency. For example, some parts of the world remain dark for extended amounts of time for specific seasons. Some states, such as Seattle, are gloomy and rainy for a high percentage of the year. Some people are scared of too much skin, and some, just simply don’t make or don’t have the time for sun exposure. There are a whole slew of reasons why people could be lacking Vitamin D and the statistics that prove just how many people are struggling will blow your mind.

Healing Therapies, a website dedicated to medical studies, has a blog titled, “Vitamin D: Facts and Statistics.” In this article, the Vitamin D deficiency statistics are laid out.

32% of doctors and medical school students are vitamin-D deficient.
40% of the U.S. population is vitamin-D deficient.
42% of African American women of childbearing age are vitamin-D deficient.
48% of young girls (9-11 years old) are vitamin-D deficient.
Up to 60% of all hospital patients are vitamin-D deficient.
76% of pregnant mothers are severely vitamin-D deficient, causing widespread vitamin-D deficiencies in their unborn children.

(HealingTherapies.Info)

How Does Vitamin D Work?

Okay so now you know what sunlight is, and you know what Vitamin D is, but now you need to know how the two work together to keep us healthy. It’s quite simple…chemical processes!

The Vitamin D process begins with your liver. Whether you are exposing yourself to sunlight to receive Vitamin D or you are taking supplements, your body is going to send the Vitamin D to your liver. Once your body reaches this point, your liver is going to take that Vitamin D and change it into a different substance. This substance is called 25(OH)D. As the Vitamin D Council explains, “When your doctor talks about your vitamin D levels, he means the amount of 25(OH)D you have in your blood.” Hey, thanks liver! From this point, the chemical is sent all over your body and it’s ready to get to action! Our tissues turn it into activated Vitamin D and your body will begin to receive the long slew of health benefits.The Vitamin D Council came to the rescue again to simplify what is definitely not a simple thing. The website explains,

“From here, it gets a little complicated, but you can think of activated vitamin D working in two ways:

Manages calcium in your blood, bones and gut
Helps cells all over your body to communicate properly”

As you can see, Vitamin D deserves to be explained in more than just a few lines. It’s complex, extremely interesting, and majorly beneficial. However, if I were to explain it to you in just a few sentences, I would leave you with this…
Our bodies need vitamin D and the sun can give us it. Why not take advantage of what this world has to offer? Your body will thank you!

Posted on April 1, 2016 In Light Therapy, Sunlight, Uncategorized

Top 10 Light Therapy Products For Depression Under $100

Light Therapy is being used to help treat depression all over the world. Many people struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a form of depression that occurs annually during the fall and winter months. Due to the fact that there is little to no sun during these months and the time changes make it difficult to keep track of what time of the day it is, it is easy for depression to settle in. For people that struggle with depression regardless of the time of year, Light Therapy has also been proven effective. Light has the power to lift energy levels, making it easier to live with depression. Also, typically depression and insomnia go hand in hand. Light Therapy helps keep the brain’s internal clock in check which can help fight insomnia. Waking up to “sunlight” in your room can awake you in the right mood and remind your body that it is time to wake up and get the day started.

Whether you’re struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, depression, insomnia, or any other disorder that’s got you down, Light Therapy might be the right path for you. A simple light box that you leave on your desk may flip your life around. Spending as little as thirty minutes in front of a light box while you read, work, eat, write, or knit may be what you need to feel like yourself again. We know that many people struggle with all different forms of depression and we know that time, money, and convenience all play a role in our treatment options. This is why we made a list for you. Below you will find the Top Ten Light Therapy Products For Depression Under $100. These products are highly reviewed, easy to use, and inexpensive.

1.) Sphere Gadget Technologies Lightphoria 10,000 Lux Energy Light Lamp

$69.99

If your mood could be bumped up a few notches and your space is limited, this is the light therapy lamp for you. The Sphere Gadget Technologies Lightphoria 10,000 Lux Energy Lamp is not only portable and sleek, it’s also well made and sturdy. It emits 10,000 Lux of light energy and is made with 72 energy efficient LEDs that consume 7.2 watts. This is impressive considering it’s size. The lamp has options for different intensity levels and a timer that can be set for 15, 30, or 45 minutes.

