Red light therapy is generally considered safe and there are very few cases of side effects. However, if the therapy is used too often, it can lead to skin sensitivity and even minor burns in some cases.
It is possible to accidentally overexpose your skin too much if you exceed the recommended amount of light therapy. In addition, excessive use of red light therapy could also lead to an imbalance in the natural melatonin cycle, which can disturb regular sleeping patterns.
In order to ensure the safest and most effective use of red light therapy, it is important to stick to the recommended guidelines and not use the therapy more than necessary.
Is it OK to do red light therapy everyday?
It depends largely on why you’re doing red light therapy. Generally, if you are treating a specific skin condition, your dermatologist or physician may recommend an individualized daily regimen of red light therapy.
But even then, it’s best to check in with your provider for personalized advice.
For general wellbeing, such as to help promote collagen production and reduce signs of aging, red light therapy is usually recommended 2-3 times per week with rest days in between, so the body can rest and recover.
Too much light therapy can actually exacerbate some problems such as skin irritation.
It is essential to use proper protection when doing red light therapy in order to minimize any potential damage. Always use quality goggles that filter both UV and infrared rays, and be sure to follow your provider’s instructions on timing and intensity.
Can you overdo red light therapy?
Yes, you can overdo red light therapy and should be aware that too much of the light therapy could cause potential unwanted side effects and risks. Depending on the machine and type of red light therapy you are using, it is possible to administer too much red light and potentially cause harm.
Red light therapy is typically safe for most people when it is used properly in moderation, however, overexposure to the light can possible lead to damage of sensitive tissues, eye problems, skin issues, and even burns.
To avoid overdosing, speak with your healthcare provider and follow their recommended dosage, as well as the instructions that come with the red light therapy machine. It is important to research any contraindications the red light therapy poses with other conditions, medications, and supplements to reduce the risk of any complications.
How long should you do red light therapy daily?
The duration of red light therapy will depend on your individual needs and the device used. However, most general red light therapy sessions last anywhere between 8-20 minutes.
It is recommended to start with shorter sessions (8-10 minutes) and work up to longer ones (15-20 minutes) if needed. You may also consider doing multiple shorter sessions throughout the day. For example, two 8-10 minute sessions in the morning and two 8-10 minute sessions in the evening may help to spread the benefits out evenly.
It is also important to make sure you are using the device correctly to ensure you get the most out of your sessions. For example, the correct distance from the device, the correct posture and correctly targeting the area you are trying to treat are all important factors.
It is always advised to consult with a health care provider prior to using red light therapy as it may not be appropriate for everyone and as with any medical treatment, there may be side effects. Additionally, checking the manufacturer’s instructions for the device being used is also important for safety and proper usage.
How long does it take to see results from red light therapy?
The results of red light therapy can be seen within a matter of weeks, depending on the individual. Generally, people report that they begin to notice a significant improvement in their skin after using red light therapy regularly for 3-4 weeks, especially when it comes to wrinkles and fine lines.
After 6‑8 weeks, those improvements become even more pronounced, and the effects of red light therapy can last for months.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that red light therapy will not work miracles overnight. To achieve the best results, it is recommended that you commit to regular treatments (2-3 times a week) for a minimum of 4 weeks.
Results vary from person to person, and it may take a few additional weeks beyond the average timeline to see desired results. Additionally, it is important to note that results may vary depending on the type of red light therapy device used.
Do you need to wear eye protection for red light therapy?
Yes, it is recommended that you wear eye protection when engaging in red light therapy. Red light is a powerful source of energy that can cause damage to the eyes over time. While short-term exposure to small doses of red light is safe, eye protection should still be worn to ensure the eyes are protected from any potential damage.
Eye protection for red light therapy usually comes in the form of protective glasses or goggles that filter out the wavelength of light used in the therapy. Wearing these will ensure that your eyes are not exposed to any potential harm that can come from longer exposure to the light.
What should I put on my face before red light therapy?
Before red light therapy, you should cleanse your face and apply any medical-grade pre-treatment products that are prescribed to you by your doctor or skincare professional. This could include topical creams, serums, or gels that can prepare the skin surface for improved penetration and absorption of red light therapy.
You may also want to apply a moisturizing or hydrating lotion to the surface of your skin if recommended to you. Additionally, you may use a face primer prior to application if you are experiencing any symptoms of redness, inflammation, or tightness.
Finally, be sure to cover the eyes with protective eyewear and apply a nutrient-rich SPF sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF protection to the skin to protect your skin from further damage by the sun’s UV rays.
Can red light therapy cause damage?
No, red light therapy is generally safe and non-invasive. It is often used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as signs of aging, pigmentation, or to help with wound healing. Red light therapy does not cause damage and does not require the use of any additional chemicals or thermal energy.
