Red Light: Ways it Can Help
For years science has shown the effectiveness of red light therapy with pain relief, as well as treating chronic skin conditions, scars, and skin damage from aging, and accelerating muscle recovery after injuries. At Sol Vibrant we have seen, firsthand, the incredible benefits that red light therapy has had on those who have walked through our doors. If you’re starting to look into red light therapy to see if it could benefit you, here are five compelling things to consider:
Turn Back Time
The Fountain of Youth has long been a legend – a mystical source to stop the aging process. But red light is not fiction. It has been scientifically shown to be one of the most effective anti-aging therapies available. Forget creams or shots; red light affects the mitochondria in your cells and promotes collagen production. Here are some of the anti-aging results you can experience with red light therapy:
Smooths the skin
Wrinkle reduction
Moisturizes the skin
Prevents hair loss & stimulates regrowth
Aids the healing process of skin blemishes
Repairs sun damage
Reduces redness, flushing, and broken capillaries
It helps fade scars and stretch marks
Creates a healthy overall glow
Emulsify Fat
Studies, such as the 2011 study published in Obesity Surgery, show that exposure to red light therapy causes the adipocytes to release triglycerides, resulting in reduced volume and a measurable loss of fat. Participants in this 4-week study experienced a 2.15 cm loss in waist girth. Red light therapy can help you melt stubborn fat, and we have first-hand proof. Read this amazing testimonial by one of our customers. And if you need even more encouragement, check out these other testimonials from satisfied customers!
Relief of Inflammation & Pain
Inflammation can be caused by virtually anything that puts the body under stress. Physical causes of inflammation would be injuries, bruises, or burns. Inflammation can also occur due to biological factors like infection from germs and stress. Research suggests that red and near-infrared light are highly effective in treating chronic inflammation by suppressing and dramatically reducing inflammation throughout the body. Red light therapy treatments help supply the mitochondria in your cells with the light needed to make the ATP energy that powers your body. Red light helps decrease inflammation where mitochondria are present in the tissue, joints, and other body organs. Red light therapy allows a person to supplement the sunlight they get from their environment with concentrated wavelengths of red and NIR light.
Muscle Recovery
After a challenging workout, your body battles to repair and rebuild torn muscle fibers. But did you know that specific wavelengths of light can play a role in quickening this process?
Professional athletes and certified trainers have begun to make red light therapy an integral component of their workouts. Red light has proven to produce measurable gains in strength training and can reduce recovery times by enhancing mitochondrial function. There’s an abundance of evidence-based research showing that relief from pain, faster recovery times, and reduced arthritis symptoms are just a few more RLT benefits.
Energy Boosting
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cells and are responsible for energy production in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). As we get older, these powerhouses lose energy. The continued use of red light actually strengthens the mitochondria. Increasing the energy levels helps the body to repair, heal, rejuvenate and function at an optimal level. The result is more energy in your day-to-day activities.
Red Light Therapy Takes on Inflammation
Inflammatory conditions, including arthritis and joint diseases, take their toll on millions of people each year. There is no getting around it – the byproduct of inflammation is pain and reduced mobility.
One thing to know – not all inflammation is bad. Acute inflammation is evidence that your body is trying to protect you. You twist an ankle, get a splinter, and your immune system is triggered. The body does its thing and releases white blood cells to the distressed area. When all goes as it is supposed to, the body eventually heals, and the swelling and inflammation decrease.
But chronic inflammation is different. This is when white blood cells attack healthy tissues and organs, and chronic inflammation can persist for months, even years.
People experiencing this type of inflammation would do anything to be relieved of this pain and discomfort. Luckily, there is red light therapy. RLT has been shown to alleviate chronic inflammation by increasing blood flow to damaged tissues.
The wavelengths of light from RLT stimulate the cell’s energy production and reduce oxidative stress, allowing the body to speed up the healing process. Research suggests that red and near-infrared light can successfully treat chronic inflammation by suppressing and dramatically reducing inflammation throughout the body in many people.
If you have back pain, neck pain, sciatica, or are suffering from a sports-related injury; red light may help reduce inflammation and discomfort and restore a healthy range of motion.
Sol Vibrant always recommends consulting your physician before receiving services.
