Red light therapy (RLT), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, is gaining traction as a potential treatment for various health and cosmetic concerns. It involves exposing the skin to low levels of red and near-infrared light, typically using LED devices. This article delves into the effectiveness of red light therapy, particularly in the context of weight loss, while also exploring its other potential benefits and safety considerations.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy involves exposing the skin to a lamp, device, or laser emitting red light. It uses an LED (light-emitting diode) that emits light at the correct spectrum. Red LED light penetrates deeper into the skin compared to blue LED light, which is sometimes used for surface skin conditions like acne. During red light therapy, the skin is exposed to a lamp, device, or laser that emits red light. The light is delivered through LEDs (light-emitting diodes) that emit the correct spectrum. When the light penetrates the skin, the mitochondria absorb it and generate more energy, which aids in cell repair.
Red light therapy uses very low levels of heat and doesn’t hurt or burn the skin. Unlike the light used in tanning booths, it doesn’t expose your skin to damaging UV rays.
How Red Light Therapy Works
Red light therapy is thought to work by acting on the “power plant” in your body’s cells called mitochondria. Red light therapy is thought to act on mitochondria, the "power plants" of cells. By stimulating these organelles, red light increases energy production within the cells, leading to better efficiency in functions such as skin repair, new cell growth, and skin rejuvenation. More specifically, certain cells absorb light wavelengths and are stimulated to work. With more energy, other cells can do their work more efficiently, doing things like repairing skin, boosting new cell growth and enhancing skin rejuvenation.
Red Light Therapy Devices
There are many different types of red light therapy devices, some of which can be used at home. But home devices are usually less powerful than those used in clinics and may be less effective or take longer to work. Red light therapy devices include:
Read also: At-Home Red Light Therapy Devices
- Red light therapy mask: This fits over your entire face and has red LED lights on the inside, pointed toward your skin. It is designed to be worn for a short length of time several times a week. It's used as a treatment for acne, wrinkles, or other facial skin concerns.
- Red light therapy bed: This looks like a tanning bed but has red LED lights instead of UV lights. It is big enough for you to lie down inside, and your whole body is exposed to red light.
- Red light therapy panel: This is a panel of red LED lights that you can mount on a wall or place on a table, either at a clinic or home. Panels range in size from small to large. Small panels are used for targeted areas such as your face, and large panels can target larger areas of your body.
- Red light therapy wand: These are handheld devices that have red LED lights at one end. You use them by moving the wand over your skin in the areas that you want to treat. They are used to treat very small areas, such as the back of the hands, one knee, or a particular spot on the face.
Red Light Therapy for Weight Loss: Examining the Evidence
Some providers use red light therapy as a weight loss treatment. This is often called body contouring, or body sculpting. Red light therapy may help reduce the circumference of your body in the area that was treated, but the effect will likely be temporary and not due to any real weight loss.
Red light body contouring also uses low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or LED light, but instead of stimulating cellular activity, it targets fat cells in an effort to shrink them. Unlike CoolSculpting, which permanently eliminates fat cells, red light treatments claim to use light energy to stimulate fat cells, causing them to release stored fat. Popular treatments include laser lipo, LED body sculpting, and infrared wraps, all of which fall under the red light body contouring umbrella.
Scientific studies on red light therapy for fat loss show mixed results. Some report small reductions in body circumference, but these effects require ongoing treatments and lifestyle changes to maintain.
It’s important to note that many treatments marketed for fat loss use low-powered red light devices that don’t penetrate deep enough to impact fat cells in a meaningful way. For those using medical-grade red light therapy, potential risks include skin irritation, burns, or discomfort if the device is too strong or used incorrectly. Additionally, some clinics may overpromise results, leading to false expectations about fat loss.
Red light body contouring isn’t a one-and-done treatment-it requires multiple sessions to see even minor results. Most providers recommend at least 6 to 12 sessions, typically spaced over several weeks, with ongoing maintenance sessions to keep any visible changes. Unlike CoolSculpting Elite, which permanently eliminates fat cells in as few as 2-4 sessions, red light therapy only shrinks fat cells temporarily.
