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Medically Reviewed by | Heidi Wright, BSN, RN, PCCN
Infrared light therapy (RLT) and near infrared (NIR) light therapy are natural, non-invasive ways to treat various conditions and improve your overall well-being. It’s comfortable, relaxing, and incredibly effective, which may lead you to want to use it more frequently than other forms of therapy. That raises the question of whether or not you can overdo it.
The team at Mito Red Light is here to help. We’ll briefly discuss the benefits of RLT, and how often you should use it. We’ll also cover any known side effects you should be aware of and whether or not they are experienced with increased use of red light therapy products.
Get “red”y to learn (and be subjected to a few more slightly amusing puns).
What Is Red Light Therapy?
The use of light in medicine is not new. It’s been relied upon for medical intervention since the early 1900’s. RLT was originally developed by NASA as a means of wound healing for astronauts while in space.
Now, it’s used globally to address:
- Chronic pain
- Help with skin rejuvenation and restoration
- Minimize the appearance of skin issues, like fine lines and wrinkles
- Improve workout recovery time
- Deepen sleep
- Treat certain physical ailments
- Promote hair growth
- Produce anti-aging benefits
- Support blood circulation
It’s painless, non-invasive, and available in medical settings, gyms, spas, and even for home use thanks to new red light devices. The average red light therapy session takes between 20-30 minutes making it quick and convenient to deal with certain issues on your own time.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
RLT uses light emitting diodes (LED) at certain wavelengths to penetrate the skin and reach deeper layers of tissue. This allows RLT to stimulate the cells inside these tissues, exciting the mitochondria and encouraging a higher level of cellular activity, which translates into better performance in the tissues (like muscles, joints, and skin) that are made up of those cells.
Better performing cells means a better performing you. The benefits of RLT aren’t just anecdotal stories; they’re scientifically researched and proven.
What Are the Health Benefits of Red Light Therapy?
Because RLT targets cells, there is practically no limit to the benefits to your body, since the entire body is made up of cells. Here’s a brief look at the benefits. To dig deeper, check out this post.
Skin Health Benefits
We all experience the signs of skin aging. Skin loses both volume and resilience as we age, largely due to slowed collagen and elastin production. Those two proteins are made inside cells called fibroblasts, and RLT can specifically target these cells to help support proper function, making anti-aging a highly sought-after RLT benefit.
Hair Restoration
The process of hair loss and restoration can be a lengthy and frustrating journey. With promising new science, RLT has earned a seat at the solutions table. RLT supports cellular turnover, which causes new cells in the hair follicle to be created faster. It may also support blood flow and encourage circulation which can support healthy hair growth and retention
Pain and Inflammation
RLT offers a non-invasive way to address feelings of pain that is comfortable and accessible. By penetrating deep layers of muscle tissue and bone, RLT can help alleviate inflammation that is causing discomfort. Support for circulation may also temporarily reduce pain levels and keep these hot spots oxygenated to promote healing and restoration. Consult your healthcare provider to see if red light therapy is the right choice for you.
Sleep
Getting quality sleep is harder with age. Some forms of light (like blue light) can interfere with sleep cycles, but research shows that RLT can help support circadian rhythms, allowing you to get deeper, more consistent sleep.
Performance
Looking to take back your edge? Look no further than RLT. In randomized controlled trials, athletes who used RLT recovered sooner and experienced faster muscle recovery due to the increased blood flow and stimulation of the session. Less time on the sidelines, more time in the game: it’s a benefit that can bring back your competitive edge at any age.
Now that we’ve made the case for RLT, let’s talk about how frequently you should use it.
How Often Should You Use RLT?
When considering red light therapy, it’s important to understand the biphasic dose response. Some studies show a biphasic dose response with the use of RLT, meaning that low levels of light may actually be more effective at benefiting the body. In other words, using RLT more often than recommended likely won’t benefit you.
Plus, some people may experience skin irritation if they’re using a facial LED mask or a device that touches their bare skin. If you experience irritation, discontinue use until your skin calms, and try using your red light therapy device for less time per session.
How Long Should a Session Last?
If you’re using an at-home red light therapy device, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for session time. Session time can vary depending on the body part and/or condition you are treating.
For instance, if you are using a RLT mask for anti-aging benefits on your face, you may only need to leave the mask on for 10-20 minutes per application. However, for deep muscle pain in your lower back, you might wear a belt for longer periods of time.
How Frequently Can You Treat a Body Part?
While there’s no limit to the amount of RLT you can use, there’s also no research that shows that keeping your body under a red light therapy lamp 3 times a day, 7 days a week (read: excessively) will give you any additional benefits compared to using it once per day. The typical recommended exposure depends on your goals, but generally speaking, RLT sessions usually last between 20-30 minutes and are given once daily for as many days in a row as you’d like.
Are There Side Effects of Red Light Therapy?
This will be a “light” read. There are currently no reported side effects of using red light therapy. If you experience skin irritation from a device that is worn close to your body, discontinue use and contact the manufacturer of the device.
Why Choose Mito Red Light?
You’ve got options for red light therapy, including seeing a medical professional, visiting a medspa, or treating yourself in the comfort and privacy of your own home. At Mito Red Light, we make red light therapy products that are high-quality, effective, research-backed, and client-reviewed so that you can trust that what we offer will support your health and wellness goals.
Our Lights
From our panels to our wearable and flexible devices, we include more diodes per square inch than our competitors. This cuts down on dead space and ensures you are getting as much coverage as possible when you use our therapies.
Our Testing
Our lights are third-party tested and diagnostically tested to ensure our RLT products are within the therapeutic window of treatment as defined by scientific testing and research.
Accessibility
We offer the widest selection of red light therapy devices in sizes and configurations that can fit any space, need, and budget.
Advanced Technology
Our devices are specially formatted with Enhanced Spectral Energy Output™, a technology that delivers energy across all spectrums of red and NIR light. Our MitoPRO series offers multi-wavelengths that give you access to even more spectrums of red and NIR light and contains an even split of the four peak action spectra LEDs for even coverage. You’ll never experience a polka-dot effect with our products.
Combined with our risk-free 60-day trial and superior customer service, Mito Red Light is ahead of the competition and offers the best value for your money.
Get In The Red
Red light therapy is more popular now than ever, but it is founded on decades-old practices that have been trusted by the medical community. With zero side effects, scientifically baked results, and a plethora of benefits, adding RLT to your daily health stack is the smart choice for athletes, professionals, stay-at-home moms, and every other human who is made up of cells.
You can use RLT as frequently as every day, but keep in mind that certain devices that come in direct contact with your skin could lead to irritation. To get the most benefits from RLT, you don’t need to treat more than once per day.
For the best in at-home, professional-level RLT, Mito Red Light is your go-to. With numerous devices that contain more LEDs per square inch with more power levels than competitors, we’re the clear choice for RLT that delivers.
DISCLAIMER: Mito Red Light devices are not clinically proven to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical conditions. Mito Red Light devices are Class II general wellness devices aimed at affecting the body through topical heating and supporting cellular function. The scientific studies referenced in this article are for informational purposes only. To see a list of precautionary warnings and contraindications, click here.
Sources:
Transcranial near-infrared light in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases | Frontiers
Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring | PMC
Red Light and the Sleep Quality and Endurance Performance of Chinese Female Basketball Players | PMC
Photobiomodulation in human muscle tissue: an advantage in sports performance? | PMC
Red Light Therapy: How Often Should You Get RLT | Prevention.com
Red Light Therapy: Benefits, Side Effects & Uses | Cleveland Clinic