2.) NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp

$39.99

The NatureBright Sun Touch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp uses 10,000 lux light therapy and negative ion therapy which is worth pointing out after seeing it’s price point. This lamp was created to balances your body’s internal clock which is the main reason why Seasonal Affective Disorder exists. Once your mind and body are back on track you start to feel refreshed, energized and youthful. Ion therapy has also been proven effective when used as anti depressant and can show results in as little as three days. This lamp is recommended by the Columbia Department of Psychiatry and the New York State Psychiatry Institute. Definitely a product you should add to your cart!

3.) Philips Wake-Up Light

$69.99

A dawn/dusk simulator is necessary for anyone struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, depression, insomnia, or jet lag. The Philips Wake-Up Light is intended to be an all natural and highly effective alarm clock. Instead of blasting a loud alarm in your ear to wake you up in the morning, this Light Therapy device slowly begins to mimic an outdoor sunrise when it reaches the time you set it to. The purpose is to awake you naturally, leaving you refreshed, energized, and ready for the day. There are also 10 light settings, a snooze option, and an alarm beeping option in case you sleep through the light.

4.) Verilux VT10WW1 HappyLight Liberty Personal Portable Natural Spectrum Energy Lamp

$39.95

Light Therapy Lamps are intended to improve your mood and outlook naturally, drug free, and harm free. The Verilux VT10WW1 HappyLight Liberty Personal Portable Natural Spectrum Energy Lamp is highly reviewed and trusted for doing just that. The LED light panel on the lamp is only 8″ in height and width and it emits 5,000 lux of light energy. This is a moderate output range, making this lamp ideal for mild to moderate cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder and other forms of depression. The size and intensity of the lamp make it perfect for desk, office, and travel use.

5.) Aura Light Therapy Lamp

79.89

The Aura Light Therapy Lamp is sleek, modern, and highly reviewed. This lamp emits 10,000 lux of light energy and has a 6 inch photopic measurement. This lamp is a must have for anyone dealing with the winter blues. The company recommends performing light therapy treatments as early as possible in the morning and credits itself for being highly effective in lifting moods, stabilizing energy levels, and treating depression. The high number of happy reviewers on Amazon agree too!

6.) Nature Bright Sun Bliss 2 in 1 Portable Light Therapy & Wake-Up Light

$60.30

The Nature Bright Sun Bliss 2 in 1 Portable Light Therapy & Wake-Up Light is perfect for someone who needs a little help keeping their circadian rhythm in check. This light is made with a 10,000 lux bright light which is meant to mimic the sun no matter what time of day it is. It can be used as a simple light box that you spend some time in front of to raise your energy levels or you can use it as an alarm clock. Set the time you’d like to start waking up and the light will slowly start to turn on, mimicking the sunrise and keeping your mind’s internal clock in check. The Nature Bright Sun Bliss Light is light weight and portable, weighing in at only 15.5 ounces and 1.2 inches in height. This lamp is perfect for your desktop, bedside table, or carry on bag!

7.) Lighten Up! Sunrise / Dawn Simulator

$39.95

This sunrise and sunset simulator is a little different than most. The Lighten Up! Model 308 Sunrise Simulator actually does not include a lamp. Instead, this device plugs into the light source of your choice, turning it into a simulator. With this device you can control your own lamp and have it on a specific timer, staying in tune with the outdoor light, thus keeping your internal body clock in check. This simulator is perfect for helping treat seasonal depression, jet lag, insomnia, and more. For people who live in areas that deal with long periods of darkness, for example Alaska in the winter, this simulator can help your body remember what time it is and where your brain should be at at that time. This simulator is very well priced and the fact that you can control just about eveything about it including the light source isn’t too bad either.

8.) Zadro Sunlight 365

$34.95

The Zadro Sunlight 365 was specially designed for the winter blues victim on the go. This light consists of 35 blue LEDs and has 10,000 lux of light which is quite impressive considering the size. The light is adjustable from 0 to 100% and has a small panel on the front that shows the time and other optionable settings. This Light Therapy lamp is plastic, small, and portable, making it a necessary addition to your carry on bag.

9.) Verilux VT15WW1 Happy Light Liberty 7,500 Lux Energy Lamp

$43.99

Okay, we’ll admit it. This lamp isn’t too different from all the other ones we’ve discussed. But when a light is this powerful and this cheap, it’s worth pointing out! The Verilux VT15WW1 Happy Light Liberty 7,500 Lux Energy Lamp emits 7,500 lux light energy at an 8 inch photopic measurement. It’s also UV free, flicker free, and small enough to put on your desk, but not small enough to not give you the power you need to fight the blues. HappyLight has been making Light Therapy devices since 1956 and all of their devices are worth your hard earned money. We promise!