Read also: Weight Loss with Red Light Therapy: What the Science Says
Potential Mechanisms of Action for Weight Loss
While the evidence for red light therapy as a direct weight loss solution is still emerging, several potential mechanisms could explain its observed effects:
Improved Cellular Energy Production
Red Light stimulates the mitochondria to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of our cells. Increased ATP production can positively impact metabolism by providing cells with the energy they need to perform their functions efficiently. With improved energy production, the body’s metabolic processes, including fat metabolism, can be optimized.
Enhanced Fat Burning
Red Light Therapy has also been found to promote fat burning and assist in weight loss. Research suggests that Red Light exposure can stimulate the breakdown of stored fat (lipolysis) by increasing the activity of enzymes involved in the process. Moreover, Red Light Therapy has been shown to activate the lymphatic system, which is crucial in removing waste products and excess fat from the body. By enhancing fat metabolism and supporting the elimination of waste, Red Light Therapy can contribute to weight loss efforts.
Reduced Inflammation and Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Chronic inflammation and insulin resistance are two factors that can significantly affect weight management and metabolism. Fortunately, Red Light Therapy has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and improve insulin sensitivity. Studies have demonstrated that Red Light Therapy can reduce inflammatory markers in the body, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). Additionally, Red Light Therapy has been found to enhance insulin signaling and glucose uptake in cells, leading to improved blood sugar control. Red Light Therapy may support weight loss and metabolic health by reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity.
Appetite Regulation
Research suggests that Red Light exposure can influence the production of hormones involved in appetite control, such as leptin and ghrelin. Leptin is known as the “satiety hormone” as it signals fullness to the brain, while ghrelin is known as the “hunger hormone” as it stimulates appetite. Red Light Therapy has been found to modulate the levels of these hormones, potentially leading to better appetite regulation and reduced food cravings. These effects can be beneficial for individuals aiming to achieve weight loss goals.
Read also: Weight Loss and Red Light Therapy
Increased Blood Circulation
Red Light Therapy has been shown to improve blood circulation. Increasing blood flow helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells more efficiently while removing toxins, enhancing metabolic processes, and supporting weight loss.
Reduction of Cellulite
Cellulite is a common concern for many individuals seeking weight loss. Red Light Therapy has been found to improve the appearance of cellulite by stimulating collagen production and promoting the breakdown of fat cells, leading to smoother and firmer skin.
Muscle Recovery and Performance
Regular exercise is an essential component of weight loss and metabolic health. Red Light Therapy has been shown to help improve athletic performance, accelerate muscle recovery, and reduce muscle fatigue and soreness. It can support exercise regimens and contribute to overall weight loss by aiding post-workout muscle repair and detoxification. RLT can help treat metabolic abnormalities within the skeletal muscle and can help to remove toxins that damage muscle cells.
Stress Reduction
Chronic stress can hinder weight loss and negatively impact your metabolism. Red Light Therapy has been reported to relieve anxiety and have stress-reducing effects. It promotes relaxation and improves your mood. By managing stress levels, Red Light Therapy may indirectly support weight loss by reducing emotional eating and improving overall well-being.
Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland is crucial in regulating metabolism and the immune system. Red Light Therapy may positively affect thyroid function, including increased thyroid hormone production. Optimizing thyroid function can help maintain a healthy metabolism and support weight loss.
Combating Stubborn Fat Deposits
Certain body areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, or love handles, may have stubborn fat deposits resistant to traditional weight loss methods. Red Light Therapy has been shown to target these localized fat deposits, aiding in their breakdown and eventual elimination.
Additional Applications of Red Light Therapy
Research on the benefits of red light therapy is ongoing. While more research needs to be done, there is some evidence that it may be useful for several health and beauty concerns.
