Are Red Light Therapy Beds Safe?

Did you know that the light from our sun can do more than just brighten up our day? It turns out, a specific kind of light, known as red light, might have some “special powers” for our health.

If you heard about red light therapy beds, you might be wondering if something that seems so simple could really help with problems like rough skin or feeling tired all the time.

It’s normal to ask if these glowing beds that people are talking about are actually good for you and won’t cause any harm.

In this article, we’re going to dive into what red light therapy beds are all about. We’ll look at what science says about them and talk about the good stuff and any downsides they might have. By the end of this read, you’ll know whether adding a session under the red light to your routine is a smart move for your health.

How Red Light Therapy Works?

Red Light Therapy Beds use LEDs to emit specific wavelengths deep into the skin. These wavelengths, mainly in the red to near-infrared spectrum, are absorbed by the mitochondria within cells, initiating a photochemical reaction that boosts the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

ATP serves as the primary energy molecule in cells, fueling various biological processes.

With an increase in ATP synthesis, Red Light Therapy aids in speeding up cellular repair and regeneration. This process results in a rise in collagen production, which is vital for keeping skin firm and elastic.

In addition, this therapy helps modulate inflammatory responses and improves blood flow, contributing to its ability to rejuvenate skin and assist in healing.

Activation of certain cellular pathways by Red Light Therapy helps in tissue repair and can reduce acne, enhance skin tone, and promote overall skin health.

Supported by a solid scientific research, this technology is used in both clinical and aesthetic settings.

Although Red Light Therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, isn’t a cure-all, it’s a treatment supported by an expanding body of research that attests to its effectiveness.

What Are The Benefits Of A Red Light Therapy Bed?

Red Light Therapy has many benefits – all backed up by scientific evidence. (Numbers in brackets are links to scientific papers backing up this article’s claims).

• For example, RLT can help improve your skin health by stimulating collagen production which reduces wrinkles and improves skin tone. [1]

• It’s also known to reduce inflammation and can even help with conditions like rosacea and acne. [2] [3]

• If you’re dealing with pain, RLT might be a good option for you. It increases blood circulation and accelerates the healing process, providing relief from chronic pain. Plus, it’s non-invasive and safe. [4]

• RLT is also beneficial for muscle recovery as it reduces stress in muscle tissues and boosts cell regeneration. This helps alleviate muscle soreness and stiffness after workouts or physical activities. [5] [6]

• One of the lesser-known benefits of RLT is its ability to improve sleep quality. It promotes natural sleep rhythms and melatonin production, making it a great option for those struggling with insomnia or irregular sleep patterns. [7] [8]

• Moreover, red light therapy can also enhance your mood and mental health by activating the production of serotonin and endorphins – chemicals in our brain that boost our mood. [9]

• It can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve memory retention, regulate sleep patterns, and even help address seasonal affective disorder (SAD). [10]

• Finally, some studies suggest that RLT may even assist with weight loss by influencing how our bodies store fat. All these benefits make red light therapy a versatile tool for overall wellness. [11] [12] [13]

What Are Red Light Therapy Side Effects and Potential Risks?

While red light therapy beds are largely considered safe, there are some side effects and potential risks associated with their use.

Tightness and Redness in The Skin

Use of red light therapy beds can sometimes lead to mild skin tightness and redness as typical reactions after treatment.

This is usually a harmless bodily reaction to the therapeutic application of low-level red light. The skin might show these signs as a result of a brief increase in blood circulation or minor inflammation while the body’s repair processes are stimulated.

Generally, these effects are short-lived and tend to subside on their own.

Skin burns

While it’s uncommon, skin burns can sometimes result from the misuse of red light therapy beds or if they’re used for too long.

Red light therapy produces low-level wavelengths that are typically gentle and non-invasive. Yet, if someone is exposed to the light for too long (e.g an hour) it could cause thermal damage and burns.

