Red Light Therapy Offers a Slew of Unexpected Health Benefits, From Healing Cold Sores to Reducing Wrinkles
We spoke to a doctor about the benefits of red light therapy, from hair growth to reducing anxiety and even healing cold sores and easing sinus pressure.
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Scouted has covered the benefits of using red light therapy (a.k.a. low-level light therapy) to reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the skin, but the treatment also boasts a lofty laundry list of other beauty and health benefits. In fact, there is significant research that suggests that red light therapy can be a helpful tool for a wide variety of conditions and situations, from improving anxiety and depression and combatting hair loss to helping to alleviate chronic pain. To get the lowdown on the many wellness benefits of red light therapy, Scouted spoke with Dr. Sarah de la Torre, Chief Medical Officer of Joylux.
Although red light exposure has recently become a rising star in the wellness zeitgeist, it's been thoroughly studied for decades. In the ’90s, NASA-funded studies examining the benefits of exposure to red light in humans after a number of astronauts using the modality to test its effects on plant growth noticed that small scratches and blemishes began to heal rapidly while in space. “For decades, [light] has been researched by scientists who discovered that light in a narrow band of red and near-infrared can safely produce health benefits. The authors of thousands of published peer-reviewed papers believe that this band of light stimulates the mitochondria in your cells to create the energy we need,” according to Dr. de la Torre.
There’s some pretty persuasive, basic science supporting these contentions: when mitochondria are in an excited state, they release Adenosine Triphosphate and Nitric Oxide, which help fortify collagen, increase blood flow, and expedite tissue repair. “Light energy is now being used in various health applications—from wrinkle reduction, hair growth, and wound healing to a reduction of pain and inflammation, as well as an improvement in vaginal wellness and perineal recovery after childbirth,” Dr. de la Torre says. But while there are many uses for light therapy ranging from cosmetic to medical, the doctor says that people suffering from sleep issues, depression, or anxiety, including athletes, menopausal women, and those suffering from chronic pain (especially arthritis or fibromyalgia) may stand to benefit the most from red light therapy.
Of course, Dr. de la Torre recommends consulting with your physician before starting any new treatment—including light therapy. “While red light therapy is generally safe for most people, there are some individuals who should avoid or take precautions with this therapy.” This is especially important if you have photosensitivity (or a history of seizures), open wounds, or are taking medications that can increase sensitivity to light.
Best of all? You don’t have to join a wellness studio or spa to reap the benefits of red light exposure—there are plenty of doctor-approved devices for at-home use. Whether you’re a red light-curious novice or a veteran beneficiary of the power of these luminous rays, recent progress in red light exposure therapies and treatments, as well as newly available, highly engineered ‘home spa’ tech, puts these rays within reach.
Helight Red Light Sleep Therapy Light
Consider this the grown-up version of the night light you used to help you fall asleep as a kid—only actually backed by science for improving your Zzz. Helight’s Red Light Therapy Sleep Light is engineered to help you fall asleep faster while also helping to regulate your circadian rhythm. The compact light (it fits in the palm of your hand) gives your bedroom a soothing glow without looking like you’re in a sci-fi movie, and since I’ve been using it for a few weeks, I’ve noticed I’ve woken up less during the night.
Hooga Clinical-Grade Red Light Therapy Device
This clinical-grade red light therapy device is a great entry-level option that’s effective but affordable. This lamp is a great option for those looking to reap the anti-aging skincare and mood-boosting benefits of red light exposure.
Sun Home Saunas Anti-Aging Light Therapy Mask
This targeted red light therapy mask may look silly, but the complexion-enhancing results are no joke. This dermatologist-approved LED light therapy mask is engineered with clinical-grade LED lights that have been shown to help boost collagen, leading to faster cell turnover and improved fine lines, texture, and even hyperpigmentation.
Heat Healer Triple Threat At-Home Energy Sauna
Down From $2498
While it’s certainly an investment, Heat Healer’s Triple Threat Energy Sauna offers major bang for your buck. It’s engineered with not only powerful LED red light therapy but also PEMF technology to boost cell repair and accelerate recovery and infrared heat for peak detoxification and glowing skin. If you’re someone who is spending a fortune at a fitness or sauna studio, consider investing in this at-home alternative instead.
Beurer Infrared Heated Red Light Therapy Lamp
This compact heated infrared red light therapy lamp is engineered to help promote glowing skin, clear sinuses, muscle pain relief, and enhanced blood flow without breaking the bank. It’s designed to penetrate the skin deeply, improving its efficacy without UV exposure. The adjustable device is also equipped with heated protection and a built-in timer and comes with protected eyeglasses.
The Therapy Wrap Red Light Therapy Mat
This professional-grade, full-body red light therapy mat is equipped with over 1400 adjustable 660nm red and 850nm infrared lights to help reduce inflammation and pain, strengthen immunity, improve your skin by helping accelerate collagen production, and even help fortify bone density, according to the brand. This easy-to-use and compact therapy mat is designed with three settings: recovery mode, continuous light, recovery mode, and energizing boost mode. You can use the mat anywhere, from your living floor to your bed.
Capillus ONE Hair Growth Laser Cap
“Red light therapy can help stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and promoting the production of collagen and elastin,” Dr. de la Torre says. This clinically proven and FDA-cleared red therapy cap is a discreet and effective treatment for hair loss.
CurrentBody Skin LED Neck and Dec Perfector
As mentioned, red light therapy helps stimulate collagen production and boost circulation, making it an excellent anti-aging treatment. Current Body offers a range of targeted light therapy masks, including this one for the neck and chest. I love using this while working at home or just lounging and watching TV. I’ve only been using this for about two weeks now (about four to five times a week), and I’ve already noticed the lines and discoloration on my chest have improved.
LifePro Red Light Therapy Glove for Arthritis
Not only does this red light therapy glove take years off of your hands by smoothing wrinkles and tackling pigmentation, but it’s also a great pain relief treatment too. “Red light therapy can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief for people with chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia,” says Dr. de la Torre.
LifePro Red Light Therapy Cold Sore Treatment for Lips
Some research suggests that red light therapy can help prevent and reduce cold sores. This targeted red light wand is designed to help expedite healing for cold and canker sores while helping smooth fine lines on the mouth.
LASEPREHT Portable Red Light Device for Allergies & Sinus
As someone who has suffered from chronic allergic rhinitis and sinusitis for the last decade, this nasal red light therapy treatment that promises to help alleviate sinus pressure and inflammation sounds like a godsend.
Joylux vFit Gold Set, Red Light Intimate Health Device
“VFit Gold helps women deal with the frustrating symptoms of menopause with a safe, effective and hormone-free device. It addresses pelvic floor strength, sexual function, vaginal tone, natural lubrication, and most importantly for my patients, confidence,” says Dr. de la Torre of the vaginal wellness device.
Snow LED Advanced Whitening Electric Toothbrush
Down from $229
Take your oral hygiene routine to the next level with this first-ever LED electric toothbrush. Snow’s Advanced Whitening Toothbrush is equipped with three different LED settings: blue light to whiten, red light to improve gum health, and purple to do both. You can also choose between four different modes: cleaning, whitening, gum care, and whitening + gum care to customize your cleaning session. This next-level toothbrush also comes with a tongue scraper, a sanitizing travel case, an extra brush head, a face brush, and a charger.
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