10.) Hammacher Schlemmer Desktop Light Therapy Lamp

$99.95

Yes, this is another light therapy box, and yes, this one is more expensive. But didn’t your parents ever tell you “you get what you pay for!” The Hammacher Schlemmer Desktop Light Therapy Lamp is sleak, clean, and effective. The lamp is equipped with 10,000 LUX of daylight spectrum light, which is rare for a product of its size. The high level of light being emitted is perfect for counteracting seasonal depression, seasonal change, jet lag, and more. Spending just 30 minutes a day in front of this light therapy lamp can help stop the release of melatonin in your brain. Melatonin is a sleep hormone and when it is stopped from being released throughout the day, you will find yourself with a much higher energy level from sun up to sun down. The Hammacher Schlemmer Desktop Light Therapy Lamp uses a 36 watt bulb rated for 10,000 hours. It also includes an electronic ballast to stop buzzing while operating and flicker elimination technology. This light therapy lamp definitely needs to be added to your cart!

Posted on March 29, 2016 In Depression, Light Therapy, Mental Health, Products, Top 10's

Best Books on Light Therapy

Whether you’re interested in Light Therapy, currently practicing the therapy, a doctor wanting to learn more, a student researching the topic for class, or basically anyone with a little light going off in their brain in regards to Light Therapy, there is a book for you. We have taken the liberty to compile our favorite books on Light Therapy in hopes that you’ll give them a chance. So keep on reading…and then read some more!

“Light – Medicine of the Future” by Jacob Liberman, Ph.D

Amazon for $15.76

Jacob Liberman wrote this wonderful book in 1990. While that might make you feel like it’s outdated, aren’t the best books always the classics? Liberman’s book challenges the modern myth and assumption that the sun and it’s rays are harmful. He claims that the sun isn’t actually dangerous, but the products we use in order to avoid it, for example, fluorescent lighting, sunglasses, indoor lifestyles, and sunscreen, are actually more harmful. Liberman also uses his book to explain how Light Therapy can be used in the treatment of various cancers, depression, visual problems, stress, sexual dysfunction, learning disabilities, PMS, our immune systems, and so much more. Liberman successfully integrates scientific research clinic experience, and his own outlook to create a book that’s easy to read and intensely interesting. This book is definitely worth a read.

“The Healing Sun” by Richard Hobday, Ph.D.
Amazon for $11.94

Richard Hobday’s, The Healing Sun, is wise and insightful. This book focuses on how the human race has lost touch with the sun. We evolved with the sun and for thousands of years we lived in sync with it’s rays and heat. In the past it was used to help prevent and treat diseases and helped heal us. However, our present day outlook on the sun is negative. Hobday explains that in the past fifty years we have lost this close contact and bond with the sun as well as it’s healing powers. Hobday explains that the sun is crucial to our well being and health but somehow, we have become afraid of it. This book does a wonderful job of explaining why we should bring sunshine back into our every day lives and how we can do so safely and effectively. The sun is pretty incredible and Richard Hobday knows just how to explain that to his readers.

“Health and Light – The Extraordinary Study That Shows How Light Affects Your Health and Emotional Well Being” by John N. Ott
Amazon for $20.00

John Ott is a strong believer in the sun and it’s wonderful powers. Ott was a developer of time lapse photography and he developed his love for the sun through that. Much of Ott’s work was featured in Walt Disney’s nature films. As Ott created these projects, he discovered and began to appreciate what a major role the sun played in helping certain flowers grow. While experimenting, he discovered that exposure to light affects animal and human growth as well. Ott’s research is causing science to revise their opinions about the light and it’s use as therapy. This is why John N. Ott’s book is so important. He is changing the world with his studies and his book is a personal and intense look into that discovery. Health and Light – The Extraordinary Study That Shows How Light Affects Your Health and Emotional Well Being, is the beautiful story of a man who acted on his observations and experiments and then went on to support them with scientific evidence and exploration. Ott is brilliant, observant, and intelligent, just like this book.

“Light Therapy: Teach Me Everything I Need To Know About Light Therapy in 30 Minutes” by 30 Minute Reads
Amazon for $7.95

This book is extremely informative and well written. It’s meant to inform you and get it’s point across quickly and effectively. The book touches on all topics of Light Therapy is a very intellectual and scientific fashion. Light Therapy is a very wide and sometimes exhaustive topic so this book separates out the key points. Readers will learn the basic overlay of what Light Therapy is and how Light Therapy can be used. It explains the dynamics of Light Therapy being used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder and other conditions as well as the possible side affects. It also explains the factors that influence the success rate of Light Therapy and the different benefits from the treatment. For people looking to dive right into Light Therapy and learn all of the details of the practice, this is the book for you.

