According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 73 percent of American adults over the age of 20 are overweight and approximately 40 percent are obese. This is linked to many serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and even some musculoskeletal disorders.
Maintaining a healthy weight can be difficult and, often, diet and exercise alone are not enough. For this reason, many people are turning to innovative treatments like red light technology.
This article explains how red light technology works and the many benefits it can afford. Keep reading to determine if it might be the right addition to your weight loss or skin rejuvenation plan.
What Is Red Light Technology?
Red light technology uses low-level laser therapy that exposes skin and tissue to wavelengths of “cold red light,” which near-infrared. The “cold” signifies that is low-intensity and does not generate a significant amount of heat.
“Near-infrared” means it is a type of electromagnetic radiation that falls just outside the visible light spectrum. It is invisible to the eye, as it consists of wavelengths ranging from roughly 700 to 2500 nanometers.
Red light therapy interacts with cellular processes, especially mitochondria, organelles in cells that produce energy. It prompts them to release stored fat, much in the same way that the body does naturally during exercise or when depleted of calories.
Red light therapy also stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule naturally found in the body that provides energy to cells. ATP is the primary ingredient in many skincare products.
What Are the Benefits of Red Light Technology?
There are many distinct advantages to red light therapy. Two of the most common ones are fat elimination and skin rejuvenation.
Red light therapy is an effective way to accelerate weight loss. It can shrink fat cells and stimulate lipolysis, a metabolic process that breaks down triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids that the body can more easily use as energy. It is particularly useful in that it can target certain parts of the body, including those where diet and exercise have failed to achieve fat loss.
It is a non-invasive alternative to treatments like liposuction, which require anesthesia and a long recovery period. Red light therapy, on the other hand, delivers immediate results yet is not taxing on the body.
As mentioned, red light therapy is a “cellular energizer.” In this way, it can be used to contour the skin. It aids in blood circulation to tissues and collagen production, which makes skin healthy and bright.
These effects can serve to tighten skin in almost any area of the body, but red light therapy is often used under the chin or around the waist and thighs. It can also reduce wrinkles, scars, redness, and acne. It can be used to treat aging skin, uneven skin tone, and poor skin texture.
One of the overarching benefits of red light therapy is that many results are immediate. This makes it useful as a stand-alone treatment or one that can be combined with other approaches.
Are There Other Uses for Red Light Therapy?
Yes, red light therapy can be used for other treatments beyond weight loss and skin treatments. These include:
- Combatting inflammation
- Tissue repair
- Pain management
Red light therapy can stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. For this and the above reasons, it can be used to treat the effects of conditions like:
- Arthritis
- Tendinitis
- Psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema
- Sun-damaged skin
- Autoimmune diseases
Red light therapy can also be used to promote wound healing and hair growth. It can treat musculoskeletal pain associated with muscle soreness or conditions like arthritis or tendinitis. Athletes can use it for muscle recovery and enhanced performance.
Ongoing research is studying the effects of red light therapy on skin cancer. Similar studies are looking into the potential for positive effects on neurological conditions, such as traumatic brain injury and stroke.
What Does Red Light Technology Treatment Entail?
Red light therapy can be delivered in almost any setting. Prominent clinics will provide a relaxed, spa-like environment.
During the procedure, the patient will typically lie down while a licensed technician positions the red light therapy device over the part of the body they wish to target. The process is comfortable and safe.
Due to its potency, most red light therapy sessions last between 15 and 20 minutes. How frequently someone can undergo the treatment depends on their unique health goals and the area that is being treated. However, most people can start with a few sessions per week, then gradually increase.
Is Red Light Technology Safe?
Yes, red light therapy is safe. It is nontoxic, noninvasive, and has no harsh side effects. It does not use the same type of light (ultraviolet) as the sun or tanning booths. Red light therapy has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is the only FDA-sanctioned cold-light therapy for immediate fat reduction and skin tightening.
Keep in mind that, if not administered properly, red light therapy has the potential to damage the skin or eyes. For this reason, it is imperative to seek treatment at a reputable clinic.
Who Should Undergo Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is appropriate for adults of all ages. It is useful for achieving any combination of the results above. A good clinic will discuss all the potential benefits of using red light therapy for weight loss, skin rejuvenation, or other results, along with any potential side effects, and then put together an appropriate treatment plan.
Find Red Light Therapy Near You
Now that you understand the benefits of red light therapy, you can determine if it is right for you. An experienced red light therapy clinic can further advise you on a treatment plan based on your unique circumstances and weight loss or skin rejuvenation goals.
Contours is a boutique medical spa serving Franklin, Tennessee. We use cutting-edge UltraSlim red light technology that guarantees safe, effective results for our patients. Reach out to us to learn more or to schedule an appointment today.