Red Light Therapy: Shining a Light on Healthier Skin
With an area of about 20 square feet, the skin is the largest and heaviest organ in the body. It protects you against bacteria, viruses, and the sun’s harmful rays. Although it’s pretty tough, the skin is also fragile and prone to damage. Premature aging, acne, Psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, vitiligo, scleroderma, and slow-healing wounds are some of the skin conditions that may affect you during your lifetime. Your skin is not only vitally important to your health, but it is also a contributing factor to your self-esteem. Anyone who’s had skin issues knows this. Sol Vibrant cares about your overall health – including that of your skin. If you want to take better care of your skin, don’t look for a topical solution. Instead, boost it from the inside with red light therapy.
Acne
Pharmacy and store aisles are crowded with countless oral and topical treatments designed to address acne symptoms. However, many of the 50 million people with acne are dissatisfied with the results and side effects of those treatments.
There is another option. Studies show that red and near-infrared light is effective for treating acne. Unlike creams, red light therapy goes below the surface of the skin to work on a cellular level, repairing tissue. Red light affects the production of a substance called sebum, which contributes to the production of acne. It also controls cytokines, which are proteins produced by the cells that are responsible for skin inflammation and redness associated with bad acne. scarring is one of the most damaging side effects of acne. Among its many benefits, RLT has been shown to reduce and in some cases, eliminate scarring.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis, an immune system problem, is a condition in which skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches. People with Psoriasis often find rough areas of painful irritation and silvery scales called plaques on various parts of their bodies. Things that can trigger Psoriasis include infections, stress, and colds.
While there isn’t a cure for Psoriasis yet, red light therapy is one solution that is becoming more popular. A 2011 study in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Trusted Source examined the effects of RLT versus blue light therapy for individuals with Psoriasis. Participants had high-dose treatments three times per week for four consecutive weeks while applying a 10 percent salicylic acid solution to plaques. What were the results? Both the red and blue light therapies were effective in treating Psoriasis, and the difference between the two wasn’t significant for scaling and hardening of the skin. Of course, before trying any new treatments, it’s best to consult with your physician first.
Other Skin Conditions
In addition to these skin issues, red light therapy can also help to treat:
Scarring
Inflammation
Redness
Cold Sores
SolVibrant is a champion for healthier skin.
From wrinkles to acne to healing injuries and scars, red light therapy is a safe, effective, natural option for many skin issues. Sol Vibrant red light therapy has the unique ability to boost collagen production and work at a cellular level. See for yourself what red light therapy can do for you!
Meet Lightwave
It all begins with an idea.
Why Lightwave: LIGHTWAVE’s patented Red, Infrared, & Blue Light therapy can dramatically revitalize your skin without any downtime or discomfort. Our innovative aesthetic treatments help counteract years of sun damage, environmental damage, aging, acne, and acne scarring. LIGHTWAVE provides noticeable results, often in a couple of treatments, without the high cost and downtime of other more expensive treatment options.
What to Expect: LIGHTWAVE is safe, simple, and easy. The amount of time you spend at your skin care specialist may vary based on your individual skin care needs. You can expect an individual LIGHTWAVE treatment to take up 30 minutes and allow for an additional 20 minutes for pre and post care. Its so simple and fast that many patients have treatments during a lunch break or on a quick stop on the way to or from work. However, the relaxing, euphoric effect usually lasts throughout the day.
After the Treatment: Each individual responds differently; some notice changes much more quickly than others. The following principles are generalities; specific results will vary from client to client based on the client’s needs and lifestyle. The following protocols have been designed to address the most common requested treatments. Our treatments range between 8-30 minutes in duration.Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Lightwave Treatment Protocals
It all begins with an idea.
Anti Aging (LW1)
LIGHTWAVE proprietary LED light Therapy session (Red and/or IR Light) designed to re-hydrate the face, and increase collagen and elastin formation resulting in a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. It aids in decreasing flaccidity, lifting sagging tissues, and restoring skin tone and texture resulting in an overall improvement erasing years from the face. Ten treatments are recommended. Maintenance once a month or as needed can prolong the youthful appearance.
Pigmentation (LW2)
LIGHTWAVE proprietary LED light Therapy session (Red and/or IR Light) intended to improve discoloration caused by sun damage, chemical build-up, and chemical reactions from chemical peels, and excessive use of skin damaging products. This process normalizes the melanin within the skin. The amount of treatments needed vary depending on the amount of damage to the skin, the thickness of the skin, and the age of the client. Severe conditions such as Melasma may be best treated with a combination therapy of topical ointments such as hydroquinone, and/or IPL, and/or laser followed by LIGHTWAVE Therapy.
