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🔴 Red light therapy exposed

🔴 Red light therapy exposed

Unveiling the science, benefits, and future of RLT for wellness

HealthHack
March 03, 2024

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Happy Sunday!

Today, we’re diving into red light therapy, its purported benefits, and whether it’s just a fad or a legitimate wellness tool.

Don’t Drink Water Naked!

Try THIS instead…
Bladder irritation, surprise leaks, constant urges… These are all common side effects of drinking “naked” water.

Even worse…

“Naked” water can even cause potentially dangerous side effects such as kidney stones and dangerous infections.

> Avoid “Naked” Water and try THIS instead

📊 HealthHack Poll of the Week 📊

Last week, we asked how you felt about aromatherapy and essential oils, and the most votes went to:

Water quality is a top concern and I take protective measures 💧

This week, in line with our deep dive, we’re curious:

Have you ever tried red light therapy before?

Cast your vote for your top choice, and drop a comment in the “Additional Feedback” box on the poll page to share more!

💡 Shedding Light on Red Light Therapy 🔴

In recent years, red light therapy (RLT) has emerged as a staple in wellness routines.

Once a niche treatment found in select clinics, it's gained more widespread popularity with its promises of skin rejuvenation, muscle recovery, and mood enhancement.

Today, we're digging into RLT’s science-backed foundation, its benefits, and the future of this radiant technology.

Let’s start with the fundamentals of red light therapy.

Red light therapy uses low wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin's surface, targeting cells' mitochondria.

This process is thought to stimulate the production of ATP, enhancing cellular energy and promoting repair and rejuvenation, without the harmful effects associated with ultraviolet light.

By boosting mitochondrial function, RLT aims to accelerate the body's natural healing processes, potentially reducing inflammation and increasing collagen production.

What are the benefits?

RLT helps with skin conditions, muscle recovery, joint pain, and even mental health issues, making it a multifaceted wellness tool.

One of the most celebrated benefits of RLT is its ability to combat signs of aging.

Studies have suggested improvements in skin complexion, reduced wrinkles, and increased collagen density, offering a non-invasive solution to skin rejuvenation.

RLT can also aid in reducing inflammation and pain post-exercise, potentially speeding up recovery times and enhancing performance.

Plus, emerging research shows RLT may positively affect mood disorders and sleep quality.

What do studies and medical professionals have to say about RLT’s effectiveness?

Numerous studies have validated RLT’s effectiveness in various applications, from wound healing, skin rejuvenation, muscle recovery, and more.

And dermatologists like Dr. Dendy Engelman are singing its praises, too, saying:

“This technology is so great because it is completely painless and doesn’t cause damage to the skin or downtime, like some other light therapies do.”

“RLT induces skin regeneration, whereas other therapies stimulate tissue repair by causing controlled damage to the outermost layer of the skin. This is why RLT has huge benefits of reducing wrinkles, scars, and acne.”

Dr. Engelman also said that most at-home devices are perfectly safe, but to ideally look for FDA-approved devices.

Also, while at-home devices are “great for maintenance and preventative anti-aging benefits”, clinical treatments will offer more powerful results, faster.

There are a few safety precautions you should be aware of, though.

While RLT is considered to be mostly harmless, it’s recommended that users wear eye protection goggles to prevent potential eye damage.

Additionally, doctors Neil Paulvin and Diane Madfes suggest avoiding RLT if you have:

Seizures
Eye disorders
Open wounds or skin lesions
Photosensitizing medical conditions (like lupus)
Photo-sensitizing drugs, including tetracycline, doxycycline, hydrochlorothiazide, and naproxen

Making sure to follow product directions clearly for duration, frequency, and specific light wavelengths are also critical for helping RLT work properly.

As always, consulting with healthcare professionals is an important step.