Health
RED LIGHT THERAPY
I
t’s no secret that as we age, our skin loses elasticity and
the powerhouse of the cell — where the cell’s energy is
collagen, which in turn create wrinkles, thins and dries
created. The energy-carrying molecule found in the cells
our skin out, creating saggy and scarred skin. What if
of all living things is called ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
you could wave a magic red light wand over your body,
By increasing the function of the mitochondria using RLT,
increase collagen production, reduce wrinkles, reduce the
a cell can make more ATP. With more energy, cells can
appearance of acne scars, sagging skin, ease muscle and
function more efficiently, rejuvenate themselves, and
joint pain and increase mental clarity in the process?
repair damage. RLT is different from laser or intense pulsed
Let’s go back to the 1990s when light-emitting diodes
light (IPL) because it doesn’t cause damage to the skin
(LED) red lights were used in space to assist in the growth
surface. Laser and pulsed light therapies work by causing
of plants. What the scientists found was that the intensity
controlled damage to the outer layer of the skin, which
of the red light emitted encouraged photosynthesis
then induces tissue repair. Red Light Therapy bypasses
of plant cells. The boosted plants’ growth caused the
this harsh step by directly stimulating regeneration of
researchers to wonder if the same cell growth would help
the skin. The light emitted by RLT penetrates roughly 5
humans, so astronauts used red lights to see if it would
millimeters below the skin’s surface.”
help them keep their muscle mass and bone density and promote wound healing, which are issues faced by
After years of research with RLT, multiple benefits from
humans who remain in a weightless environment for long
the treatments have been discovered. Many people claim
periods of time.
that Red Light Therapy is beneficial for many medical and non-medical issues such as:
So what is red light therapy (RLT) and how does red
•
Easing the pain of carpel tunnel syndrome
light therapy work? Healthline.com states that “Red light is
•
Easing arthritis symptoms, inflammation and joint
thought to work by producing a biochemical effect in cells that strengthens the mitochondria. The mitochondria are
www.reflector.com/her
pain •
Assisting athletes in faster recover of some injuries
Her Magazine — October 2021
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