Photobiomodulation, commonly known as red light therapy (RLT), offers a safe, non-invasive treatment to help improve a myriad of physiological conditions. It is this versatility and effectiveness that drives the growing popularity of red light therapy.
However, this newfound fame can also foster doubts, and misconceptions about this revolutionary technology often emerge alongside it.
In this article, we'll debunk the two primary myths surrounding red light therapy at home, separate fact from fiction, and hopefully convert sceptics into enthusiasts!
This isn’t true. There are two main wavelengths in most RLT devices, each with its own penetration depth: red light (620-660nm) and near-infrared light (810-850nm).
Although red light only penetrates the skin to about 5 millimetres, it makes up for it by being very effective in superficial uses such as skin treatments.
Common benefits may include wrinkle reduction, improved skin texture, and firmness, and even help reduce inflammation – making it a popular complementary treatment for anti-ageing routines.
On the other hand, near-infrared (NIR) light is longer and therefore penetrates deeper tissues such as muscles and joints - making it perfect for reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and accelerating muscle recovery.
There is also far-infrared light (FIR) that can penetrate almost 4 cm of skin. However, the science for this wavelength is yet to be fully understood, and most brands don't include FIR in their devices.
That said, dosages and treatment time primarily affect how effective your RLT device will be. Since red light therapy works at a cellular level, it needs to be administered with adequate duration and in the right dosage to be effective.
According to available studies, the ballpark for superficial treatments is around 10-20 minutes a day, about 45-65 centimetres away from the device. Body parts with large surface areas, such as the knee or the back, may require around 10-20 minutes, and be about 20-30 cm away from the device in order for it to be effective.
Another popular myth is that RLTs emit ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage our skin. While it’s true that RLT devices can increase your skin temperature by up to 2°C, they work in an entirely different wavelength– using red and near-infrared (NIR) light.
Yes, they emit heat, but it isn't uncomfortable or even noticeable depending on one’s heat tolerance and melanin levels. This issue can usually be solved by putting the device away from a comfortable distance, and vice versa.
More importantly, it produces no 'burning' sensations or emits radiation that causes cellular damage like UV light – making it completely safe to use for healthy individuals.
In fact, RLTs are even used to help treat melasma, which is a condition that may stem from frequent UV exposure.
We believe this myth surfaced due to concerns about tanning booths, since full-body RLT devices may look similar to one. However, there’s no need to worry - so long as they’re used in appropriate moderation and kept within guidelines of best practice, RLT devices pose no harm when used correctly.
Red light therapy at home can help solve a lot of issues safely, conveniently, and effectively. However, mild side effects still happen to some individuals, although rarely. These may include the following:
With this in mind, it’s best to check with your healthcare professional if RLT devices are right for you. Not only do they safeguard you from potential risks, but they may also suggest additional treatments that work well with RLT devices.
These are just a few of the many misconceptions we would love to address immediately. For more comprehensive insights about red light therapy at home, or if you're interested in acquiring a device for yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.
