Red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy, has gained popularity in recent years as a natural healing modality.
But how exactly does it work and what sets it apart from other light-based therapies like blue light, infrared, or ultraviolet light? Here, we break down the key differences.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy involves exposing the body to low-level red and near-infrared light for a range of proposed wellness benefits.
RLT devices emit wavelengths of light from approximately 600 to 1000nm from lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
- Some of the most researched areas for RLT benefits include wound healing, skin health, pain relief, and mitigating side effects of cancer treatments.
- There is also early research into effects on muscle recovery, cognition, thyroid function, and more.
When absorbed by the skin and cells, the red and near-infrared light energizes the mitochondria and stimulates beneficial cellular processes related to increased ATP and nitric oxide production. This enhances cell growth and activity speeding healing and regeneration.
How RLT Compares to Blue Light Therapy
Blue light therapy involves exposing the skin to visible blue light wavelengths from 400-500nm. Usually LED devices are used.
Some similarities exist between RLT and blue light therapy. Both are non-invasive, don’t cause side effects, and the light wavelengths interact with skin cells.
However, the differences are more significant:
- Blue light penetrates less deeply into skin and tissues than red/NIR light. Blue light only reaches the top skin layer while RLT penetrates up to 10cm deep.
- Blue light is energizing while red light promotes relaxation. Blue light therapy can help certain skin issues, but red light addresses a broader range of concerns.
- Potential for blue light hazards exists. There are concerns that excessive blue light exposure from screens and devices causes eye strain and sleep cycle issues. No hazards are associated with red light therapy.
So while brief, targeted blue light treatment has roles for skin health and acne, red and near-infrared light in RLT impacts a wider range of tissues and cells, with more research into overall benefits.
How RLT Compares to Infrared Therapy
Infrared light that heats tissues, often called infrared sauna therapy, is sometimes confused with RLT:
- Infrared used in saunas has longer wavelengths, from 700nm up to 1mm, than RLT, which are 600-1000nm.
- The goal of infrared sauna use is heating tissues, often to induce detoxifying sweat. RLT does not aim to heat the body.
- Infrared saunas use higher output bulbs, while RLT devices use low-level lasers or LEDs instead.
So infrared sauna therapy works predominantly through tissue heating, while RLT relies on specific wavelengths absorbed by cell chromophores to stimulate beneficial photobiological reactions.
They can nicely complement each other. But infrared saunas and RLT work differently, so don’t assume the effects are identical.
Here is a table comparing red light therapy and infrared therapy:
Feature | Red Light Therapy | Infrared Therapy |
---|---|---|
Light Spectrum | Visible (630-700 nm) | Invisible (700 nm – 1 mm) |
Penetration Depth | Shallower (reaches upper layers of skin) | Deeper (reaches muscles, joints, and deeper tissues) |
Mechanism of Action | Stimulates cellular activity and collagen production | Increases blood circulation, sweating, and heat production |
Potential Benefits | – Skin rejuvenation (wrinkles, fine lines) – Wound healing – Reduced inflammation – Hair growth – Improved sleep (indirectly through increased melatonin) | – Pain relief – Muscle recovery – Improved circulation – Detoxification (sweating) – Weight management (increased calorie burning) |
Side Effects | Generally safe with minimal side effects (rare: temporary skin redness, eye irritation) | Generally safe, but may not be suitable for everyone (consult a doctor before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions) |
Delivery Methods | LED panels, lamps, handheld devices | Saunas, heating pads, lamps |
Cost | Varies depending on device and treatment duration | Varies depending on device and treatment duration |
How RLT Compares to Ultraviolet Light Therapy
Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy uses shorter 10-400 nanometer wavelengths outside the visible spectrum. It requires more safety precautions than RLT.
Some forms like UVA do penetrate the skin deeply and interact with cells and DNA like longer, safer RLT wavelengths. But potential UV damage outweighs the benefits:
- UV therapy can suppress immune function and cause burns or even skin cancer. No negative effects occur from red light therapy use.
- UV light alters cell DNA structure, which regulates all cell processes. This can initiate unwanted changes. RLT instead stimulates natural physiological reactions.
- UV therapy requires strict treatment times and special full-body protective equipment to prevent overexposure. Care is still required with RLT near sensitive eyes, but overall it remains gentle and low-risk.
So while some similarities exist between UV light and RLT due to deep tissue penetration, UV therapy carries mutagenic hazards.
