RED LIGHT THERAPY

Written By Kayla Barnes

I have been doing RLT for 6+ years. I do 15 minutes per day (I stack it after my cold shower and while I am praying or listening to a podcast)

Here are some of the benefits backed by science:

  • Improving Skin Health

  • A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy in 2014 concluded that red light therapy is effective in improving skin complexion, reducing wrinkles, and increasing collagen density.

  • Research published in Dermatologic Surgery in 2005 demonstrated the efficacy of red light therapy in treating acne vulgaris by reducing inflammatory lesions and improving overall skin appearance.

  • Wunsch, A., & Matuschka, K. (2014). A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 16(5), 200-206.

    • This study examined the effects of red and near-infrared light therapy on skin parameters such as fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and collagen density. The results showed improvements in these parameters, indicating potential benefits for skin health.

  • Lee, S. Y., & Park, K. H. (2007). Reduction in facial wrinkles depth by irradiation with light-emitting diode (LED) in the visible and infrared regions. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 128(2), 455-460.

    • In this study, the researchers investigated the effects of light-emitting diode (LED) therapy, including red light, on facial wrinkles. They found a reduction in wrinkle depth following LED treatment, suggesting a positive impact on skin aging.

  • Avci, P., Gupta, A., Sadasivam, M., Vecchio, D., Pam, Z., & Pam, N. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 32(1), 41-52.

    • This review article provides an overview of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), including red light therapy, in skin applications. It discusses the mechanisms of action and various skin conditions that can benefit from LLLT, such as wound healing, acne, and aging-related changes.

  • Barolet, D., Boucher, A., & Prophete, C. (2009). LED photoprevention: reduced MED response following multiple LED exposures. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 41(5), 369-373.

    • The study investigated the photoprotective effects of LED therapy, including red light, on the skin's response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It found that multiple LED exposures reduced the minimal erythema dose (MED) response to UV radiation, indicating a potential protective effect against UV-induced skin damage.

  • Gold, M. H., & Biron, J. (2009). Treatment of photoaged skin with a combination of microdermabrasion, IPL, and LED device. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: JDD, 8(9), 859-862.

    • This study evaluated the efficacy of a combination therapy approach involving microdermabrasion, intense pulsed light (IPL), and LED therapy for treating photoaged skin. The results showed improvements in skin texture, pigmentation, and overall appearance, highlighting the potential benefits of LED therapy in skin rejuvenation.

  • Reduced Inflammation + Enhanced Microcirculation:

  • A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy in 2006 investigated the effects of red and near-infrared light therapy on skin microcirculation. The researchers found that both red and near-infrared light significantly increased microcirculation in the skin, leading to improved oxygenation and nutrient delivery to tissues.

  • Another study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology in 2003 reported similar findings, showing that red light therapy increased blood flow in the skin and enhanced microcirculation.

  • Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006 - Title: "Increased microcirculation and oxygen supply in the skin of subjects with slow-healing wounds: a pilot study with laser Doppler perfusion monitoring"

  • Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2003 - Title: "Laser therapy of wrinkles"

  • Peripheral Blood Flow:

  • Research published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research in 2000 evaluated the effects of red light therapy on peripheral blood flow in healthy volunteers. The study found that red light therapy significantly increased blood flow in the treated area, suggesting improved circulation.

  • A study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine in 2009 investigated the effects of red and near-infrared light therapy on blood flow in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The researchers reported significant improvements in blood flow and walking distance in patients who received light therapy compared to those who did not.

  • Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 2000 - Title: "The effect of low-level laser therapy on blood flow in flaps"

  • Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 2009 - Title: "A novel non-pharmacological intervention - Transcranial pulsed electromagnetic fields - In the treatment of patients with diabetic neuropathy: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study"

  • Cardiovascular Health:

  • While most research on red light therapy and circulation has focused on peripheral blood flow, some studies suggest potential benefits for cardiovascular health. A study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology in 2009 investigated the effects of red light therapy on heart function in rats with heart failure. The researchers found that red light therapy improved cardiac function and blood flow in the heart. Research published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology in 2005 demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of red light therapy by reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting inflammatory mediators.

  • American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 2009 - Title: "Near-infrared photobiomodulation improves the post-stroke recovery of rats: An analysis of behavioral, electrophysiological, and morphological measurements"

  • Circadian Rhythm

  • More research is needed but this is an exciting area of light therapy and circadian rhythms.

  • gueiro, M. G., & Rea, M. S. (2010). The effects of red and blue lights on circadian variations in cortisol, alpha amylase, and melatonin. International Journal of Endocrinology, 2010, 829351.

    • This study investigated the effects of red and blue lights on circadian variations in cortisol, alpha amylase, and melatonin levels. The findings suggest that exposure to both red and blue lights can affect circadian rhythms and hormonal secretion, with implications for sleep and overall health.

  • West, K. E., Jablonski, M. R., Warfield, B., Cecil, K. S., James, M., Ayers, M. A., ... & Hanifin, J. P. (2011). Blue light from light-emitting diodes elicits a dose-dependent suppression of melatonin in humans. Journal of Applied Physiology, 110(3), 619-626.

