Red Light Therapy at Home – The Science, Cures & Devices
It may or may not someday be classified as a super cure for all kinds of physical and mental ailments. That remains to be seen. For now, red light therapy (RLT) with low-frequency infrared lights is showing signs of being a solid treatment option for some important health issues. As is the case with many new concepts in medical and psychiatric science, there is ongoing research into the possibilities that RLT holds as a treatment option.
Light therapy in general is not a new concept. Doctors have been using various colors of light for the treatment of minor ailments for years now. It has only been within the last 5 to 10 years that the notion RLT can cure major ailments has been gaining traction.
One of the most interesting aspects of using RLT as a treatment option is the ability of people to treat themselves at home. If someone has a skin condition and can treat themselves from the comfort of their living room, that holds great appeal to a lot of people.
Throughout the rest of this writing, the discussion is going to focus on the concept of red light therapy at home – more information on red light therapy from home can be found on the Red Light Therapy Home website. It will also include a discussion about various treatments that might be done at home as well as a brief discussion on devices, the tools one would use for RLT at home.
The Science Behind Red Light Therapy
To date, there is sufficient evidence to show that RLT does offer value as a treatment option for some serious ailments. The ongoing debate about RLT seems to center more on the depth of value it offers as a treatment option. Regardless of what position everyone is taking on this issue, an understanding of the science seems relevant.
Inside of human cells is small organelles called mitochondria. These mitochondria function as the primary energy source that helps dormant and new cells grow. When the energy is focused properly, mitochondria organelles can also create enough cellular energy to repair damaged human cells. Most of the time, mitochondria lies in waiting for something to ignite it.
From science class, we have all been taught that light is a very important energy source for life on planet earth. It is an important energy source for plant life as well as humans.
At this point, you should be honing in on the role infrared light plays in cell growth and repair. As mitochondria lie waiting for the right energy source to put it to work, it is red and near red infrared light that seems to work best as that energy source. When mitochondria are hit with red light, they activate as a cellular energy source. The human cells within the area being hit with the infrared light begin to grow and repair at a rate that is many times faster than regular cell growth and reparation.
A very important part of using RLT therapy as a treatment option is focusing on applying the infrared light at the proper light wave frequency. If the wave frequency and intensity of red light application are too strong, there is a slight chance damage can be done to the very cells someone is trying to treat.
For the most part, studies indicate that the right wave frequency for treating humans would be as low as 500 nm (red light) and as high as 900 nm (near-infrared). Anything lower would likely be ineffective and anything higher could cause cellular damage. The science says 15 minutes of treatment 2 to 3 times a week would be optimum. Also, treatment devices should remain about 12 to 24 inches from the surface of the skin.
What is Red Light Therapy at Home?
As you might imagine, red light therapy is something that can be done in a clinic or spa setting. They are certainly plenty of commercial businesses that can afford to purchase commercial-grade infrared application devices. At issue is the inconvenience someone would have to endure to get three 20 minute treatments a week for a skin issue or hair loss.
The latest trend in red light therapy involves people treating themselves at home. By doing so, they can address the convenience factor while perhaps still getting what they need from the therapy.
Of course, there are potential issues with this approach. By all indications, RLT is a safe process, though treatment around the eyes does present certain dangers. That aside, there don’t appear to be any strong arguments regarding people being able to manage their RLT therapy at home.
However, several things need addressing before someone does attempt to manage their RLT. Everyone must understand that this is still largely an experimental treatment process. As such, there is a lot of information doctors and scientists don’t know yet. Until all the questions have been answered by science, some level of caution is warranted.
For now, it would be a good idea for people to abide by the following unwritten rules before attempting to employ RLT as a treatment option:
- Always consult with your physician before starting RLT
- Select lamps and application devices that are FDA approved
- Closely follow instructions related to intensity and frequency of treatment
- Never apply treatment for longer than 15 minutes per session without consulting with a physician
These are just some general guidelines people should follow for now.
Does Red Light Therapy at Home Work?
