Spotlight on red light therapy: An expert reveals the science behind the hype

All the colors of the rainbow are beautiful, but red has recently caught the attention of the masses — in particular, red light. Hailed by users for its wide-ranging aesthetic and therapeutic uses, red light therapy (RLT) certainly sounds like a miracle health hack.

Let’s dig deeper — what is RLT exactly, what are the potential benefits, and how can you get started? To find out, we spoke with Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, a board certified orthopedic surgeon who has done extensive research on red light treatment over the years.

How NASA pioneered red light therapy

It’s not surprising that the discovery of this groundbreaking therapy can be linked back to NASA. NASA Spinoff explains that red light therapy was first investigated as a means of growing plants in space and healing wounds of astronauts. The research yielded promising results that are still being explored and refined today.

Sinicropi explains, “The way that red light therapy works at a cellular level is quite fascinating. The wavelength of the light determines tissue penetration and structures that are affected. Specifically, near-infrared light can penetrate deeply into tissues and have a very strong effect on cellular functioning.”

Furthermore, “the mitochondria — or powerhouses — of the cell actually absorb the near-infrared light in their cell walls, which triggers a cascade of events ending in the increase in production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the fuel of the cell. By increasing production of ATP, this can improve cellular health and functioning,” he said.

Red light therapy health benefits

So, we know that red light therapy can help cells perform their jobs more effectively. What types of jobs might these be? Sinicropi detailed some of the uses and potential benefits, which include:

• Musculoskeletal pain relief: RLT is FDA-approved for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain

• Skin health: Many users report significant improvements in skin tone and overall skin health

• Mental health: Studies have shown promise for the use of trans-cranial red light therapy for conditions such as depression, ADHD, PTSD, and even post-infectious syndromes like COVID-19

• Cognitive function: Research has indicated improvements in cognitive function and healing in concussion patients

Many people are also interested in red light therapy for hair loss. A study published in the Annals of Dermatology has produced positive results for this application, and found that red light can stimulate the follicles on the scalp, leading to hair growth and increased strand density.

Tips for getting started with red light therapy

At-home red light devices are an investment and many can be on the pricey side. In-depth research should be done on the brand, the scientific foundation behind the products, and user reviews. Common red light devices might include face masks, panels or even mats you can lay on. Popular brands to jump start your search are Joovv, Hooga, Mito, Omnilux and LumeBox, to name a few.

If you don’t want to make the purchase of your own device just yet, there are more clinics and wellness centers offering RLT everyday. Be sure to talk through all the options with your health care provider before making a decision.

Sinicropi shared a helpful tip he always gives his patients — be sure to check the irradiance or intensity of the red light produced by the device and compare it to similar brands. It’s also useful to ensure the device emits the most effective wavelengths for the condition you are looking to treat.

Red light therapy safety precautions

Sinicropi emphasizes key factors to keep in mind when deciding if RLT is right for you:

He says that the FDA has deemed red light therapy as having a clinically insignificant risk when using Class I laser therapy, which includes common red light therapy panels and beds. However, risks to be aware of include:

• Seizure risk: Red light therapy that pulsates at certain frequencies can stimulate seizure activity, so those with a history of seizures should consult their physician before use

• Skin injury: Higher power lasers, such as Class IV lasers, can cause skin injury or burns if not used in accordance with proper training and physician oversight

Lumebox also explains the importance of protecting your eyes when using red light therapy devices. Looking directly at the LED lights may cause damage over time, so it’s best to close your eyes or use proper eye protection, like blackout goggles. You can purchase these on your own, but they may be included with an at-home device and at wellness centers that offer RLT.

Green light therapy on the horizon

In addition to red light therapy, other wavelengths of light are being tested for their therapeutic benefits.

Sinicropi says green light wavelengths are best absorbed by red blood cells, potentially facilitating the “release of the body’s own natural endorphins, and the use of green light as an antibacterial and antiviral wavelength.”

He also says the University of Arizona recently received a large grant to research green light therapy for post-surgical pain, with the hypothesis of significantly reducing the need for opioids.

By understanding how red light therapy works and the benefits it can offer, you can make an informed decision about whether this innovative therapy is worth testing out for yourself. Thank you to Dr. Sinicropi for providing his expert insights.

*This article contains general health information and is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider if you have medical questions and before making any decisions or changes related to your health.

This story was originally published June 6, 2024, 4:33 PM.