Red Light Therapy- Photo biomodulation

NASA originally began experimenting with red light therapy on plant growth in space and then to help heal wounds in astronauts. Like many developments, other potential uses began to be investigated.

In this therapy, low-power red laser light is used to activate a photosensitizer drug. The interaction creates a chemical reaction that destroys cells. It’s used to treat some skin conditions, including skin cancer, psoriasis, acne ,warts and other types of cancer.

Red light therapy is thought to work by acting on the “power plant” in your body’s cells called mitochondria. With more energy, other cells can do their work more efficiently, doing things like repairing skin, boosting new cell growth and enhancing skin rejuvenation. More specifically, certain cells absorb light wavelengths and are stimulated to work.

RLT is commonly referred to as photo biomodulation. It was accidentally discovered by Endre Mester in 1967 at the Semmelweis Medical University in Budapest, Hungary. He noticed that laser light helped promote hair growth and wound healing in rats.

In the 1990s, light-emitting diode (LED) technology was used by scientists to help grow potatoes in space. The intense red LEDs helped promote photosynthesis. Supposedly, it also helped wounds on the scientists’ hands heal faster.

Red light was then studied for its potential medicinal application during space travel. Researchers hoped it would help treat the muscle atrophy, low wound healing, and bone density issues caused by weightlessness in space.

Other names you might hear to describe red light therapy include:

• Low-level laser light therapy.

• Low-power laser therapy.

• Non-thermal LED light.

• Soft laser therapy.

• Cold laser therapy.

• Bio stimulation, photonic stimulation.

• Photo biomodulation and phototherapy.

Red light therapy(630nm) may work in skin health to:

• Stimulate collagen production, which gives skin its structure, strength and elasticity.

• Increase fibroblast production, which makes collagen. Collagen is a component of connective tissue that builds skin.

• Increase blood circulation to the tissue.

• Reduce inflammation in cells.

The gold standard of studies to determine if a product is effective is a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. This means that a certain number of people with the same range of characteristics (age, weight, race, sex, etc.) get either the study treatment or a placebo for treatment of the same condition. Some studies also include a comparison to another commonly used treatment.

Results can then be compared between the emerging treatment versus no treatment or versus a “current standard” treatment. Many of the published studies using RLT included only a small number of people, didn’t include a placebo group, weren’t conducted in humans (animal studies) or were limited to cell tissue itself. Most researchers say results so far look promising, but that more quality studies with larger numbers of people are needed.

You’ll likely need ongoing treatments. This is not a one-time treatment for most skin conditions. You’ll need to be seen one to three times a week for weeks or even months. Also, is there a need for additional touch-up treatments? This may add up to a lot of time and considerable out-of-pocket costs.

Everyone’s skin is different so results can vary. Also, the wavelength of the red light source ranges. The wavelength affects how deeply the light penetrates your skin. The wavelength of the red light device being used in a doctor’s office versus in your at-home device could affect your desired result.

Red light therapy can result in burns or blisters from using the device for longer than 30 minutes or due to damage to the device or its parts.

Before starting any treatment, it’s important to speak with a doctor first. You may need several treatments before noticing any difference in your body. And a doctor may be able to develop a treatment plan that works better for you.

References: Cleveland Clinic/Mayo/Healthline/WebMD