What is Red Light Therapy?
What is red light therapy (RLT)?
RLT is exposure to low levels of red light. The red light affects the mitochondria of cells - known as cell’s energy generators. Red light exposure penetrates body tissues to stimulate mitochondria to generate new cell growth, skin repair, speed up production of antioxidants and to reduce inflammation.
Red light consists of a wavelength which can penetrate body tissues. This wavelength is easily absorbed by parts of cells that capture light energy, allowing high utilization of red light compared to other wavelengths.
What skin conditions can RLT improve?
wound healing
acne
scars
smoother skin texture
reduce stretch marks
reduce fine lines and age spots
What else can RLT do?
reduce chronic inflammation
speed up healing
improve circulation to treatment site
stimulate collagen production
fight infections
stimulates production of ATP energy for general cell health
improve mood and sleep
detoxification
boost metabolism
improved heart function
treating sprains and joint pain
produce nitric oxide which is important for cellular energy and overall health
How safe is RLT?
This therapy is nontoxic, not invasive and not as harsh as some topical skin treatments. RLT is safe for most with the right eye protection. RLT does not use UV light similar to the sun or tanning beds. We provide dark sun glasses or you may choose to wear your own. Those who shouldn’t participate in RLT are those with skin cancer, eye disease and taking certain medications which cause your skin to be damaged by light easier.
Who shouldn’t use RLT?
Those who should not utilize RLT are those who take medications which increase skin or eye sensitivity. Those with a history of skin cancer or eye disease should talk to a doctor before considering RLT. Radiant Rehydration can review your medications to ensure they do not cause extra photosensitivity.
Examples of photosensitive drugs include antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, doxycycline [VIbramycin], levofloxacin, ofloxacin, tetracycline, trimethoprim), antifungals (flucytosine, griseofulvin, voricanozole), Accutane, Retin-A, and others.
How effective is RLT?
Red light therapy is still an emerging treatment that’s generating growing interest. Most say that the studies published so far show some potential for certain conditions, but that more studies need to be conducted.
The type of red light frequency Radiant Rehydration uses is 660nm & 850nm (red light & near infrared light) to penetrate multiple levels of the skin’s surface. These two wavelengths are found to be most effective and therapeutic. They are considered medical grade for cosmetic use.
How long do RLT sessions last?
Sessions are 10-20 minutes in length. Because our skin can only absorb so much red light, 20 minutes is the maximum amount of time you need to benefit from red light at a time.
What time of day is best for RLT?
There is no bad time for RLT. Morning sessions can energize you, evening sessions can relax you, sessions before or after workouts can enhance performance and recovery. Need to multi-task? Grab a book, paint your nails or carve out much needed “me time”. Many people say their session of red light therapy is the only time of day they get to sit back and do nothing to fully relax and be present.
How do I add RLT to an IV hydration appointment?
Feel free to request Red Light Therapy in the notes of your IV booking, send us a text or DM us on Instagram. In most cases you can add RLT on to your appointment last minute. We offer dark sun glasses for eye protection or feel free to use your own. We recommend not applying SPF or makeup for maximin skin benefit; the larger the area of exposed skin, the larger the benefit.
Do you offer a face mask, lamp or panels?
Radiant Rehydration offers red light therapy via whole body panels. We set them up approximately 16 inches or closer to the area of treatment. The closer you are, the greater the absorption which can shorten session time. You may need to sit further from the panels to cover larger treatment areas.
How many treatments will I need?
RLT requires multiple, regular treatments to start seeing improvements in skin conditions and general wellness. Many see improvement in skin conditions and pain within 1-2 weeks of daily use. Chronic issues often require a few weeks of daily use to see improvement.
Frequency guidelines for acne: 2-4 sessions per week until acne clears, then 1-2 sessions every 2 weeks
Skin Rejuvenation: 3-5 sessions per week
Pain Relief: daily sessions initially until pain begins to improve, then 3-5 sessions per week as maintenance
Hair Growth: every other day
Wrinkle/Age Spots: 1 session per week for maintenance
