Red Light Therapy Benefits & the Science Behind It

Turn on the Light & Let the Benefits In

Red light therapy (RLT) uses low-level red light to help heal the skin, tissue, and muscle all over the body.  Many specialists believe it may also aid in diminishing the look of scars and signs of aging, leaving clients with an overall smoother skin texture with the flip of a switch. Many of these claims are supported by scientific research, and although red light therapy may seem like a miraculous wonder-cure, there’s a lot to learn about how and when the healing happens.

So, How Does Red Light Therapy Actually Work?

Red light therapy is a simple technique that exposes the body to low-level wavelengths of light—also known as low-level laser light treatment or photobiomodulation. This treatment is often convenient for clients of all ages, with many health concerns because of its simplicity and vast availability in spas and treatment centers.

Red light therapy works by producing a biochemical effect in cells that strengthen the mitochondria, which is often referred to as the powerhouse of a cell. When the mitochondria function is strengthened, cells produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which carries the energy molecule in cells, resulting in cells functioning much more efficiently, helping to rejuvenate and repair any damage they may have.

Now that you’ve got the science stuff down, there are also several advantages of using red light therapy. So, let’s get down to it!

Shine Bright with 5 Red Light Therapy Benefits

1. Lights On. Wrinkles Gone.

It’s very common for the majority of clients who want to enhance skin health to reach for some form of red light therapy. A significant amount of research has proven that red light therapy can, in fact, rejuvenate the skin. 

Red light therapy is a safe and effective technology for those seeking to naturally reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve their overall appearance. Helping to minimize the look of scars and acne, this simple skin therapy can be a game-changer for those looking for smoother skin texture and a radiant complexion. “Red light LED is the perfect match for any microcurrent treatment, which is why we created the Trinity® Wrinkle Reducer Attachment for our Trinity® Device,” says Tera Peterson, NuFACE® Co-Founder and Microcurrent Aesthetician. “While microcurrent stimulates the muscles beneath the skin’s surface, red LED uses light wavelengths to penetrate the levels of the dermis and help rejuvenate and revitalize surface-level texture. This therapeutic treatment can be done anywhere—I love to do my red light therapy in bed while watching TV. It’s soothing and requires very little effort, and you’re left with smoother skin and fewer fine lines”

The key to seeing results is consistency. Think of using your red light therapy in your skincare regimen as a daily vitamin. Incorporating this into your morning or evening routine will give you optimal skin health and smoother texture in about 6 to 8 weeks—we promise!

Red light therapy has been clinically shown to:

• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles

• Aid in increasing collagen & elastin production

• Diminish the appearance of scars

• Improve facial texture and feel

• Temporary increase local circulation

• Increase ATP production

2. Our Fave Kind of Night Light

While we seem to all be glued to a television or smartphone before we hit the hay, it’s important to know that light has a major impact on how we sleep. Blue light found in most tech products can be harmful to a healthy night’s sleep affecting how easily you fall asleep and how deep your sleep is (such as REM sleep); plus we all know lack of a good night’s sleep doesn't always bring out the best in us come the morning.

On the contrary, red light benefits your ability to sleep well. Red light (like that found in your Trinity® Wrinkle Reducer Attachment) actually increases melatonin production. Melatonin is the hormone we naturally produce to help us move into sleep mode, getting a deep REM sleep we all need every day to be healthy human beings. This is why we always recommend using our red light therapy attachment during the evening in bed. It’s relaxing, soothing, and helps aid in your nighttime regimen—a good night’s sleep is in your hands.

Studies show it’s best to steer clear of the following lights before bed to get a good night’s sleep:

• Fluorescent lights

• Blue LED light

• Light from TV, tablets, and cell phones

• Computer screens

• Light from other electronics, such as gaming devices

3. Healing Past Wounds
Nobody loves to be left with a scar on their skin—whether it’s from a burn, acne, or surgical incision - it’s less than ideal. Red light therapy uses LED wavelengths to reach levels of the dermis to help rejuvenate and repair the skin cells for a smoother, flawless complexion.

Research has shown that red light therapy:

• Decreases cellular inflammation

• Promotes formation of new blood vessels—known as angiogenesis

• Boosts beneficial fibroblasts in the skin

• Increases the skin's collagen synthesis

Many people recovering from wounds have experienced positive results from red light therapy as they had less pain and inflammation, resulting in a quick recovery!

4. All Gain, No Pain!
As an effective treatment for pain, red light therapy is often recommended in many circumstances. We all know that pain often occurs due to inflammation in muscles and nerves, but red light comes in and penetrates the skin to reach deep muscles and nerves, increasing cellular energy and activity. This increase in cellular energy reduces inflammation and decreases pain. Did we just hear a unanimous sound of relief?

Common ailments that red light therapy can help are:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Joint pain

• Achilles tendonitis

5. All Bones About It
Another benefit of red light therapy is bone healing. Independent clinical studies have investigated the possibility of red light therapy treating facial bone deformities. The findings suggest that this form of light therapy may aid in the acceleration of healing facial bone abnormalities, while other studies have shown that it greatly helped decrease inflammation and discomfort throughout certain bone procedures.

Always Be Mindful
Red light therapy is an entirely natural procedure, exposing the skin to non-harmful amounts of light as opposed to UV light from the sun. As a result, it’s completely safe, and there is almost no chance of adverse consequences with red light therapy when used accordingly.

However, if you have any of the below conditions, there is the possibility of adverse effects. We highly recommend you consult with your doctor before considering red light therapy if you have the following conditions:

• Epileptic or are subject to seizures

• Thyroid conditions

• Light sensitivities

• Suspicious or cancerous lesions

• Use topical or systemic steroids

• Have a pacemaker or electronic implanted device

• Are or might be pregnant

• Are under the age of 18

As more red light therapy research is conducted, the list of benefits continues to increase. As a non-invasive and painless treatment, we will see an increase in its popularity to help clients of all skin and health concerns across the globe. Red light therapy has proven to be a convenient, effective, and easy way to improve skin, leaving you with an overall smoother and ageless appearance. Your skin deserves a little time and love from an amazing treatment (like our Trinity® Wrinkle Reducer Attachment) that’s sure to maximize your expectations at the push of a button—all you gotta do is remember to turn on the lights.