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What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser light therapy, a treatment that emits laser light to specific body parts for its beneficial properties. The laser can heal muscles, joints, skin, and hair and reduce inflammatory factors present in the body at home.

Red Light Therapy: Everything You Need to Know (Uses, Benefits, & How It Works)
What's Red Light Therapy?

It may boost the mood and treat neurodegenerative conditions. The red light includes different wavelengths, each of which is healing to other parts of the skin. It’s easy to use, and you can do red light therapy at home.

What Does It Do?

Red light emits photons that penetrate the body at different wavelengths. Some wavelengths only penetrate to a small degree, which is suitable for skin conditions and surface wounds. Other treatments delve deeper to treat joint pain, which is a more intense condition. An article published in Journal of Laser in Medical Sciences explored the biological effects of low-level laser therapy [1].

The photons stimulate the release of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy powerhouse for all cells in the body. An article in Photomedicine and Laser Therapy described the mechanisms behind low intensity light therapy [2].

1

STIMULATE HAIR GROWTH

Stimulates stem cells in the hair follicle to encourage active growth

2

IMPROVED SKIN HEALTH

Reduction in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars

3

PROMOTE CELLUAR HEALTH

Strengthens hair and improves skin elasticity

4

IMPROVE CIRCULATION

Dilates blood vessels for increased flow

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5

REDUCE RECOVERY TIME

Stimulates mitochondria and stem cells for faster recovery

6

REDUCE INFLAMMATION

Soothes sore muscles, joint pain, and arthritis

7

INCREASE FERTILITY

May stimulate the brain’s pineal gland

8

REDUCE PAIN

Reduces muscle spasms and increases blood flow

How Do I Select the Right Device?

When purchasing treatments, there are several factors to consider and information to be aware of. We’ve prepared a brief guide on the most important factors.

Size and Treatments Area –The devices can be used at home and come in different sizes, some suitable for the skin or more localised regions and others for a full-body treatment. The bigger the bed, the larger the treatment area will be. Make sure you choose a red light model that suits your needs.

Wavelengths – Most of the market’s red light therapy devices have wavelengths spanning 600nm to 900nm.[3] Different wavelengths have different health benefits, so choose the correct one. We’ll discuss the wavelengths and their gifts later in this article.

Return Policy – Since these devices are somewhat of an investment, the manufacturer must give you a satisfaction guarantee with enough time to allow you to try them and see if they work for you. Therefore, look for a firm policy that offers you at least 60 days to return the product.

Safety – The red light technology is generally very safe and provides many skin health benefits, which many studies have indicated. However, check the device’s IMF (on-native electromagnetic fields) level, as a high level could be less secure. In addition, choose a product that is FDA-approved and has safety certifications.

Manufacturer – When choosing a brand, it’s usually best to test and pick a well-known and respected manufacturer. This increases the chances that you’ll get a quality health product.

Customer Reviews – Reading through the reviews is a great way to discover the product’s pros and cons and the user experience. Don’t just look at the testimonials on the official website. It would help if you also explored some of the independent reviews.

Cost – There is some variation in the cost of these treatments. What’s important is that the cost reflects the quality of the features included, so do some comparison shopping before you finalise your purchase.

You can BUY it directly from the Official Website

Pros

  • Red light therapy help support skin health and optimum immune functioning.
  • These treatments help heal acne and smooth wrinkles and lines.
  • Red light helps ease muscle and joint pain.
  • It help treat neurodegenerative conditions.
  • Red Light Therapy helps to elevate skin and mood.

Cons

  • The panels do require somewhere for storage.
  • The treatments require a time commitment.
  • They will offer varying results for different users.

Red Light Therapy Benefits (Video Credit: YouTube)

What Are the Best Devices?

We conducted a thorough examination of many red light therapy treatments currently available on the market. All signs point towards Platinum LED Biomax Products as the best line available. We chose this brand because it’s FDA-approved as a class II medical device. Also, ETL/UL-certified products for electrical safety assurance are high quality and offer four size models and five wavelengths.

Platinum LED BioMax Products
Platinum LED BioMax Products

The Biomax set includes the following:

  • Power Link Cable
  • Digital Link Cable
  • Mounting Hardware
  • Panel Linking Hardware
  • Door Hanging Kit
  • Sunglasses
  • Therapy Companion App

Biomax: Therapy 300, 450, 600, 900

There are four sizes available in these treatments, suitable for different purposes. The 300 is the minor panel, at 48cm x 23cm with 100 x 3watt LEDs. The laser best treats specific areas such as the face or a wound on your skin.

The 450 is a slightly bigger panel at 48cm x 30cm with 150x 3watt LEDs. It’s not suitable for full-body use but ideal for more significant localized at home treatment areas than the 300.

The 600 is 36″ x 9″ (91cm x 23cm) with 200 x 3watt LEDs. This makes it suitable as a full-body panel for several conditions, like joint or muscle pain and several others.