The light from the red light therapy is a specific type of light called low-level light therapy (LLLT). This is different from the higher energy levels of lasers and intense pulsed light, which can cause tissue damage or burns.
Low-level light therapy is different in that it uses low-intensity laser or light sources that emit a broad spectrum of wavelengths, generally in the range of 600 to 1000 nm. These wavelengths are specific to red light and are known to have no destructive effects on the skin.
Despite its safety, it is important to use red light therapy according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure safety and optimal results. Make sure to consult with a professional and follow the directions carefully.
Red light therapy is also non-toxic, so it is a popular option for those who would like to avoid the use of harsh topical treatments. Ultimately, with correct use, red light therapy is an effective and safe option for delivering enhanced skin health, healing, and restoration.
Can too much red light be harmful?
Yes, too much red light can be harmful. Red light can cause eyestrain, glare, and other vision problems, especially if the light is too bright. Too much exposure to red light can also be distracting and impair your ability to concentrate.
Red light is also linked to disrupted sleep and decreased melatonin production—the hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles. It is suggested that red light should be limited or avoided before bedtime.
Additionally, some studies suggest that too much exposure to red light may contribute to genetic damage and some types of cancer. It is important to reduce exposure to red light when it is not necessary.
Can infrared light damage eyes?
The short answer is yes, infrared light can damage your eyes. Extremely high levels of infrared light can cause injury to the cornea, or even temporary blindness, if the light is strong enough. The amount of infrared radiation produced by the sun is generally safe for healthy eyes.
However, certain laser sources and other devices that produce intense infrared radiation, such as arc lamps and halogen lamps, can cause serious injury to the eyes due to the very high heat and radiation levels that they produce.
In general, it is best to avoid being exposed to any intense and direct infrared radiation, even through the use of protective eyewear, as long-term damage can still occur. To be safe, it is best to avoid any direct and sustained exposure to such radiation sources.
What kind of light can cause permanent eye damage?
Exposure to any intense or prolonged source of light can cause permanent damage to the eyes. The most common cause of permanent eye damage is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is found in both natural sunlight and artificial light, such as tanning beds.
Overexposure to UV radiation can damage the cornea, lens, and other parts of the eye. It can also lead to the formation of cataracts, which cannot be reversed with surgery. In addition, extremely bright visible light can also cause permanent damage to the eyes, especially if the eyes are focused on a light source for an extended period of time.
This is why it is important to protect eyes when working with welding, lasers, or other intense light sources.
Why do I have blurry vision after LED light therapy?
Blurry vision after LED light therapy is usually a temporary side effect and should resolve itself within a few hours. It can be caused by the intense light of the LEDs which can cause your eyes to become a little overwhelmed.
Additionally, the light may cause your eyes to become dry, leading to greater blurriness in your vision. To reduce the effects of the blurry vision, you should wear sunglasses and practice good eye hygiene, including making sure to stay hydrated and taking frequent breaks from the light.
You can also use artificial tears to help lubricate and soothe your eyes if necessary. If the blurriness persists or becomes worse, contact your doctor for further advice.
What does red light do to your brain?
Red light can have a profound impact on your brain. When exposed to red light, your brain’s activity increases and your alertness, focus, and mental clarity increase as well. Studies have found that red light can improve mental performance, as red light affects the brain’s reward center, specifically the dopaminergic and noradrenergic pathways.
The increased alertness and attention can help to increase cognitive performance and reaction times.
Red light can also help to reduce fatigue and stress. People who are exposed to red light for longer periods of time tend to feel more alert and energized than those not exposed to red light. Red light stimulates the production of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.
High levels of cortisol can make you feel fatigued and rundown, whereas lower levels of it make you feel alert and energized.
Furthermore, red light can help you sleep better. It can help to regulate melatonin levels, a hormone responsible for controlling the body’s circadian rhythm. People who are exposed to red light in the evening have been found to have a better quality of sleep than those not exposed.
Red light is also known to help people who have insomnia or other sleep-related disorders.
Overall, red light can have a positive effect on your brain, improving mental performance, reducing fatigue, and aiding in better sleep.
Which color light is for sleeping?
Soft, amber, orange, or red light is the best for sleeping, as studies have shown that these colors reduce blue light exposure which can interfere with sleep. This is because blue light suppresses the production of melatonin, which is an important sleep hormone.
Soft amber or red light is recommended for reading before bed because it will not stimulate the brain as much as white or blue light. Additionally, if a person is sensitive to light, dimmer blues, greens and purples can be used.
In general it is recommended to avoid bright white light when trying to wind down before sleep.