Red Light Therapy Benefits

Ever wondered how light could heal your body? Red light therapy might be the key. 

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses low wavelengths of red light to gently treat the body. Unlike the sun (or those illegal tanning beds!), it doesn’t emit harmful UV rays. Instead, the red light helps stimulate cells and promote various health benefits.

In fact, more and more people are flocking to at-home red light therapy devices, where they can access all these benefits from the comfort of their own home. From futuristic face masks to caps and full-body panels, red light therapy boasts a whole lot of rejuvenation. 

But just how legitimate is it? Scroll on for the best benefits of red light therapy to see if it could be for you. 

How does red LED actually work? And how is it different to the sun? 

Red light therapy helps your cells produce more energy by targeting the mitochondria, which are like your cells' powerhouses. This extra energy helps cells repair and work just better than they normally do. Red light therapy is also believed to reduce inflammation and stress in the body, which is linked to a myriad of health issues.

It uses light with wavelengths between 600nm and 850nm that penetrate the skin to different depths, making it useful for various applications. Think of it like a narrower, isolated spectrum of sunlight. 

Sunlight contains red and infrared wavelengths that boost energy, and UVb light that helps produce vitamin D. But it also includes harmful wavelengths. Blue and violet light reduces energy and damages your eyes, while UVa light causes sunburn, ageing, and even cancer. While sunlight serves a purpose for plants and other species, not all its wavelengths are good for us mere humans. 

So, what are the main benefits that keep people coming back to red LED lights?  

1. Improved Skin Health

Red light therapy has been made famous for the way it refreshes the skin and fights signs of aging. Scientists have reported that a boost in collagen production helps to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging. It explains why our newsfeeds are flooded with images of futuristic Tron masks. 

Red light therapy devotees also find an improvement in their skin elasticity and firmness, all leading to that youthful, younger look. Beyond the list of anti-aging positives, red light therapy is also said to help with skin conditions, like acne, psoriasis, and eczema, by reducing inflammation and promoting healing. 

2. Reduced Pain and Inflammation 

As you age, you might experience joint pain or muscle stiffness. Well, red light therapy could help you too! A few regular sessions might ease chronic and acute pain – all by promoting circulation and cellular repair. With red light goodness reaching deep into the cells and supporting your body’s own healing process, it means you could rely less on medications. 

3. Faster Muscle Recovery 

Red light was a popular recovery tool reserved for professional sportspeople looking to get ahead in their game. And once upon a time, you needed to run in bio-hacking circles or attend a fancy, private medspa to try red light therapy. 

Thanks to at-home devices, you don’t need to be an elite athlete with a million-dollar contract to experience its benefits. Now, any kind of active person or gym junkie can incorporate red light therapy into their routine and enjoy its healing powers - all from the comfort of home. 

Red light therapy improves blood flow, reduces soreness, and helps muscle fatigue, allowing athletes of any level to bounce back quicker.

4. Sleep

Red light therapy isn’t just about skin and muscles – it may also support better sleep and mood. Exposure to these wavelengths can help regulate your body’s natural sleep cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed. And since good sleep is key to mental well-being, that’s a win-win. Some research even suggests red light therapy could help with symptoms of stress and low mood. 

So how do I use red light therapy at home for the best results? 

Using red light therapy at home is simple, and following a few easy steps ensures you get the most out of every, single session. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to make sure you're using your Lumitter device correctly and effectively:

1. Start with a fresh, clean slate 

If you’re using a red light mask, make sure your face or target area is clean to remove dirt, oils, and makeup. Use a gentle cleanser so the light can penetrate deeply for better results.

2. Position your device 

Once your skin is prepped, position your red light therapy device as directed. The right distance makes all the difference—aim for 15-30 cm from your skin to get the ideal intensity. Whether you’re using a handheld device or a larger panel, following the setup guidelines ensures you get maximum exposure. It’s like finding that perfect spot at the beach – just the right distance for the best experience!

3. Start with shorter sessions

If you're new to red light therapy, begin with short sessions of around 10 minutes. This gives your skin time to adjust. As you get comfortable, you can gradually increase the time to 20 minutes per session. Starting small ensures your skin benefits without overstimulation.

4. Make it a habit 

Be persistent with your sessions – constant use gives you lasting benefits over time. A great time to incorporate red light into your routine is in the morning, just before getting ready for the day, or at night just before bedtime. 

For those who are using RLT for skin-related issues or to combat acne, you might prefer to use it in the morning. Or, for athletes who want to skip the dreaded DOMs, you might incorporate it into your post-workout routine to help speed up healing and reduce soreness. 

5. Protect Your Eyes 

Even though red light therapy is generally safe, it's still a good idea to protect your eyes. Most at-home devices come with protective eyewear, so make sure to use it during your sessions.

6. Get comfy! 

Treat your red light therapy sessions as a time to unwind. Play calming music, light some candles, and set the mood to create a mini-spa moment in the comfort of your home.

What does science say about red light therapy? 

Red light therapy has some exciting potential, but it’s not a catch-all fix. While research points to plenty of benefits, it’s still an evolving field. It’s always a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional before diving in. Here’s what the science says about RLT:

1. Results can vary

Scientists agree that red light therapy has potential benefits, but results can vary from person to person. While some studies suggest red LED light may support collagen production and improve skin appearance, there’s no definitive proof that it works for absolutely everybody. 

Experts believe it might help with fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, but more research is needed to confirm these effects – especially the difference between salon-grade red light and at-home devices. 

2. Use in addition to your routine

Think of it as a great addition to your routine rather than a replacement for medical treatments. If you’re using a red light therapy cap for hair growth, pairing it with scalp serums, hair growth oils, and thickening shampoos can help maximise results.

Dermatologists recommend this multi-pronged approach for extra support, giving your hair the best chance to grow stronger and fuller. Our red light therapy caps are designed to get to work from day one, stimulating follicles and setting the stage for healthier, thicker hair.

3. Be consistent with it 

Red light therapy isn’t a one-and-done thing that you do here and there. It’s all about consistency. Experts say the best results come from regular use, usually around three to five times a week, depending on the device and what you’re treating. But the key according to New York-based regenerative medicine doctor, Neil Paulvin? Actually sticking with it.

“You can have the latest and greatest, but if you’re not using it consistently, it won’t work,” says Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University. So, if you’re thinking about adding red light therapy to your routine, make sure it’s something you can commit to – because results don’t happen overnight. 

Discover red LED light’s benefits with Lumitter 

In true Aussie spirit, we know you love keeping things practical and effective – just like grabbing a cold beer after a long day. If you want to start with RLT today, the areas with the most proven and researched benefits are skin rejuvenation, reducing inflammation, and promoting hair growth.  

With Lumitter’s top-quality full panels, portable devices, face masks, hats and more you can rest easy knowing you're getting safe, reliable treatments right at home – no need to head to the beach to feel rejuvenated (although that helps too!).