“Winter Blues: Everything You Need To Know To Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder” by Norman E. Rosenthal, MD.
Amazon for $14.26

The New York Times called this piece by Norman E. Rosenthal “A landmark book.” Does it get much better than that? Here’s why the New York Times praises this book. Winter Blues: Everything You Need To Know To Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a book that makes people feel like they’re not alone. Millions of people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, but it’s not discussed nearly enough. Most people just push their winter blues aside but Seasonal Affective Disorder is serious and there is a cure. The first step to treatment is buying this book. Dr. Normal E. Rosenthal’s book is intelligent, engaging, full of scientific wisdom, and very compassionate. All of these adjectives have helped make this book a best seller. The book explains how to evaluate your own level of seasonality, how to get the most out of Light Therapy devices and learn about other self-help options. The book also aims to help readers make educated and informed decisions about psychotherapy and anti-depressants. There is also a chapter on meditation practices and their benefits. As Amazon quotes, “picking up this book is the first step to feeling more energized, productive, and alive–all year long.” What are you waiting for?

“A Clinicians Guide To Using Light Therapy” by Raymond W. Lam and Edwin M. Tam.

Amazon for $55.27

Raymond W. Lam is Professor and Head of the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia. He’s also the director of the Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence at UBC Hospital in Vancouver, Canada. Edwin M. Tam is Clinical Associate Professor at the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia and UBC Hospital in Vancouver, Canada. I think it’s safe to say both of these men are highly qualified to write a book about Light Therapy. This brilliant and highly reviewed book is a step by step guide to helping busy health clinicians work Light Therapy into their every day work life. This book helps clinicians and other health professionals better diagnose Seasonal Affective Disorder, educate their patients on the condition, and effectively work the Light Therapy practice into their every day practice. The book includes many additional resources. For example, a list of frequently asked questions and patient educational handouts. This book is highly acclaimed and a must read for busy clinicians looking to step up their game!

“Chronotherapy: Resetting Your Inner Clock To Boost Mood, Alertness, and Quality Sleep” by Michael Terman Ph.D. And Ian McMahan Ph.D.
Amazon for $9.95

Sleep disorders and depression are usually a package deal. It’s hard to have one without the other. Chronotherapy: Resetting Your Inner Clock To Boost Mood, Alertness, and Quality Sleep is an enlightened approach to helping treat insomnia, depression, fatigue, and other sleep related problems that affect your every day life. Michael Terman Ph.D. And Ian McMahan Ph.D., wrote this book because they believe that we can embrace the power of Light Therapy to reset our natural internal clock. Both of these doctors have been studying Light Therapy and our circadian rhythms for quite awhile. Their studies and insights are being considered game changers and their research is helping struggling people every day. The book begins with a questionaire that pinpoints the problem areas in our lives. This questionaire helps readers figure out when their natural internal light begins and ends. After this is deciphered, the treatment process can begin. This book helps readers incorporate natural light as well as supplemental light into their lives to battle a wide array of conditions and disorders. Are you reading to start learning? Are you ready to start healing? Are you ready to start sleeping again? This is the book for you.

Posted on March 25, 2016 In Light Therapy, Products, Uncategorized

Light Therapy & Cancer Survivors

Did You Know…
that a great deal of cancer survivors are diagnosed with clinical depression? Some survivors struggling with depression have been cancer free for years. Even though the cancer is gone, patients still struggle immensely. Is it going to come back? What happens if I does? What do I do with all of these debt? How do I become myself again? Will I ever be happy again? All of these questions are one hundred percent valid which is why we should never except cancer survivors to constantly be leaping with joy with no other thoughts in their minds. That is just not fair.

Depression…
is a much more than feeling just feel low for a couple days. Everyone has their moments where they feel sad and low, sometimes even depressed. These feelings can be brought about by rejection, loss, drastic lifestyle changes, low self esteem, every day struggles, and more. However, when these feelings don’t fade away as the days go on, and your mood is always as low as the dirt, it is very likely that your sadness has transformed into something far more serious. These are signs of being clinically depressed. Clinic depression is difficult to conquer and therefore should never be ignored. However, when sadness turns into depression, it becomes a condition that is medically treatable.