The question is not really “will RLT work at home?”. The more relevant question is, “does red light therapy work in general?“ As was stated above, there is ample evidence to suggest that red light therapy with low-level infrared lights does have healing properties. Below, you will find sources related to studies and clinical trials that serve as evidence RLT works in the treatment of many ailments.
If we can accept the fact that RLT is a viable treatment option for some ailments, it is reasonable to assume where treatment is given is a minor consideration. Of course, treatment is likely going to be more effective in a commercial setting because technicians have lots of training/experience and use commercial-grade infrared lamps and application devices. With that said, there is every reason to believe people can manage their treatment at home. They just need reliable and safe devices, plus access to some training and instructions from a physician or technician.
Treatable Ailments With Red Light Therapy at Home
As the evidence mounts that red light therapy does have healing properties, the excitement builds over future possibilities. Eventually, the words “super cure“ is going to enter the conversation. Of course, there is no such thing as a super cure. It is great that the evidence points to RLT being a viable treatment for a wide range of ailments. However, that doesn’t make it a super cure.
Through ongoing studies related to treating cancer with red light therapy, the evidence says it is very possible. However, these studies also indicate RLT could cause the spread of more cancer cells. With conflicting information, it is very difficult to conclude RLT will ever be a good treatment option for cancer. That shoots down the super cure theory right away since cancer is always a top concern within the medical community.
Given the excitement over RLT as a cure-all, we thought it would be prudent to address the status of RLT as a home treatment option for various common ailments. With that in mind, here is a list of ailments and the current status of red light therapy as a home treatment option:
General Pain Issues: Most pain issues are caused by scarring or inflammation. There are a number of home infrared application devices that will work on various parts of the body. To reduce pain, infrared light calls on its anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling and promote healing. That should result in lower pain. Wave frequency and RLT penetration levels would be of importance when treating pain issues.
Face: Through the use of home facial devices that emit red or infrared light, it is possible to treat many facial issues, mostly related to the skin. RLT has proven to be effective in eliminating wrinkles, lessening the inflammation and reddening of rosacea, and healing scars related to acne. Read the in-depth article on effects of red light therapy for the face.
Weight Loss: In a clinic setting, doctors will use red light therapy to make the liposuction process easier. During the process, the infrared light serves to make fat cells dump their byproducts, which makes the cells easier to manage. After further investigation, it appears liposuction could be rendered unnecessary because there is a process in the human body that flushes out the byproducts of fat cells. If infrared light indeed pops the fat cells, the body can do the rest and that should result in weight loss.
Hair Loss: As long as there is at least a dormant hair follicle in the treatment area, a home scalp treatment device using low-level infrared light will help strengthen existing follicles.
Hair Growth: By energizing cellular mitochondria, a home RLT scalp treatment device could be very useful in promoting the growth of hair that is thick and rich in the treatment area.
Graying Hair: Hair that grays through the natural aging process is irreversible. However, RLT at home has shown the ability to reduce graying caused by stress.
Rosacea: Infrared red light at the proper wave frequency will act as an anti-inflammatory agent, which should reduce the redness of rosacea
Dogs: It is notable that the treatment of pets like dogs with red light therapy has been happening since the 1980s. It has proven to be useful for skin/fur issues, cataracts, healing of wounds, and addressing pain issues.
Wrinkles: As the skin loses collagen, the excess skin appears as wrinkles. With a reliable home red light facial device, infrared light will promote collagen replenishment, which should result in plumping the skin up and reducing wrinkles.
Spider Veins: The best way to eliminate spider veins is to increase blood flow to the afflicted area. That is possible with a home-grade infrared lamp that will serve to heat the area, which should result in better blood flow.
Eyes: Yes, red and near-infrared light from LEDs are safe to use around the eyes. The light energy promotes cell growth that can lead to better vision and the healing of cataracts. However, the eyes are sensitive. When applying treatment at home, you should avoid exceeding wave frequencies of over 700 nm. That should provide enough intensity for eye treatment. Reminder: looking at any color of light for too long could cause problems.