The 900 is 91cm x 30cm with 300x 3watt LEDs. Note that it is the same height as the 600; it’s just wider for a larger treatment area.

Red Light Therapy Reviews

Platinum LED Biomax Multi-Light Setups

The Biomax system has recently been upgraded to include new features, like more soft power, an enhanced wavelength spectrum, a built-in control and timer, and zero exposure to potentially harmful EMFs (non-native electromagnetic fields).

It also includes better modularity by selling pairs of panels together for multiple health benefits. The manufacturer has arranged the panels in sets that could be useful together. Here are the options:

  • 300 + 600
  • 600 + 600
  • 2 x 300 + 600
  • 2 x 600 + 600
  • 450 + 900
  • 900 + 900
  • 2 x 450 + 900
  • 2 x 900 + 900

Where To Find It?

You can BUY it directly from the Official Website

The Original Bio Lights

The number of wavelengths available is part of the new Biomax upgrade, which opens up new healing options. The original configuration’s two wavelengths were 660nm and 850nm. The new model offers five wavelengths 630nm, 660nm, 810nm, 830nm, and 850nm.

Biomax Mounting Systems

This product offers several mounting systems which allow you to attach or hang the panel on a door, wall, table, or floor. Here are your options:

  • BioMax Tabletop Stand – Allows you to mount the panel on the table or floor.
  • BioMax Mobile Rack Stand – It’s a standing rack system that can hold 3 panels.
  • BioMax Horizontal Stand – This stand allows you to mount 1 or 2 panels.
  • Wall Mount Bracket – You can use it to mount the panel on the wall.

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Platinum LED Therapy Lights Biomax Series

*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

How to Use This Light Therapy Treatment at Home?

There isn’t much to know, as red light therapy devices are straightforward. Mostly all you have to do is plug it into the wall. Some devices have a screen on the panel that allows you to set your treatment time and often the wavelength you desire. Some products may have an accompanying app.

Some models offer mounting devices that allow you to hang the panel on the wall, door, table, or floor level. Different sizes may be more beneficial, such as the smaller red light models providing and addressing other health issues. If your device doesn’t have a strong LED power output, you have to sit closer to it than a more robust model.

How Often Should I Use Red Light Therapy?

You can use red light therapy once a day, but not more than that. Too much red light therapy may be problematic and won’t necessarily increase the benefits. The ideal is about 3–5 sessions per week, but different brands will have their own recommendations.

What Are the Side Effects?

This type of treatment is safe and unlikely to lead to any side effects of red light therapy.[4] Certain conditions may preclude using it, such as a tumor. If you have medical issues, check with your physician before proceeding with the treatment.

Does Red Light Therapy Work

According to most research, red light therapy help treats various medical issues and conditions, such as joint and muscle pain, acne, skin wrinkles, wounds, and neurodegenerative conditions.

A review in Arthritis Research and Therapy showed that low-level laser therapy is very effective in treating chronic low back pain [5]. A review article in Skin Appendage Disorders found that this technology is safe and effective in treating hair loss [6].

How Red Light Therapy Works?

How Can I Enhance the Effects of Red Light Therapy?

Although red light therapy is a wonderful technique, other methods could help enhance its effects by boosting cellular energy production. A few of these include the following:

Niacinamide/Vitamin B3 – This is an enriching accompaniment to red light therapy, as it also boosts level of ATP in the cells. It also has added skincare benefits like treating acne and signs of aging.

Honey – It’s anti-bacterial and help treat wounds. It’s also involved in cellular energy production of the skin.

T3 – This thyroid hormone boosts energy production in the body and increases the number of skin mitochondria. It may also increase the effects of red light therapy.

Aspirin – This painkiller can also reduce inflammation in the body and may enhance the effects of light therapy.

Red Light Therapy FAQs

Q: What is the Red Light Therapy Before and After?

A: This depends completely on what you are using this kind of treatment for. For example, the before may be acne, clogged pores, and wrinkles, and the after may be tighter, more elastic, and more youthful skin free of blemishes. Another example would be sore, stiff, painful joints, followed by less pain and greater mobility. 

Q: Where Can I Purchase it?

A:Red LED light therapy devices are for sale all over. You can get them from a variety of online and offline retailers, including Walmart, which will deliver them to your door. The prices will differ depending on the size and features.

Q: Can Anyone Use it?

A: For the most part, this is a safe technology for any adult who wants the benefits of red light therapy. This is provided you follow the correct instructions, as too much laser light could be problematic. In addition, there could be medical conditions like tumours that would prevent you from using this technology. If you’re unsure, check with your physician.

Q: What Are the Different Wavelengths Good For?

A: These kinds of treatments have different wavelengths and different penetration rates into the body, which offer health benefits. A wavelength of 600–700 mn, for example, has light penetration and would be suitable for treating surface wounds, acne, and wrinkles. On the other hand, an 800-850 nm wavelength is better for deeper conditions like joint and muscle pain.

