What You Need To Know About Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is often called low level light therapy, and it is a treatment which emits photons deep into the body for the provision of a number of health benefits. It usually comes in the form of light panels that cover either the entire body or localized treatment areas.
Research indicates that red light therapy is a helpful treatment for hair growth, acne and anti-aging skin benefits, wound healing, mood enhancement, treatment of muscle and joint pain, muscle repair, and improvement of neurodegenerative conditions, among others.
How is red light therapy different than light from the sun or light bulbs?
Most of the difference has to do with the wavelengths that red light therapy emits, which are at a therapeutic level falling between 620nm and approximately 1000nm. At this range, the light penetrates effectively into the body to offer health benefits. Light bulbs or the sun emit full spectrum light which does not include enough of the longer wavelengths to penetrate the skin.
How does red light therapy work?
Red light therapy usually comes in the form of panels that emit light at wavelengths from about 620-1000nm. There are usually a number of wavelengths offered, and they determine how deeply the photons will penetrate your body for various benefits.
Lesser wavelengths around 600-700nm only infiltrate to a small degree and are suitable for small wounds or skin conditions. Higher level wavelengths penetrate deeper into the body to heal issues like joint and muscle pain.
The photons lead to the release of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which provides cellular energy for the entire body. These leads to numerous health benefits like reduced inflammation.
A study in the Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences examined the biological effects of low level laser therapy [1]. An article in Human Kinetics Journal looked at the research evidence supporting low-level laser therapy [2].
Is red light therapy safe?
Research indicates that for the most part, this is a perfectly safe technology which has no harmful side effects. Although there are no real red light therapy dangers, when you purchase a brand, it’s important to make sure it has very low levels of non-native electromagnetic fields (nnEMF), which can be harmful if too high.
A review article in Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences stated that this is a safe and non-invasive technology [3]. The red light therapy benefits include healing wounds, hair growth, repairing muscle, elevating oral health, easing joint and muscle pain, healing acne, smoothing wrinkles and lines, boosting mood, treating neurodegenerative disorders, and strengthening the immune system.
What wavelength light should I get?
You select the suitable wavelength of red light depending on the issue you want to treat. At 600-700nm, the penetration is not great, and is ideal for healing skin conditions or surface-level wounds. If you are looking for more complex treatment such as joint or muscle pain, you’ll need a wavelength like 800-850nm to penetrate to these regions.
Can I use too much red light?
Yes, it is possible to use too much red light. Ideally you should employ your device 3-5 times a week, and you can also use it once a day. However, this is the upper limit and more than this and the benefits start to decline. The effects of the red light begin to decrease with overuse, destroying the effects of the sessions.
What You Need To Look For When Buying A Red Light Therapy Device
Purchasing red light therapy devices may seem complicated, but in actual fact, it’s easy to understand the features you want in a product. First of all, look for safety certifications, and the product should ideally be FDA approved.
You also want to make sure that the device has very low levels of non-native electromagnetic fields (nnEMF), ideally none. Look at the panel sizes they offer to make sure there is one or more suited to your purposes.
In addition, look at what wavelengths they offer and consider whether that corresponds with your needs. Many brands offer mounting devices, which is a helpful added feature you may want to consider.
What is the best red light therapy device to buy?
According to our extensive investigation of the market, we concluded that the best light therapy device is definitely Platinum LED Biomax Products. This brand is of the highest quality, and FDA approved as a class II medical device.
It’s also of the highest safety standards, being ETL/UL certified for electrical safety assurance and having zero nnEMF. It offers 4 sizes, 5 wavelengths, and a number of mounting options. We could not find any negative points about Platinum LED Biomax Products.
These are the contents of the Biomax set:
- Power Link Cable
- Digital Link Cable
- Mounting Hardware
- Panel Linking Hardware
- Door Hanging Kit
- Sunglasses
- Therapy Companion App
Biomax: Therapy 300, 450, 600, 900
There are 4 different size models in this line, each offering different benefits. The details of their measurements and features are as follows:
- 300: 48cm x 23cm with 100 x 3watt LEDs
- 450: 48cm x 30cm with 150x 3watt LEDs
- 600: 91cm x 23cm with 200 x 3watt LEDs
- 900: 91cm x 30cm with 300x 3watt LEDs
The 2 smaller panels are for localized treatment, such as a wound, or red light therapy for face wrinkles and acne. The 600 and 900 are for full body treatment. There are the same length, but the 900 is wider with a bigger treatment area.
