What is red light therapy?
"Red light therapy" (RLT) can be described as a method of treatment that uses low-frequency red light that is believed to improve the appearance of your skin, for example, reduction of lines, scars, or redness, as well as the appearance of acne. It's also claimed to treat other health conditions.
There's been plenty of ongoing research being conducted, as well as the publication of small studies, and lot of discussions online regarding the efficacy of treatment with red lights for various kinds of medical applications. Some studies provide some hope, however, the complete efficacy of the therapy is yet to be confirmed.
Other terms that you could have heard to describe the red light therapy are:
Light therapy with low-level levels.Therapy with lasers that are low power.Lights that are not thermal.Laser therapy using soft light.Laser therapy with cold temperatures.Biostimulation, stimulation by light.Therapy with photobiomodulation as well as phototherapy.What is the story behind how interest for red light therapy grow?
NASA initially began to experiment with the use of red light therapy to stimulate plants in space, and later, to aid in healing wounds suffered by astronauts. As with many advances, different possible uses were studied.
In reality, the use of red light therapy is now widely recognized for its application as the field of photodynamic therapies. In this type of therapy, the low-power red laser light is utilized to stimulate the photosensitizer drug. The combination triggers a chemical reaction that kills cells. It is used to treat certain skin disorders, including skin cancer and Psoriasis as well as acne, warts, and various types of cancer.
In the present, RLT is being investigated (or is already being utilized) to treat a broad range of health conditions. The thing that's a bit confusing and a source of controversy -- is the efficacy of the treatment to serve the purpose for which it's promoted.
What is the red light therapy method? supposed to perform?
Red light therapy is believed to be effective because it acts on your "power plant" within mitochondria in your body's cells. By having more power, cells are able to perform their tasks more effectively like healing skin, encouraging the growth of new cells, and increasing the process of rejuvenating your skin. In particular, specific cells absorb light wavelengths and are then stimulated to function.
The red light therapy could be effective on skin health and improve:
Increase the production of collagen, which gives skin its strength, structure, and elasticity.The increase in fibroblast production creates collagen. Collagen is a part of connective tissue, which builds skin.Increase blood flow towards the area.Reduce inflammation in cells.What skin conditions are the use of red light therapy?
Red light therapy is marketed as a cure for typical skin problems, including to:
Enhance the healing process of wounds.Reduce stretch marksReduce wrinkles, wrinkles, and age spots.Enhance facial appearance.Enhance the appearance of psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema.Make scars less noticeable.Enhance the appearance of sun-damaged skin.Enhance hair growth for those who suffer from androgenic Alopecia.Improve your acne.Does red light therapy work?
Many experts believe that they do not know whether RLT is efficient for all of its stated uses. Many believe that the research that has been published thus far indicates some possibilities for specific conditions However, further studies must be conducted. Red light therapy is an unproven treatment that is generating an increasing amount of interest. At this point in time there's no evidence to justify the majority of uses.
The most reliable method to determine if a particular product can be effective is to conduct a random controlled trial, which is a placebo. It means that a specific amount of people who have similar characteristics (age weight and gender, race, etc.) receive either the treatment of choice or an alternative (fake as well as "sham" therapy) for the same issue. Certain studies also provide the comparison of another widely utilized treatment. The results can be then evaluated between the new treatment and none (the treatment group that is placebo) or against a "current normal" treatment.
A lot of studies published that used RLT was conducted with only a limited amount of participants, did not include a placebo study, and were not conducted on human subjects (animal study) or focused on the cell itself. The majority of researchers agree that these results are promising however, more high-quality research with larger numbers of participants are required.
Is the use of red light therapy safe?
The red light therapy is believed as safe, and not associated with any adverse negative effects, at the very least when it is used for a short period and in accordance with the directions. It isn't harmful or invasive, and isn't as harsh as other cosmetic skin treatments. Contrary to UV radiation that causes cancer (UV) light that is emitted by sunlight or tanning booths RLT does not utilize this kind of light.
But, if the product is mishandled -- possibly frequently or not adhering to the directions, it's possible that your eyes or skin (if not adequately protected) might be damaged. The long-term security of devices that utilize the red light therapy method isn't yet established.
The best choice is to consult a dermatologist, or a qualified, trained cosmetic therapist. A dermatologist can confirm that the skin problem is as you believe it is and will be able to discuss the benefits of using red light therapy as well as other treatments options.
0
0
Sign in to leave a comment.