Be Well

6 Reasons to Try Red Light Therapy

The light-based wellness technique might just heal all of your ailments. 

Woman standing in front of red light.
Photo via Getty Images.

Red light therapy is the newest trend taking over the wellness space. Though there has been much discussion on LED therapy in recent years, red light therapy, specifically, has been proven to be extremely beneficial in treating skin concerns and other health issues. The therapy utilizes low-frequency wavelengths to target the cells' mitochondria or "power plant." By increasing the cell's energy, red light therapy more easily promotes cell growth and aids in skin rejuvenation. From reducing inflammation to improving the body's melatonin production, here are six reasons to try out red light therapy. 

Reducing Inflammation

 

The low-frequence light therapy alleviates chronic inflammation. This leads to extra sebum production in the skin which results in breakouts and acne. By promoting blood flow to damaged tissue in the skin, red light therapy specifically targets inflammation and kills any acne-inducing bacteria on the skin. 

Smoothing Fine Lines

 

Through extra energy awarded to skin cells from red light therapy, the skin can more easily rejuvenate itself and repair previous damage. Fine lines due to harmful UV exposure can be effectively treated by the therapy. The wavelengths can penetrate 5 millimeters into the skin, repairing fine lines and wrinkles without causing any further damage. 

Promoting Cell Turnover 

 

Red light therapy is often used to treat those who struggle with psoriasis and burn victims. Because the treatment promotes cell turnover, skin can heal much more rapidly. Those with acne scarring can immensely benefit from this therapy through the increases in circulation and collagen density. 

Improving Mental Health

 

The hypothalamus is an important part of your brain that controls the nervous system. This bodily system directly influences and affects mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and poor memory. Red light therapy directly targets the hypothalamus. A 2018 study unanimously agreed that red light therapy exhibited antidepressant properties. 

Increasing Hormonal Balance

 

Hormonal imbalance is a key cause of acne, fatigue, circadian rhythm problems, and weight disturbances. Similar to the nervous system, the endocrine system is directly affected by the hypothalamus. This system is responsible for hormonal balance throughout the body. Red light therapy's direct influence on the hypothalamus can naturally regulate some hormonal imbalances, specifically thyroid function and mood-boosting hormones. 

Helping With Insomnia

 

If sleep is a struggle for you, red light therapy might be a new way to try to help this problem. Sleep is so important for our day-to-day lives. Circadian rhythm affects melatonin and cortisol production, both of which can severely impact skin health. A deregulated nervous system is directly correlated with insomnia. By stimulating the hypothalamus, red light therapy can solve sleep issues once and for all. 

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