Discover the Many Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Understanding Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy utilizes specific wavelengths of light to promote tissue repair and alleviate inflammation. This therapy supports skin rejuvenation, enhances muscle recovery, and boosts overall wellness by stimulating cellular energy production.
Red Light Therapy Pricing
How Red Light Therapy Can Benefit You
Testosterone & Hormonal Health
Red light therapy has been linked to the activation of the skin-brain-gonad axis, influencing sexual behavior and hormone levels, including in postmenopausal women. This effect underscores its potential in enhancing overall endocrine health.
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Skin exposure to UVB light induces a skin-brain-gonad axis and sexual behavior, Roma Parikh,1 Eschar Sorek,1 Shivang Parikh,1 Keren Michael,2 Lior Bikovski,3,4 Sagi Tshori,5,6 Galit Shefer,5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8411113
Ultraviolet radiation as a predictor of sex hormone levels in postmenopausal women: A European multi-center study (ECRHS), Kai Triebner 1, Ersilia Bifulco 2, Jose Barrera-Gómez 3, Xavier Basagaña 3, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33541562/
Vitamin D Synthesis
Studies show that UVB light from LEDs is more efficient in synthesizing Vitamin D3 compared to natural sunlight. This capability highlights the importance of red light therapy in maintaining adequate Vitamin D levels which are crucial for health.
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Ultraviolet B Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) Are More Efficient and Effective in Producing Vitamin D3 in Human Skin Compared to Natural Sunlight, T A Kalajian 1, A Aldoukhi 1, A J Veronikis 1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5597604/
Evaluation of a Ultraviolet B Light Emitting Diode (LED) for Producing Vitamin D3 in Human Skin, ANGELINE J. VERONIKIS, MUHAMMET B. CEVIK, RACHEL H. ALLEN, ARASH SHIRVANI, AUDREY SUN, KELLY S. PERSONS and MICHAEL F. HOLICK
https://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/anticanres/40/2/719.full.pdfVitamin D production after UVB exposure – A comparison of exposed skin regions
Author links open overlay panel, Amra Osmancevic , Katarina Sandström , Martin Gillstedt, Kerstin Landin- Wilhelmsen , Olle Larkö , Ann-Marie Wennberg Larkö , Michael F. Holick c, Anne-Lene Krogstad https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1011134414003911
Skin Health and Anti-Aging
Red and NIR light therapies are clinically proven to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and skin roughness, while also significantly increasing intradermal collagen density. These treatments promote healthier, younger-looking skin through non-invasive means.
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Light Emitting Diode Phototherapy for Skin Aging, Alisen Huang MS,a,b Julie K. Nguyen MD,a,b Derek Ho MD,a,b, and Jared Jagdeo MD, MSa,b https://jddonline.com/articles/light-emitting-diode-phototherapy-for-skin-aging-S1545961620P0359X/
A Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment in Patient Satisfaction, Reduction of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Roughness, and Intradermal Collagen Density Increase, Alexander Wunsch1 and Karsten Matuschka2
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3926176/Low-level red plus near infrared lights combination induces expressions of collagen and elastin in human skin in vitro, Wen-Hwa Li1, InSeok Seo1, Brian Kim1, Ali Fassih1, Michael D Southall1, Ramine Parsa1, https://pubmed. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33594706/
Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy
https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/41/6/723/6104785?
A Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment in Patient Satisfaction, Reduction of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Roughness, and Intradermal Collagen Density Increase, Alexander Wunsch1 and Karsten Matuschka
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3926176/
Depression & Mood Boost
Transcranial photobiomodulation therapy has consistently shown promising results in improving mood and reducing symptoms of major depressive disorders by targeting brain metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurogenesis.