Platinum LED Biomax Multi-Light Setups
There is always the option of buying more than one panel, for added benefits. Biomax has anticipated this need by selling the panels in pairs that they think would go well together. The options are as follows:
- 300 + 600
- 600 + 600
- 2 x 300 + 600
- 2 x 600 + 600
- 450 + 900
- 900 + 900
- 2 x 450 + 900
- 2 x 900 + 900
The Original Bio Lights
Biomax has recently upgraded the entire system, including the light wavelengths. In the previous model, there were only 2 wavelengths which were the 660nm and the 850nm. In the new system you have access to 5, which are 630nm, 660nm, 810nm, 830nm, and 850nm. This allows you to treat a wider range of health conditions.
Biomax Mounting Systems
Platinum LED Biomax offers 4 different mounting systems, which allow you to hang or attach your panels to the door, table, wall, or floor. The options are as follows:
- BioMax Horizontal Stand – You can mount 1 or 2 panels.
- BioMax Tabletop Stand – You can mount the panel on the table or floor.
- Wall Mount Bracket – You can mount the panel on the wall.
- BioMax Mobile Rack Stand – This standing rack system can hold 3 panels.
Biomax Price List
- BIOMAX 300 – $569
- BIOMAX 450 – $649
- BIOMAX 600 – $899
- BIOMAX 900 – $1149
- BIOMAX Tabletop Stand – $99
- BIOMAX Mobile Rack Stand – $299
- BIOMAX Horizontal Stand – $299
- BIOMAX Wall Mount Bracket – $69
- BIOMAX 300 + 600 – $1368
- BIOMAX 600 + 600 – $1698
- 2x BIOMAX 300 + 600 – $2686
- 2x BIOMAX 600 + 600 – $3346
- BIOMAX 450 + 900 – $1698
- BIOMAX 900 + 900 – $2198
- 2x BIOMAX 450 + 900 – $3346
- 2x BIOMAX 900 + 900 – $4346
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How to Use Red Light Therapy at Home
A: Fortunately, red light therapy at home is very easy to use. If you’re going to mount, follow the instructions provided. Then plug the panel into the wall. A good model will have a screen where you can select the timing of your session, and sometimes other features like choosing the wavelength.
Then you lie on or position yourself next to the red light therapy bed and begin the session. Make sure the device has a strong LED power output, otherwise you will have to be right up next to it to get full benefits.
Q: Are there any red light therapy side effects?
A: Red light therapy is a safe technology and is not associated with any side effects. This is providing that you choose a brand with a safety certification and ideally is FDA approved. Devices with high levels of non-native electromagnetic fields (nnEMF) could lead to issues.
Q: Does red light therapy work?
A: There’s a large body of research in existence indicating the great benefits of the red light spectrum for a number of health issues, including hair loss, joint and muscle pain, mood, wounds, acne, and a number of other conditions.
A study in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society concluded that red light therapy was effective in treating pain in elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the knee [4]. The Indian Dermatology Online Journal discussed light-based therapies in acne treatment [5].
Q: Where do I buy red light therapy?
A: You can purchase red light therapy products all over the place. They are for sale from many online retailers, and also in shops like Walmart. The prices do vary depending on the brand, size, and features.
Q: Is there anyone who should not use red light therapy?
A: This technology is safe for the vast majority of people, but there may be conditions such as a tumor which preclude using it. Prior to starting treatments, double-check with your doctor to make sure it’s suitable for you.
Q: How are red light therapy and infrared therapy different?
A: Red light therapy tends to span from 620 to 900 or 1000 nm. Infrared light therapy is always above 900nm. In addition, while red lights are visible, you can’t see infrared light. Otherwise, they are the same, and most of the infrared light benefits are the same.
Q: Should I wear clothing during the red light therapy treatments?
A: No, you should not. Certain clothing will block the light, making your sessions fairly useless. It’s best to carry out the treatment bare for better red light therapy results.
Q: What do the red light therapy reviews say?
A: The red light therapy reviews differ depending on the brand and model, but generally speaking most users loved this technology and found it helpful in treating a number of health issues. The Platinum LED Biomax reviews were outstanding, with many customers singing the praises of this optimal brand.
Q: How do I know what size to buy?
