It is well known that light, both natural and artificial, has many effects on our bodies. Of particular interest in the last several years has been one part of the spectrum – red light. Red light has been increasingly used for its therapeutic effects on the skin and deeper tissues in the body. Many devices are commercially available for home use. Alternatively, one can pay lots of money and go for red light therapy at many spas and clinics.
Red light-emitting diode (LED) devices were used in the 1990s by NASA to help grow potatoes in space. It was noted that this light helped wounds on the astronauts’ hands heal more quickly. This led to the use of red light therapy for a variety of skin conditions, including wrinkles, psoriasis, scars, acne, and even stretch marks. Red light therapy is now being studied for its potential beneficial effects on a variety of health disorders beyond the skin.
Red light appears to activate the mitochondria in our cells. These organelles produce the energy needed for a myriad of essential processes in all of the tissues and organs in our bodies. By ramping up energy production cells can more effectively heal wounds and boost new cell growth. In the skin, red light therapy increases collagen production, giving skin greater strength and elasticity. Red light therapy increases vital blood flow and decreases inflammation.
Given these effects, many research studies are being done to ascertain whether red light therapy might benefit tissues throughout the body.
Research has shown that one effect of red light therapy might be mediated by an increase in melatonin production. Melatonin has antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Melatonin benefits our immune system. A recent study emonstrated that red light therapy has activity against breast cancer cells and could be used as an anti-cancer treatment in the future.
Other studies concluded that red light therapy reduces symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorders and helps children with myopia (nearsightedness). It mayeven help keep coronary arteries open after stent placement.
RLT is promoted for a variety of skin and other disorders. We have solid evidence of the effectiveness of RLT for various skin conditions. While initial study results underscore the various benefits of red light therapy beyond skin, high quality data from randomized, controlled trials comparing red light therapy to placebo or standard treatments is limited.
Hopefully, well conducted studies will help us determine which devices are most effective for specific maladies.
Meanwhile, be aware of the myriad claims encountered online regarding their effectiveness.
Please do your research on which device to pirchase and don’t be afraid to ask the manufacturer about its ouput and irradiance.
Note: Although I am a physician, the content in this article is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent illness or disease in the reader – it is for educational purposes only.
References
- Posadzki P, Car J. Light Therapies for Acne. JAMA Dermatol. 2018 05 01;154(5):597-598.
- Deng B, Zhou M, Kong X, Luo L, Lv H. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness and safety of the repeated low-level red light therapy in slowing the progression of myopia in children and adolescents. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2024 Feb 01;72(Suppl 2):S203-S210.
- Walski T, Dąbrowska K, Drohomirecka A, et al. The effect of red-to-near-infrared (R/NIR) irradiation on inflammatory processes. Int J Radiat Biol. 2019 09;95(9):1326-1336.
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