From the Guidelines
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation (PBM) using Red Light is Beneficial for Certain Conditions Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM), has been shown to have potential benefits for various medical conditions, including skin health and wound healing 1. The evidence suggests that red light therapy can be effective in treating actinic keratosis (AK), a common skin condition caused by sun exposure, with studies demonstrating significant lesion reduction and complete clearance rates 1.
Treatment Parameters
Typical treatment parameters for red light therapy include:
- Wavelengths of 630-700 nanometers
- Doses of 10-100 joules per square centimeter
- Treatment durations of 10-30 minutes However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of red light therapy and determine optimal treatment protocols 1.
Conditions Treated with Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy has been used to treat various conditions, including:
- Actinic keratosis (AK)
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- Bowen's disease
- Wound healing and muscle recovery It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using red light therapy, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications such as photosensitizing agents 1.
Precautions and Limitations
While red light therapy may have potential benefits, the current evidence is limited and inconclusive, and it should not be relied upon as a primary treatment for any medical condition 1. Additionally, commercial PDT light sources may not provide accurate delivered doses, and factors such as photobleaching can affect treatment depth 1. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional and carefully evaluate the evidence before using red light therapy.
From the Research
Benefits of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation (PBM)
- LLLT or PBM using red light has been shown to have various benefits, including enhancing mitochondrial Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) production, cell signaling, and growth factor synthesis, and reducing oxidative stress 2, 3.
- Red light therapy has been found to be effective in reversing the signs of skin aging, improving skin quality, and reducing wrinkles 2.
- LLLT has also been used to treat acne vulgaris, wound healing, body contouring, and androgenic alopecia, with a reasonable body of clinical trial evidence supporting its effectiveness 3.
Clinical Applications of LLLT or PBM
- Red light therapy has been used to treat temporomandibular disorders, with studies showing significant improvements in pain, clicking, and number of tender muscles 4.
- LLLT has also been used to improve wound healing, reduce oral mucositis, and ameliorate toxicant-induced retinal and visual cortical neuron damage 5.
- Light therapy, including LLLT or PBM, has been found to have beneficial effects on sleep duration, quality, and circadian alignment, as well as decreased fatigue and improved mood in hospitalized patients 6.
Mechanisms of Action
- Melatonin has been proposed as a potential mediator of red light's therapeutic effects, with studies suggesting that it may play a role in the antioxidant and anti-aging effects of LLLT or PBM 5.
- The exact mechanisms of action of LLLT or PBM are still not fully understood, but it is thought that the absorption of red or near-infrared light energy enhances mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress 2, 3.