Red Light Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can I expect from the use of red light therapy?
A: Red light therapy can improve skin tone and texture, control pigmentation spots, help
reduce pore size, encourage vibrant looking skin and reduce the appearance fine lines and wrinkles.
The red light also stimulates blood circulation and repairs elastin fibers within the tissue to
help keep the skin firm.
Q: How do I prepare my skin before using red light therapy?
A: Prior to using red light therapy the skin in your facial and decollete (upper chest) areas
should be thoroughly washed and cleansed. We recommend using a mild cleansing soap as it improves
the transmission of red light into the skin. In this way it will not be blocked by any particles
which can reflect the light.
Q: Is red light therapy safe?
A: According to the FDA, red light at 633 nm has a "non-significant risk" status and is
completely safe for the eyes.
Q: How does using red therapy light differ from laser treatments?
A: Light from the lamps used in red light therapy is non-invasive, pain free and does not cut,
burn or break the skin as do laser treatments. There is no downtime for recovery. Ablative
lasers use heat and concentrated light to vaporize or remove tissue. Red light therapy lamps produce
no vaporization or burning of tissue and therefore no inflamation or pain. Research has shown
that using these red lamps is one of the few available non-invasive tools that work naturally
to alleviate the appearance of aging skin by minimizing wrinkles and mottled skin tone.
Q: Will I get tanned if I use a full body red light therapy bed?
A: No! Red light therapy lamps do not produce ultraviolet light. There is no
tanning effect.
Q: How do red light flourescent lamps differ from red LEDs?
A: Typically, LED treatments are much more expensive. Due to limits in technology and
cost LEDs can only focus on small areas of the body at one time. Using red light therapy
products with full body flourescent lamps can generate a much higher level and a broader
spectrum of light energy to the skin, providing the user with a much more satisfactory and
cost effective result.
Q: Does red light therapy treat cellulite?
A: No! There are no studies supporting the idea that red light treats
cellulite.
Q: Are there any precautions needed when using red light therapy?
A: People with the following conditions should avoid exposure to red light devices.
- Photo-allergies
- Porphyria.
- Epilepsy.
- Using cortisone or steroid injections.
- Using other medications or cosmetics that may cause light sensitivity.
Q: What drugs may cause light sensitivity?
A: Drugs that may cause a light sensitive reaction include certain antibiotics, such as
tetracycline, anti-malarial drugs, Digoxyn (used for heart irregularities and heart failure) and
photosensitizing drugs, which include drugs that cause cataracts, such as tranquilizers, sulfa
drugs, oral anti-diabetic drugs, antidepressants and steroids. Please consult your doctor before
using red light therapy if you take any of these medications or any other medications that may
cause light sensitive reactions.
Q: What is the recommended number of sessions?
A: For best results begin with three 15 minute sessions per week for 8 weeks. Then
maintain results with one 15 minute session per week.