A: The size or sizes you select will depend very much on the issue you want to treat. A smaller size is good for specific targeted treatment, like red light therapy for wrinkles, acne, or wounds. A larger red light bed is for full-body treatment.
If you look at the measurements for the Platinum LED Biomax panels, this will give you a good idea of some of the options and their measurements.
Q: What does red light therapy do for the skin?
A: Red light therapy can increase the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, which tightens it and improves elasticity. This can eliminate wrinkles and fine lines for a smoother complexion, and it could help get rid of scarring.
It may also stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid, which is a deeply hydrating substance that can moisturize, eliminate dryness, and plump your complexion for less wrinkles and lines. Red light therapy slows the production of sebum in the skin, which can helps get rid of acne.
A study in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy found that a combination red and near infrared light therapy led to facial rejuvenation [6].
Q: How far away should I stand from my red light therapy device?
A: This depends on various factors, like what you are trying to treat and the dosage you want. It also depends on the LED power output of your device. With a weak power output, you have to stand right up next to the panel. If the output is stronger, you can stand at a bit of a distance.
Q: Does red light therapy disrupt your sleep?
A: Red light therapy does stimulate the release of melatonin, which could improve the quality of your sleep. However, there’s some evidence that if you do it too close to bedtime, it could cause some disruption. The ideal time to do your sessions are in the morning or afternoon.
Q: Who are the best candidates for red light therapy?
A: In fact, red light therapy is suitable for any adult, even if they don’t suffer from health issues. It supports general wellness and promotes a strong immune system. In addition, it’s ideal for people suffering from specific health problems like joint and muscle pain, skin damage, or mood swings, along with many others.
Q: Can I use red light therapy for animals or plants?
A: There is evidence that red light therapy can effectively help plants to grow. Researchers have tested red light therapy on animals for decades with very positive health results.
At this point, there is no conclusion about the correct dosage, wavelength, and protocol, so do not go ahead and use the technology on your pets. However in future, you may be able to use it to enhance their health.
Q: How does red light therapy heal the joints and muscles?
A: Red light therapy elevates the amount of ATP, which helps power cellular energy all over the body. This decreases inflammation, which can affect the muscles and joints.
This treatment is also known to decrease pain, and it can repair damaged joints and muscle tissue. Red light therapy also promotes improved bodily circulation, also leading to repair of damaged tissue.
A study in Laser Therapy discovered that low-level laser therapy is effective in treating chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis [7].
Q: Can I use red light therapy after surgery?
A: When you feel up to it, you can use red light therapy after surgery as an effective way of speeding up the healing process. It can decrease levels of pain, and it can quicken the healing of wounds. In addition, it has a significant impact on lowering inflammation.
Q: How long does red light therapy take to show benefits?
A: This really depends on the issue you want benefits for, and the frequency of your treatment sessions. Something like a small wound may only take a few treatments, but a condition like arthritis will take longer to heal. This could be a few weeks, or more depending on the individual. Significant hair growth takes about 6 months using red LED light therapy.
Conclusion
Red light therapy is a technique for healing, and it does so by sending photons into the body. This activates the release of ATP, which boosts cellular energy. The result is numerous health benefits, including healing wounds, boosting mood, repairing muscle and joint tissue, decreasing pain and inflammation, growing hair, eliminating signs of age on the skin, clearing up acne, and many others.
This technology is suitable for any adult, whether they have a specific issue or just want to boost their health and immunity. The devices are very easy to use, and the treatment sessions are usually only 20-30 minutes several times a week.
Generally speaking these products are very safe and have no real side effects associated with them, although you do have to pick a model with a safety certification.
We have evaluated many red light therapy brands on the market, and we determined that Platinum LED Biomax is the best system which offers great features. It’s FDA approved as a class II medical device, ETL/UL certified for electrical safety assurance, and has zero nnEMF.
Besides it’s safety, it offers 4 different sized-models and 5 wavelengths, meaning it can treat a range of issues. The Platinum LED Biomax reviews indicated that users loved the red light therapy before and after and found the technology helpful in treating a number of issues.
You really can’t go wrong with the purchase of a red light therapy device, as it offers so many health benefits that it will pay for itself in spades. If we have one health recommendation to offer, it’s to invest in this technology and greatly improve your quality of life.
Where to Buy Red Light Therapy?
You can BUY it directly from the Official Website
Up NEXT – Novaalab Review and DermaWand
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