The Symptoms…
of depression are not necessarily anything that you wouldn’t expect. Imagine your worst day, when you feel so sad and low, helpless and anxious, and then morph that into a lifestyle. This is depression for most people. Web MD, a scholarly website dedicated to helping us understand our bodies, has a section on their website explaining depression and all of the details surrounding the condition. In their section on depression, there is a chapter titled, “How Do I Know If I Have Depression?” The site continues to list signs that point towards depression followed by some important key signs…

• A depressed mood during most of the day, particularly in the morning
• Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day
• Impaired concentration, indecisiveness
• Insomnia (an inability to sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day
• Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide (not just fearing death)
• A sense of restlessness or being slowed down
• Significant weight loss or weight gain

Light Therapy…
is slowly becoming a total game changer for our world. It is helping treat Seasonal Affective Disorder, depression, skin disorders and conditions, and a whole lot more. Lucky for cancer survivors everywhere, Light Therapy is most definitely helping kick depression’s butt.

New studies conducted in colleges across the world have shown that Light Therapy can decrease symptoms of depression in cancer survivors. It is also helping to balance the circadian rhythms in their brains.
According to Psych Central, a very credible website dedicated to the interworkings of our brains, the studies were extremely enlightening. The website explains,
“For the study, researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Northwestern University, University of Iowa, University of California in San Diego, and Reykjavik University in Iceland randomly divided 54 cancer survivors into two groups. Participants were provided with a light box and asked to use it for 30 minutes every morning for four weeks. The boxes either had a bright white light or a dim red light. Depressive symptoms and circadian activity rhythms were measured before, during, and three months after completing the light exposures to determine the effectiveness of the light therapy. The study found that patients exposed to the bright light experienced improvements in depressive symptoms, while those exposed to the dim red light experienced no change in symptoms. “Our findings suggest light therapy, a rather non-invasive therapy, may provide an innovative way to decrease depression among cancer survivors,” said William Redd, Ph.D., a professor of oncological sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and co-author of the study.” (PsychCentral.com)
It is important that whatever treatments occur post cancer for these patients remains non-invasive and very positive. This is why Light Therapy being effective for treating depression is so important to acknowledge. Light Therapy is harm free and can seriously improve the quality of life that cancer survivors are experiencing.

Posted on March 25, 2016 In Light Therapy, Mental Health, Uncategorized

Light Box Therapy & Your Lifestyle

Why Would You Need A Light Therapy Box?

Most people underestimate the power of the sun. Light Therapy helps remind us why sunlight is so crucial to our every day lives. Light Therapy is the process of the using light in all different forms to help treat a diverse array of conditions and disorders. Light Therapy Boxes are typically used in order to treat Seasonal Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder, other forms of depression, jet lag, insomnia, unhealthy sleep patterns, BiPolar Disorder, and more.

It’s easy to assume that a box giving off a source of light is not going to solve your problems, but along with an open mind, Light Therapy Boxes can really help. Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a condition that uses Light Therapy Boxes the most, is more common than most people assume. Seasonal changes can severely affect the brain natural energy levels and the way it reacts to day and night. Before choosing a Light Therapy Box, a diagnosis first needs to be made. What are you struggling with?

Do you have trouble getting to sleep at night when it’s been dark and dreary all day?

Is it impossible for you to wake up without the sun?

Is dealing with being BiPolar taking over your life?

Do you travel for work and are constantly battling jet lag?

Are you feeling depressed because the sun has been hiding for winter?
Time To Choose A Product…

Before purchasing a Light Therapy Box, it is important to look at your every day life. What product would fit best into your every day schedule? If you decide to try a Light Therapy Box that doesn’t fit into your every day routine, you will never use it. Which means you will never receive the results your body needs.

It is important to consider the time of your day you would like to use the treatment. What would you be doing during this time? This will help you find a product that lets you continue to perform your activity while undergoing treatment. For example, if you always sit down in your lounge chair to read around 7 o’clock every night, size may not matter too much and you can choose a powerful, self standing Light Therapy Lamp to place next to your chair. If you work at a desk for a period of the day, a desktop Light Therapy Box may fit your lifestyle best. It can be small, portable, and hardly take up any space…allowing you to go about your normal work routine. If the activity that seems best fit to pair with treatment is something like excercising, where you need to be a bit farther than a desktop length away from the Light Therapy Box, that’s okay too. There are some products that have more powerful bulbs, for example, 10,000 Lux, and these will allow you to be farther than 2 feet away from the source of light. For many people, a set up like this may be more convenient.
There are a few other factors to consider as well…

Are your eyes sensitive to light?

