We all know about the annoying struggle with cellulite. As we age, losing fat becomes more and more difficult. Moreover, additional health issues become more of a regular occurrence. Fortunately, growing research supports the efficacy and health benefits of red light therapy by reducing these little bumps in a truly non-invasive way.
Also, more and more research shows that infrared therapy increases the effectiveness of exercise and can also be combined with massage therapy while reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Light therapy works in a very interesting way. By using light therapy devices, one actually gets themselves exposed to a specific light wavelength, which causes a stimulating effect in cell mitochondria. The energy of a cell is created in the mitochondria in adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Mitochondria is known as the powerhouse of cell. ATP production happens in this part of the cell, which generates energy. With light therapy, this process gets a boost.
Red light therapy does not damage the skin surface, which is different from laser or intense pulsed light therapy (IPL). The wavelengths of light work by damaging the outer layer of the skin, inducing tissue repair. In contrast, red light only penetrates about 5 millimeters into the skin, directly stimulating cell regeneration and collagen production.
LED light therapy is also believed to help with hormesis, boosting the cell's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory systems.
According to the National Institute of Health, "hormesis is a term used by toxicologists to denote a biphasic dose-response to an environmental agent characterized by low-dose stimulation or a beneficial effect and an inhibitory or toxic effect at high doses." (1)
"In the fields of biology and medicine, hormesis is defined as an adaptive response of cells and organisms to moderate (usually intermittent) stress."
RLT Reduces the Circumference of the Body
RLT has been shown to reduce overall body circumference measurements of the waist, hips, thighs, buttocks, and upper arms, resulting in a "body contour" effect. A study published in the National Institutes of Health found that red light therapy "has the potential to be used to reduce fat cells and cellulite and improve the blood lipid profile without significant side effects."
Ultrasonic fat thickness evaluation revealed that the subcutaneous fat layer was reduced from 12mm before treatment to 8mm after.
The results indicate: "One of the main proposed mechanisms of action is based on the production of transient pores in adipocytes, allowing lipids to escape. Another is the activation of the complement cascade, which could induce adipocyte apoptosis and the subsequent release of lipids". (2)
RLT Stimulates Blood Circulation
Red light and NIR therapy have been shown to improve blood circulation, reversing the breakdown of collagen and elastin production that contributes to the development of cellulite.
In a controlled study to understand the effectiveness of red and near-infrared light therapy in skin roughness and increased intradermal density of collagen, it was found that "subjects treated showed improvement. Significant skin tone, tone, and feel of the skin, the roughness of the skin assessed by profilometric, and the density of collagen measured by ultrasound. A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light therapy for patient satisfaction reduced fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and increased intradermal density of collagen. Photomed laser surgery.
Blind clinical evaluation of the photographs confirmed a significant improvement in the intervention groups compared to the control. "
Improves Lymphatic Drainage
The lymphatic system is responsible for transporting viruses and dead cells to the liver for excretion and disinfection. A condition known as lymphedema occurs when this particular system gets inoperable. It accumulates protein-rich fluids that crystallize and cause burns and irritation.
Scar tissue forms as the disease progresses. When your body fills up with toxins, your metabolism and immunity are compromised, leading to chronic infections and fatigue.
Boosts Immunity
Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, it is very important to enhance your body’s immune system. Light therapy is the perfect way to do so. By adding the extra energy to your cells, light therapy makes sure that your body is more equipped to fight with any kind of disease. Moreover, as light therapy also improves your blood circulation, your white blood cells will be much quicker to react whenever your body becomes vulnerable to infection.
Getting home light therapy sessions on a regular basis is one of the best ways to make sure your body is at its best in case you get infected by the coronavirus. Along with sufficient sleep and good eating habits, light therapy will work best.
The Bottom Line
Before starting to take light therapy, you should ask for your doctor’s advice because some people have extremely sensitive skin and might suffer from rashes if high-wavelength light goes through their body for an extended period of time. It is better to take precautions, rather than trying to recover later. All the best!