Red And Near- Infrared Light Therapy Benefits And Applications

In recent years, red and near-infrared light therapy is taking over thanks to the good results obtained using it. In your skin, these therapies increase the expression of fibroblasts that synthesize collagen; in your muscles, they increase the expression of IGF1 and the factors involved in muscle protein synthesis. Thus, they produce local effects in those specific issues that positively regulate the genes involved in the healing, growth, and repair of cells.

Red and near-infrared (NIR) light are a subset of natural sunlight, thus producing many health benefits. These two light therapies can help you reap the benefits of natural sunlight, particularly beneficial for people who do not get enough natural exposure to sunlight. It also helps in activating genes involved in cell repair, regeneration, and growth.

Benefits of Red and Near-Infrared Light (NIR) Therapy

 Below are some of the benefits that red light produces in the body and what it can be used for:

Helps with skin problems

Skin problems such as acne and eczema seem to respond best to levels of red light waves near 650 nm. This wavelength causes the upper layers of the skin to produce more collagen and ATP. The benefits of 660nm red light are studied and proven for a wide range of skin-related problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and scars.

Promotes wound healing

Within the spectrum of 600 to 1,300 nm, it stimulates the healing of skin, wounds, and tissues, thanks to cell activation. Studies and results confirm that red light therapy helps skin cells heal by stimulating and regenerating fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and modulating immune cells (including mast cells, macrophages, and neutrophils), all within the skin tissue.

Red light therapy also brings more blood to the surface of the skin, which means more oxygen and nutrients, and faster healing. It can even be used in burns since it is a light that does not generate heat.

Anti-aging

 Red light therapy is used to achieve a more youthful appearance and to treat hair fall. The low-power red light activates the creation of collagen in the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

By increasing collagen density in the skin, red light therapy can also improve skin tone, including skin texture, feel, and roughness.

Unlike some creams that you can find on the market, red light is not toxic or invasive, which some long-term creams are due to the chemicals they use.

Accelerates Recovery and Prevents Muscle Pain

Several studies have shown that red and NIR light therapy prevents muscle pain and helps with recovery after exercise.

Although there are studies that also say the opposite, that red light was not effective in cases of muscle recovery, it is suggested that everything depends on the joules that the muscles receive. The key is in the correct application of the joules per square centimeter according to the benefit you are looking for and the combination of the wavelength, distance, and time of application.

Its inflammatory effects

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory effect it produces in the lungs and its high potential to decrease the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, photomodulation seems to be an interesting therapy in this field.

Evidence about the Safety and Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapies

Today, red light and near-infrared light therapies are an extension of the original heliotherapy or sunbathing therapy, which has long been used to treat diseases.

In the last decades, thousands of studies have been published on therapies with red light and NIR light that provide information on the benefits of these therapies to combat wrinkles and cellulite, in the regrowth of the hair, athletic performance, accelerated injury recovery, increased strength, and much more. Compared to the benefits of exercise alone, when combined with these types of therapies, it can promote muscle protein synthesis and increase muscle, fat loss, and insulin sensitivity.

Evidence-based studies prove the efficacy and safety of red and infra-red light for treating patients. A controlled trial conducted in 2014 found that the two novel light sources improved patients' skin complexion, skin roughness, and collagen density significantly.  Moreover, the study also affirmed the safety of the two light sources.

What is Red Light or Near-Infrared Red (NIR) Therapy?

The layers of the skin have a high content of blood and water that allows the absorption of light with each wavelength, which has positive and different effects on the skin. Light therapy is a sophisticated technology that utilizes certain wavelengths of light in order to provide different kinds of solutions for your skin.

Red light stimulates collagen production and promotes circulation. It is used to rejuvenate the skin.

Near-Infrared help in reviving dermal cells as well as epidermal cells. It is used to rejuvenate the skin and heal wounds, cuts, and damaged skin.

Red light therapy is nothing more than exposing your skin to low-level wavelengths of red light. This exposure, depending on the wavelength emitted by the device and the exposure time, will produce some effects or others.

How is Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy Used?

Light at certain wavelengths has been scientifically proven to interact with the body in beneficial ways.

Red light encompasses red wavelengths as well as those that are closer to infrared light, which is known as the only healing part of the electromagnetic spectrum and is one of the most natural ways to fill our body with energy. It is currently used as a new form of therapy known as photobiomodulation.

The wavelengths of red light are in the range of 600 to 680 nm. Red light delivered at 660nm can lead to enhanced skin health and healing. It is known to stimulate the formation of collagen and elastin, as well as aid in cellular communication. In addition, this type of light penetrates in a superficial way and can be used to treat different skin conditions such as; acne, scarring, brown spots, fine lines & wrinkles.

Near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths are in the 750-850nm range. NIR light, when delivered at 850nm, penetrates deeper into tissues and enhances recovery and inflammation support. It also increased flow of blood to your cells, thus increasing oxygen absorption in your body.

Another innovative method that delivers both continuous waves of red light and pulsed waves of NIR light: is aimed at optimizing natural recovery, healing, and regeneration of tissues. It should be used for body recovery after a workout or injury.

Since NIR light is invisible to the human eye, there should be eye protection for such treatments. Learn more about the treatment guidelines, if you're a beginner.