Red light therapy is becoming increasingly popular among people who want to improve their skin’s appearance and get rid of chronic skin conditions. It can also help you reduce visible signs of aging and joint and muscle pains.
If you’re wondering how red-light therapy treatment works and how to use it at home, this article is for you.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths of light and works at the cellular level to improve the natural healing process of your skin. It uses LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology to achieve that.
According to the National Library of Medicine, RLT can improve collagen production, boost skin complexion, balance skin tone and smoothness, and reduce the signs of wrinkles and fine lines.
How to Use Red Light Therapy at Home
Here’s a list of steps that you can follow to use red light therapy at home safely.
Step 1: Choose the Right Device
The first step is to choose the right red light therapy device that addresses your treatment goals. There are different types of red-light therapy devices available, such as large full-body machines and hand-held devices.
Large devices are good for improving blood circulation, weight loss, muscle recovery, body pain, and chronic inflammation. Whereas, small hand-help devices work better for face rejuvenation, balancing skin tone, and muscle healing in feet, wrists, and knees.
Make sure that you choose a red-light device, approved by FDA, that can be used for both red-light and near-infrared light therapy sessions. Keep in mind that near-infrared light will be invisible to the naked eye as it’s not part of the visible light spectrum.
Step 2: Position the Device Correctly
Sitting too close to the device during red LED light therapy can be harmful to your skin. Generally, you’ll need to sit about six to 12 inches away from the RLT device, depending on the model. Make sure that you read the user manual of your device to find information about safe distance.
Step 3: Ensure Eye Protection
The light used in RLT is bright and it also contains heat. While it makes red light therapy safe for your skin, it can be harmful to your eyes. So, you should wear blackout goggles to protect your eyes.
Step 4: Start the Treatment
Once you’re in position, you can turn on the device to start the therapy session. Use the following tips to make the most out of your red-light therapy.
- While near-infrared light can penetrate through clothes, you should keep the area you’re treating uncovered for the best results.
- Don’t wear sunscreen as it can also reduce the effectiveness of therapy.
- Start slowly and avoid longer sessions. Keep the first few sessions eight to 10 minutes long and make your way up to 15-to-20-minute sessions.
- If your skin is sensitive and you start feeling irritation, stop the treatment immediately and consult your doctor before using the device again.
- Take photos of the treated area after every session to track your progress.
- Some people start seeing results from the first day but it can take a few months as well. So, be patient and consistent.
Final Words
Using red light therapy at home isn’t a difficult task but there are some factors that you need to keep in mind.
Ensuring eye protection, starting slow, being consistent, and keeping the area you’re treating uncovered will help you achieve the best results in a short time.
It’s also important to use a high-quality device, which is approved by the FDA, to eliminate the possibility of side effects. Lastly, if you feel skin irritation, don’t continue with your red-light therapy without consulting your doctor.