​​What is Red Light Therapy?

 

Red Light Therapy is based on the principle of delivering light energy into cells within our body. When the light particles touch the skin, the body’s cells absorb the energy. Our cells’ energy generators (mitochondria) then produce energy as ATP to fuel our body’s activities. Aging, illness, or lifestyle factors can make the mitochondria produce less ATP. Red light therapy triggers a reaction that helps reverse the decline. But why red light? Red light therapy uses light in the red or near-infrared wavelength because this wavelength range is the best at getting through tissue and is easily absorbed by parts of the cells that capture light energy.

NOTE: While there is promising research supporting the benefits of red light therapy, it's essential to note that the field is continually evolving, and more studies are needed to confirm and further explore its potential applications. Many individuals have reported positive experiences with red light therapy, particularly for skin and pain-related issues.

 

What are Some Important Criteria to Remember When Using Red Light Therapy?

 

For red light therapy to be effective, a few important criteria need to be accounted for:

• Must be at the correct wavelength

  • Studies have shown the most effective wavelengths are between 630nm and 850nm. Although other wavelengths have been used, they are not as effective because they penetrate the tissue considerably less.

• Must have enough power density (mW/cm2), which is the power in milli-watts per cubic centimeter 

  • The phototherapy must have enough energy to deliver the necessary photons to the cells in our bodies. This is best achieved when applied directly to the skin. The further away you are from the red light energy, the less effective it will be seeing that it will disperse & diminish and thus, lessening the effects.

• The “dose” must be adequate

  • This means there must be enough power, as mentioned in the previous point, and it must be applied for a long enough period of time. Important thing to remember is that red light therapy effectiveness is cumulative, meaning longer treatment times and more frequent treatments will be more effective to producing lasting light results.

 

How is Red Light Therapy at Scape Delivered?

 

At Scape, we provide red light therapy beds that meet the first 2 criteria above. Our beds are equipped with 21,600 LED lights with 5 different wavelengths (630, 660, 810, 850 and 940nm) and has an irradiance of 120 mW/cm2 to ensure it meets your wellness needs. And with unlimited use of these pods, you will also meet the 3rd criteria above and get the “dose” of red light therapy you need. And because our red light therapy pods have red light therapy that generates both red and near-infrared wavelengths, it can deliver maximum results for people with signs of aging, pain relief, or both. 

 

Is Red Light Therapy Safe?

 

Red light therapy is generally considered safe when used as directed. It is non-invasive and does not produce heat, making it comfortable for most individuals. Though it has proven benefits as described above and is entirely safe to use on the skin in moderation, like many treatments, it is important to monitor your skin's reaction and adjust your routine accordingly. If the red light is at too high of a level, used too frequently, or for extremely long durations or a combination of the three, it can damage skin cells and cause premature aging or worse, skin cancer later in life. Please consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying medical conditions.

 

Are There Any Precautions to Take When Using Red Light Therapy?

 

Individuals should avoid looking directly at the light source, and it's essential to use appropriate eye protection if necessary as eye strain and temporary headache can result. Pregnant women, individuals with photosensitivity conditions, those taking medications that increase photosensitivity, or those who have ocular abnormalities should consult with a healthcare provider before using red light therapy.

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