Q: How Does it Heal Joint Pain?

A: Red light therapy can increase cellular energy, which helps balance inflammation in the body. It also boosts ATP production, which promotes healing of the skin and has other benefits. This helps to decrease joint pain and discomfort.

In addition, red light improves bodily circulation, which can heal damaged tissue. A review in Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation found evidence that light therapy improves pain, function, and quality of life in osteoarthritis patients [7].

Q: Are There Any LED Light Therapy Dangers?

A: As long as you use a quality product, there are no direct LED light therapy dangers. The issue you have to pay attention to is the levels of non-native electromagnetic fields (IMF) that the device emits, as high levels could be harmful.

Otherwise, researchers like the scientists at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital concluded that this is a safe technology.

Q: What Does it Do For the Skin?

A: Red light benefits the skin on several different levels. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, tightening the skin and improving its elasticity. This can smooth wrinkles and fine lines.

This technology may also produce more hyaluronic acid, which helps moisturise the skin and eliminate dryness. Red light therapy can also slow sebum production from the pores, which helps get rid of acne on the skin.

Q: How Do Red Light Therapy and Infrared Therapy treatments Differ?

A:There isn’t a massive difference between both treatments, as they do the same thing and offer similar benefits. The main difference is that infrared light is not visible, while red light is. In addition, red light therapy uses wavelengths that range between 600 and  900 nm, while infrared light therapy spans over 900mn.

Q: What is the Difference Between LEDs and Lasers?

A:In terms of efficacy, there’s very little difference between them. Lasers penetrate different levels of the skin more quickly, but they deliver the same types, so there’s no reason to believe that either is superior to the other.

Q: Can Infrared Light Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder?

A: No, this is not the correct light therapy treatment for seasonal affective disorder. The goal with SAD is to provide full-spectrum light, like the light from the sun. Light therapy works only on part of this spectrum, so it’s not enough for full treatment.

Q: How Does it Affect Oral Health?

A: You can use red light therapy for your face to improve your oral health. It may heal wounds, destroy bacteria in the mouth, lessen teeth sensitivity, and help restructure the bones after teeth damage. To get the best results, ensure you open your mouth during the therapy session so the light can easily penetrate.

Q: Can I Wear Clothes During the Treatment?

A: The best way to use a red light therapy lamp is without clothes. However, depending on what you wear, you may be able to block out some of the morning light. 

Q: Does Red Light Help You Sleep?

A: Using a red light therapy bed may increase melatonin, which could positively impact your sleep quality. However, it is also possible that doing it too close to bedtime could have a minor impact on disrupting sleep. This is why you should aim to have your sessions in the morning or afternoon.

Q: What Do the Reviews Say?

A: There are numerous light therapy reviews online, depending on the brand. In addition, different products received additional feedback. However, generally speaking, thoughts about the efficacy of this technology were excellent. Users mentioned improvements in their skin, mood, hair growth, joint and muscle pain, and other conditions.

Conclusion

Red light therapy is a revolutionary technology that involves sending photons deep into the body with laser light to promote specific health benefits. For example, the system can grow hair, enrich the skin, remove acne, wrinkles, and lines, heal wounds, treat joint and muscle pain, repair muscle, boost mood, and even help treat neurodegenerative conditions.

Several studies indicate the benefits of this technology for many of these issues, and research shows its safety. No real side effects are associated with using a red light bed unless you use it too frequently.

Depending on the brand, some positive red light therapy reviews indicate this technology’s great benefits to the body. They cited a variety of health benefits from the red light spectrum. In addition, many customers said this device improved their skin.

When looking for a good red light therapy brand, it’s essential to do your research. Ideally, you want a choice of sizes for different purposes and several wavelengths for versatility. In addition, look for a device that is FDA approved and meets rigid safety standards. It should also have very little exposure to potentially harmful EMFs (non-native electromagnetic fields).

Our extensive market evaluation has selected Platinum LED Biomax Products as the highest quality brand. It offers five different wavelengths and four sizes. It is also classified as a Class II medical device by the FDA and is ETL/UL-certified for electrical safety assurance. We recommend this brand to anyone looking for a quality red light therapy device.

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7 Sources

We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.

[1] Biological Effects of Low Level Laser Therapy : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4291815/
[2] Low-Intensity Light Therapy : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2996814/
[3] Red light therapy devices and wavelength : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3926176/
[4] Red light therapy : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8887049/
[5] Bicycle Accident Statistics : https://arthritis-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13075-015-0882-0
[6] Examining the Safety and Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Review of the Literature: : https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/509001
[7] Arthritis Research and Therapy : https://journals.lww.com/topicsingeriatricrehabilitation/fulltext/2020/01000/effects_of_light_therapy_on_osteoarthritis_and_its.3.aspx
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Jason Vredenburg, RD

Jason Vredenburg is a nutrition writer with over twenty years of experience as a Registered Dietitian. He has researched and written nu