Key Takeaway: RLT provides skin and cellular interaction without UV damage risks, unlike UV therapy. It penetrates deeper and interacts with more tissues than blue light.
Feature | Red Light LED Therapy | Ultraviolet Light Therapy |
---|---|---|
Light Type | LED (Light Emitting Diode) | Ultraviolet (UV) |
Wavelength | Visible red light (630-700 nm) | Ultraviolet light (UVA: 315-400 nm, UVB: 280-315 nm, UVC: 100-280 nm) |
Safety | Generally safe, minimal side effects | Can damage skin and eyes, increase risk of cancer |
Benefits | – Skin rejuvenation (wrinkles, fine lines) – Wound healing – Reduced inflammation – Pain relief (muscle and joint) | – Psoriasis treatment – Vitiligo treatment – Disinfecting surfaces (UVC only) |
Applications | Skin concerns, wound healing, pain management | Skin conditions, medical disinfection |
Popular RLT Uses vs Other Light Therapies
Now that we’ve compared some technical differences between red light therapy and other light-based treatments, let’s examine some popular uses and which modality – RLT, blue light, infrared, or UV – offers advantages or is safer for the application.
Wound Care & Healing
- RLT is well researched showing accelerated wound healing and infection resistance.
- Blue light reduces inflammation but doesn’t penetrate deep wounds.
- Infrared saunas don’t directly target wounds.
- UV light slows healing and damages nearby tissues.
For wound care, RLT provides optimal, safe results.
Skin Health
- RLT rejuvenates skin cells, improves visible skin complexion, and reduces signs of aging.
- Blue light therapy treats acne but doesn’t address deeper skin structures.
- Infrared saunas aid detox but don’t directly improve skin.
- UV damages skin DNA leading to aging and cancer risk.
RLT best improves skin health across aging, skin conditions, and skin cell regeneration.
Muscle Recovery & Performance
- Multiple studies show that RLT accelerates muscle repair, reduces soreness, and improves athletic output measurements.
- No research-backed benefits exist for blue light and muscle performance.
- Infrared heat therapy offers some complimentary muscle recovery effects.
- UV exposure actually slows the athletic ability to recover.
For reducing muscle soreness, supporting muscle growth, and improving athletic performance, RLT offers proven advantages.
Brain Function & Cognition
- Early but promising RLT research shows increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) vital for learning, memory, mood, and neuronal health.
- Blue light does not penetrate or improve brain function.
- Infrared therapy hasn’t demonstrated cognitive changes.
- UV light cannot positively influence internal brain cell processes.
RLT uniquely shows the potential to enhance brain performance by stimulating neuron health and activity.
Final Recommendation: Choose Research-Backed RLT
In comparing red light therapy against other light-based treatments, the differences clearly show that RLT provides an exceptionally broad range of unique treatment benefits without the harsher damage risks.
- After examining the physiology behind RLT, its applications for safe wound healing, skin rejuvenation, muscle recovery, and nootropic brain boosting add up to RLT offering superior, natural support for whole body wellness.
- The multitude of research and potential benefits continues expanding thanks to RLT devices becoming affordable for in-home use rather than just expensive clinical devices.
For harnessing the power of light to heal, perform better, think clearer, and feel energized, red light therapy proves hard to beat. Give it a try and see if you notice the highly-praised benefits yourself.
References
- Tsai, S.R., & Hamblin, M.R. (2017). Biological effects and medical applications of infrared radiation. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 170, 197-207. This study discusses the form of light therapy that utilizes non-ionizing forms of light and its effects on human skin in response to IR radiation. Access the study.
- Henderson, T.A., & Morries, L.D. (2015). Near-infrared photonic energy penetration: can infrared phototherapy effectively reach the human brain? Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 11, 2191-2208. This research examines the efficiency of NIR light in penetrating the skull and its potential applications in treating brain disorders. Access the study.
- Johnstone, D.M., Moro, C., Stone, J., Benabid, A.L., & Mitrofanis, J. (2016). Turning on lights to stop neurodegeneration: the potential of near-infrared light therapy in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 9, 500. This article explores the use of red to near-infrared light therapy in arresting neuronal death and its implications for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Access the study.
- de Freitas, L.F., & Hamblin, M.R. (2016). Proposed mechanisms of photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, 22(3), 7000217. This paper discusses the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of low-level light therapy. Access the study.