Red light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy, has become quite popular in recent years, and we’re sure you’ve heard about it as well. Many people, including professional athletes, swear by its versatile benefits. We’ve found out that thousands of studies have been conducted and are still being carried out on the subject. And so far, all we know is that red light therapy possesses tremendous healing powers while having no proven side effects. In fact, you can purchase an in-home red light therapy device (FDA approved, of course) and get all the benefits from the comfort of your home.
If you’re considering trying red light treatments at home, we’re sure you’re curious as to how long it takes to see results. We’ve done some research in that direction and found some interesting information that might come in handy.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
First things first, let’s break down what’s the reason for red light therapy’s effectiveness. Unlike other forms of light, red and infrared light wavelengths used in RLT can reach deep skin layers (5 millimeters to be precise). Continuous exposure to such low-level wavelengths has a boosting effect on our cells. Red light encourages mitochondria to produce more ATP, in other words, it gives more energy to our cells. With increased amounts of fuel, cellular functions get optimized, increasing our body’s ability to regenerate.
While these processes take place without us noticing, it helps us treat concerns such as hair loss, acne, muscle soreness, nerve pain, low testosterone levels, lack of energy, and even insomnia.
How Long Does It Take For RLT To Work?
The list of red light therapy benefits can go on and on, but how long does it take for these positive effects to show? It is a critical question to answer before you decide on getting an in-home RLT panel. We’ve looked into some scientific research and feedback from veteran RLT users and found out that it heavily depends on the issue you’re looking to tackle.
Red Light Therapy For Acne
Treating acne is a complex process, which can take years. Sure, there are medications such as Accutane that work very well for fighting acne. However, physicians only prescribe it if nothing else works, as such medicines come with severe side effects and require close monitoring. Fortunately, red light therapy is one of the safe methods that can be used for acne treatment. Red and NIR wavelengths effectively fight acne-causing bacteria and help ease inflammation. What’s more, RLT promotes quicker cell turnover, which helps fade away scars.
According to scientists, red light therapy works best with mild to moderate acne. Professional dermatologists recommend getting 2-3 treatments weekly over six weeks for targeting acne. You should expect to see significant improvements through this time. However, many RLT users who get treatments at home claim to notice results in about 2 weeks. So on average, you should expect to see the positive impact of red light therapy for acne in a month.
Red Light Therapy For Healing Scars
Scarring is a normal part of the healing process. Every single scratch you get first turns into a scar because your body is determined to close the wound before regenerating the epidermis. When you get a severe injury or infection, your body uses all of its resources to patch it up, leaving the epidermis as a last priority. As a result, you get a scar that’s quite hard to heal unless you give it some help. That’s where you’re going to benefit from red light’s powers.
Red light therapy boosts collagen and elastin production, which gives back life to compromised tissue. Moreover, it promotes the formation of new blood vessels, delivering necessary oxygen and nutrients for faster healing.
How long until you say goodbye to the scars? Relying on the research, it may take anywhere from 1 to 6 months of continuous red light therapy treatments. Reasonably, the exact time needed depends on the size and intensity of your scars.
Red Light Therapy For Testosterone
Testosterone is a steroid hormone that is mainly produced by a male body. It is responsible for developing male characteristics during puberty. After the boys reach a certain age, hormone levels start to drop; however, keeping optimal amounts in the system is essential for maintaining the quality of life.
Throwing testosterone levels off balance can lead to serious complications. There’s strong research that links low testosterone to obesity and increased risk of premature death. In the short run, lack of testosterone can contribute to low sex drive, weight gain, erectile dysfunction, muscle fatigue, and compromised bone density.
Extensive studies have been done to determine the effects of red light therapy on testosterone levels. The results suggest that red light can optimize Leydig cells that are responsible for sperm production. The research also indicates that RLT increases overall testosterone levels and boosts sexual satisfaction.
It takes approximately two weeks of continuous red light treatments to increase your body’s testosterone production. However, low testosterone consequences, such as lost muscle mass, may take more time and effort to go back to normal.
Red Light Therapy at Home: The Bottom Line
As you can see, red light therapy has a growing list of benefits obtained after a few weeks of consistent exposure. So if you’re considering purchasing an in-home RLT device,, you should go for it! However, keep in mind that the red light’s effectiveness depends on your unique health condition and medical history. Therefore, it is recommended to consult your doctor before starting red light treatments.
