5 Reasons to Try Red Light Therapy
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy (often called RLT or photobiomodulation) uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to trigger responses inside your cells. Instead of heating or damaging tissue, this gentle light energy penetrates the skin and stimulates biological responses at a cellular level.
Different wavelengths of light interact with the body in different ways. Shorter wavelengths can be more aggressive, while longer wavelengths are better at encouraging healing, regeneration, and collagen production. That’s why red and near-infrared light are used in tandem to promote rejuvenation and repair.
Red light therapy might feel new to you if you’ve just started tuning in, but it actually traes it’s roots back as far as the 1960s! Early research was even conducted by NASA to explore how light could help assist with wound healing in astronauts. From there, medical and dermatological applications began expanding, and today, research continues to explore its wide range of potential benefits.
How does red light therapy work?
Pop quiz! What is the powerhouse of a cell? That’s right—the mitochondria! (Thank you, 7th-grade science class.)
The job of the mitochondria is to produce energy that allows your cells to function properly. Red light therapy helps to stimulate those mitochondria, giving them a boost of energy. When cells have more energy, they’re better at things like repairing damaged tissue, producing collagen, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation.
In skin specifically, red light therapy has been shown to encourage collagen production, stimulate fibroblasts (the cells responsible for building connective tissue), increase blood flow, and calm inflammatory responses.
5 Reasons to Try Red Light Therapy
1. Reduce signs of aging
Wrinkles, fine lines, uneven texture, and age spots have met their match! Red light therapy supports and stimulates collagen production, which improves skin elasticity, making skin appear smoother, firmer, and more radiant.
2. Minimize acne & other skin concerns
Red light therapy has been widely used to target stubborn acne and complexion issues. Many people see improvements in acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema thanks to the anti-inflammatory and healing properties of red light.
3. Encourage hair growth
One of the earliest studied effects of red light therapy is hair growth. The first scientists tested red light on rats to see if it caused cancerous growths. Spoiler alert: it did not. What it did do, though, was make some extra furry rats! By improving circulation and cellular activity in hair follicles, red light therapy can help support thicker, healthier hair growth.
4. Ease chronic pain & inflammation
From tendonitis and carpal tunnel to rheumatoid arthritis and general joint discomfort, red light therapy is commonly used to help reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair, which means less pain and better movement.
5. Improve scars & stretch marks
Because red light therapy encourages collagen and tissue regeneration, it can help improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks, making skin look smoother and more even over time.
Even more reasons people love red light therapy
Research on red light therapy is ongoing, and new applications continue to be explored. Some of the common benefits many people report are:
Better sleep
Improved mood
Reduced stress
Enhanced muscle recovery
Is red light therapy safe?
Yes! Red light therapy is non-invasive, gentle, and painless. The only precaution needed is protecting your eyes (and we’ve got goggles for you in Renew, so no worries about finding your own pair).
What about at-home red light therapy?
At-home red light devices can be helpful, but they vary widely in strength, quality, and effectiveness. Comparing them to medical-grade red light therapy is a bit like comparing your kid’s nightlight with Lambeau’s stadium lights.
Professional, medical-grade red light therapy beds are far more powerful and consistent, which means deeper penetration, better coverage, and more noticeable results. If you want real results, professional-grade equipment makes a big difference.
Ready to try red light therapy?
Ready to find out how red light can help you? Stop into Renew and try our full-body medical-grade red light bed. This FDA-approved bed meets the highest standards for safety and effectiveness.
Already a Western member? You get red light therapy included in your membership!
Not a member? That’s okay! Renew is open to the public, and we’d love to get to know you and see how our integrative wellness services can help you with your health goals.
Stop into Renew today or schedule your free consultation online.
