You may have heard of red light therapy as a popular skin care trend, with many influencers and beauty professionals donning light-up masks on their social media channels to promote antiaging and smoother skin. But while it can give you a glowing complexion, red light therapy has major full-body and mind benefits, as well. We talked to Dr. David Meredith of Very Well wellness center in Cross Keys about the treatment and its many uses.

What is red light therapy?
It’s a therapeutic technique using specific wavelengths of visible red light and infrared light to stimulate the cells in the body. It can strengthen the mitochondria—the cell’s energy source—which may repair and improve cell function. You can get red light therapy from different devices, such as lamps, panels, or face masks, but we offer a full-body red light bed, which is great for getting the full-body benefits of the treatment. It looks like a tanning bed, but instead of UV lights, it uses red and infrared LED lights.

What are the benefits of red light therapy?
The FDA has cleared it for pain relief, inflammation, and wound healing, so it’s very helpful for people with autoimmune disorders or looking to accelerate their healing process. But if used regularly, it is also said to help with conditions like arthritis, asthma, hypertension, carpal tunnel, and high blood pressure. It is commonly used for skin care and antiaging and is especially helpful in clearing up skin issues like eczema, acne, and psoriasis. The red light is said to stimulate collagen production, which improves skin elasticity, leaving your skin smoother, often with visible results right away. This can also help reduce scarring and sun damage. It is also said to help with brain health, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality.

How often do you need to receive red light therapy to feel the benefits?
People start by coming in one to three times a week until they get noticeable results and then they can space their appointments out. If it’s a short term or superficial issue that can be resolved, you don’t need to keep coming in, but for things like antiaging—you aren’t going to stop aging—you need to set up appointments to maintain the results you want.

Are there any risks involved with red light therapy?
Women who are pregnant should not use it, but there aren’t really any known risks. People who take medications that may increase skin or eye sensitivity should check with their doctor first. Eye protection is provided for you, but not necessary. The biggest thing is that everyone feels safe and comfortable with the process.

WHAT YOU NEED:

FRESH FACE: Take your makeup off before the treatment so that the light is able to penetrate the skin properly.

FACT CHECK: Do your research when purchasing at-home devices. You want to make sure you are buying a quality product.

GAME PLAN: Talk with your health care provider about what amount of red light therapy will benefit you most.