Red light therapy for dementia: A 2021 research review found that in all 10 studies included in the review, red light therapy had benefits for people with dementia. In one of the studies, five people with dementia who had regular light therapy on their heads and through their noses for 12 weeks had better memories, slept better, and were angry less often. The review noted that many of these studies were small and lacked controls and that larger trials need to be done before any benefits can be confirmed.
Red light therapy for pain: Research shows that red light therapy may be useful for relieving some types of pain, particularly pain due to inflammation (irritation and swelling of body tissues). A review of 11 studies looking at the effect of red light therapy on pain found mostly positive results, though the authors said that more studies are needed. In another small study, people with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) had less pain, clicking, and jaw tenderness after red light therapy.
Red light therapy for arthritis: A review of studies found that red light therapy may be a helpful short-term treatment for pain and morning stiffness for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, it doesn’t seem to be very helpful for other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis.
Red light therapy for tendinopathy: Tendinopathy is a condition that causes pain and loss of function in your tendons. A review of 17 clinical trials studying the impact of red light on treating tendinopathy found low-to-moderate quality evidence indicating that red light can help relieve pain or improve function.
Red light therapy for hair loss: A review of multiple studies found that red light therapy can be an effective treatment for androgenic alopecia, a genetic disorder that causes hair loss. Another review of 11 studies found similar promising results. In some studies, hair thickness improved as well as hair growth.
Red light therapy for skin: Research shows red light therapy may smooth your skin and help with wrinkles. Researchers think it does this by stimulating collagen production, which helps improve skin elasticity. Research shows it also helps improve signs of sun damage.
Red light therapy for acne: Research has found that red light therapy can be effective for acne treatment. This may have to do with its ability to help reduce inflammation. In addition to helping with active acne lesions, red light lasers may also help treat old acne scars.
Safety and Considerations
Red light therapy appears to be mostly safe when used correctly, especially in the short term. Many forms of red light therapy are more effective when done at a doctor’s office rather than at home. That's because doctors can use stronger lights. Even at a doctor’s office, however, there are some risks. One early-stage clinical trial found that at high levels, red LED lights such as those used in red light therapy can cause blistering and redness on the skin. Red light therapy may also cause eye damage in some cases, so it is best to wear protective goggles when using a red light therapy device.
Can it cause cancer?
There is no evidence that red light therapy causes cancer. Red light therapy does not use ultraviolet rays, a form of radiation found in tanning booths and sunlight that can lead to skin cancer.
Red light therapy during pregnancy
There is not a lot of research on the effects of red light therapy on pregnant people, but limited research suggests that it is safe. One study examined 380 pregnant women who had used laser light treatments during pregnancy and found that it was safe for both the parent and fetus.
Who should not use red light therapy?
People who take medications that increase their skin or eye sensitivity should not use red light therapy. People who have a history of skin cancer or eye disease should speak with their doctor before using red light therapy.
How many treatments do you need?
The number of red light therapy treatments you need depends on what you are getting treatment for. But you will likely need ongoing sessions for weeks or even months.
Can you overdo red light therapy?
While generally safe, overusing red light therapy devices could potentially lead to skin or eye damage, emphasizing the importance of following recommended usage guidelines.
Red Light Therapy: Where to Get It and How Much It Costs
If you don’t want to use an at-home red light device, you can get red light therapy at a variety of places, including a doctor’s office or a spa. If you want to see a doctor to do red light therapy, you will likely see a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in treating the skin. At a clinic or a spa, you may see an aesthetician - a licensed skin care professional.
The cost of this therapy can vary greatly depending on whether you are using a device at home or you are getting treatment in a clinic. But in general, red light therapy isn’t cheap - treatments can cost $80 a session or more.
If you decide to use a red light therapy device at home, note that it may not be as powerful or effective as devices used by doctors or other professionals. When choosing an at-home device to purchase, you can check whether it has been cleared by the US FDA, which means that it is safe and equivalent to other devices already on the market. When using a red light therapy device at home, make sure to use proper eye protection and follow all directions on the device.