Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy is a non-invasive form of light therapy that harnesses the power of red and near-infrared light to help stimulate natural healing and tissue repair. The therapy involves the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to deliver light to the body. Red light therapy has been extensively studied and has been shown to have multiple health benefits, including increased circulation, collagen production, as well as decreased inflammation, just to name a few. It is a popular treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including acne, wrinkles, and scarring, and is also commonly used to alleviate pain and promote healing after injuries or surgeries. Many people report feeling elevated mood and increased energy levels after even just a short 10 minute session.

The principles of red light therapy, and the way it works, all revolve around the mitochondria. The mitochondria are organelles found in each one of your cells that generate ATP, or energy. Cells need this energy to complete all their tasks, which is why mitochondria are so important. However, in order for mitochondria to function properly they require oxygen. The mitochondria use an enzyme called Cytochrome C Oxidase (CCO) to bind with oxygen, which they need to produce ATP. However, nitric oxide, can compete with oxygen and may take its spot. It’s almost like these molecules are playing musical chairs, so if one is already in the chair, or the specific spot on the enzyme, the other cannot be. Red and infrared light prevent the pairing of nitric oxide and CCO within the cell’s mitochondria by driving away nitric oxide. This leaves the landing spot on CCO open, allowing it to pair with oxygen which then leads to improved cellular respiration and as a result improved ATP production.

Red light therapy is a non-invasive method that may help improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and promote a youthful appearance. By exposing the skin to specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light, the body is able to absorb these wavelengths to promote ATP production on a cellular level. As a result Red light therapy is able to stimulate collagen production (fuller skin), and provide a more even skin tone, all while improving overall skin health. By improving skin texture and firmness, red light therapy can help reduce the signs of aging, without the risks and side effects associated with more invasive beauty treatments.