Panel Series
Medically Reviewed by | Heidi Wright, BSN, RN, PCCN
Red light therapy (RLT) has sparked interest worldwide, not just for its simplicity but for its profound ability to enhance well-being.
However, one burning question often emerges: Are the results from red light therapy permanent?
In this article, we dive into the mechanics of RLT and evaluate how enduring its benefits really are, helping you decide if it’s the right glow for your wellness journey.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a form of photobiomodulation that utilizes specific wavelengths of light, primarily in the red to near-infrared spectrum, to trigger biological processes in the body. This therapy employs devices ranging from handheld wands to larger panels, all designed to deliver light directly to the skin.
By focusing on specific wavelengths of light, RLT taps into the body's natural regenerative powers without invasive action, making it a favored choice for those seeking at-home convenience and efficacy.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
When the skin and underlying tissues are exposed to specific wavelengths from red and near-infrared light sources, it can work to support cellular energy.
The light emitted by devices like panels and wands is absorbed by mitochondria — the tiny powerhouses of every cell in your body. Think of mitochondria as your cellular engines and the light from red light therapy as a premium fuel. This “fuel” helps rev up the engines, encouraging cells to produce more energy. More energy means your cells can perform their tasks more efficiently, from repairing damage to rejuvenating themselves.
What’s happening is essentially a natural boost to your body’s own repair and rejuvenation processes, all triggered by light. It’s a non-invasive way to help your body help itself, using just light, without any physical intervention. This process is grounded in scientific research and has been refined to be both effective and safe for regular use, especially at home.
What Benefits Can You Expect From Red Light Therapy?
Now that we understand how red light therapy works at the cellular level, you might be wondering what red light therapy uses for your health and well-being. In today’s modern society, many people spend the bulk of their time indoors, causing them to miss out on exposure to certain wavelengths of light — and red light therapy can help make up for this lack.
Let’s break down the key advantages that have made red light therapy a popular choice among health enthusiasts:
Skincare Benefits
One of the most celebrated benefits of red light therapy is its potential ability to help support skin health and collagen production. Collagen is the protein responsible for keeping our skin firm and youthful.
As we age, our natural collagen production declines, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and poor elasticity. Red light therapy may help support fibroblasts in the skin, which are the cells responsible for generating collagen. Regular use might help you maintain a smooth, elastic skin texture.
Potential Support for Muscle Recovery
Whether you’re an athlete or someone trying to stay active, muscle soreness can be a setback. Red light therapy supports muscle recovery by potentially supporting blood flow to the treated areas.
Proper blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients, which can help soothe and repair muscles faster after a workout. This makes it an excellent addition to any fitness routine, helping to maintain muscle health and reduce downtime between workouts.
Potential Support Joint Comfort and Mobility
Joints can suffer from wear and tear due to age or repetitive use.
Red light therapy might help support joint function by promoting soothing sensations and circulation around the joints. This can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing stiffness or discomfort, providing a noninvasive option to support everyday activities and maintain mobility.
Potential Support for Hair Growth
For those struggling with hair thinning or loss, red light therapy might offer a ray of hope. RLT might support scalp health by maintaining healthy blood flow to the scalp.
This support for circulation can invigorate the scalp, supporting the strength and health of hair follicles and promoting healthy hair growth.
How Long Does It Take To Notice Results From RLT?
When incorporating red light therapy into your wellness routine, it's natural to wonder about the timeline for seeing tangible benefits. The duration can vary based on several factors, including the specific health goals, the frequency and duration of use, and individual biological differences.
For skin concerns such as improving skin tone or enhancing collagen production, initial improvements might be observed as soon as a few weeks of consistent use.
For example, you might notice a more radiant complexion or a smoother texture as the skin starts to respond to the increased collagen and blood flow.
Muscle recovery and joint comfort might show quicker responses, with some individuals experiencing soothing sensations and enhanced mobility shortly after their sessions. This is particularly noticeable in scenarios involving recovery from physical activities or minor strains where red light therapy aids in promoting blood flow and tissue repair.
Are the Results From Red Light Therapy Permanent?
Addressing the million-dollar question: Are the results from red light therapy permanent? The answer requires a nuanced understanding of how red light therapy works.
