Red Light Therapy (RLT) is a form of low-wavelength red light which shows promise in the treatment of various skin conditions. Reputable medical and scientific sources have published small-scale studies with some encouraging results on the use of RLT, yet insurance companies—and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS)—agree that more study is necessary in order for RLT to be widely accepted by the medical community and covered under consumers’ health plans.
RLT (sometimes referred to as low-level laser light therapy) utilizes a form of low-wavelength red light to provide stimulation to mitochondria (human cells’ resident energy factories). These microscopic powerhouses produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the source of energy for every cell in the body. More efficient and productive mitochondria can lead to improved function on multiple levels, including the repair and healing of cellular damage.
While laser therapy causes “controlled damage” to the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) to stimulate healing, RLT is shown to travel approximately 5mm below the epidermis, thus avoiding the risk of burns and similar side-effects associated with lasers.
A 2013 review of the existing literature in the journal Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery revealed that RLT “may help rejuvenate the skin” by:
In a 2014 study published in the journal Photomedicine and Laser Surgery (also published on the website of the National Institutes of Health), it was concluded that RLT can enhance anti-aging treatments, with reportedly high levels of patient satisfaction with the look and feel of the treated skin, yet the study was relatively small with only 113 subjects.
Research on older patients has shown promising results in the use of red light therapy for the improvement of vision through the strengthening of mitochondria in the retina. This study was also small—with only 12 women and 12 men participating—again pointing to the need for further randomized, controlled, well-designed research to gather further data and advance knowledge of the effectiveness and safety of RLT.
Wound healing, acne, hair loss, pain, certain facial bone conditions and inflammation are other areas that have received some positive attention, but improvement related to weight loss, depression, cancer and many other conditions is so far unproven.
The potential side effects of RLT are said to be extremely minimal, although some warnings state that products designed for consumer use at home, or administered by poorly trained providers could lead to skin damage.
Still controversial, lacking in sufficient scientific evidence, low-risk in terms of side effects and yet not covered by insurance, many RLT-related products for home-based use are sold online (some of which may actually be FDA-approved). RLT treatments may also be offered in venues such as wellness centers and spas.
The relative safety profile of RLT is reported to be particularly good, yet there are always potential risks with any therapy, especially those without relative scientific and medical agreement regarding effectiveness and safety.
In the end, consultation with a trusted medical provider is advisable to make an informed decision about whether RLT is the safest and most effective choice of treatment for any condition under consideration.
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