What's The Deal With Red-Light-Therapy For Wellness?

Wellness has always been a luxurious practice. Today, the concept of self-care has evolved and elevated to being a blend of technological advances and mindfulness. From skincare formulas that are incredibly precise and effective because of great chemical design, to wellness spaces and clinics that seek to offer respite and mental peace with contemporary decor and exotic locations — self-care has become much more rigorous in providing, well - care!

The past few years have become increasingly about using self-care techniques and supplements that facilitate good health that reflects on the outside. Collagen supplements may help the skin and hair quality, but it also supports bone and heart health. Likewise, red light therapy is famed to improve the skin’s appearance, but it is also known to provide deep, cellular-level health welfare. From being an influencer and celebrity approved facial type to being a major biohacking wellness trend, RLT has become quite the sensation in the beauty and health world.

How Does Red Light Therapy Benefit Health?

For years, celebrities such as Deepika Padukone, Kim Kardashian, Kate Hudson and Jessica Alba have posted pictures of themselves with glowing RLT masks on. A light therapy facial used to be less accessible in homes, and readily available to book the best clinics. But today, red light therapy can easily be carried out with self.

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Back in 2023 though, RLT was just as much about its health benefits as it was about its impact on the skin. Experts advocated for how it can aid in improving autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation (caused high cortisol levels). But soon, as online influencers began sharing their beauty routines, which included using RLT masks, its positive effects on the skin started becoming a major topic of discussion. 

“Mitochondria, the powerhouses of all our cells, are essential for hormone synthesis and immune health. Photobiomodulation greatly stimulates mitochondrial activity, improving energy production (ATP) and reducing oxidative stress, which collectively enhances systemic and hormonal function for men and women alike,” shares Rishabh Jain, Co-founder of  Wellness & Co.

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As autoimmune diseases are usually more common in women and impact the hormonal health of women in a specific way, red light therapy is also known to be effective in supporting women’s hormonal well being. “RLT has been shown to positively influence endocrine function. A 2018 clinical trial (Journal of Photomedicine and Laser Surgery) demonstrated that near infrared light can stimulate the hypothalamus-pituitary axis, thereby helping regulate hormone production.”

“For women, this translates into better regulation of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, improving menstrual regularity, alleviating symptoms of PMS, perimenopause, and menopause,” explains Rishabh Jain.

How Does Red Light Therapy Benefit The Skin?

Today, exclusive, luxe wellness clinics such as The Well, Remedy Place, Rebase and The Wellness Co. are revolutionising the idea of self-care by merging fitness centres, spas, and biohacking practices such as cold plunges and red light therapy. Beauty is now associated with health and longevity. Or perhaps it was already deeply interlinked, and we’re only coming back to something that has been right under our noses.

As we speak to Dr. Geetika Mittal, founder of Isaac Luxe, one thing is clear, RLT works incredibly well in preventing fine lines by stimulating collagen production. “Clinically, the therapy enhances dermal fibroblast activity, thereby improving the synthesis of type I and III collagen, essential for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. As a result, patients often experience visible reduction in fine lines, improved skin texture, and enhanced hydration. The therapy also helps regulate inflammatory markers, making it a beneficial modality for individuals with acne-prone or sensitive skin.”

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But there are some people who should consult a health-care professional and expert before they consider light therapy. “While red light therapy is widely recognized for its safety and non-invasiveness, certain patient groups must be carefully evaluated prior to treatment initiation. Patients with photosensitive disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus or porphyria should avoid exposure, as the light may exacerbate their symptoms. Individuals on medications known to increase photosensitivity such as tetracyclines, isotretinoin, or thiazide diuretics that require a thorough risk assessment and may need dose adjustments or alternative approaches,” says Dr. Geetika Mittal.

She also emphasises that individuals with a personal or familial history of melanoma or other skin malignancies along with pregnant women should also be cautious of RLT.

Red light therapy is has obviously become much more than just a facial format, consumers are now investing in RLT tools such as portable pens, massagers, combs and red light therapy saunas, the therapy has taken over the beauty world in a major way. We only have to be mindful of consulting professionals before deciding to try it out!