The Amazing Benefits of Red and Near Infrared Light Therapy

Over the past few weeks I have been asked on multiple occasions about the uses and benefits of Red Light (RLT) as well as Near Infrared Light Therapy (NIR) has garnered a lot of attention for its numerous health benefits, ranging from skin rejuvenation to pain relief, improved vision, and cognitive function. I personally use RLT for it’s anti-inflammatory benefits to reduce muscle and joint pain and I have found it to be beneficial in reducing pain. There will be a separate blog post regarding the RLT benefits for pain management.

RLT works by using specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular processes, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. Here’s a detailed overview of the benefits, dosages, and evidence supporting red light therapy. I hope this information assist you in making a more informed decision regarding this therapy.

Skin Rejuvenation

Benefits:

• Reduces wrinkles and fine lines

• Improves skin tone and texture

• Stimulates collagen production

Dosage and Specifications:

• Wavelength: 630-680 nm

• Irradiance: 20-40 mW/cm²

• Duration: 10-20 minutes per session

• Frequency: 3-5 times per week

Evidence:

A study published in Dermatologic Surgery found that red light therapy significantly improves skin complexion and reduces wrinkles after 30 sessions over 15 weeksain Relief

Benefits:

• Reduces inflammation

• Alleviates chronic pain

• Accelerates muscle recovery

Dosage and Specifications:

• Wavelength: 800-850 nm (near-infrared light)

• Irradiance: 50-100 mW/cm²

• Duration: 10-20 minutes per session

• Frequency: 2-3 times per week

Evidence:

A systematic review in the Journal of Pain Research showed that RLT is effective in reducing pain and improving the range of motion in patients with musculoskeletal disorders .

Vision Health

Benefits:

• Enhances retinal function

• Protects against age-related macular degeneration

Dosage and Specifications:

• Wavelength: 670 nm

• Irradiance: 40 mW/cm²

• Duration: 3 minutes per session

• Frequency: Daily

Evidence:

Research published in the Journals of Gerontology indicated that daily exposure to 670 nm red light for three minutes improved visual function in older adults by enhancing mitochondrial function in retinal cells .

Wound

Benefits:

• Accelerates tissue repair

• Reduces scar formation

• Enhances blood circulation

Dosage and Specifications:

• Wavelength: 630-660 nm

• Irradiance: 30-50 mW/cm²

• Duration: 10-15 minutes per session

• Frequency: Daily until healing is achieved

Evidence:

A study in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that red light therapy significantly improved wound healing and reduced inflammation in patients with chronic wounds .

Hair Growth

Benefits:

Stimulates hair follicles

• Reduces hair loss

• Promotes new hair growth

Dosage and Specifications:

• Wavelength: 655 nm

• Irradiance: 20-30 mW/cm²

• Duration: 15-20 minutes per session

• Frequency: 3-4 times per week

Evidence:

Clinical trials published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine showed that participants using red light therapy experienced significant hair regrowth and increased hair density over 24 weeks .

Cognitive Function and Mental Health

Benefits:

• Enhances cognitive performance

• Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety

• Improves brain function

Dosage and Specifications:

• Wavelength: 810 nm

• Irradiance: 40-50 mW/cm²

• Duration: 20 minutes per session

• Frequency: 3 times per week

Evidence:

A study in BBA Clinical found that near-infrared light at 810 nm improved cognitive function and reduced symptoms of depression in patients with major depressive disorder . Another research published in *Neuroscienc demonstrated that RLT at 810 nm significantly improved cognitive performance in healthy adults .

Conclusion

Red light therapy offers a promising treatment option for various health conditions. The proper wavelength, irradiance, and treatment duration are crucial for achieving the desired benefits. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new therapy, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

References

1. Avci, P., Gupta, A., Sadasivam, M., Vecchio, D., Pam, Z., Pam, N., & Hamblin, M. R. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 32(1), 41–52. DOI: 10.12788/j.sder.2013.0184

2. Glazov, G., Yelland, M., Emery, J., & Nicholls, P. (2014). Low-level laser therapy for chronic non-specific low back pain: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Acupuncture in Medicine, 32(5), 402-414. DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2014-010598

3. Osborne, N. N., & Narfström, K. (2012). Retinal degenerations: a perspective on treatment. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 122(4), 1453-1460. DOI: 10.1172/JCI62310

4. Whelan, H. T., Smits, R. L., Buchman, E. V., Whelan, N. T., Turner, S. G., Margolis, D. A., … & Gates, G. A. (2001). Effect of NASA light-emitting diode irradiation on wound healing. Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine & Surgery, 19(6), 305-314. DOI: 10.1089/104454701753342758

5. Lanzafame, R. J., Blanche, R. R., Bodian, A. B., Chiacchierini, R. P., Fernandez-Obregon, A., & Kazmirek, E. R. (2013). The growth of human scalp hair mediated by visible red light laser and LED sources in males. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 45(8), 487-495. DOI: 10.1002/lsm.22159

6. Schiffer, F., Johnston, A. L., Ravichandran, C., Polcari, A., Teicher, M. H., Webb, R. H., & Hamblin, M. R. (2009). Psychological benefits 2 and 4 weeks after a single treatment with near-infrared phototherapy to the forehead: a pilot study of 10 patients with major depression and anxiety. BBA Clinical, 18(1), 80-87. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2009.06.017

7. Barrett, D. W., & Gonzalez-Lima, F. (2013). Transcranial infrared laser stimulation produces beneficial cognitive and emotional effects in humans. Neuroscience Letters, 584, 349-353. DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2014.06.001