LED light therapy- types, benefits and all you need to know.
Last week we discussed various types of cryotherapies. This week, I wanted to continue the them of health/wellness trends. I want to focus on LED therapies. I didn’t know going into my research that there were different colors of LED for various target therapies.
There are additional LED light therapies than what we will be discussing today, however we will talk about:
Red light therapy (633nm)
Blue light therapy (415nm)
Infrared therapy (830nm)
The lights are categorized by their wavelengths. LED therapies are known mostly for their dermatologic benefits. I have researched various clinical studies to include in this blog post. I will group the various therapies into which wavelength category they fall into.
If you didn’t already know, you have SEVEN layers of skin and each layer has a different function. These layers are further grouped based on how superficial/deep they are. The outermost layer is called the Epidermis. The next layer is called the Dermis. The deepest layer is called subcutaneous tissue.
Red light therapy:
Red light reaches further into your skin layers than blue light.
WOUND HEALING
According to Ablon (2018), one study revealed 10 patients total (two men and eight women ranging from ages 44-59 blepharoplasty surgery which is a procedure that removes excess skin from the eyelids. Half of each patient’s face was treated with red light therapy for 20 minutes immediately after surgery, at 48 hours post surgery, and two additional times the week after surgery. The side of the patient’s face which was treated with RLT healed after an average of 13.5 days while the underrated side healed after 26.8 days. This means RLT shortened the healing time by half.
PSORASIS
A combination of RLT and Infrared light were used in a study evaluating the effectiveness of two weekly 20 minutes sessions for 4-5 weeks for nine individuals with Plaque psoriasis that had been resistant to other treatments. Seven out of the original nine individuals were evaluated at 3-4 months following the study. Findings included clearance rates of 60-100% with high patient satisfaction (2018).
SKIN REJUVENATION (ANTI-WRINKLE)
One study involving 23 individuals completed 20 minute sessions of RLT three times weekly for three weeks. These individuals saw improvements in reduction of fine lines, wrinkles and softer, smoother skin (2018).
MUSCLE BENEFTIS
According to Ferraresi et al. (2016), photobiomodulation (PBM) AKA red light therapy can provide several benefits to muscle tissues, including prevention of muscle damage following exercise, delayed onset of muscle soreness, increasing muscle capacity for workouts, improving muscle fatigue resistance, and increasing muscle recovery times following exercise. It is hypothesized that RLT increases muscle metabolism and ATP synthesis. Think of ATP as muscle energy required for work.
A research meta analysis (combination of many studies) reviewed 46 studies testing PBM application before exercise and after using RLT and Infrared light therapy (ILT).
PBM response in upper extremity exercise (bicpeps): one study covered in this article revealed a significant reduction in delayed onset muscle soreness after 48 hours in comparison to the placebo group. This group received PBM following exercise.
Another study revealed benefits of giving PBM prior to exercise including increased number of repetitions during exercise achieved, decreased lactate, CK and C- reactive protein levels in the blood (inflammatory markers).
PBM response in lower extremity exercise:
One study using RLT and ILT tested PBM therapy solely, PBM in combination with cryotherapy (cold-water immersion) and Cryotherapy alone following exercise. PBM alone improved maximum voluntary isometric contraction (muscle strength) , decreased delayed onset muscle soreness and CK levels in the blood (inflammation/muscle damage markers). The other two combinations did not provide similar results. Interestingly enough, cold-water immersion reduced the efficacy of PBM.
PBM response with treadmill exercise:
In one study, light therapy with the strength of IFL was given to individuals prior to running maximum effort on the treadmill in locations of the quadricep femoris muscle, hamstrings and triceps surae. This study revealed that these individuals were able to run for longer duration at maximum speed compared to the placebo group as well as decreased muscle injury/inflammatory markers in the blood revealing PBM protected against muscle damage and has the capability to protect muscles against oxidative stress (a process that can cause breakdown of various tissues secondary to environmental factors).