Acne: When treating acne with RLT, the process usually involves the use of blue light waves as well. The blue or ultraviolet light serves to kill the bacteria that causes acne while the red light serves to reduce swelling and promote faster healing.
Scars: Scarring is a byproduct of a slow healing process. RLT at home can help reduce scarring and help with discoloration issues by replenishing the area with healthy skin cells filled with collagen.
Full Body Muscle Recovery: After a hard workout, muscles tear and become sore. More than a few athletes will use red therapy lamps at home to help ease body muscle pain. The infrared red light acts to reduce swelling of muscle fibers while also acting to promote faster healing of torn muscle fibers. There is some evidence that regular doses of RLT can help prevent some types of injuries.
Collagen Therapy: Home facial devices that use infrared light will serve to promote collagen growth. When applied over time, wrinkles and scars will start to diminish.
Cellulite: For the most part, cellulite is nothing more than accumulated fat deposits. Under the weight loss section, we learned those home devices that emit infrared light can cause fat cells to pop and release byproducts. Using the same theory and process, it should be possible to eliminate cellulite.
Eczema: Eczema appears as a rash that stings and itches. The anti-inflammatory properties of red light from a skin application device will reduce swelling in the skin, which should reduce any itching and discomfort.
Home Devices for Red Light Therapy
At this point, it should be clear that a lot of ailments can be treated at home with RLT treatment devices. Before purchasing any device, you should restrain yourself from considering devices that aren’t licensed in the U.S. and or approved by the FDA. Safety should always be your number one concern.
The good news is there are plenty of affordable light treatment devices on the market. The list of treatment devices includes lamps of various shapes and sizes, facial devices, scalp devices, helmets, glasses and protection goggles, handheld devices (wands) for directed therapy, and light therapy beds. Companies like RLT Home sell FDA-approved devices like their RLT Home Advanced Premium 600W RLT Device available at redlightherapyhome.com.
Clearly, red light therapy is opening the door to many possibilities as it relates to treating physical and mental ailments. Until the science is complete, you need to remain cautious about treating yourself at home. You can do that by consulting with your physician and making sure you follow directions to a TEE.
As you progress in your expertise related to red light therapy, you might want to consider creating a home spa or sauna that includes infrared lamps and devices. Given the possibilities of red light technology, this could be a great way to improve your overall health and fix minor ailments before they become major ailments.
For now, keep an eye on the science. Very soon, we will all be learning more about the capacity of red light therapy to heal and help.
Studies (ST), Clinical Trials (CT), and Sources (SO)
“A Retrospective Analysis of the Effects of Red Light Therapy on Body Contouring” (CT)
“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” (CT)
“Red Light Therapy for Weight Loss and Cellulite Reduction at Home” (CT)
“Effects of low-power light therapy on wound healing: LASER x LED” (CT)
“Low level laser therapy (Classes I, II and III) for treating rheumatoid arthritis” (CT)
“Home Red Light Therapy Treatment for Anxiety and Depression” (CT)
“Targeted Light Therapy Destroys Cancer Cells” / December 5, 2011 (SO)
“Red Light Therapy at Home for Face“/ March, 2021 (SO)
“Athletic Performance, Muscle Recovery and Growth Uses of RLT and Near Infrared Light” (SO)
“Reverse the Signs of Skin Aging With Light Therapy Wavelengths – Red and Infrared” / (SO)
“Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo or active-treatment controlled trials” (CT)
“Infrared therapy for chronic low back pain: A randomized, controlled trial” (CT)
“Your Complete Guide to Red Light Therapy” (SO)
“Red Light Therapy Benefits” by Jacquelyn Cafasso / March 5, 2020 (SO)
“Hair Loss, Growth and Greying Hair Benefits Available at Home Using Red Light Therapy” (SO)
“The Complete Thyroid-Boosting Guide to Quad-Wave Red Light Therapy” (SO)
“How to Use Red Light Therapy at Home” by Ari Whitten (SO)
