Frequently Asked Questions
How does light therapy work?
Without getting too far into the weeds, our cells are essentially given an energy boost when they absorb light, specifically red wavelengths at 660 nm and near infrared wavelengths at 850 nm. Studies have shown these specific wavelengths enable our cells to perform critical functions at a higher level - leading to enhanced ATP production, reduced oxidative stress, enhanced immune system function, increased collagen production, faster muscle recovery, and a whole lot more.
No special lotions are required. Some lotions could inhibit light penetration. The only topical with preliminary research shown to enhance the results of light therapy is green tea. Here’s a published study if you’re interested in learning more.
Light therapy is an effective treatment that can help a wide variety of skin conditions and is supported by a robust amount of clinical evidence.
Red and near infrared light helps our cells carry out their day-to-day functions at an improved level. Not only does this help with things like skin health and muscle recovery, but it also plays a role in the body’s ability to process fat.
There is a vast amount of research that documents the benefits of light therapy for muscle recovery. In fact, it’s also been shown to help increase performance when used as part of a pre-training protocol.
Light therapy has been proven to increase the production of ATP in the Leydig cells that produce testosterone, enhancing their natural function.
For optimal cellular health, including deep tissue, we recommend a 10-minute session for each treatment area at a distance of 6-8″ away from the device. For anti-aging (collagen production) benefits alone, 5 minutes is sufficient at up to 12″ away from the device.
Treating longer allows the wavelengths to penetrate deeper, thus you receive a more intense treatment. Treatments longer than 15 minutes in one area can become non-productive because as your cells absorb light, they need time to process it. For this reason, we recommend you allow at least 6 hours in-between treatments.
Both red light at 660 nm and near infrared light at 850 nm have been proven to enhance cellular function. The main difference is that red light at 660 nm is readily absorbed by skin tissue leading to improved skin health and collagen production. Near infrared light at 850 nm is invisible to the human eye and penetrates into deeper tissue, leading to benefits like increased muscle recovery and reduced joint pain.
Clinical research on light therapy has shown positive results for those suffering from thyroid challenges.
It’s well-documented that red and near infrared light provides cellular health benefits. But, the time required will depend on your desired health outcomes. Most people will see benefits like increased muscle recovery, pain relief, and wound healing fairly quickly. However, enhanced skin health, like reducing wrinkles and scars, can sometimes take 8-12 weeks.
Yes, makeup can be worn during your light therapy treatments. However, for optimal results, we recommend removing any makeup beforehand.
Clinical studies have shown light therapy to be safe and efficacious. However, if you’re considering using it with children, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.
Dr. Micheal Hamblin, one of the most respected experts in the field of photomedicine, reports Red or NIR light at reasonable power densities (non heating) will have no effect on plastic (silicone) in breasts. If you do want to block light, then black fabric is the way to do it.
If you continue to have concerns, it might be beneficial to discuss this with your physician.
Light therapy has been known to stimulate hair follicles, promoting hair growth. If you have received laser hair removal in the past, it is possible photobiomodulation could impact the production of hair regrowth.
If you have any concerns, we recommend you reach out to a laser hair professional.
If you continue to have concerns, it might be beneficial to discuss this with your physician.
Dr. Michael Hamblin, arguably the world’s leading researcher in the field of light therapy, believes that red light can actually be very beneficial during pregnancy due to the prevalence of stem cells. Having said that, there is no published clinical literature to support this. Therefore, it might be beneficial to discuss this with a physician experienced with light therapy.
Eye protection isn’t necessary, but we don’t recommend looking directly at the LEDs. It may be most comfortable to close your eyes during the treatment session.
Hundreds of clinical studies have proven light therapy to be safe and effective. However, if you use medications such as Tetracycline, Digoxin, Retin A, and/or other photosensitizing drugs, it’s recommended that you consult your healthcare provider.
There is a robust amount of clinical research that supports the benefits of light therapy for arthritis and overall joint health.
Light therapy shouldn’t impact Botox or any other chemical fillers. However, as the collagen production increases in your skin from light therapy treatments, you may find that you no longer need Botox injections.
Dr. Michael Hamblin, arguably the world’s leading researcher in the field of light therapy, reports photobiomodulation will not affect the fillers themselves. It can, however, reduce inflammation held in the tissues due to the fillers. The reduction in inflammation may cause people to feel their fillers have been affected.
We recommend you speak with your physician, if you have any further questions or concerns.
You can receive the same benefits from sunlight if you get exposure 1hr after sunrise, or 1hr before sunset. This has been studied as the optimal time to benefit from Photobiomodulation (essentially getting the best bang for your time). Although it is safe in our opinion to use anytime through the day or evening. Early morning sunlight (AM) mostly contains equal amounts of red and blue light frequencies, along with IR-A frequencies. These frequencies are essential to our skin to prepare for the UV light frequencies that start around mid-morning (10 AM on). Another way of viewing it is the early morning sunlight is a natural source of sunscreen for our skin. It is our experience that Photobiomodulation helps charge the body in the morning and helps induce sleep in the evening. It really makes sense when you look at how it compares to natural sunlight.