Are you new to Light Therapy?

What has your doctor recommended?

Are you on a budget?

Is portability crucial?

On That Note…

Is it important to take all of these examples into consideration before purchasing a Light Therapy Box. Light Therapy is capable of being magical and changing your life in ways you never thought possible…but if you don’t find a product that works into your lifestyle, you will never be able to experience these effects.
So go ahead! You’re ready. Start searching!

Posted on March 23, 2016 In Light Therapy, Products, Uncategorized

Light Therapy & Psoriasis

“Having access to information about your condition, and working with your health professional to make choices about your treatment, puts you in control and in the driving seat. Having the right information and support can prevent you from getting trapped in a cycle of repeat prescriptions, can help you to understand your options and can ensure that your psoriasis is well managed in the right way for you.”

-Patient Information Forum

What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an extremely common skin condition. There are more than 3 million US cases of the condition reported each year. Psoriasis changes the life cycle of skin cells. According to MayoClinic, a well known website dedicated to medical studies, it “causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form thick, silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful.” (mayoclinic.org)

Psoriasis is hard to keep under control and it tends to show up more than one would hope. It is classified as a chronic disease, which means it is long lasting and difficult. The disease can be a rollercoaster, going up and down in severity over a course of time.
There are many different types of Psoriasis. The most common form of the skin condition is called Plaque Psoriasis and it occurs across the body. Nail Psoriasis affects the nails on the fingers and toes. Scalp Psoriasis as you would guess, appears on the scalp of the head. Guttate Psoriasis is most common in children and young adults and affects the trunk, arms, legs, and scalp. Inverse Psoriasis affects the armpits, groin, under breasts, and genitals. Pustular Psoriasis is uncommon and occurs on hands, feet, and fingertips. Erythrodermic Psoriasis is also uncommon and affects the entire body.

The Cause….
The exact cause of Psoriasis is yet to be determined but many studies have shown it being linked to the immune system. MayoClinic came to the rescue and explained more specifically how the immune system and Psoriasis are linked to each other. The site explained,

“One key cell is a type of white blood cell called a T lymphocyte or T cell. Normally, T cells travel throughout the body to detect and fight off foreign substances, such as viruses or bacteria. If you have psoriasis, however, the T cells attack healthy skin cells by mistake, as if to heal a wound or to fight an infection.

Overactive T cells trigger other immune responses. The effects include dilation of blood vessels in the skin around the plaques and an increase in other white blood cells that can enter the outer layer of skin.

These changes result in an increased production of both healthy skin cells and more T cells and other white blood cells. This causes an ongoing cycle in which new skin cells move to the outermost layer of skin too quickly — in days rather than weeks. Dead skin and white blood cells can’t slough off quickly enough and build up in thick, scaly patches on the skin’s surface. This usually doesn’t stop unless treatment interrupts the cycle.

Just what causes T cells to malfunction in people with psoriasis isn’t entirely clear. Researchers have found genes that are linked to the development of psoriasis, but environmental factors also play a role.” (MayoClinic.com)

The Symptoms…
As discussed, there are many different types of Psoriasis. However, the most common version of the skin condition is Plaque Psoriasis. The symptoms are…

Plaques of red, inflamed skin, often covered with loose, silver-colored scales. These plaques may be itchy and painful and sometimes crack and bleed. In severe cases, the plaques will grow and merge into one another, covering large areas.
Disorders of the fingernails and toenails, including discoloration and pitting of the nails. The nails may also begin to crumble or detach from the nail bed.
Scaly plaques on the scalp.
Small areas of bleeding where the involved skin is scratched.

(Symptoms list borrowed from WebMD.com)

How Would You Get Psoriasis?
Psoriasis can begin for a great deal of reasons. It can flare up again for just as many reasons. If you struggle with Psoriasis or want to avoid getting it, it is important to know and avoid the triggers of the skin condition. The causes include…

Infections (strep throat and skin infections)
Skin injuries (cuts, scrapes, bug bites, sunburn)
Stress
Smoking
Unnormal alcoholic consumption levels
Cold weather
Specific medications

What is Ultraviolet Lighting?
Ultraviolet Light Therapy is one of the many forms of light therapy currently being used to help treat skin conditions and diseases. Ultraviolet or UV light is extremely close in similarity to the Rays being output by the sun. It is typically used in the form of fluorescent bulbs that are specifically designed to create a special output of UV Light.

