Is red light therapy safe?
Red light theraphy alsocalled low-level LED/laser therapy or photobiomodulation, has been gaining more and more attention in recent years. It is advertised as a tool that can help restore skin, reduce inflammation, speed up wound healing and even reduce pain. This therapy is being used by aesthetic medicine clinics and people at home, but it is important to answer the question of whether it is safe.
In this article, we will review what scientific research says about the safety of red light therapy, what the potential risks are, and how to use it responsibly.
What shows that red light therapy is safe?
1. Short-term side effects are minimal
Most clinical studies show that short-term side effects are rare and mild. The most common are temporary redness of the skin, a feeling of warmth, or mild itching. These results are supported by Cleveland Clinic, American Academy of Dermatology and WebMD.
2. Non-toxic and non-invasive
Unlike ultraviolet light, red light does not use UV rays, which increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, this therapy is considered a safer alternative for improving skin conditions (WebMD).
3. Scientific evidence of benefits
Clinical and laboratory studies have shown that red light can stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and accelerate wound healing (PMC, Stanford Medicine).
4. Research with children
A study published in 2023 showed that repeated red light therapy in children for up to 12 months was safe and improved certain retinal parameters (ScienceDirect).
Potential dangers and what is important to know
1. Limited information on long-term effects
There is little data on the long-term use of red light therapy at home. Researchers agree that more observation is needed (Cleveland Clinic, Stanford Medicine).
2. Improper or excessive use
Excessive or excessive use may cause skin irritation, a feeling of warmth or discomfort (WebMD, Brown Health).
3. Sensitive skin reactions
People taking photodynamic drugs or having photosensitive diseases may be at increased risk (American Academy of Dermatology).
4. Eye protection
Red light devices can emit light close to the eyes, so the use of safety glasses is recommended (Brown Health).
5. Changes in skin pigmentation
Some people, especially those with darker skin tones, may be at increased risk of pigmentary changes (e.g. melasma) (American Academy of Dermatology).
6. Clinical contraindications
Red light therapy is not recommended for use in the presence of active cancer, unclear skin lesions, or when taking medications that increase photosensitivity (Lumi Visage).
How to use red light therapy safely?
- Use a professionally certified or tested device (American Academy of Dermatology);
- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding distance from the skin, duration and frequency of sessions;
- Before starting, it is recommended to test on a small area of skin and observe the reaction for 24 hours;
- It is advisable to protect your eyes - use safety glasses;
- Pregnant women, those with skin conditions, those using photodynamic therapy, or oncology patients should consult a doctor.
Conclusion
Research shows that red light therapy is relatively safe, if used responsibly. Short-term side effects are generally minimal, and there is little evidence of long-term adverse effects.
However, this therapy is not a miracle cure – it has its limits. In order to safely benefit from the potential benefits, it is necessary to choose quality devices, follow the instructions for use, and consult a specialist if you have any health problems.
For more practical advice on light therapy and certified light therapy devices, see stokas.lt.
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