To date, the FDA has stated the use of Red-Light Therapy is considered safe as long as long as you use an FDA-cleared device at its recommended dosage. Red Light Therapy has been clinically studied and is approved by the FDA to help improve the health and appearance of skin for acne, scars, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging. Red Light Therapy is safe to use if users follow the manufactures directions and that you do not have any contraindications for using Red Light Therapy, which is discussed below.
RLT is considered safe, and of course that is predicated on using the device as recommended by the manufacturer (lots of choices out there). Overuse could present problems, but most devices have an automatic shutoff timer which minimizes the risk of injury for home use.
As always, if you are planning to use or are currently using a Red-Light Therapy device, be sure to let your health care provider aware that you are using a device at home.
A Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment in Patient Satisfaction, Reduction of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Roughness, and Intradermal Collagen Density Increase. If there were safety issues with Red Light Therapy, the research would reflect that.
Click here to read another research article discussing the safety of PMBT (Photobiomodulation Therapy), “A significant and growing literature indicates that PBMT is safe and effective and may even offer a benefit in patient overall survival.”
Contraindications for use of Red-Light Therapy (RLT or PBMT)
The safety of RLT does not mean it is safe to use in ‘everyone’. There are some contraindications for using RLT, which is why we always recommend discussing this use of RLT with your health care provider such as your primary care doctor or dermatologist. There are a few contraindications, such as photosensitizing medical conditions and medications (this is not a complete list such as:
- Pregnancy
- Low Blood Pressure
- Epilepsy
- Light Sensitivity
- Diseases of the Retina
- History of skin cancer
- Systemic Lupus
- Lithium
- Thiazide Diuretics
- Melatonin
- NSAIDS (Anti-inflammatory)
- Certain Antipsychotics
- Certain Antibiotics
Back to our original question, “Is Red Light Therapy” safe to use? The answer is after doing your own research, follow the manufactures instructions, and you don’t have any contraindications and you and your health care provider agree, then Red-Light Therapy may optimize your overall health and wellbeing.
Legal Disclaimer:
Statements regarding red light therapy and or dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. As always, seek guidance from your professional health care provider.
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