Can Red Light Therapy Cause Cancer?

Red light therapy (RLT), is a nontoxic treatment using a face mask or panel emitting low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. RLT may help your cells produce more energy from mitochondria (the power plants within cells), which in turn allows other cells to do their work repairing skin and stimulating new cell growth.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy exposes your body to low levels of red and near-infrared energy. Also referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), low-power laser treatment, or photobiomodulation, it’s available both medical offices as well as being sold as personal devices that you can use at home. You may find treatments advertised at beauty spas, salons, saunas, tanning beds or wellness centers; regardless of where it takes place it is crucial that practitioners possess credentials as well as certified equipment that meets specific protocols and dosages prescribed according to Arany.

Red and infrared light stimulate the mitochondria of cells – the power plants of your body – by increasing production of ATP or energy for your cells, according to PBM Foundation research. As a result, increased production of collagen gives skin strength and elasticity as well as reduce inflammation in conditions like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as healing wounds faster and decreasing herpes simplex virus outbreaks according to triple blind studies in patients with HIV [22].

Red light therapy has long been touted as an effective solution to cosmetic issues such as acne, wrinkles and hair loss. By increasing blood circulation to an area and stimulating cell turnover, Jagdeo says red light therapy may improve skin appearance as well as encourage new hair growth in those suffering from androgenic alopecia. Furthermore, red light therapy reduces inflammation to effectively address redness and acne issues; further allowing topical treatments for these conditions to work more efficiently than ever.

Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of red and infrared lighting to ease side effects associated with cancer chemotherapy, including mouth ulcers and nausea [23]. Furthermore, red/infrared light therapy proved helpful in alleviating depression anxiety headache fatigue after traumatic brain injury – yet more research needs to be conducted into its potential benefits – although some experts caution against trying it due to insufficient proof for most uses it may have. It’s best to consult your healthcare provider prior to making this decision.

What are the benefits of red light therapy?

Red light therapy (LLL or PBM) exposes your skin to red and near infrared wavelengths that your eyes cannot see but which your body feels as heat, providing noninvasive relief for acne, rosacea, boost collagen production, hair growth support, pain relief and depression as well as overall mood balancing benefits. Treatment may be done from home using devices purchased or at some spas and wellness centers.

Though there has been much hysteria about red light therapy, only limited human studies exist and most were small in scope. Many medical professionals recommend consulting your physician prior to trying red light therapy if you have sensitive skin or diabetes, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or take any medications.

Red light therapy can be safe for most people when used appropriately, with most benefits accruing to mitochondria in your cells absorbing photons and releasing nitric oxide, thus increasing ATP energy [1.] Red light also has been proven to reduce inflammation and accelerate wound healing; according to one study published in Advances in Skin and Wound Care in April 2019, according to one research paper titled Red light also reduces inflammation, accelerates wound healing and eases symptoms associated with oral mucositis, an adverse side effect of cancer chemotherapy which affects tongue throat lips lips as well as alleviating chronic back and knee pain associated with osteoarthritis or arthritis [2.].

Red light enhances blood circulation, helping reduce swelling and lessen discomfort associated with conditions like fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel syndrome. Furthermore, red light therapy has also been known to alleviate menstrual cramps and joint stiffness for women as well as help prevent herpes simplex virus outbreaks from returning after cold sore outbreaks have subsided.

Red light therapy can help boost collagen production by activating the fibroblasts in your skin, according to Dr. Jagdeo. But “you can’t just turn on your lights and expect miracles; instead you must combine this therapy with other forms of care such as facials and topical treatments for rosacea, acne or psoriasis”. If sunburnt, have an open wound or recent chemical peel treatments have been performed, red light therapy should not be used on this area of your face at this time.

What are the risks of red light therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT) is an alternative treatment option that utilizes low-wavelength red light to reportedly improve skin appearance and treat various health conditions. You may find RLT offered at doctor’s offices, beauty salons and spas – or you can purchase your own device to use at home – although its safety can only be assured when used as directed for short duration and in accordance with instructions. You should make sure any such provider is legitimate before signing any agreement to undergo RLT treatment.

How often should I use red light therapy?

Red light therapy can be found everywhere from medical offices, beauty spas and salons, tanning salons, to tanning booths – and at home with an available red light device that you purchase yourself. However, before purchasing one for at-home use it’s wise to consult a dermatologist or pain specialist first – they can help establish wellness goals while determining if this form of treatment is the best fit.

As its name implies, red light therapy uses wavelengths of red light to penetrate skin and muscle tissue. Unlike UV lighting which can lead to sunburns, this form of red light does not burn skin or muscle but instead helps balance inflammation responses within your body and fight oxidative stress.

Red light therapy has attracted widespread praise among beauty and health experts for its noninvasive, painless, cost-effective techniques that offer anti-ageing benefits, such as reducing fine lines and wrinkles, increasing firmness, boosting collagen levels, fading acne scars and improving skin tone. Studies have also demonstrated how red light can lessen stretch marks and melasma on some patients.

Red light therapy’s healing powers stem from its ability to stimulate mitochondria, or the energy center of cells, into producing more ATP, an energy molecule essential for cell activity and growth. Red light therapy also has been known to restore a balance between oxidative and antioxidant processes within cells according to Erum Ilyas MD at Schweiger Dermatology in Pennsylvania.

Red light therapy has proven highly effective for treating numerous conditions, such as pain management for fibromyalgia, chronic low back and neck pain, osteoarthritis of the knee and hip and plantar fasciitis. Furthermore, red light may aid wound healing processes – for instance by helping diabetic ulcers heal more quickly – and helped decrease oxidative stress levels and enhance brain function after having suffered a stroke in one study.

Another advantage of light therapy for hair loss and new growth is its potential to prevent or reduce it, while simultaneously encouraging new hair growth. This is possible as light increases blood circulation and stimulates production of nitric oxide, which stimulates collagen in skin fibroblasts and increases their elasticity and density, according to Dr. Jaliman. Additionally, light can be used as treatment against Alopecia — a condition which causes hair follicles to weaken and shrink — by improving circulation and stimulating production of nitric oxide production by producing increased blood circulation and encouraging production of nitric oxide, he says.