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Review of transcranial photobiomodulation for major depressive disorder: targeting brain metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurogenesis, Paolo Cassano1, Samuel R Petrie2, Michael R Hamblin3, Theodore A Henderson4, Dan V Iosifescu5
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26989758/Psychological benefits 2 and 4 weeks after a single treatment with near infrared light to the forehead: a pilot study of 10 patients with major depression and anxiety, Fredric Schiffer,1 Andrea L Johnston3, Caitlin Ravichandran,2 Ann Polcari,1 Martin H
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2796659/Near-infrared photobiomodulation combined with coenzyme Q10 for depression in a mouse model of restraint stress: reduction in oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis, Farzad Salehpour1, Fereshteh Farajdokht2, Paolo Cassano3, Saeed Sadigh-Eteghad
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30385146/The potential of transcranial photobiomodulation therapy for treatment of major depressive disorder, Farzad Salehpour 1, Seyed Hossein Rasta1
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28231069/Effect of ultraviolet light on mood, depressive disorders and well-being, Bistra I. Veleva, Rutger L. van Bezooijen, Victor G. M. Chel, Mattijs E. Numans, Monique A. A. Caljouw
Muscle Performance & Recovery
Aids in muscle recovery and improves performance by reducing inflammation and soreness. It is particularly effective in speeding up recovery processes, making it a great tool for athletes and people who engage in physical activities.
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Photobiomodulation in human muscle tissue: an advantage in sports performance?, Cleber Ferraresi1 2,3, Ying- Ying Huang 1,2, Michael R Hamblin
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5167494/Effect of phototherapy on delayed onset muscle soreness, Peter Douris1, Veronica Southard, Richard Ferrigi, Joshua Grauer, Dina Katz, Christine Nascimento, Peter Podbielski https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16875447/
Acne and Scar Treatment
The therapeutic effects of red light extend to treating mild to moderate acne and the management of scars, including keloids. These benefits are due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to regulate skin cell proliferation.
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Comparison of red light and blue light therapies for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: A randomized controlled clinical study, Jiahua Li, Jiandan Li, Linglin Zhang, Xiaojing Liu, Yajing Cao, Peiru Wang, Xiuli Wang https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/phpp.12769
Laser and Light-based Treatment of Keloids – A Review, A.D. Mamalis, H. Lev-Tov, MD, D.H. Nguyen, and J.R. Jagdeo, MD, MS
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378824/Effects of low-power light therapy on wound healing: LASER x LED*, Maria Emília de Abreu Chaves, Angélica Rodrigues de Araújo, André Costa Cruz Piancastelli, and Marcos Pinotti https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4148276/
Inflammation and Wound Healing
Red light therapy significantly facilitates wound healing and decreases inflammation. It is highly beneficial in treating chronic inflammatory conditions and is used effectively in post-surgical recovery and other medical contexts to enhance tissue repair.
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Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation - Michael R Hamblin https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28748217/
Anti-inflammatory effects of low-level laser therapy on human periodontal ligament cells: in vitro study, Ji-Hua Lee1, Min-Hsuan Chiang1,2, Ping-Ho Chen1,3,4, Mei-Ling Ho2,5,6, Huey-Er Lee1,7, Yan-Hsiung Wang8,9 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29116611/
Early Low-Level Laser Therapy Improves the Passive Range of Motion and Decreases Pain in Patients with Flexor Tendon Injury, Naghmeh Poorpezeshk 1,2, Seyed Kamran Ghoreishi3, Mohammad Bayat4 ,5, Ramin Pouriran6, Masoud Yavari1
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30300099/
Hair Growth Stimulation
Clinical trials have demonstrated that red light therapy can stimulate hair growth and improve the health of hair follicles. This makes it a safe effective non-pharmaceutical treatment for androgenetic alopecia and other forms of hair loss.
