Red Light Therapy Pros and Cons: What You Need to Know

UltimateHuman Team Oct 14, 2022
70 People Read
red light therapy pros and cons

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Our skin is the largest organ in our body.

It's also one of the only ones that we can see from the outside.

So, it should come as no surprise that researchers are constantly searching for treatments for common conditions and ailments that affect the skin.

One of the newest emerging treatments is red light therapy.

It's touted as a non-invasive, painless, and effective treatment for a variety of skin woes, including acne and wrinkles...

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And its benefits could go much further than skin-deep... with potential to fight hair loss, reduce inflammation, and even treat dementia.

But does it really work? And is it safe?

Keep scrolling to find out the potential pros and cons of using red light therapy.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (or RLT) is a treatment that uses low-wavelength red light to treat the skin.

Like the field of biohacking... red light therapy is relatively new, which means that research is still ongoing.

Studies suggest that treatments can help to reduce wrinkles, fade scars, reduce redness, and even treat and prevent acne.

The light used during this treatment is designed to "activate" the mitochondria of your body's cells.

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Some say this helps energize your cells — causing them to work more efficiently.

As a result, the skin regenerates faster, leading to fresher, healthier, blemish-free skin.

Red Light Therapy Benefits

Regular RLT treatments have been shown to help in a variety of ways.

In fact, research has shown that the benefits could go way beyond skin & cosmetic effects...

In one study, dementia patients who received near-infrared light therapy slept better, experienced less anger, and saw improved memory after just 12 weeks of treatment.

Another study found that RLT reduced pain caused by osteoarthritis by 50%.

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Red Light Therapy Side Effects

Perhaps the biggest con to trying red light therapy is simple: Research is still ongoing.

This means that we still have a lot to learn about how effective and reliable these treatments really are.

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Luckily, there are very few reported red light therapy side effects... and most people are unlikely to have a negative experience.

However, those suffering from non-seasonal depression could be at risk for a hyperactive state called mania.

Treating this condition usually requires stopping the red light treatment, and providing specific treatment for that condition.

There is also some limited research that suggests that red light therapy can cause premature aging of the skin, and even increase the likelihood of cancer development later in life.

Weighing Red Light Therapy Pros and Cons

As with any medical treatment, it's important to weigh the possible risks versus benefits before starting.

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If you do choose to try RLT, it's also important to do your own research when choosing a clinic for treatment.

There are also new at-home red light therapy devices coming out every year.

Just keep in mind that there is limited research that suggests that over-use can increase risk of skin cancer or cause premature skin aging.

Looking for more breakthrough treatments that can help you feel better in your own skin?

Check out our guide to the stem cell alternative, Exosome Therapy.

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