As light therapy becomes increasingly popular for a wide range of conditions, two of the most commonly known forms are blue light and red light therapy. While both have been used for decades to treat various health conditions, they each have their own unique abilities and benefits.
In this blog post, we will explore the differences between blue and red light therapy, the health conditions they are commonly used to treat, and how they work.
Red Light Therapy
While Red light therapy has been found to improve the appearance of the skin, it’s mostly used and extremely effective in treating pain, inflammation, and mood disorders.
In terms of alleviating pain and inflammation, red light therapy helps by increasing blood flow to the affected area, promoting cellular repair, and reducing inflammation.
When red light penetrates the skin, it stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the mitochondria of the body's cells. ATP is the primary source of energy for the body's cells and plays a crucial role in cellular repair and regeneration. By increasing ATP production, red light therapy can promote cellular repair and regeneration, which then helps reduce pain and inflammation.
In addition to increasing ATP production, red light therapy also promotes the release of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a molecule that helps dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the affected area. This increased blood flow can help reduce inflammation and promote healing by delivering oxygen and nutrients to the affected tissues.
Finally, red light therapy can also help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that contribute to inflammation in the body. By reducing the production of these cytokines, red light therapy can reduce inflammation, therefore, alleviating pain.
Blue Light Therapy
The purpose of blue light therapy is to treat certain skin conditions, primarily those caused by bacteria. Blue light therapy uses a specific wavelength of blue light, typically around 405-420 nm, to target and kill the bacteria responsible for health conditions such as acne and rosacea.
The therapy works by penetrating the skin and activating a naturally occurring substance called porphyrin, which is produced by the bacteria that cause acne and other skin conditions. When porphyrin is exposed to blue light, it produces free radicals that kill the bacteria and reduce inflammation in the skin.
However, there is some research suggesting that blue light therapy may have some potential for the treatment of pain and inflammation in specific health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In these studies, blue light therapy was used in combination with photosensitizing agents, which are substances that increase the sensitivity of cells to light. The treatment was found to reduce inflammation and improve pain in some cases, but more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.
Overall, while blue light therapy may have some potential for the treatment of pain and inflammation in specific conditions, it is not typically used for these purposes and is primarily used for the treatment of skin conditions caused by bacteria.
Other Types of Light Therapy
In addition to blue light and red light therapy, there are other types of light therapy that can be used to improve physical, mental, and emotional health. These include:
- White light therapy: Uses bright white light that simulates natural sunlight to treat conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Light therapy for SAD typically involves sitting in front of a lightbox for a certain amount of time each day, typically in the morning. The recommended intensity for light therapy is typically around 10,000 lux, which is about 20 times brighter than typical indoor lighting.
- Infrared light therapy: Uses infrared wavelengths of light that penetrate deeper into the skin and tissues than visible light does. It can promote healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain in the muscles and joints.
- Full spectrum light therapy: Uses a range of wavelengths, including those found in natural sunlight, to provide a more complete treatment for conditions like SAD. The therapy can help regulate circadian rhythms, improve mood, and provide other benefits associated with exposure to natural sunlight.
There can be different ways to access light therapy. The most common are as follows:
- Lightboxes: Light boxes are devices that emit bright light, usually in the range of 10,000 lux. They can be purchased online or in stores that specialize in light therapy products.
- Light therapy lamps: These are similar to light boxes but are smaller and designed for use on a desk or table. They emit light at a lower intensity than light boxes and can be used for a longer duration. They can also be purchased online or in stores that specialize in light therapy products.
- Hardware and wearable devices: Some light therapy devices are designed to be worn on the head, like a headset or a visor, and can be used to treat certain types of headaches and migraines.
- Clinics and hospitals: Some medical facilities offer light therapy as a treatment option, particularly for skin conditions like psoriasis.
Pair Light Therapy and STAMINAPRO
Light therapy is a safe and non-invasive treatment option with very few side effects. Additionally, it can be paired with STAMINAPRO — electroceutical patches charged with electrons gathered from natural ingredients known to reduce pain and inflammation effectively. Once placed on the skin, your body’s bioelectric field induces the flow of electrons from the patch into your body. Since STAMINAPRO is free of active ingredients, chemicals, and drugs, they are a safe and effective recovery treatment for reducing inflammation.
By wearing STAMINAPRO patches during or after red light therapy, you can compound your effects for longer-lasting and faster-acting recovery!