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Mai-Yi Fan S, Cheng YP, et al. “Efficacy and Safety of a Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Self-Comparison, Sham Device-Controlled Trial.” Dermatologic Surgery. 2018 Nov
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29957664/Joo HJ, Jeong KH, et al. “Various Wavelengths of Light-Emitting Diode Light Regulate the Proliferation of Human Dermal Papilla Cells and Hair Follicles via Wnt/β-Catenin and the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Pathways.” Annals of Dermatology 2017 Dec.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29200764/Lanzafame RJ, Blanche RR,et al. “The growth of human scalp hair mediated by visible red light laser and LED sources in males.” Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2013 Oct.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24078483/Friedman S, Schnoor P. “Novel Approach to Treating Androgenetic Alopecia in Females With Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy).” Dermatologic Surgery. 2017 Jun
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28328705/
Cognitive Enhancement
Red and NIR light therapies have significant potential to enhance brain function. Photobiomodulation improves cognitive performance, memory, and executive function, particularly in aging populations or those experiencing cognitive decline.
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Naeser, M. A., et al. (2014). Significant improvements in cognitive performance post-transcranial, red/near-infrared light-emitting diode treatments in chronic, mild traumatic brain injury: open-protocol study. Journal of Neurotrauma, 31(11), 1008-1017. Read the full article here.
This study reports improvements in executive function and memory in patients with chronic traumatic brain injury following treatment with red and NIR light.
Saltmarche, A. E., et al. (2017). Significant Improvement in Cognition in Mild to Moderately Severe Dementia Cases Treated with Transcranial Plus Intranasal Photobiomodulation: Case Series Report. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 35(8), 432-441. Read the full article here.
This case series shows that photobiomodulation therapy, both transcranial and intranasal, can significantly improve cognition in cases of mild to moderately severe dementia.
Barrett, D. W., & Gonzalez-Lima, F. (2013). Transcranial infrared laser stimulation produces beneficial cognitive and emotional effects in humans. Neuroscience, 230, 13-23. Read the full article here.
This paper explores how transcranial photobiomodulation can improve cognitive and emotional functions in humans.
Recharge and Heal with Red Light Therapy
This therapy has supported many in their journey to better health, promoting faster healing, easing discomfort, and giving them the energy to live life to the fullest.
UVB LIGHT
Facts About UVB Exposure
UVB light is crucial for health, stimulating the production of several biomolecules that regulate bodily functions. Scientific studies have demonstrated that UVB light contributes to vascular health, immune regulation, hormone production, and well-being.
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Testosterone: Supports fertility, muscle strength, and red blood production.
Estradiol: Essential for the reproductive system and protects heart, bones, and brain function.
LH/FSH: Activates hormone production and fertility.
Progesterone: Aids in relieving PMS, enhancing sleep quality, and promoting bone health and fertility.
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Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP): Helps reduce hypertension, inflammation, and regulate the immune system.
Neuropeptide Substance P (SP): Encourages proper blood flow and immune function.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Decreases inflammation and supports immune health.
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Vitamin D3: Influences musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and neurological health along with immune responses.
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Beta Endorphin (BE): Promotes relaxation, acts as a natural painkiller, and enhances a sense of well-being.
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Calcitriol: Plays a vital role in cellular function and is involved in the major systems of the body.
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Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH): Reduces inflammation and boosts libido.
VITAMIN D
Facts About Vitamin D
Vitamin D, often dubbed the "sunshine vitamin," is crucial for overall health but often overlooked. It plays a vital role in bone health, immune function, and disease prevention. Understanding its sources, functions, and the risks of deficiency is essential for maintaining optimal health.
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Nature of Vitamin D: It's a hormone produced by the body in response to UVB light, crucial for numerous bodily functions.
Production: Generated by skin when exposed to UVB radiation between 290-303nm, using cholesterol to synthesize Vitamin D3.
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Deficiency Risks: Links to colon and breast cancer, fibromyalgia, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity.
Absorption and Utilization: Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption in the intestines; without it, calcium intake is ineffective.
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Dietary Sources: Very few natural sources, like Cod Liver Oil and UV-exposed mushrooms, contain significant amounts.
Inadequacy of Dietary Vitamin D: Food mostly contains Vitamin D2, which is less effective than the D3 produced by skin exposure to sunlight.