Eye Strain And Sensitivity

Eye strain and sensitivity is a common concern when it comes to red light therapy, but it is something you can easily tackle by wearing special protective goggles.

For example, these $20 goggles from Amazon, can do the trick just fine.

Headache

There have been infrequent reports of headaches as a side effect among Red Light Therapy users. These instances are uncommon and you can’t be sure what’s the real cause of headache.

For example, is it because the one has not drank enough water? Is it because is liking important nutrients due to unhealthy lifestyle?

It’s also important to realize that the process of photobiomodulation, which is at the heart of red light therapy, is involved with intricate cellular and neurological pathways. Any interference with these pathways could, in theory, lead to a headache in certain people.

Increased Bleeding in Open Wounds

Another – not that significant in my opinion – concern is that RLT can increase the bleeding of open wounds. The reasons some support this claim is because Red light therapy does the following in the blood:

• Vasodilation: Red light therapy may cause blood vessels to widen, leading to more blood flow which could worsen bleeding in open wounds.
• Platelet Function: There’s a possibility that red light could influence how platelets clump together, potentially hindering the formation of blood clots.

How to minimize the risk of side effects of red light therapy?

To reduce the risk of side effects from red light therapy, follow these tips:

• If you are taking drugs that can increase sensitivity to the light such as griseofulvin, sulfonamides, and phenothiazines you might have to avoid RLT or at least consult your personal doctor first. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has a comprehensive list of medications and other agents that increase sensitivity to light, if you want to check it out.
• Protect your eyes wearing protective eye gear and cover sensitive skin areas as necessary to prevent exposure.
• After treatment, stay away from direct sunlight and very hot environments like saunas or steam rooms. Be gentle when cleaning your face and use moisturizer to aid skin healing.

Are red light therapy devices purchased for at-home use safe?

Yes, Red Light Therapy devices for home use are 100% safe – when used correctly.

Again, if you falle asleep in your red light therapy bed or if you forget your red light therapy panel truned on for 2 – 3 hours while you do stuff on your PC, then it’s not the RLT device to blame, it’s you.

However, to guarantee both safety and effectiveness, pay attention to the following:

Device Quality and Standards

• Make sure the device has been cleared by the FDA for both safety and effectiveness.
• Choose devices from established manufacturers like , Vellgus and Scienlodic that are backed by positive reviews in scientific studies.
• Verify that the device emits light within the optimal wavelength spectrum, typically between 630-700 nanometers for skin health.
• Maintain the recommended distance from the device to your skin, which is usually about 6-12 inches.

When these guidelines are followed, personal red light therapy devices can be considered a secure and non-invasive method to improve skin health.

Nonetheless, it’s a good practice to consult with a dermatologist before starting any new treatment at home to address any specific skin concerns.

How much red light therapy is enough each day?

Start with treatment sessions lasting 10–15 minutes, happening 3–5 times a week. This allows a gentle introduction of the therapy, permitting the body’s cells to respond and adjust without being overwhelmed.

Following consistent use over several weeks, you can reduce the frequency to maintenance sessions, typically once a week, to maintain the benefits.

It’s important to understand that while there’s no official maximum limit for exposure, moderation is important.

Too much exposure could lead to less effective results or negative effects, so sticking to recommended guidelines is important for finding the right therapeutic balance.

Bottom Line: So, is Red Light Therapy Safe?

Yes, red light therapy is absolutely safe. Kee in mind that:

• RLT is non-toxic and non-invasive.
• When applied correctly and for limited durations, it doesn’t lead to side effects.
• Misuse, though, could result in skin or eye harm, which underscores the importance of wearing eye protection.

The scientific consensus is that red light therapy, or RLT, is regarded as safe. RLT operates with low-level wavelengths that don’t harm skin cells or raise the risk of cancer.

We have a dedicated page to Red Light Therapy if you wan to check it out. Or, you can check these red light therapy related articles as well:

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