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What is red light therapy? -

Red light therapy (RLT) uses low levels of red light to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, redness, and acne. 

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What is red light therapy? -

There is a lot of ongoing research about red light therapy's effectiveness. While the results of some studies show promise, the treatment's full effectiveness is yet to be determined.

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Other names for red light therapy -

You may hear red light therapy described as low-level laser light therapy, low-power laser therapy, soft laser therapy, and photobiomodulation and phototherapy.

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Increased interest in red light therapy -

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) experimented with red light therapy for plant growth in space and to help heal astronauts' wounds. 

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Increased interest in red light therapy -

Red light therapy is sometimes used with photosensitizing medications to help treat certain cancers. This is referred to as photodynamic therapy. 

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How does red light therapy work? -

In red light therapy, cells absorb light wavelengths and are stimulated to work. 

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How does red light therapy work? -

Red light therapy is thought to stimulate collagen production, which gives the skin its strength, structure, and elasticity.

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How does red light therapy work? -

Red light therapy is believed to increase fibroblast production, which makes collagen. 

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How does red light therapy work? -

Red light therapy can increase blood circulation to the tissue which helps improve recovery and healing.

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How does red light therapy work? -

Red light therapy may be useful for relieving some types of pain, particularly if the pain is due to inflammation.

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What conditions can red light therapy treat? -

Red light therapy is said to be a treatment for some common skin conditions, including reducing age spots, stretch marks, and fine lines. It may also help improve hair growth in people with androgenic alopecia and improve acne, rosacea, and scarring.

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Is red light therapy effective? -

Red light therapy is still an emerging treatment with studies showing potential for certain conditions. 

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Is red light therapy effective? -

Many of the published studies using red light therapy only included a small number of people and were conducted on animals instead of humans. 

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Is red light therapy safe? -

According to experts, red light therapy appears to be safe and isn't associated with any side effects, if used as directed. 

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Is red light therapy safe? -

The type of light used by RLT isn't thought to cause cancer, unlike ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning beds. 

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Is red light therapy safe? -

If products are misused, either being used too often or not according to directions, there's a chance the skin or eyes could become damaged. 

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Is red light therapy safe? -

One clinical trial found that red LED lights used in RLT can cause blistering and redness on the skin when used at high levels. 

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Is red light therapy safe? -

Speak to a dermatologist before you start red light therapy, as they will be able to identify any skin concerns, discuss the merits of RLT, and suggest other treatment options.

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At-home devices -

While at-home red light therapy products are generally safe to use, they may be less powerful than devices used by dermatologists. 

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At-home devices -

If you do purchase a red light therapy device, be sure to shield your eyes for protection.

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Be cautious of where you receive red light therapy -

You may see RLT devices at beauty salons, tanning salons, gyms, and wellness centers, but it's best to visit a dermatologist's office or use an FDA-approved home device.

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What other medical conditions can red light therapy help with? -

Red light therapy may help to relieve pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle tendonitis, and osteoarthritis of the knee.

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What other medical conditions can red light therapy help with? -

Red light therapy may also help to reduce chemotherapy side effects, including oral mucositis. 

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What other medical conditions can red light therapy help with? -

Red light therapy could help to prevent cold sores from recurring. 

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Red light therapy and cancer -

Some studies suggest RLT may help reduce cancer treatment side effects, while other research reviews have found that RLT may increase cancer cell aggression and tumor recurrences.

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Is red light therapy covered by health insurance? -

Red light therapy isn't typically covered by health insurance. RLT can be costly; a single session can range from US$25 to US$85. 

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Will I achieve my desired results? -

Results can vary depending on your skin type and the wavelength of a red light source. The wavelength of the red light device in a doctor's office compared to an at-home device could affect desired results.

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How many treatments? -

Results from red light therapy are only apparent after ongoing treatment. You'll most likely need to be seen a couple of times a week for weeks or months. 

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The future of red light therapy -

RLT is still an emerging therapy but holds a lot of promise. If you're interested in red light therapy, speak to a healthcare provider first. While you can use at-home devices, it may be more effective at a doctor's office where the lights are more powerful.
Sources: (Cleveland Clinic) (Healthline)
See also: Skincare gadgets: do they really work?

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