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Indoor Lifestyle: With 92% of time spent indoors, Americans are particularly prone to Vitamin D deficiency due to insufficient UVB exposure.
Impact of Skin Pigmentation: Individuals with dark skin need significantly more sunlight exposure to produce the same levels of Vitamin D as those with fair skin.
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UVB Exposure: The most effective way to generate Vitamin D naturally. Supplementation needs vary greatly among individuals, often requiring extended periods to correct deficiencies.
Protection vs. Production: Sunscreens, while protective against skin cancer, inhibit Vitamin D production by up to 95%.
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Metabolic Activation: Vitamin D undergoes activation in the kidneys and liver, underscoring its hormonal nature and systemic importance.
RED/NIR Exposure
The Power of RED/NIR Light
RED/NIR light therapy is a revolutionary approach that leverages specific wavelengths of light to enhance cellular function and tissue repair. This form of photobiomodulation has profound effects on skin health, pain relief, and overall physical recovery.
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Benefits: Improves skin by reducing wrinkles, acne, and sunspots, and promotes collagen production.
Depth of Penetration: Can penetrate up to 6 inches into tissues, energizing cells and rejuvenating layers not typically reachable with other treatments.
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Mitochondrial Activation: Stimulates ATP production, enhancing energy at the cellular level.
Enhanced Recovery: Aids in muscle recovery, reduces cramps, and speeds up the healing process post-injury or surgery.
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Therapeutic Effects: Effective in treating conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Musculoskeletal Benefits: Helps alleviate muscle cramps and enhances strength and fat distribution.
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Sleep Improvement: Supports reparative sleep cycles by influencing melatonin production.
Hormonal Support: Aids in reducing oxidative stress and enhancing the production of CoQ10, vital for metabolic health.
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Hair Loss: Used in treating hormonal alopecia, showing significant benefits in hair regeneration.
Mood Enhancement: Amber light settings can elevate mood, offering psychological benefits alongside physical improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The duration needed to reach optimal Vitamin D levels varies based on individual factors such as age, skin color, body fat, and initial Vitamin D levels. Typically, you can achieve desired levels within two months with consistent exposure.
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Vitamin D deficiency is marked by levels below 30 ng/dl. Levels between 30-40 ng/dl are generally considered within the normal range.
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Ideal Vitamin D levels are usually between 60-90 ng/dl for maintaining good health.
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Vitamin D levels above 150 ng/dl may be harmful. These high levels are typically not reached through UVB/sun exposure alone and usually occur from excessive oral supplementation.
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Overdosing on Vitamin D from sunlight or UVB light is unlikely. The body naturally regulates Vitamin D production, converting any excess into calcitriol, a beneficial antioxidant.
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For improved Vitamin D synthesis and utilization, include healthy fats in your diet, and avoid refined seed oils. Also, ensure adequate intake of magnesium, vitamin K, and vitamin B6.
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While both forms of Vitamin D share similarities, the Vitamin D produced by the body from sunlight exposure is typically utilized more effectively and lasts longer than that obtained from supplements.
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Initial improvements from RED/NIR light therapy are often visible within three months, with more significant results typically apparent after six months of regular treatment.
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Yes, Red Light Therapy is considered safe for most people. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses low levels of light to stimulate healing and regeneration. Unlike UV rays, red and near-infrared (NIR) light do not damage the skin or cause burns. However, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new therapy, especially if you have underlying medical conditions.
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For best results, it’s recommended to use Red Light Therapy 3-5 times per week, with each session lasting between 10-20 minutes. Consistency is key, and most people start noticing improvements in skin tone, pain relief, or muscle recovery after a few weeks, with more substantial results appearing after several months of regular use.
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Absolutely! Red Light Therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments like physical therapy, massage, or topical skincare routines. It complements many therapies by enhancing cellular repair and improving blood flow, without interfering with medications or other treatments.
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Red Light Therapy is generally safe for all skin types. It does not cause burns or irritation like UV rays and can be beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin as well. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns.
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