Let’s Talk Red Light Therapy

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Just like all light therapies, red light therapy is an all natural therapy with unlimited benefits. During this process, you shine a red light on yourself for a certain amount of time on a regular schedule in order to alter cosmetic details, decrease pain, quicken a healing process, etc.

What Does It Do?

The red light process is more commonly used for cosmetic assistance. Such as reducing fine lines and wrinkles, putting a stop to acne, healing after sun damage, and other skin problems.  But beside being an anti-aging miracle worker, red light therapy has shown some pretty serious results when it comes to chronic and acute pain. NASA discovered the benefits of red light therapy in the early 2000s during a clinic for wound healing and pain management. Not coincidentally, this is when conventional medicine caught on and light therapy said goodbye to it’s taboo image. NASA is pretty good at stuff like that.

Since the discovery, red light therapy has been proven to provide relief from muscle and joint pains, high blood pressure, arthritis, as well as nerve and tissue damage. It can also decrease injury healing time, which is why pro athletes undergo the therapy after injuries.

How Does It Work?

Red light therapy uses infrared light, which is different from most other forms of light therapy. This particular light is of a stronger wavelength than others thus being able to reach deeper into your skin and provide benefits to your body, not just your mind. In 2013, Tammy Thompson took to her blog about health and wellness for Women’s Journal and explained just how red light gets it’s results. She wrote, “Red Light, in wavelengths between 630-660 nm (nanometers), has the ability to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin, energizing fibroblast cells that make collagen and elastin production. This is how the skin repairs damage and rejuvenates the skin’s overall appearance.”

Thompson continued to explain that the results from the process may just seem it like a cosmetic enhancement, but the results are actually showing the body healing itself. The same goes for red light treatment post accidents. Red light provides a relief from injuries that medicines and surgeries can’t do. This is because the body is actually healing, the pain is not just being masked.

What Are The Benefits?

You get it. Red light therapy is basically magical. It helps trigger our body into healing itself, it can make us look younger, it can decrease our pain, the list goes on and on. But besides those points, there are some pretty basic things that cannot be overlooked here. Light Therapy Options, a wonderful website dedicated to the all mighty power of light therapy, made a pretty impeccable list about these benefits. Take a look.

• 100% natural
• Drug free
• Chemical free
• Non-invasive (no needles or knives)
• Non-ablative (does not damage the skin)
• Painless (does not itch, burn, or sting)
• Requires zero downtime
• Safe for all skin types
• Safe for all ages
• Easily self administer in your own home
• FDA approved

(Benefit list borrowed from LightTherapyOptions.com)

Are There Any Side Effects?

Just like any medical treatment, there are some side effects to be considered if you are planning on using red light therapy or are already undergoing the treatment. People with a history of skin cancer should speak to their doctor first. There is a chance that light therapy is not the best thing for you. Any sort of treatment that involves being exposed to harsh amount of UV light and radiation cannot be deemed as risk free, but the side effects have been shown as extremely mild. Side effects may include headaches, trouble with sleeping, nausea, irritability, and trouble seeing clearly. Intense side effects are quite rare and light therapy is generally considered safe.

Some Of The Best Products…

So, are you sold? If you’re interested in trying red light therapy for yourself or you know someone who might be interested, take a look at some of our favorite products below.

 

For Your Face:

Quasar MD Plus
$795

When it comes to your face, you don’t want to mess around. You only get one of those and guess what? You can’t hide from your face. There are a lot of hand held light treatments available, but this dermatologist recommended device is by far one of the best. the Quasar MD Plus is easy to use and you’ll see results fast. The device uses wavelengths of red and infrared light just as powerful as the ones used by professionals. The energy simulates and increases blood flow for a beautiful glow. It also aids in smoothing wrinkles. Who doesn’t want that? The device can be used for less than fifteen minutes per treatment as little as twice a week.

For Your Body:

 

Clinical XL Lighthead
$199

This deep penetrating light head is ideal for pain relief. Revive Light Therapy sells many light therapy products, but the Clinical XL Lighthead is ideal for body pains. The device is made up of 72 powerful, medical grade LED lights that make it possible to cover a large area for easy treatment. The lights penetrate into your tissue to help relieve stiffness and aches.  The lightweight design is handheld and easy to use, making it simple to target those sore spots that nag you all day. It’s safe for all skin types, has great reviews, and the price isn’t too bad either.

For Your Busy Schedule:

 

Qfiber Infrared Heat Therapy Body Wrap
$74

This body wrap is definitely a game changer for anyone with a lot on their plate. The Qfiber Infrared Heat Therapy Body Wrap provides relief by using deep penetration exactly where you need it. The body wrap is easily portable, safe and effective, comfortable to use, and fits all body types. The versatility of the body wrap is perfect for treating condition such as arthritis, carpel tunnel, shingles, fibromyalgia, abdominal cramps, etc.

 

For Your Bank Account:

 

NOVA RED Light Therapy Machine
$69

This handheld anti-aging wand is perfect if you’re just looking to improve your skin and get rid of some wrinkles. It’s not quite as crazy as the Quasar MD Plus, but it’s just as easy to use and 10% of the price. The NOVA RED Light Therapy Machine combines 660 nanometer light bulbs and continuous pulsing to tighten your skin, reduce fine lines, and leave you with a healthy glow. The wand is handheld, cordless, and rechargeable. It also includes a light emission control sensor to protect your eyes, avoiding the need for goggles. If you’re new to red light therapy and more interested in the cosmetic side of the treatment, this more affordable option is most likely right up your alley.