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Red Light Therapy: A Promising Skin Treatment

RLT may help reduce wrinkles, scars, and more. But what is it, and does it really work?

In this image we can see red color candles are burning.
In this image we can see red color candles are burning.

Red Light Therapy: A Promising Skin Treatment

Red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation, is gaining attention for its potential skin benefits. This non-invasive treatment uses low-level red and near-infrared light to stimulate cells and promote healing. Endre Mester discovered RLT in 1967, and since then, it has been studied under various names like low-level light therapy (LLLT) and cold laser therapy.

RLT works by exposing the skin to specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. This exposure may strengthen mitochondria in cells, increasing their energy production. LED lights are commonly used in RLT as they are nonablative and nonthermal, helping to smooth skin without harming the outer layer or producing heat.

RLT can reduce inflammation, repair muscle tissues, and promote healthy aging. It may help treat skin changes such as scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles, as well as skin conditions like psoriasis and acne. Some studies suggest that RLT may help promote wound healing, reduce cancer treatment side effects, improve hair growth, and relieve pain. However, more clinical research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Professionals like biomedical engineers and medical device developers play a crucial role in developing FDA-approved devices for RLT. They design, clinically validate, and ensure regulatory compliance of these LED-based therapeutic products.

RLT is typically safe and painless, but like any treatment, it carries potential risks. These include burns, lesions, and blistering, as well as potential eye damage if not used with proper protection. Despite these considerations, RLT offers promising benefits for skin health and is a subject of ongoing research.

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