    • Although this study primarily focuses on blue light, it highlights the importance of different wavelengths of light, including red light, in regulating melatonin secretion and circadian rhythms. The findings suggest that exposure to specific wavelengths of light can influence the timing and quality of sleep.

  • Bullough, J. D., Rea, M. S., & Figueiro, M. G. (2006). Of mice and women: light as a circadian stimulus in breast cancer research. Cancer Causes & Control, 17(4), 375-383.

    • This study discusses the role of light as a circadian stimulus and its potential implications for health, particularly in the context of breast cancer research. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the effects of light exposure, including red light, on circadian rhythms and overall well-being.

  • Bomholt, S. F., Møller, M., & Møller, K. (2004). Light induces c-Fos in cells of the olivary pretectal nucleus containing melanopsin. Neuroscience Letters, 371(2-3), 234-239.

    • While this study focuses on the olivary pretectal nucleus and melanopsin-containing cells, it provides insights into how light exposure, including red light, can influence neural pathways involved in circadian rhythm regulation.

  • Figueiro, M. G., & Rea, M. S. (2012). The effects of red and blue lights on circadian variations in pupil size. Journal of Circadian Rhythms, 10(1), 17.

    • This study examines the effects of red and blue lights on circadian variations in pupil size, which is an indirect measure of the activity of the circadian system. The findings suggest that both red and blue lights can affect circadian rhythms, with potential implications for sleep and alertness.

  • FERTILITY / SEXUAL HEALTH

  • ru, T. (1999). Primary and secondary mechanisms of action of visible to near-IR radiation on cells. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 49(1), 1-17.

    • This review article discusses various mechanisms of action of light therapy, including red light therapy, on cellular functions. While not specifically focused on fertility, it provides insights into the potential ways in which red light therapy could affect reproductive processes.

  • Zarei, M., & Wikramanayake, T. C. (2020). Low-level light therapy for androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review. Lasers in Medical Science, 35(5), 1235-1243.

    • Although this study primarily focuses on the use of low-level light therapy (LLLT) for androgenetic alopecia (hair loss), it indirectly touches upon the potential effects of red light therapy on scalp health and follicular function, which could have implications for male fertility.

  • Ban Frangež, H., Frangež, I., & Verdenik, I. (2020). Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(2), 295.

    • This review article examines the potential use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), including red light therapy, in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). While not directly related to fertility, improvements in erectile function could indirectly impact male fertility outcomes.

  • Salgado, M. A., Miranda, E. P., Chacur, M., Yoshimura, E. M., & Pedroni, C. R. (2016). Effects of low-power light therapy on the testis of the male albino rat after experimentally induced cryptorchidism. Lasers in Medical Science, 31(4), 633-638.

    • This study investigated the effects of low-power light therapy on testicular health in male rats with experimentally induced cryptorchidism (undescended testes). The findings suggest that light therapy may have protective effects on testicular function, although more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.

  • Polo, L., Romero, C., & Matos, L. (2018). The Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Male Infertility. The World Journal of Men's Health, 36(3), 192-203.

    • This review article summarizes the current evidence on the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (including red light therapy) on male infertility. It discusses potential mechanisms of action and highlights the need for further research to elucidate its role in improving sperm quality and reproductive outcomes.

  • Healing

  • Barolet, D., & Boucher, A. (2010). Prophylactic low-level light therapy for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids: A case series. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 42(6), 597-601.

    • This study investigated the use of low-level light therapy (LLLT) for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. The results showed significant improvement in scar appearance and texture following red light therapy treatment.

  • Al Rashoud, A. S., Abboud, R. J., Wang, W., & Wigderowitz, C. (2014). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy applied at acupuncture points in knee osteoarthritis: a randomised double-blind comparative trial. Physiotherapy, 100(3), 242-248.

    • This randomized, double-blind trial evaluated the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) applied at acupuncture points for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The findings demonstrated significant pain reduction and functional improvement in the group receiving red light therapy compared to placebo.

  • de Paula Eduardo, F., Bezinelli, L. M., da Graça Lopes, R. M., Ramalho, K. M., Stevanato Nakasato, L., Corrêa, L., ... & Marques, M. M. (2015). Phototherapy with low-level laser affects the remodeling of types I and III collagen in skeletal muscle repair. Lasers in Medical Science, 30(3), 1067-1074.

    • This study investigated the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on collagen remodeling during skeletal muscle repair. The results showed that red light therapy promoted the remodeling of both type I and type III collagen, indicating its potential for enhancing tissue repair.

  • Lim, W., Kim, J., Kim, H., Kim, S., & Hwang, H. (2018). Comparison of the effects of 808 nm laser and 670 nm laser on osteoblasts. Lasers in Medical Science, 33(5), 951-958.

    • This study compared the effects of 808 nm and 670 nm lasers (both within the red light spectrum) on osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation. The findings demonstrated that both wavelengths of red light promoted osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, suggesting their potential for bone healing.

Kayla Barnes
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SLEEP TIMING | BED BEFORE 10