Red Light Therapy

How does red light therapy work?

Red light wavelengths affect bodily cells on a biochemical level by increasing mitochondrial function – the ability to produce cellular energy. The more cellular energy production, the better the body functions as a whole. When red light wavelengths are used on the skin’s surface, they penetrate 8-10 millimeters into the skin. So depending upon where the red light is deployed (head or knee, for instance), all of the surrounding skin layers, blood vessels, lymph pathways, nerves, and even hair follicles are affected.

What are the benefits of red light therapy?

Red light therapy works from the inside-out to enhance mitochondrial function in cells. This, in turn, leads to several skin benefits. Red light decreases skin inflammation, smooths skin tone, repairs sun damage, fades scars and stretch marks, and even builds collagen in the skin, which reduces wrinkles. It also heals wounds and can prevent recurring cold sores or herpes simplex. Red light works on the lymphatic system to improve your body’s detoxification abilities by increasing blood flow. It may even stimulate hair growth in your hair follicles.

Safety
Phototherapy is safe for nearly anyone, and side effects are mild.
Cost
Phototherapy costs $45.00 per session or $400 for 10 sessions. Optimal results are seen from multiple sessions.
Appointment type:
Can be performed alone or with acupuncture/BEMER therapy.

What to expect during light therapy

For two weeks prior to a light therapy session, you may need to avoid retinols and other skin care products that thin your skin.

If you’re on any anti-inflammatory drugs, ask your ND if you should discontinue them.

Avoid tanning beds and prolonged, unprotected sun exposure in the days just before your treatment appointments.
Red light therapy sessions last approximately 15 minutes. During the session, you’ll lay down or put your head in a special device meant to keep your face still.
A trained light therapy professional will apply pulses from a light therapy device to different parts of your face, working in a circular fashion. After several repetitions of this process, the treatment is complete.

After phototherapy, your treated skin may be pink.

Your skin may be more sensitive, and you might need to skip your typical skin care regimen for a few days afterward, especially scrubs, exfoliants, and topical vitamin A.
While we recommend you wear sunscreen every day, you’ll need to be especially vigilant with sunblock while your skin recovers although there is usually zero downtime.