Does it seem to you that you have tried almost everything to solve the problem with your skin, but you are still not satisfied with the results? Maybe you are tired of invasive treatments that leave your skin inflamed and red. Red light therapy is gaining importance, whether for the treatment of acne, scars, rosacea, or other skin problems. It is a method that gives promising results in scientific research while being safe and painless. Most interestingly, it can also be applied at home.
What is RLT?
Red light therapy uses short-wavelength red light to improve the appearance of the skin. It is used in treatments to reduce wrinkles, redness of various origins, scars, and acne. [6] It is also used to improve psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema, as well as in the treatment of hair growth in people with androgenic alopecia. Some studies also show a possible application in dementia and osteoarthritis. [1] [2]
Red light therapy became common in photodynamic therapy. Low-power red laser light activates the photosensitizer. The chemical reaction destroys the cells. That can help in the treatment of skin cancer and other skin problems.
Synonyms.
- Low-level laser light therapy.
- Low-power laser therapy.
- Non-thermal LED light.
- Soft laser therapy.
- Cold laser therapy.
- Biostimulation, photonic stimulation.
- Photobiomodulation and phototherapy.
How does it work?
Red light therapy supposes to affect the mitochondria, the energy producers in the body. When more energy is provided, then other cells can work more efficiently. The cells can correct the skin, stimulate the growth of new cells and rejuvenate the skin. In other words, the absorption of wavelengths of light stimulates the work of cells.
Red light therapy can work by stimulating the production of collagen, the fibroblasts that make collagen, increasing blood circulation in the tissue, and reducing inflammation in cells. [6]
The effectiveness of red light therapy.
RLT is among the promising treatments, and interest in it is growing. Based on published studies, it is concluded that there is potential to treat various conditions. However, more clinical studies are needed to confirm this.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial is the best option for determining whether a product is effective. That means that some people with the same range of characteristics receive either a study treatment or a placebo to treat the same condition. Some studies also include a comparison with another usual treatment. Results can be compared between the emerging treatment and no treatment (placebo group) or with the "current standard" treatment.
Many published studies on RLT included only a small number of people, did not include a placebo group, were not conducted in humans, or were limited to cellular tissue only. Most researchers say that the results look promising but that more high-quality studies with bigger numbers of people are needed.
Safety of red light therapy
If red light therapy (RLT) is used following the instructions, in the short term, and according to the advice of experts, there is no reason to worry. This therapy is not associated with side effects and is non-invasive and non-toxic. It is known that ultraviolet light is dangerous because it causes cancer, but this is not the case with red light therapy. [5]
There is a risk of side effects (skin or eye damage) if untested devices are used or used too often. The safest thing for anyone with a skin problem is to consult a dermatologist, cosmetologist, or another professionally trained person to learn more about red light therapy and decide if they want a red light treatment.
All Lumitter’s™ products are FDA approved so adhere to very strict safety guidelines. There is also a 3 year factory warranty on all products so a long lasting and safe treatment can be given.
Red light therapy devices for home use yes or no?
In addition to being performed in medical offices, red light therapy can be promoted in solariums, spas, wellness centers, and gyms, but there are also devices for home use. They are mostly advertised on the internet. No matter how you come into contact with the devices, the most important thing is that they are of high quality, with the appropriate frequency that achieves results. All of
Lumitter’s™ products have adjustments on the frequency and are FDA approved to give you peace of mind at home If this is not the case, you will not improve the condition of your skin even if you use it regularly. That is why it is most important to consult with an expert regarding the purchase of the device, its proper home use, adequate frequency, and mandatory eye protection. [5]
Shop the range of Lumitter’s™ products to be used at home, ranging from Full Body treatments to Targeted and Handheld treatment devices.
Potential application of red light therapy
Experts are exploring the possibilities of red light therapy in chemotherapy patients. Help is reflected in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy. Very encouraging results in the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in patients treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer may soon be proposed as a new standard of care, according to the Multinational Association for Supportive Cancer Care (MASCC) criteria. Modern lasers are less time-consuming, and extraoral applicators for possible use by trained paramedics can be helpful to complement the clinician's practice. [4]
We can also talk about reduced pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, and inflammation accompanying these medical conditions. [3]
Some research shows promising results for preventing the recurrence of herpes simplex as well.
How many treatments are needed?
What anyone who opts for this type of therapy should know is that one treatment is not enough. It will probably take two to three times a week for a couple of months. That's why devices for home use are practical for those who are unable to go to treatments. What results you will achieve depends on the type of skin, the problem the skin has and the quality of the device used.
RLT is a relatively new type of treatment for various skin conditions, research shows promising results for other applications as well. First of all, it plays a role in skin regeneration and reducing inflammation. This type of therapy should be considered by people who primarily want a non-invasive treatment. This type of light does not generate heat and does not cause burns. Therapy can be a replacement in case other treatments have not given adequate results.
Consultation with an expert who will make a diagnosis and explain the application of this procedure is the right way. If you decide to use it at home, you need to research possible options and properly apply and maintain the device.
In conclusion
There are many different elements when considering a red light therapy device which can often be quite overwhelming. The correct application of the therapy is also crucial to getting long standing results, so even though we at Lumitter™ might have the best products on the market without the correct application the impact will be limited. Another important considering is that you have the correct sized device and frequency for what you are after. E.g If you are wanting a red light device to travel with so you can use it post workout or game you’re best off selecting the Lumitter™ Handheld. If you’re wanting to treat a select area perhaps the Lumitter™ Targeted is the device best suited for you. Lastly if you’re wanting to get the full body treatment then the Lumitter™ Full Body is the correct device.
If you need help with your selection on what type of device is correct for you please feel free to drop us a line and we can help select the product to your needs.
Sources:
- Stelian J, Gil I, Habot B, Rosenthal M, Abramovici I, Kutok N, Khahil A. Improvement of pain and disability in elderly patients with degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee treated with narrow-band light therapy. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1992 Jan;40(1):23-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1992.tb01824.x. PMID: 1727843.
- Hamblin MR. Photobiomodulation for Alzheimer's Disease: Has the Light Dawned? Photonics. 2019 Sep;6(3):77. doi: 10.3390/photonics6030077. Epub 2019 Jul 4. PMID: 31363464; PMCID: PMC6664299.
- Brosseau L, Robinson V, Wells G, Debie R, Gam A, Harman K, Morin M, Shea B, Tugwell P. Low level laser therapy (Classes I, II and III) for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005 Oct 19;2005(4):CD002049. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD002049.pub2. PMID: 16235295; PMCID: PMC8406947.
- Jadaud E, Bensadoun R. Low-level laser therapy: a standard of supportive care for cancer therapy-induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients? Laser Ther. 2012 Dec 26;21(4):297-303. doi: 10.5978/islsm.12-RE-01. PMID: 24511199; PMCID: PMC3882349.
- Cleveland Clinic, Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/01/2021. Red Light Therapy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22114-red-light-therapy
- Wunsch A, Matuschka K. A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomed Laser Surg. 2014 Feb;32(2):93-100. doi: 10.1089/pho.2013.3616. Epub 2013 Nov 28. PMID: 24286286; PMCID: PMC3926176.
