Red Light Therapy
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy uses red and near infrared light (NIR) to stimulate mitochondria, a small structure found in each cell of your body. Mitochondria play an essential role in producing energy for the cell and are important for reducing inflammation.
Red light therapy, applied through the skin, penetrates deep into the body and is thought to have many beneficial effects. People use red light therapy to improve skin quality, manage chronic pain, enhance workout performance, improve sleep quality, and many other reasons.
Red and near-infrared light are part of the electromagnetic spectrum, and more specifically, part of the spectrum of light emitted by the sun. These wavelengths of light are “bioactive” in humans.
The electromagnetic waves range from 0.0001 nanometers (gamma waves) all the way to over meters (radio waves).
If you remember high school physics, when you pass white light through a prism it separates out the different colors based on their wavelengths (ROYGBIV). Only a tiny part of this spectrum (roughly 400nm to 700nm) is actually visible to the human eye.
At the highest end of the visible light spectrum is red light, which goes from a little over 600 NM to approximately 700 NM. Above the visible light spectrum is near-infrared (NIR) from about 700nm to a little over 1,100nm.
It is specifically these red and near-infrared wavelengths that have amazing effects on our bodies. Most research showing benefits of red light and near-infrared light have used wavelengths in the ranges of 620-680nm and 800-880nm.
How does Red Light Therapy/ Photobiomodulation (PBM) / Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) work?
Click this link to a 3rd party compilation of over 4000 scientific studies on Photobiomodulation (PBM) / Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT).
The Benefits of Red Light Therapy
- Promotes wound healing and tissue repair
- Supports collagen production / anti-aging
- Reduces swelling and inflammation (pain)
- Improves joint health
- Improves physical performance, muscle recovery and energy levels
- Increases melatonin / improves sleep
It’s all about PENETRATION & BENEFITS
As the picture shows, red and near-infrared light are able to penetrate deeper into the human body and are able to reach the cells, tissues, blood, nerves, into the bones and even into the brain!
Red light between 600-700nm offer benefits for skin texture and tone, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, promoting collagen production and generally rejuvenating the appearance of skin and hair.
Near-infrared light (NIR) 700nm – 1100nm. penetrates deeper into the tissues to assist with wound healing, muscle recovery, nerve injury and joint pain.
Zooming back from it all it is not surprising that red and near infrared light deliver such a myriad of benefits. Our evolutionary ancestors spent many hours each and every day outdoors receiving these beneficial wavelengths of light from the sun. Modern humans with our homes, transport and office spaces are extremely “mal-illuminated”.
Each layer of the skin holds different cells and tissues. When the different types of wavelengths hit those layers, they produce different types of benefits.
Here are some of the benefits that occur when different wavelengths penetrate the skin.
- 630 NM WAVELENGTH
- Reduce fine lines & wrinkles
- Hair regrowth
- The treatment of acne
- 660 NM WAVELENGTH
- Reduce training fatigue
- Improved bone healing
- Reduced inflammation
- Reduced swelling following injury
- Reduced neuropathic pain
- Accelerated wound healing
- 810 NM WAVELENGTH
- Improved healing and recovery
- Accelerated wound healing
- Improved recovery from stroke in certain patients
- Improved recovery from a traumatic brain injury
- Improvement in psychiatric disorders
- Hair growth
- 830 NM WAVELENGTH
- Accelerated healing and reduced infection
- Improved aesthetic outcomes following plastic surgery
- Increased “feel-good” endorphins
- Improved bone repair and growth
- Faster return-to-play after injury
- 850 NM WAVELENGTH
- Anti-inflammatory benefits
- Enhanced muscle recovery
- Healing of wounds in skin
- Reduction of lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation
- Orthodontics and tooth alignment
FDA Registered Class II Medical Device
Manufactured in a FDA registered facility, Mito Red Original Series, MitoMOD Series and MitoPRO Series devices are FDA listed Class II devices.
All Products ETL Intertek Approved
Mito Red Light devices are ETL certified meeting the highest electrical performance and safety standards in the industry.
RED LIGHT & SPACE
The positive health benefits of red light were first discovered in 1993 during a NASA experiment using red light LED to encourage plant growth. While the experiment successfully concluded that red light from an LED does encourage plant growth, it was an unexpected side effect that launched the use of red light in humans.
Researchers involved in the NASA plant experiment had multiple small cuts and injuries that occurred while working with the plants. One incidental finding that the experimenters noted was that their cuts and other skin lesions healed noticeably more rapidly while they were exposed to the red LED lights for hours on end. This finding led to further NASA-funded research and a spinoff company that focused on the benefits of red light in humans. NASA even use red light therapy to reduce the side effects of cancer treatments.
Red Light Therapy FAQs
How often should I use Red Light?
There’s no one-size-fits-all application of Red Light Therapy.
No two people are the same. You have unique DNA, fingerprints, and skin, your health needs and treatment responses can differ from others when using Red Light Therapy.
With that in mind, your optimal red light dosage depends on three factors:
- The condition(s) you want to treat.
- Your overall health.
- Your skin’s light sensitivity.
But what are some common guidelines?
For starters, we recommend using Red Light Therapy three to five times per week for 7 to 10 minutes to begin. With time, you may work your way up to daily use for a maximum of 20 minutes per day.
