Red light therapy is a game changer
If you are subscribed to the health and wellness space, you have probably heard about red light therapy by now, as it has become a buzz term.
But why is it so popular and gaining so much traction?
Red light therapy touts impressive benefits. To name just a few, better sleep, better skin, and improved mood. I initially found out about it through the Ben Greenfield Fitness podcast, when he was discussing the Joovv therapy light. Click here to listen to that podcast; it is well worth a listen!
Instead of ordering a Joovv, although they look awesome, I googled local places near me that offer this treatment. I found Glow Watertown. I am so happy I did. For starters, this place is convenient from both work and my house and the girls who run Glow are adorable. Besides red light, they also offer traditional tanning, spray tanning, makeup and more.
the beauty angel machine
Glow uses a machine called The Beauty Angel to offer red light therapy. The treatment is quick and easy. I basically book a time slot, walk in and get in the machine. I find the experience very efficient, which is crucial for me as I am always running around. Not only does the machine blast you with red light (the beautifying treatment) it includes the “Vibra Shape program” which is essentially a vibrating platform that you stand on while the red light blasts you from head to toe. The Vibra Shape is intended to reduce cellulite and mimic a workout for your body. You can turn it from level 1 to 4. 1 is for beginners, and 4 is the most intense. The benefits of this treatment is that it is gentle on the joints, and works your muscles-your legs, abdomen and even your back.
The actual red light itself feels very pleasent. Since it is not UV-emitting, you do not have to worry about your skin burning or damage to your eyes as opposed to traditional tanning beds. The machine shuts around you, so it is very nice to have that time alone just enjoying the warmth and the feeling!
benefits from regular red light therapy
Here’s the thing about this procedure…you do not just go once and get all of the benefits right away. You will probably feel good after, but the real benefits do not come until you start going regularly. I ended up purchasing a three month pass at Glow so I can essentially drop in whenever I have time and get the treatment. You can also do “double sessions” since each singular session is only 12 minutes, so a double session would be 24 minutes of red light. I did this the last time I was there because it was a particularly dark and gloomy day. From doing regular red light therapy (1-3 times a week) I have noticed:
- Healthy looking skin and less breakouts! I have not had a bad breakout since I’ve started this treatment, even during my time of the month or if I eat too much chocolate. It is so magical. I think my skin really loves the light. The treatment is noted to help reduce acne and other skin issues like eczema, rosacea and fine lines.
- My mood is elevated. On the days where I go red light, I tend to feel happier, more optimistic and productive.
- Easier time falling asleep. My brain does this thing where it starts recapping everything that day that I may have messed up, and running through all the things I need to do the next day. This happens late at night when I’m trying to sleep of course. Red light helps with this because it regulates your melatonin levels. This is relevant if you live in a place where there is not a lot of sunshine, or winters are longer. We are meant to be exposed to natural light throughout the day, and when we spend time indoors staring at computers all day this leads to issues with the circadian rhythm. To combat this, I wear blue light blocking glasses and incorporate red light therapy when I can.
who should do red light therapy?
I personally think red light therapy is great for everyone, especially if you live somewhere cold like I do. Being able to bathe in red light, even if it is only a small fraction of the day, can do wonders for your mood and outlook. Plenty of people experience “winter blues” or seasonal depression, and I genuinly believe this method would be an effectual way to cope with that.
Studies have shown that red light therapy can increase your energy levels by promoting the release of ATP. It also has been shown to activate the lymphatic system, which is the part of our immune system that helps carry waste out. Along with that, this treatment increases your blood flow throughout the body which is going to bring more oxygen to cells and tissues. The point I am trying to make is that not only will red light therapy help you look better on the outside (by reducing fine lines, boosting collagen production, minimizing cellulite), it also can make you feel better on the inside-which is even more important of course. See this study if you are interested in reading more details on the study, how it was conducted and what it showed.
If you read this post and are interested in trying red light, I highly recommend you go for it-but don’t do it for superficial reasons. Like I mentioned, you should not go once and expect all your lines/wrinkles/imperfections to magically disappear. You should do red light if you plan on making it a regular habit, and if you are interested in helping your body function better from the inside out.
Let me know what you think!