The benefits, such as support for collagen production, muscle recovery, and joint comfort, are progressive and cumulative, meaning they build over time with regular use.
However, just as with healthy eating or exercise, consistency is key. The improvements you see with red light therapy can be sustained only as long as you continue the treatment. Once regular sessions are discontinued, the benefits may gradually diminish over time. This is because the underlying mechanisms that red light therapy supports — like collagen production or muscle tissue health — require ongoing stimulation to continue delivering results.
For lasting impact, integrating red light therapy into your long-term routine is essential. Just as you might maintain a healthy diet or a regular fitness regimen, think of red light therapy as part of your ongoing commitment to wellness. With consistent use, it’s possible to prolong and enhance the therapy’s positive effects, making it a valuable component of a holistic approach to health and wellness.
How To Maximize the Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Ready to enhance your overall wellness? Here are some practical tips to ensure you're getting the most out of your red light therapy:
Consult a Specialist
If you have specific skin issues or conditions like psoriasis or rosacea, a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist can help tailor your red light therapy to your needs. These healthcare professionals can integrate RLT into a broader dermatology treatment plan, ensuring your care is comprehensive and informed. “Keep in mind that some skin conditions are chronic, meaning that there is not yet a known, permanent cure. However, these conditions are often kept in check with treatment plans personalized to each individual,” notes Heidi Wright, Registered Nurse.
Integrate Phototherapy Gradually
Start with shorter sessions to see how your skin reacts, especially if you have photosensitivity. Gradually increase the duration as your tolerance builds, closely monitoring the effects of red light therapy on your skin rejuvenation process.
Choose the Right Device
For those looking to improve skin health or stimulate hair growth, our red light helmet for hair growth is specially designed to target these areas effectively. This device combines low-level laser therapy with light-emitting diode aka LED light therapy technologies, ensuring your scalp gets the light exposure needed for optimum results.
Set a Routine
Consistency is key with red light therapy. Incorporate it into your daily routine using at-home devices like the Mito Mobile Super. This portable device makes it easy to maintain your RLT schedule, whether you're at home or on the go.
Complement With Topical Treatments
While RLT is effective on its own, combining it with topical creams for conditions like hyperpigmentation or light treatment options recommended by dermatologists can enhance your results.
Use Correct Wavelengths
Not all red light therapy devices are created equal. For skin conditions or deep tissue concerns, the specific wavelengths matter. Our MitoADAPT 2.0 Series offers up to 11 different modes, allowing you to customize the wavelengths to match your health needs precisely.
Document Your Progress
Take photos and notes. Watching the transformation not only motivates but also helps you tweak your approach as you observe the real-time effects of red light therapy work on your skin, hair, or overall wellness.
Embrace a Holistic Approach
Red light therapy is just one part of a holistic health strategy. Combine it with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and sufficient hydration to truly maximize the benefits of your RLT sessions.
Wrapping it Up
In wrapping up, the key takeaway about red light therapy (RLT) is that while the results can be deeply transformative, they aren't permanent without continued use. Much like maintaining muscle strength with regular exercise or keeping skin hydrated through consistent moisturizing, ongoing RLT sessions are essential to sustain the benefits.
Whether you're looking to enhance skin elasticity, soothe tired muscles, or support hair growth, incorporating red light therapy into your regular wellness routine can help maintain these improvements over the long term. “Find a time that works for you, whether it's a quick morning session or a relaxing evening ritual. Consistency is crucial, so choose a time slot you can realistically stick to most days of the week,” notes Wright.
At Mito Red Light, we're committed to helping you shine your brightest by offering easy-to-use, effective solutions for an enduring glow.
DISCLAIMER: Mito Red Light devices are Class II wellness devices aimed at affecting the body through topical heating and supporting cellular function. The information provided in this article and on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to imply effectiveness of Mito Red Light devices for any specific application. The information provided in this article and on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed medical provider and should not be construed as medical advice. Click here to read our article on potential contraindications of red light therapy..
Sources:
What is red light therapy? Benefits and side effects | Main Line Health
Not just the powerhouse of a cell | Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine
Collagen: What It Is, Types, Function & Benefits | Cleveland Clinic