There are many different ways to lose weight, and some of them require no effort at all!
Red light therapy is one of the most popular options. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments and improve overall health, but it can also help you achieve your weight loss goals.
In this article, we will answer three general questions about red light therapy: what is it? How does it work and is it effective based on scientific research of the Heliotherapy Research Institute? Also, we’ll talk about the risks associated with this treatment.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy produces red and near-infrared wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin, targeting adipose (fatty) tissue. During this procedure, fat cells are heated up by energy that is emitted from low-level laser devices which results in fat cell destruction. This process called photo-lipolysis destroys about 25%-30% of fat cells in the treated area.
During red light therapy, adipose cells release their stored energy as heat. This process stimulates increased blood flow and collagen production which reduces the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks.
Red light therapy devices are available for home use as well as you can visit clinics offering them. Before buying a device make sure that an FDA-approved low-level laser has been used; also check if there’s clinical evidence proving its wellness benefits.
How does Red Light Therapy Work to Reduce Fat
Red light therapy is effective in reducing fat because it can help you detoxify your cells. This process called “photobiomodulation” speeds up metabolism, which results in weight loss.
Red light therapy has the following effects on the body:
Helps Spot Weight Loss
Red light is especially effective for spot weight loss, which can be very beneficial to many people. The areas of the body where you might want to lose fat are:
- Belly;
- Waistline;
- Thighs and buttocks.
Also, red light therapy has been used with success on other parts of the body such as the neck, face, arms, and legs.
Red light therapy for weight loss is considered a safe way of losing fat without surgery or dieting.
Assists Cellulite Elimination
Red light therapy helps in the breakdown of fat cells. This can be used to treat cellulite, which is caused by excess deposits in the skin’s tissue. If you use light therapy for weight loss there will be less fluid retention and reduced inflammation that causes cellulite development.
Reduce the Appearance of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are an unpleasant side effect during pregnancy and weight fluctuations. Red light therapy can be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and even eliminate them in some cases.
Makes the Exercise More Effective
Red light therapy for weight loss is an alternative treatment that can help you get rid of excess weight more quickly. It makes the exercise more effective and stimulates the release of fat cells that are stored in your body.
The treatment creates an increase in metabolism and fat oxidation which leads to more effective weight loss. It directly affects adipose tissue, which is one of the most difficult types to reduce.
Regulates Your Hormones
Red and near-infrared light therapy is a way to help boost your metabolism by regulating your hormones. Hormones are chemical substances in your body that regulate many important processes, including metabolism. When you have an imbalance of these hormones it can cause weight gain or loss to be much more challenging.
Your body produces the most amounts of fat during puberty when you’re gaining height and weight, but it’s also known that adults can still gain weight even if they maintain their diet and exercise habits. The good news is that red light therapy can help regulate your hormones which in turn helps you burn fat and lose weight.
That’s not all, it also stimulates the release of HGH or human growth hormone. This substance is a natural anabolic agent produced by the pituitary gland in our bodies at night when we’re sleeping, between the hours of one and four in the morning. It is responsible for cell proliferation, protein synthesis which means building muscle mass, bone growth development, and regeneration processes.
Tightens the Skin
Red light therapy is a great solution for weight reduction because it helps to increase the production of collagen, which in turn reduces cellulite and stretch marks while promoting skin tightening.
Сontraindications and Side Effects of Using Red Light Therapy for Weight Loss
Contraindications
Red light therapy is generally safe for all skin types, however, there are some contraindications to it.
- People with specific skin conditions should consult a doctor before using red light therapy as it can worsen the condition and cause irritation of the skin.
- People with blood clotting disorders should not use red light therapy without consulting a doctor first since the treatment may cause bruising or bleeding in some cases.
- If you are taking medication, talk to your physician before using red light therapy as it can interact with common drugs such as antibiotics and heart medications.
- Red light therapy should not be used by people who are under the serious health problems, especially with existing conditions such as epilepsy and heart disease.
- If you have a history of cancer, consult your doctor before using red light therapy since it can cause new growths.
- It is also not recommended for people with severe liver or kidney diseases to use this type of treatment due to the increased risk of developing problems while undergoing red light therapy.
Side Effects
Red light therapy side effects are very rare but they do exist. Some of the most frequently reported side effects to include:
- Burning sensation on the skin;
- Skin dryness and peeling;
- Eye strain or blurred vision;
- Headache, fatigue, or nausea.
All of these side effects are temporary and typically go away after a couple of sessions. Nevertheless, it is recommended to inform your doctor about your plan to use red light therapy so that they can monitor you for any potential side effects.
| ❗ Note: In case you notice that your skin is becoming swollen or irritated, stop treatment immediately and seek help from a professional dermatologist. |
Summary
Red light therapy is a great way to lose weight, and you can even use it at home. This treatment can be done with the help of a special device that produces red light, which is used to treat specific areas of your body.
The procedure involves irradiating part of your body (or even all of it) with visible light at wavelengths of 600 to 1000 nanometers without the use of sunscreen or sunscreen lotions.
This procedure is effective in treating cellulite and other skin conditions while also helping people lose more than 5 pounds of fat for six weeks. For best results, use this device two times per day – once in the morning and again before bedtime on areas where there is visible evidence of cellulite, such as thighs, buttocks, or stomach area.
FAQ:
How is red light therapy used for weight loss?
Red and infrared wavelengths work by increasing the metabolic rate, which in turn burns more calories. It also increases oxygen levels in blood cells, helping muscles burn fat more quickly. The increased blood flow that results from this stimulation helps flush out toxins that can cause cellulite buildup or bloat.
How long does red light therapy take to work?
Red and near-infrared light therapy generally takes between 15-30 minutes. In most cases, the length of time it takes for results will depend on skin tone, location, as well as thickness of fat tissue in the area being treated (e.g., stomach vs thighs).
What are the contraindications of using red light therapy?
Red light is safe for all skin types. However, people who suffer from epilepsy, migraines, or those who are pregnant should check with a doctor before beginning treatment. Also, people who have had skin cancer or are diagnosed with a precancerous condition should avoid red and near-infrared wavelengths.
What are the risks of using red light therapy?
Red light is generally well tolerated by most people without side effects or adverse events. However, there have been some reports that exposure to certain wavelengths can cause headaches in sensitive individuals. Some users find that their skin has a temporary “flush” or pinkish glow. This is quite normal, and will usually subside within an hour after your session concludes.