Scars (LW3)
LIGHTWAVE proprietary LED light Therapy session (Red and/or IR Light) uses powerful Infrared and red light to stimulate the reduction of fibrotic tissue and the replacement of normal tissue. Clients usually notice softening of scar tissue. They also notice flattening and widening of the scar. This is a normal sequence in scar reduction. With several more sessions the flat, wide scar will become thinner and remain flat. Some scars may appear to be resistant to this program (hypertrophic and/or keloid). If this is the case, a customized LIGHTWAVE treatment protocol and/or additional treatment options may need to be considered.
Preventative Care (LW4)
LIGHTWAVE proprietary LED light Therapy session (Red and/or IR Light) is designed to increase blood circulation and bring more nutrients to the skin’s surface which helps to keep the skin from breaking down. It also helps to normalize dry or oily skin, achieving an overall improvement in skin tone and texture.
Flaccid Skin (LW5)
LIGHTWAVE proprietary LED light Therapy session (Red and/or IR Light) that focuses on skin retraction by increasing circulation and bringing nutrition to damaged tissue. This program is particularly effective over the abdomen, neck, and upper chest. Treatments should be applied twice per week and may require between 10 – 15 treatments.
Discomfort/Pain (LW6)
LIGHTWAVE proprietary LED light Therapy session (Red and/or IR Light) specifically designed to address inflammation associated with trauma and/or an allergic reaction that causes discomfort with a focus on clients who experience persistent problems such as joint and muscle discomfort. It is also used within 72 hours of any traumatic event including post-surgical interventions to reduce scarring and encourage normal tissue formation.
Red/Infrared
This program is designed to allow the user to provide a protocol specific for a treatment condition that has not been
addressed by one of the other pre-set protocols and has been shown to benefit from intense red and infrared light. It
utilizes 15 minutes of continuous narrowband red light followed by 15 minutes of continuous narrowband IR light.
Infrared
Infrared (IR) light (wavelength 800nm – 900nm) energy penetrates tissue at a greater depth than the blue and red light. Approximately 50% penetrates to 8cm and decreases to less than 1% at 20cm (NASA study). Infrared energy is known to heat tissue and its effects are well documented for therapeutic pain management. For cosmetic applications, IR stimulates the NaK+ pump which increases cell membrane permeability; facilitating equilibrium of cellular pH, while increasing nutritional absorption and elimination of waste byproducts.
Red Only
Red light (wavelength 625nm-660nm) penetrates human tissue superficially, with approximately 80% of the energy being absorbed in the first 2cm. Red light energy has a significant effect on mitochondrial stimulation, which increases the production of ATP and in turn boosts fibroblast activity. This leads to an increase in cellular turnover, superficial circulation, and an anti-inflammatory emission.
Blue/Red Mild to Moderate Acne (LW10)
LIGHTWAVE proprietary LED light Therapy session (Red and Blue Light) designed to repair damaged skin and significantly reduce the P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for causing inflammatory acne vulgaris. 15 minutes of Blue light first enters the sebaceous glands and singlet oxygen is created. Singlet oxygen then in turn kills the bacteria. Next, the client is exposed to 15 minutes of red light. This acne treatment aids in the healing process of the skin and prevents infection and scarring from occurring.
Blue Only
Blue light (wavelength 405nm-450nm) provides a very superficial penetration even with a high- intensity narrowband light source. It is primarily absorbed by the epidermis of the skin. Once it is absorbed, blue light targets P. acnes by stimulating porphyrins which then produce intracellular singlet oxygen and thus inducing bacterial death.
Harnessing the Power of Red Light: A Bright Future for Health and Beauty
It all begins with an idea.
In the quest for innovative and non-invasive solutions to a myriad of health and aesthetic concerns, red light therapy (RLT) has emerged as a promising treatment option. This photomedicine, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), has gained substantial attention from researchers, universities, hospitals, and at-home device manufacturers, making it increasingly accessible to the masses. In this blog, we will explore the history, mechanisms, and potential benefits of red light therapy, shedding light on its multifaceted applications.
A Glimpse into the History of Red Light Therapy
The concept of light therapy has been around for over half a century. It was first discovered in the 1960s by Hungarian physician Endre Mester. In a groundbreaking experiment, Mester used red lasers on rats, which unexpectedly resulted in hair regrowth and accelerated wound healing. These initial findings laid the foundation for the development of red light therapy.
