I first tried red light therapy a little over a year ago. My mom was excited and showed me her device. I didn’t know much about what it was for back then, but the idea of red light therapy seemed interesting to me. Fast forward a little and I liked it so much that I bought my own red light therapy device. What is red light therapy, what is it used for and why do I love it? Let’s talk.
Red light therapy myth
First, red light therapy is a very broad topic and I want to do an overview here that will give you a basic introduction. I know my eyes glaze over when I read articles that venture too far into the weeds, so I’ll try not to do that here. 😉
Secondly, in case you are new here, I only share products here that I 100% believe in and actually use and love. Before purchasing my device, I did a lot of research and decided on a portable model from Mito Red Light, one of the leaders in the red light therapy space. I feel confident recommending them at this point after a year of using them 3 times a week. I have become such a big fan that I feel I can speak honestly about the effects of red light therapy.
Wellbeing has always been important to me and this year more than ever.
With that we go…
What is red light therapy and what is it for?
Well, let’s start with the basics. The big question is, “What is red and near-infrared (NIR) light therapy?” Red and near-infrared light are part of the electromagnetic spectrum and, more specifically, the spectrum of light emitted by the sun. But there are no dangerous UV rays in red light therapy and you don’t have to worry about sunburn or skin damage.
At the highest end of the visible light spectrum is red light, which ranges from just over 600 nm (nanometers) to about 700 nm. One level above the visible light spectrum is the near-infrared (NIR), from about 700 nm to just over 1100 nm.
The magic happens when we are exposed to red and near-infrared wavelengths. There is no shortage of studies carried out in both animals and humans that show the positive effects of red light therapy.
Red light increases energy production in your cells
The best-studied mechanism of action surrounding red and near-infrared light therapy is the increase in mitochondrial energy production in our cells. Mitochondria are the energy centers of all the cells in our body. Without going too far down the rabbit hole, just know that red and near-infrared light therapy helps the mitochondria increase output and produce even more energy.
Red and near-infrared (NIR) light therapy devices have been approved by the FDA (for safety) so far for various purposes, including reversing hair loss, anti-aging, acne, wound healing, pain relief, and much more. It’s an evolving modality worth paying attention to.
Here are some things red light therapy can help with:
- Promotes wound healing and tissue repair.
- Supports collagen production/anti-aging benefits for skin.
- Reduces swelling and inflammation and associated pain.
- Improves joint/arthritis health.
- Improves physical performance, muscle recovery and energy levels.
- Increases melatonin/improves sleep
Most red light devices (including Mito red light devices) have a combination of red light and near infrared light and allow you to use one, the other, or both, depending on what you are looking to target.
The benefits of red light: Red light between 600 and 700 nm offers benefits for skin texture and tone, smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, promotes collagen production, and generally rejuvenates the appearance of skin and hair. Check out this study for skin benefits.
The benefits of near infrared light: Near infrared light (NIR) 700 nm – 1100 nm. Penetrates deeper into tissues to help with wound healing, muscle recovery, nerve injuries, and joint pain.
What do I use my Mito red light therapy device for?
Ok, now that you have a basic understanding of red light therapy, let me tell you what I use my device for. I use it for about 10 minutes per session for muscle recovery after strength training, to decrease muscle soreness, for better sleep, and for skin and scalp health.
You have to use the device regularly to see the benefits, as it is not something you do once, but something you incorporate into your wellness routine. After a buildup period of about two weeks, I started to feel results. My body feels fresher when I exercise and my recovery periods after a tough strength training session are shorter.
My skin also looks even and fresh and I think it has helped me have healthier hair (I already told you all about the hard water problem in France). I also think it improves my sleep. I do all my sessions later in the day or at night before bed.
A friend of mine has a larger unit and uses it for her psoriasis, and the anti-inflammatory effect has been life-changing.
What does red light therapy feel like?
It feels like… nothing. You may feel a slight warm sensation, but it doesn’t get hot or uncomfortable at all. However, the lights are powerful, so definitely wear approved eye protection and never look directly into the lights. There will be a red glow for the red light wavelength and a much softer or almost invisible pink glow for the near infrared if you only use that functionality. Always keep your eyes closed when treating your face.
Red light therapy is easy to perform. I turn on my device, point it at the area I’m searching about 10 inches away, and that’s it. I let him do his job while I relax. Then I saved it until next time.
The brand of red light device I recommend.
I have the Mito Mobile Flex from Mito Red Light. It is small, weighing 1.5 pounds and measuring approximately 6 x 3 x 1 inches. It’s also easy to hold in your hand and has a 1-year warranty. The Mobile Flex comes in a case that makes it easy to transport, store and charge using a USB cable. Even with regular use, weeks can go by between charges. I think it is the best red light therapy device on the market.
My device includes a red light power and you can use it three ways: 1) All 12 LEDs as NIR or 2) All 12 LEDs as red or 3) Red/NIR split 50/50. It produces wavelengths of 660 nm (red) and 850 nm (NIR).
There are also larger red light therapy units that attach to the wall and even full-size panels, depending on what you use them for.
Why the Mito Red Light brand specifically? For me, it came down to Mito Red Light offering the most bang for my buck. The red light is concentrated and gets the job done in less time. They are also third party tested. You’ll get the most effective red light devices from Mito Red Light and you can read how they compare here. They truly make the best red light therapy devices on the market.
Pros and cons of red light therapy
As with everything, there will always be pros and cons and red light therapy is no exception.
Advantages of red light therapy:
- The benefits of well-being. I could list 10 more points under the wellness umbrella because yes, red light therapy does a lot, including reducing chronic inflammation, improving circulation and collagen production, and more. Doing red light therapy at home is a fantastic and easy addition to anyone’s wellness routine. For me, it reduces muscle soreness and fatigue, keeps my skin looking great, and helps me sleep better.
- Simple to do. Whether you are an athlete who wants to recover faster, someone with chronic joint pain, or for any other reason, red light therapy is non-invasive, painless, and easy to do at home.
- Fast. Most sessions last only about 10 minutes, meaning you can easily make time in your routine for red light therapy. It is not a long, drawn-out process and requires no setup or cleanup.
Cons of red light therapy:
- The cost. While red light therapy devices are not prohibitively expensive, they are also not $10 and not all red light therapy devices are created equal.
- Red light therapy may not be effective for you. Depending on what you are looking to treat, red light therapy may not improve anything in your life. You won’t know until you try.
- It is not a quick solution. Results take time. It is not a quick and immediate solution. If you tend to be forgetful or have trouble starting a new routine, you may find red light therapy a chore. You have to do it constantly to reap the rewards.
Final Thoughts on Red Light Therapy
Some people will say that red light therapy is bogus and has not been proven to actually cure anything. People also say the same thing about acupuncture, homeopathy, massage, chiropractic/osteopath care, and many other alternative medicine modalities. I was skeptical too. So I tried it.
I definitely don’t think everything works for every person or every endeavor. I personally hated acupuncture, but I have family members who swear by it. But if something works for you, who’s to say otherwise?
Life is short and if you find something that helps you look and feel better, then that’s great. I hope you end up loving red light therapy as much as I do.
Finally, I swear by my Mito Red Light device, to the point that I have affiliated with the brand and can offer you a discount if you want to check it out. To get a 5% discount, use my discount code OUIINFRANCE at checkout.
If this sounds interesting and intrigues you, you have nothing to lose. The red light Myth has a 60 day return policy So if you don’t notice any of the positive effects, they offer a full refund, no questions asked and no restocking fee. They also offer free shipping in the US and discounted worldwide shipping.
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What health/wellness activities have become part of your routine over the years? Have you heard of red light therapy?
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