Light Therapy & Psoriasis…
Although there are many medications that can be taken to help with Psoriasis, going the natural route is always going to be the body’s best option. Light Therapy/Phototherapy is all natural and has no side affects.

When it comes to Ultraviolet Lighting, Psoriasis is typically treated with either Ultraviolet Light B Phototherapy or Psoralen and Ultraviolet Light B. Ultraviolet Light B is actually present in sunlight and is an extremely effective form of treatment. Ultraviolet Light B slows the growth of the skin cells being affected by penetrating the skin. When treating the disease, the skin must be exposed to an artificial form of Ultraviolet Light B. The treatment should be done on a regular schedule for a specific amount of time. Sometimes Psoriasis symptoms become worse before they begin to subside. It’s not something that people typically want to hear, but it will get better.

Ultraviolet Light A is also present in real sunlight. This form of light is also used to treat Psoriaisis, however is does not become effective until it is combined with Psoralen. Psoralen is a light sensitive medication that is applied topically or orally. This form of the treatment also slows down the growth of the skin cells on the body. The Ultraviolet Light A with Psoralen treatment is performed in the same fashion as Ultraviolet Light B, meaning the patient exposes themself to the artificial light on a regular schedule for a set amount of time.

Both of these options can be done in a doctor’s office or in the comfort of your own home. However, people dealing with this skin disease should always discuss treatment options with their doctor prior to undergoing treatment.

Good Ol’ Sunlight!
If you live somewhere sunny and are looking for the most natural form of treatment possible, use the sun! Ultraviolet Light B, from the form of treatment previously discussed works the same way outdoors from natural sunlight as it does during treatment in an office.

Always be sure to avoid sunburns and over exposure, but start with short treatments of limited sunlight and see how you react. Five to ten minutes of afternoon sunlight equally exposed to all affected parts of the skin is a great way to start. If your body reacts well, continually increase the exposure time by 30 seconds.

Are you struggling with Psoriasis or know someone who is? Take in some of this wisdom on Light Therapy or pass it along!

Posted on February 26, 2016 In Light Therapy, Psoriasis

Light Therapy For Hair Loss

light-therapy-hair-loss

Let’s Talk Hair Loss…

Hair loss occurs when hair from the scalp and body begins to fall out or stop growing. When most people think of hair loss, they think of old age. But the fact of the matter is that many people deal with hair loss every day. Hair loss can be brought about by old age, heredity, medical conditions, certain medications, hormonal changes, and more. Men, women, and children can all struggle with hair loss. Hair loss can appear in multiple different ways. The look of the loss depends on what is causing it. For some people, the loss is gradual. For others, it’s far too sudden. For both of those situations, the loss can occur on the scalp, the body, or both. Sometimes hair loss is just temporary, due to a new medication or stress. And for others, it’s permanent.

What Causes It…

If you’re reading this article and find yourself freaking out because you remember having to clean all the hair out of your shower drain this morning…don’t be alarmed. People typically shed fifty to one hundred hairs each day. This normally doesn’t cause a noticeable amount of hair loss, because new hairs are growing in at the exact same time. So having to clean your shower drain once a week or comb out the hair stuck in your brush every couple days doesn’t mean you’re going bald. Hair loss occurs when the normal routine of hair shedding along with it growing back simultaneously is disturbed. Or in some cases, when your hair follies are destroyed. So if you’re noticing that each time you clean out that hair brush your hair feels a bit thinner, you should keep reading.

Hair loss can occur for a wide array of reasons. Hair loss due to family history, (heredity) is the most common cause hair loss. Heredity hair loss is most commonly associated with baldness, which refers to an extreme amount of hair loss from the scalp. But the age at which your hair loss begins is also linked to heredity. The rate at which the hair is lost and the extent of the baldness is also hereditary. Baldness is most common in men and some children begin to struggle with it as soon as they reach puberty.

Hormonal changes and other medical conditions are also leading causes of hair loss. Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, etc can create an imbalance and cause temporary hair loss. Alopecia Areata, which is a non scarring hair loss, occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles. When attacked, the hair begins to fall out, leaving round bald patches on the scalp and skin. Ringworm and other scalp infections are also known to result in hair loss. As for skin disorders, Lichen Planus, Lupus, and Sarcoidosis can leave people with hair loss. Trichotillomania, which is a hair pulling disorder, is more common than you would think. This conditions causes people to have an urge to pull out their hair from all areas of their body.

