It is often said that red light therapy (RLT) is the healing wavelengths!

RLT illuminates the body with the same wavelengths as the sun, and has the same health effects as the sun without the harmful UV light. How good does that sound? Let's tell you more.

RLT works by activating photoreceptors in the body's cells and this leads to a series of positive health effects

Red light therapy provides an optimal amount of light of the right wavelength and, unlike sunlight, it does not damage the skin as red light therapy does not provide UV light. In the best case, the sun can produce the same effect as weak panels, but as a rule, the panels are much stronger, which also saves time. This is how much energy is absorbed by the skin: Light intensity in different contexts:

The difference is the wavelengths which are 620-750 nm for red light 750-850 nm for near infrared light (NIR). We can also see red light, while infrared light cannot be perceived by the eyes. The red light does not penetrate as deeply into your tissues, while the NIR penetrates deeper and can actually reach central parts of the brain as well as internal organs.

Red light therapy is a form of photobiomodulation and usually does not generate heat. However, the longer wavelengths, such as NIR, can produce some heat if the power is high enough. This may cause you to experience some heat generation during the treatment.

Red light therapy can stimulate collagen production while increasing blood circulation, which can improve skin quality and function. Red light therapy also seems to have positive effects on wound healing, stretch marks and scar healing. At the same time, possible inflammations are reduced, which takes the edge off inflammatory skin conditions.

Red light therapy can facilitate wound healing and shorten recovery time for people who have undergone surgery. It seems that a combination of local treatment on that wound, and a systemic treatment of the whole body is the best.

Many users feel that red light therapy can increase energy levels and contribute to alertness. A common description of the experience is that you "start the day" with a session of light therapy, but as a rule, a treatment can give an increased experience of energy whenever it is given.

No, then UV light, which is found in sunlight, is required. However, much research suggests that vitamin D is primarily a marker of sunlight exposure and that a large portion of the health effects associated with the vitamin are actually due to the red and near-infrared light found in red light therapy.

Red light therapy is a very exciting and effective technology for those of you who work out at the gym. The results are so tangible and measurable with heavier weights and better body composition. Red light therapy works on several levels and, above all, recovery is faster. You can therefore expect increased strength and performance faster than if you did not use the lamp. Furthermore, muscle growth increases and body fat decreases, so you should also be able to see effects in the mirror quite soon. Any injuries also heal faster, so you get back in the game sooner. It's a good idea to use the light just like anyone else, but many people like to run a session right after training, which is also reasonable in theory.

Scientific studies suggest that red light therapy can improve recovery after physical exertion. Use red light therapy after your workout for best effect, but any time during the day is fine too. In particular, healing from injuries and pain needs NIR (near infrared light) as it is pain-relieving in itself, and it is probably better to split the treatment into a couple of shorter sessions especially in case of pain.

Red light therapy (RLT) contributes to increased muscle mass as it stimulates a shift in the body between two types of macrophages (M1 becomes M2 to a greater extent) while at the same time increasing performance and the ability to recover. The latter provides more effective training sessions and faster muscle building and thus greater muscle mass.

A red light therapy session should last between 10 and 20 minutes. The exact time depends on the effect and coverage area of ​​the product, as well as the specific treatment goal. High-performance devices with wider coverage may require shorter sessions, while smaller devices or treatment of specific problem areas may need longer. Adjust the treatment time according to your needs and the product's specifications for the best results.

If you have something you want to treat, such as pain or skin problems, the effect of red light therapy is usually quite obvious. In order to really measure the results of the light therapy, you can take pictures of the skin problems at least once a week during the treatment period, and then compare the different occasions. Pain can also be measured by estimating how severe it is from 1-10, where 10 is the worst and 1 is no pain. Make notes before and after each treatment session so that you get black and white. Memory often fails when it comes to pain sensations in particular. If you use the red light panel for performance enhancement, it is also interesting to keep a record of the results, but of course it can be difficult to distinguish the effect from the lights and other factors that influence, such as diet, rest and training intensity. Otherwise, most people who use the lamp tend to feel a sense of well-being that is obvious, but difficult to put measurement values ​​on.

The optimal distance from the red light therapy lamp is approximately 10-15 centimeters. The further away you sit, the lower the effect. The lamp's effect is greatest where the light directly hits the body. If you sit further away, you cover a wider area but with a lower intensity. If you sit closer, you treat a smaller area but with greater effect. Therefore, adjust the size and distance of the lamp according to your specific treatment needs for best results.

Red light therapy can be used at any time of the day. Discriminating against blue light, red light therapy does not make you alert and can therefore be used with advantage in the evening. It seems to help with sleep problems and some people successfully divide the use of the lamp into one treatment in the morning "to get started" and one in the evening to increase melatonin and fall asleep more easily.