Finding Your Fountain of Youth, Pt. 2 : Red Light Therapy's Impact on Skin, Energy, and More… too Good to be True?

Something I’ve greatly enjoyed getting to experience over the last number of years has been red light therapy (RLT), and it has definitely helped in maintaining wellness as the big 6-0 is right around the corner. RLT is big in the biohacking community as it has decades of both scientific and anecdotal evidence of helping make a difference in a number of areas for overall wellness. And it certainly has in my life. I’ve tried multiple ways of doing it… but first here’s some background.

The discovery of red light therapy's benefits can be traced back to NASA's research in the 1990s. Scientists initially used red light to promote plant growth during space missions and serendipitously observed enhanced cell regeneration. This accidental discovery paved the way for further investigations into red light's impact on human cells, ultimately leading to the development of red light therapy for diverse health applications.

The list of potential benefits sounds a bit too good to be true, but they’re all scientifically documented and you can learn more here. ?Of course talk to your doctor, I’m not giving medical advice, and other common sense disclaimers ??.

Benefits include:

·?????? Faster muscle recovery?

·?????? Enhanced blood circulation?

·?????? Increased collagen production?

·?????? Reduces scars, wrinkles, & fine lines?

·?????? Faster wound healing?

·?????? Pain relief?

·?????? Anti-inflammatory effects?

·?????? Aid depression and anxiety?

·?????? Weight loss?

·?????? Improved brain function and mood

Here are the benefits I’ve had the most experience with…

Skin Health Boost

Red light therapy stimulates collagen production, reducing wrinkles and promoting a smoother complexion. It also accelerates wound healing and minimizes inflammation, and overall, just makes your skin feel great and look younger. https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X(20)30897-6/fulltext

Mitochondria Stimulation

A study in the "American Journal of Physiology" found that red light therapy enhances mitochondrial function, improving respiration and ATP production. This boost in mitochondrial activity holds immense potential for addressing conditions associated with cellular energy depletion. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells, and we cannot thrive if they're under-performing.

Elevated Energy and Recovery

Research from the University of Sydney demonstrated that red light therapy enhances muscle performance and reduces fatigue by promoting better circulation and oxygenation. This makes it an appealing option for athletes and those of us seeking natural methods to enhance endurance and recovery. And you just feel better after doing it!

Now… how do you do it? Well, there are a lot of options. Prices vary greatly, but so does quality. The actual sub-wavelengths in the red portion of the visible light spectrum actually do make a difference in efficacy. So that red light bulb you got for Christmas at the hardware store might not provide the desired results!

Here are some ones I’ve tried in chronological order with pros and cons:

1)????? Red bulb and reflector – the most basic DIY version of RLT is just getting a good quality red bulb and using a reflector shield. I started this way by just holding it out in front of my face. You don’t really even need the shield, but that is helpful as some bulbs can get hot. There was no Truelight single bulb when I started RLT, but there is now. More on Truelight below. Pros: low cost, portable. Cons: Bulb efficacy questionable.

2)????? Plastic mask – available many places online, plastic masks can vary greatly in cost, design, and purported efficacy. I used a relatively inexpensive one, and still do from time to time. They usually offer a “flashing” option as that has scientific data to show it has a complimentary to the actual red wavelength impact (check the articles on the linked site above). Pros: May be relatively inexpensive, simple to use, light color and flash options for many models. Cons: Cost may be unnecessarily significant, efficacy varies from model to model, may be uncomfortable to wear for some.

3)????? Full-body units – the local tanning salon has red light beds, and others are available for home use. I loved doing this at the salon before I got the Truelight tri-fold for home. The full-body gives you total coverage, and some options include standing or traditional lying down. Pros: Full-body coverage, zzzzzzz (fell asleep almost every time) Cons: Expensive usually, only one wavelength, bulbs can degrade in strength over time if not replaced regularly.

4)????? Truelight Energy Trism, Square and Bulb – the “Godfather of Biohacking”, founded Truelight to provide high-quality red light access to people. I first encountered them at one of Dave’s annual Biohacking Conferences (more on that in another article in this series… you should go!). Truelight units come in single or tri-fold models. I got the tri-fold. Both units are capable of delivering not only highly-specific red light wavelengths optimized for the health benefits, but near infrared (NIR) and amber wavelengths as well. These also have complimentary advantages to the core red wavelengths, and can be used together or individually. Flashing option as well. I appreciate Truelight so much I got affiliated with the company, so you can use the code RAY10OFF for 10% at checkout if you’re interested. Pros: Science behind the specific wavelengths, multiple frequency options, solid construction, versatile. Remote control is helpful. Cons: Cost

5)????? Elevare RED – Got this at last year’s biohacking conference. It’s a long story. I did not pay full price LOLOL. The unit is amazing for direct area RLT. It can be used with your favorite moisturizer, peptide cream, etc. If you’re interested in one, DM me and I might be able to help you avoid having to sell stock to get it! Pros: Exceptional for direct area therapy, portable, ease of use. Cons: Do you really need that second mortgage??

As shared above, please do follow all guidelines of any product you engage for RLT. In my opinion it’s one of the best biohacks you can do. All the best in your own journey to wellness!

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