Sleep affects our health and is a key factor for how we feel and function when we’re awake.
Getting enough quality sleep should be a top priority, as it is one of the key ingredients to having a balanced life.
In the short term, poor quality sleep affects our mood, our ability to concentrate and stay alert, making us less productive and more likely to make erratic decisions.
One very good habit to cultivate in order to get a good night’s rest is to spend your evenings in light with a lower colour temperature, such as lower intensity red light.
During the day, we are exposed to large amounts of blue light, so it is a good idea to reduce your exposure to that bright light at night.
Red light is perfect for nighttime use.
It is more relaxing, better for your circadian rhythm and can help you transition more naturally into deep sleep.
Red light therapy (RLT) is a straightforward procedure that exposes the body to this low wavelength light at levels that are not harmful to the body.
The light particles are natural and penetrate deep into the skin for cells to absorb and use.
As a result, it may be able to help cells produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy source for all cells.
Some experts believe that RLT can mitigate skin conditions like scarring and signs of ageing due to this function.
The potential for using RLT as a way to rejuvenate the skin has led to much research, albeit mainly in animals or cells for now.
A review in the journal Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery noted that RLT may help rejuvenate the skin by:
- Improving blood circulation
- Stimulating cells by increasing mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) molecules
- Increasing collagen production in the skin
- Protecting cells from damage, which improves facial texture and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Despite the many studies on RLT, there is still no conclusive evidence that it is a beneficial treatment.
Think of it more as a way to augment your skin health, alongside maintaining a healthy diet and having a regular skincare routine.
With that said, there are several potential benefits of RLT that you might like to learn about:
For some patients, RLT could be effective as an alternative for treating acne.
The cause of acne is the overproduction of sebum, which clogs pores, thus restricting air flow and creating a breakout of acne.
Exposure to sunlight can calm overactive glands, but you are also being exposed to UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays, which causes skin cancer over time.
As mentioned above, RLT can penetrate deep into the skin and encourage healthy cell activity.
It may help to balance your skin’s sebum production, while also reducing irritation and inflammation in the area.
According to research in the journal Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia – the official publication of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology – RLT may also be helpful in speeding up wound-healing by:
- Stimulating the formation of new blood vessels, i.e. angiogenesis
- Reducing inflammation in the cells
- Increasing helpful fibroblasts in the skin, which helps with collagen production.
However, more human studies are needed to help confirm these results.
A study in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy set out to observe the impact of low-level light on people with alopecia, if any.
The results indicated that the subjects who received RLT saw an improvement in hair density, compared with those who did not receive the treatment.
The therapy worked best when light in wavelengths of both 665nm and 808nm was applied.
However, because this was a rather small study, more extensive clinical studies are needed to give backing to these claims.
For patients with certain medical conditions, RLT may be an effective treatment for the pain they experience.
This conclusion was drawn from the results of many studies surrounding RLT and musculoskeletal disorders, which were compiled in a review and published in the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.
The review indicated that RLT could effectively reduce pain in adults with several musculoskeletal disorders.
The researchers noted that practitioners who followed the specific dosage recommendations appeared to increase the effectiveness of the therapy.
Summary
RLT is generally safe and can be an effective treatment option for skin health in particular.
Research suggests that it might be able to help with wound-healing, as well as reduce acne and signs of ageing.
Remember that RLT is only one part of a complete skincare routine and should be considered an augmentation of regular skincare and a healthy diet, rather than a solution on its own.
It may take several rounds of RLT to see changes, but don’t overdo it, as too many treatments in a short period may cause skin damage.
Generally speaking, the risk of side effects from using RLT is quite low, but too much of this treatment may cause tissue and cell damage.
Other uses of RLT show promising early evidence, but the amount of reliable evidence in humans is not enough to conclude that it will be effective in every case.
As it is a non-invasive therapy, it doesn’t hurt to try RLT, but if you are uncertain about any aspect of the therapy, have a discussion with a trusted doctor before taking the plunge.
Do also ask around for recommendations of a reputable clinic that provides this service and don’t buy RLT products for use at home.
Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, and a functional medicine practitioner. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
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