Blue light therapy:
ACNE
Blue light reaches the outermost layer of the skin. One study that included 45 people found use of two blue light treatments (20 minutes) weekly for 4-8 weeks improved acne in 51-75% of people at four weeks and 40+% at eight weeks. Nine people experienced complete resolution of acne at eight weeks. No adverse events were reported (2018).
Infrared light therapy:
This light penetrates the deepest into your skin.
PSORIASIS
See RLT
MUSCLE BENEFITS
See RLT
MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
According to Kim, K. & Lee, J. (2017), a study completed in Korea revealed a near infrared ray LED belt used for women experiencing menstrual cramps was effective in reducing menstrual pain level and pain duration when compared to use of analgesics for cramps.
As we can see, there are many benefits of LED light therapy. Blue light therapy is mostly beneficial for acne. Red light therapy can be beneficial for other skin disorders such as psoriasis, reducing wrinkles and promoting wound healing. RLT was also beneficial in promoting muscle recovery. Infrared light therapy was beneficial in everything RLT was as well as better findings with muscle recovery and increasing muscle capacity. ILT was also beneficial in women with menstrual cramps. Additional research is currently being completed now for effectiveness of LED light therapy in migraine prevention/treatment (DO NOT TRY THIS ON YOUR OWN, ONLY WITH A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL).
LED LIGHT THERAPY RISKS
I could not find any scholarly articles discussing risks of LED therapies. I did find one article from Harvard which revealed the LED light therapies available for purchase aren’t as powerful as ones you would use in a dermatologist’s office (of course…). Therefore, you would have a lower risk of burning yourself through use. One concern would be eye safety, to ensure wearing safety glasses that protect your eyes against LED light during use. The article also stated, we do not currently know the long term effects of using LED light therapy.
PURCHASING PRODUCTS FOR HOME USE
Now that we’ve covered what all benefits and potential risks, where can you purchase these products for home use? I have not used any of these products.
LED LIGHT FACE MASK
This mask is highly rated on Amazon with 4.4 stars and 80 reviews. This mask states to be infrared although its not listed in “nm” which we discussed above. For energy source, the mask is listed as 47 mW/cm2.
Currently is priced at $99.97 on amazon with a $10 dollar coupon. Recommended use includes 3-5 x weekly for 10 minutes each session.
This mask is rated 4.2 stars with 188 reviews. This mask uses 660nm and 850nm wavelengths for treatments.
This mask is normally $129.99, however Amazon has it listed at 50% off and there is a 10% promo code.
Recommended use includes 3-4 nights weekly with 15-20 minute sessions. This company offers a 60 day money back guarantee.
LED LIGHT BELT
This belt is highly rated on Amazon with 4.6 stars within over 3000 reviews.
This belt uses 660nm and 850nm light therapies for pain relief in multiple areas.
This belt is currently priced at $69.99 (is 30% off right now), normally priced at $99.99. There is also a 5% coupon.
There are multiple session options as well as strengths.
LED LIGHT LAMP
This lamp has over 500 reviews on Amazon with 3.9 stars.
This lamp uses 660nm and 850nm light therapies. It is priced currently at $55.99 with a $20 off coupon.
The lamp has 4 “necks” which are easily adjustable. Height can be adjusted from 15 inches to 60 inches and tripod is foldable for easy storage.
This product reports a 12 month warranty.
LED LIGHT PROTECTION GLASSES
These glasses have over 100 reviews with an average rating for 4.4 stars. They protect against 200-1000nm wavelengths.
The glasses are priced at $12.99
*The links above are amazon affiliate link. I may receive commission if you purchase any items using these links. References
Ablon, G. (2018). Phototherapy with Light Emitting Diodes. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5843358/
Ferraresi, C., Hamblin, M., and Huang, Y. (2016). Photobiomudulation in human muscle tissue: an advantage in sports performance. National Library of Medicine doi: 10.1002/jbio.201600176
Harvard Health Publishing (2019). LED Lights: Are They a Cure for Your Skin Woes? Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/led-lights-are-they-a-cure-for-your-skin-woes
Kim, K. and Lee, J. (2017). Effect of Near-infrared Rays on Female Menstrual Pain in Korea. Nursing & Health Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1111/nhs.12356