Medications are also known to cause hair loss. Drugs for cancer, depression, heart problems, arthritis, high blood pressure, too much Vitamin A, and birth control all have a similar side affect…loss of hair. Radiation therapy, trigger (emotional) events, and certain hair styles and hair products can have this side affect too.

The Symptoms…

MayoClinic, an extremely reputable website for all things medical, made a list of the most common signs and symptoms for hair loss. MayoClinic explained…

Signs and symptoms of hair loss may include:

Gradual thinning on top of head. This is the most common type of hair loss, affecting both men and women as they age. In men, hair often begins to recede from the forehead in a line that resembles the letter M. Women typically retain the hairline on the forehead but have a broadening of the part in their hair.
Circular or patchy bald spots. Some people experience smooth, coin-sized bald spots. This type of hair loss usually affects just the scalp, but it sometimes also occurs in beards or eyebrows. In some cases, your skin may become itchy or painful before the hair falls out.
Sudden loosening of hair. A physical or emotional shock can cause hair to loosen. Handfuls of hair may come out when combing or washing your hair or even after gentle tugging. This type of hair loss usually causes overall hair thinning and not bald patches.
Full-body hair loss. Some conditions and medical treatments, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can result in the loss of hair all over your body. The hair usually grows back.
Patches of scaling that spread over the scalp. This is a sign of ringworm. It may be accompanied by broken hair, redness, swelling and, at times, oozing.

(Signs and symptoms list borrowed from MayoClinic.org)

Dealing With Hair Loss…

Some people go with the flow and let their hair slowly fall out, not being bothered too much. While others wear hats, part their hair differently, buy wigs and toupees, cover up with a scarf, and so on. Some also choose the medical route, finding a treatment that is known to restore growth to their hair. The most used treatment for hair regrowth is Light Therapy.

What Is Light Therapy?

Light Therapy is a design of treatment that uses different forms of light to treat a vast majority of conditions and disorders. Doctors of all sciences have been using light therapy on their patients for years now. Thanks to the convenience of new light therapy products, it is now easy and accessible to use Light Therapy products at home. Light therapy has been helping with hair regrowth for years now and there is no sign of struggle.

Hair Loss and Light Therapy…

When it comes to hair regrowth, red light therapy is the way to go. A Low Level Light Therapy or Low Light Laser Therapy (LLLT), is typically just what the doctor ordered. This refers to the use of red and near infrared light therapy. The treatment does not need to be in the form of a laser to work, but some people prefer it. Wavelengths in the range of 630 to 670 nanometers are most commonly used for this form of Light Therapy.

How Does It Work?

Light Therapy Options, a website dedicated to all forms of Light Therapy, wrote a piece about red light therapy and how it can be used for hair regrowth. In the site’s “frequently asked questions” portion of the article, there is a fairly technical explanation of how the treatment works. The site describes,

“Visible red light is capable of being absorbed by the molecules of the hair follicle and can stimulate the growth or re-growth of the hair following a natural biological reaction. The light must be absorbed for this reaction to occur.

From a more technical standpoint, the reason that red light is absorbed is because of a substance called cytochrome c, which is an intracellular enzyme. That enzyme can absorb the light within that range and is also responsible for stimulating the hair follicle by sending it certain signals. Those signals promote gene activity and lower apoptosis (cell death regulated by the genes), as well as other reactions.

This has been known since 1967 when it was accidentally discovered by a Hungarian scientist who noticed that exposed, shaved mice experience faster hair re-growth.”

(RedLightTherapy.com)

What To Use…

There are a few different ways to use red light to help trigger your regrowth. So whether you’re on a new medication, your father is bald and you’re feeling it coming on, or you’re dealing with one of the many other possibilities, it’s probably time to figure out what’s going to work best for you. One form of Light Therapy is to use a wand. This is typically hand held and can be held the required distance away from your scalp or body for a certain amount of time. There are also panels that can be set up at a place of your convenience. For example, you watch tv every day around 7PM. Set the red light panel up on it’s stand, just above your head. It will work it’s magic for the required amount of time while you just go about your daily routine. Light Therapy beds and laser treatments at your doctor/dermatologists office are also viable options.

There are no known side affects for light therapy in relation to hair loss and hair regrowth, making it one of the best options if you or someone you know is dealing with this difficult circumstance. What’s the worst that can happen? You get to donate back that wig?!

Posted on February 20, 2016 In Hair Loss, Light Therapy