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Red light therapy is gaining popularity for treating skin issues like wrinkles, acne, and sun damage.
Red light therapy has shown potential benefits for a variety of medical conditions, although larger randomised controlled trials are still needed for definitive proof. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Red light therapy is becoming popular as a treatment for various skin problems, including wrinkles, acne, psoriasis, scars, and sun damage. Let us understand how red light therapy works, the conditions it may help with, and its potential use as a cure.
Red light therapy involves exposing the body to low doses of light in medical settings, such as hospitals or clinics. It is also known by several other names, including low-power laser therapy, cold laser therapy, soft laser therapy, and nonthermal LED light therapy. The broader term for these treatments is photobiomodulation therapy, which encompasses various light wavelengths that provide health benefits, ranging from visible light to near-infrared. Among these, red light is the most widely used, largely due to its long history of use, spanning over three decades. While other colors of light are also available for clinical and commercial use, ongoing research is still exploring their effectiveness.
According to Cleveland Clinic, Red light therapy works by stimulating your body’s cells, boosting their energy and promoting blood flow to the targeted area, which accelerates the healing process—much like how your body heals a wound by clotting the blood.
According to Praveen Arany, professor of oral biology, biomedical engineering and surgery at the University of Buffalo, the treatment is straightforward and pain-free. Patients typically sit or lie down comfortably while being exposed to red light for 3 to 15 minutes. They may feel warmth during the session, but it should not be painful or too hot. Eye protection is often recommended.
Red light therapy appears to be safe when used for regulated durations. While staying under the light for too long or using high-powered treatments may not cause harm, it can reduce or delay the desired benefits.
Which health conditions is red light therapy being promoted for?
Randomised, controlled clinical trials have demonstrated that red light therapy can effectively reduce pain, inflammation, and tissue damage. Given the prevalence of these issues in various conditions, photobiomodulation has the potential to be a valuable complementary treatment for a wide array of diseases.
Additionally, recent clinical studies indicate that photobiomodulation can aid in the healing of diabetic wounds, burns, and certain types of ulcers. However, it should not replace standard wound care practices like proper disinfection. This therapy has also proven beneficial for patients suffering from neck and back pain, as well as conditions like tennis elbow.
Potential Use of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy has shown potential benefits for a variety of medical conditions, although larger randomised controlled trials are still needed for definitive proof. Clinical case reports and laboratory studies suggest it may help with disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, arthritis, macular degeneration, myopia, and autism. However, it’s important to note that the therapy may not be effective for all the conditions it’s claimed to treat. Beyond these, red light therapy is also used to promote cardiovascular health, improve mood, reduce anxiety, enhance muscle performance, speed up recovery from sports injuries, and provide anti-aging effects for the skin. While some evidence supports these uses, more rigorous research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