How Red Light Therapy Works
Photobiomodulation operates by harnessing specific wavelengths of light, falling within the range of 400 nanometers (nm) to 1,200 nm, encompassing both visible and near-infrared light. The visible spectrum, between 620 and 750 nm, includes blue, green, and red light, all of which have been effectively used in PBM treatments. Near-infrared light, on the other hand, extends up to 1,200 nm and is used in infrared saunas. Although it may appear red, near-infrared light is not visible but works by heating the body from within to induce physiological changes.
Red light therapy, in particular, has gained immense popularity for its accessibility. It operates on the principle that when photons (particles of light) are applied to the skin, they penetrate tissues and activate chromophores, triggering changes in cells. Additionally, red light therapy influences mitochondria, the cellular powerhouse, to generate ATP (energy) for enhanced healing processes.
Promising Uses of Red Light Therapy
Enhancing a Youthful Look in Skin
Acne treatment
Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
Hair growth stimulation
Alleviation of redness
Red light therapy’s anti-inflammatory properties make it effective in addressing issues like redness, acne, and hair growth. It complements topical or oral treatments for these conditions by reducing inflammation. In the case of fine lines and wrinkles, the therapy targets enzymes linked to collagen breakdown and promotes collagen production, leading to a more youthful appearance.
Assisting Sports Injury Rehabilitation
Improving skeletal muscle performance
Reducing pain
Enhancing recovery from injuries
For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, being sidelined due to injuries can be challenging. Red light therapy offers a non-invasive means to improve muscle performance, alleviate pain, and accelerate the recovery process, helping individuals get back on their feet faster.
Facilitating Wound Healing
Promoting tissue healing and regeneration
Red light therapy’s anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to enhance the body’s ability to heal various wounds, from mouth ulcers to open sores on the foot. Research indicates that PBM can activate potent growth factors that support tissue healing and regeneration, aiding in faster recovery.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is a non-invasive and painless procedure for most individuals. During a session, a handheld device may be applied to the site of injury or pain. If you opt for a full-body bed or pod that utilizes both red and near-infrared light, you may experience a gentle warmth from the near-infrared bulbs. Most importantly, you should not anticipate any significant side effects from the treatment, making it a safe and accessible option for many.
Conclusion
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, represents a fascinating frontier in the fields of health and beauty. With its roots dating back to the 1960s and its ability to address a wide range of concerns, from skin issues to sports injuries and wound healing, red light therapy is shining a new light on our approach to wellness and aesthetics. As this technology continues to develop, it offers a promising path towards improved health and a more youthful, vibrant appearance for those who embrace its therapeutic potential.
Red Light Therapy: Benefits for Athletes
It all begins with an idea.
Elite athletes spend every waking hour and even their sleeping hours trying to improve their bodies – which, in theory, will improve their overall performance. Accelerating muscle recovery, optimizing strength and endurance, and improving mental sharpness are all goals for athletes, their coaches, and trainers.
One of the most notable solutions to come onto the athletic training scene is red light therapy. Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a natural and pro-metabolic process that helps the body create more energy and eliminate oxidative stress. Red light penetrates muscle tissues, joints, and nerves at a cellular level.
Studies have shown that RLT enhances muscle growth and strength, lowers lactic acid levels, and minimizes muscle damage. Red light increases cellular metabolic function while reversing and preventing oxidative stress at a cellular level. The result has been increased energy levels, faster muscular recovery, and optimized strength and endurance training.
The key to upping athletes’ performance is increasing their strength. More and more athletes are using red light therapy before training to enhance muscle strength. Red light therapy increases energy production and cell strength. Athletes have also found that with RLT, they increase their muscle mass during strength training.
Endurance is another critical aspect of athletic performance. For athletes, photobiomodulation is most helpful before and after training sessions. Undergoing red light therapy before and after endurance training can improve oxygen intake, elevate energy production and reduce fatigue.
By promoting cellular regeneration and reducing inflammation in muscles, tendons, and joints, red light therapy helps speed up recovery after workouts. Better recovery periods help athletes reach their optimal performance levels in less time.
Whether you are a pro athlete or a weekend warrior, Sol Vibrant can help increase your performance and decrease your recovery time. We offer a unique system that can configure your body and allow for comfortable relaxation while it rejuvenates muscles, reduces inflammation, and produces a renewed feeling. Experience the Sol Vibrant difference.