Additionally, please seek the consultation of your doctor or dermatologist for any concerns.
What are the prices? Can Packages be split up?
Single Session – $10
Packages
- 5 Session Package – $40 ($8/session)
Membership
- $69 Per Month
- One Red Light Therapy Session per day
- Monthly auto-billing, but you can cancel anytime
- Renewed Vitality is self-pay. Payment is due at the time of service.
The purchase of this package is only applicable to the red light therapy sessions. Each session is only to be used per one client. It cannot be split up among or given away to other clients, family members, or friends.
Do you Accept Insurance?
Renewed Vitality, does not accept insurance. If you choose to seek repayment from your Insurance Company, we will provide you with receipt of payment. This will show the service fee for service and proof of your payment. Renewed Vitality will not provide any additional documentation other than the receipts. All submission of forms and paperwork is the client’s responsibility.
Can children use Mito Red Light?
Clinical studies have shown red and NIR light therapy to be quite safe. However, if you are considering using it with children, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional. All treatments with children should be done under adult supervision.
Can pregnant or nursing women use the Mito Red Light?
As there has been no clinical research with Red Light Therapy treatments on pregnant clients, we do not offer Red Light Therapy if you are pregnant. If you are lactating or nursing before using Red Light Therapy please consult with your healthcare provider.
Do I need safety glasses with this light?
While there is a growing body of scientific research suggesting that modest amounts of red and NIR LED light may benefit certain eye conditions, Mito Red’s plug-in lights are very bright!
As such, goggles are provided and should be worn when facing the lights, particularly when NIR is active.
Are there any side effects?
Mito Red Lights are FDA registered Class II devices and safe to use, but some mild effects occur occasionally, if experienced, they are…
- Slight tightness and redness around the skin (temporary)
- Eyestrain and Sensitivity
- The eyes are extremely photosensitive and prolonged exposure could cause damage.
- We schedule sessions in smaller doses and provide blackout goggles to avoid causing damage to the eyes.
- Headache (usually byproduct of eyestrain)
Are there any Contradictions?
Absolute Contradictions:
- Recent Burns / Damaged Skin
- Red Light therapy has been clinically-proven to help damaged skin heal from cuts, burns, and other blemishes. We recommended consulting with your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
- Malignant Cancer
- Hyperthyroidism
- Epilepsy
- Pregnancy
- Eye Disease
- Light Sensitivity
Relative Contraindications:
- Fever or Infection
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Severe Bleeding and Blood Loss
- Use of Photosynthesizing Medications
- Steroids work to suppress the immune system while red light therapy may work to stimulate it. To the extent that the two therapies may work against each other, we do not recommend they be used together.
What are other considerations?
For a more detailed discussion of contradications please read Mito Red Light’s article for further explanation.
Can I use the devices too much / for too long?
Yes, more is not always better. That is why we start our sessions at seven minutes long or less depending on the situation, but we advise that you listen to your body. We recommend working up 20 minutes max per session. Additional sessions for specific areas may be beneficial but beyond a certain point, the scientific evidence points to diminishing returns. Again, more is not always better! When you come out of the booth we ask you how you feel and follow up with you before your next session begins. Depending on how your body reacts, we will adjust the setting and time spent in the booth as needed.
For this reason, we recommend one session per day and no more than 20 minutes in any one session. Also taking at least one day off per week.
Can I wear makeup in the Red Light Therapy bed?
Yes, makeup can be worn and should not affect the performance of the therapy.
Can I wear my clothes in the Red Light Therapy bed or should I remove clothing?
It’s up to you! When you enter the booth before you start your session, you decide whether you want to remove your clothing or keep your clothing on. As we have locks on each Red Light Therapy booth to ensure and protect your privacy during your session. This option is at your own comfort level.
Will the treatment interfere with or be affected by any medications I use?
If you use medications such as Tetracycline, Digoxin (used for heart irregularities) and photosensitizing drugs (e.g., tranquilizers, sulfa drugs, oral anti-diabetic drugs, antidepressants, and steroids), please consult your physician before using Red Light.
How warm does the Red Light Therapy bed get?
The feeling of the heat has been compared to a nice warm 80-degree day (not actual temperature of room). You will automatically feel the warmth on your skin when the light is turned on.
Will Red Light Therapy treatments cause detox symptoms?
It is possible that a Mito Red Light treatment can cause some detox-related symptoms while your body acclimates. If you experience these types of issues, we recommend stopping treatments until the symptoms go away. Then start out at 2-3 minutes per treatment area and work your way slowly up to 10 minutes over the course of 2-3 weeks. This will help your body adapt. If you continue to experience detox-related symptoms and have any concerns regarding the use of red light therapy, we recommend stopping treatments and consulting with your healthcare provider.
What are the EMF levels?
Our Red Light Therapy devices are engineered to have low EMFs. However, anything with electric current running through it is going to generate some electromagnetic field. At the recommended usage distance of 6+ inches our devices emit no detectable levels of EMF.
The devices are much lower in EMF’s than other products because the lights contain only the electrical components needed to power and cool the lights (nothing extraneous added such as bluetooth /WiFi). Of particular concern are products which come with an ‘app’. Having an app necessitates a WiFi /bluetooth signal from the device. Many times these devices can emit a signal even when they are not in use! This means you could be unknowingly polluting your environment with EMFs 24/7.