Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy (RLT) or photobiomodulation uses a wavelength of visible red and near-infrared light ranging from 660 nm to 850 nm to irradiate the skin and underlying tissues. This wavelength has the unique potential to trigger a series of biochemical reactions by delivering phototherapeutic effects. Studies have shown red light therapy enhances cellular function and circulation, reduces inflammation, and optimizes tissue repair.
Adding Red Light Therapy to Family Wellness
With the popularization of red light therapy (RLT) devices, more people choose home RLT to save time and reduce financial pressure. However, many wellness seekers still have misconceptions and questions about RLT technology, such as "Is it suitable for people of all ages?" Red light therapy is becoming a versatile health tool for family members of all ages. It offers many benefits for individuals of all ages, including children, adults, and seniors. Some of these are the following:
RLT for Children
- Skin Health
Red light therapy is useful for children suffering from skin conditions such as eczema, minor wounds, diaper rashes, and acne. Red and near-infrared light penetrates the skin deeply by activating cellular repair mechanisms, decreasing inflammation, accelerating healing, and improving overall skin health and appearance in children.
- Immune Support
Children are prone to sickness due to underdeveloped immune systems. Red light therapy has been shown to strengthen immune health by increasing the production of immune cells and their functions. It can help children combat infection and illness, leading to fewer sick days and stronger overall health.
RLT for Adults
- Skin Rejuvenation
Medical studies have shown that the majority of people's skin begins to decline at the age of 25 and gradually shows signs of aging, such as rough skin, enlarged pores, fine wrinkles, pigmentation, etc. RLT's power lies in its ability to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. These proteins are essential for maintaining skin structure (collagen) and elasticity (elastin). As we age, their production decreases, leading to sagging and wrinkled skin. However, red light therapy can enhance their synthesis, resulting in firmer skin and fewer signs of aging.
- Potential role in weight loss and localized fat reduction
Many adults are suffering from obesity and metabolic diseases due to poor lifestyle habits. Inflammation plays a crucial role not only in disease but also in abnormal weight gain and localized fat accumulation. Photobiomodulation proved beneficial in weight loss by targeting localized fat cells and improving metabolic function.
RLT for Seniors
- Relieve Arthritis
Chronic inflammation often leads to joint pain and stiffness in seniors with arthritis. Red light therapy using an at-home device can provide symptomatic relief without the side effects typically associated with traditional treatment options such as medications or surgery. A clinical trial conducted by the Journal of Physical Therapy Science showed significant improvement in pain levels in participants who were treated with these devices regularly compared to those who did not receive any treatment.
- Heal Open Sores
Sores in the mouth, foot, or other areas in elders can be uncomfortable and require specialized medical care. According to recent studies, red light therapy has been shown to improve the body's ability to repair broken tissue. It is effective in healing open wounds due to the anti-inflammatory power of RLT. Other studies also support that red light therapy can better activate the skin's growth factors, which are responsible for tissue regeneration and healing. This ability makes it a valuable option for treating open and canker sores.
Who is Suitable for Red Light Therapy at Home?
Red light therapy can be done at home for the following reasons:
- Inconvenience in Arriving at the Hospital
Some senior patients need long-term phototherapy but are unwilling or unable to go to the hospital for treatment due to factors such as transportation to and from the hospital or inconvenient time arrangements.
- Understand the Medical Condition
Patients who can understand and master the use of home red light therapy equipment and precautions and are familiar with the therapy plan for their disease and the principle of adjusting the light dose.
- Professional Guidance
Establish a good doctor-patient relationship with doctors, have good patient compliance, and follow up regularly. In case of any adverse reactions or abnormalities, you need to contact the doctor to see a doctor in time to prevent delaying the treatment time.
- Health and Wellness Purposes
For aesthetic purposes, be mindful of potential dangers such as skin issues from red light therapy overuse, and ensure that the practice is carried out following professional advice. Safety and moderation are necessary when applying red light therapy at home to individuals of all ages.
Perks of At-Home Red Light Therapy
- Safety, Effectiveness, and Feasibility
Home RLT is FDA-certified, and the instrument is simple to operate. Under the guidance of a professional, you can perform red light therapy at home.
- Supplementary Therapy
Of the other treatments, home RLT can be used as an adjunct therapy along with traditional drug treatment.
- Improve the Cure Rate
The big reason for the low cure rate of chronic skin diseases such as vitiligo and psoriasis is that the treatment cycle is often long and difficult for patients to stick to. Home RLT allows patients to receive therapy anytime and anywhere, reducing the time and financial pressure of patients traveling, allowing patients to adhere to treatment, and greatly improving the cure rate.
Conclusion:
In short, red light therapy's multi-range benefits make this therapy suitable for all age groups. The decline in skin health and chronic diseases indicates the gradual appearance of aging. Using red light therapy at an appropriate age and time can delay skin aging, especially for the elderly and adults.
References & Citations
[1] Glass G. E. (2021). Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy.The Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 41(6), 723–-738. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjab025
[2] Gavish, L., & Hourld, N. N. (2019). Therapeutic Efficacy of Photobiomodulation at Home based uses Devices: A Systematic Literature Review. Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery, 37(1), 4–16. https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2018.4512
[3] Cheng, K., Martin, L. F., Slepiaan, M. J., Patwardhan, A. M., & Ibrahim, M. M. (2021). Mechanisms and Pathways of Pain Photobiomodulation: A Narrative Review. The journal of pain, 22(7), 763–777. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2021.02.005
[4] Ngoc, L. T. N., Mon, J. Y., & Lee, Y. C. (2023). Utilization of light-emitting diodes for the skin therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine, 39(4), 303–317. https://doi.org/10.1111/phpp.12841
[5] Gavish, L., & Hourld, N. N. (2019). Therapeutic Efficacy of Photobiomodulation at Home based uses Devices: A Systematic Literature Review. Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery, 37(1), 4–16. https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2018.4512
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