When educating salon guests about Red Light Therapy (RLT), one of the primary challenges is effectively communicating its benefits and mechanisms. To achieve this, it’s essential to have a deep understanding of the therapy and to create a concise, fact-based list of selling points.
Ensuring that claims align with what the devices are registered for with the FDA is crucial. Overstepping these boundaries can invite scrutiny from the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
What can you say?
When discussing the benefits of RLT, it’s safe to mention that it reduces inflammation, relieves pain and stimulates cellular regeneration and repair. If your device is registered for cosmetic use, such as reducing fine lines and wrinkles, you can confidently communicate those benefits.
Red Light Therapy, also known as Photobiomodulation (PBM), involves the application of light energy (photons) to modulate biological processes within the body. In the medical field, terms like low-level laser therapy (LLLT), low-power laser therapy and phototherapy are often used interchangeably.
In 2002, the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus defined Low-Level Light as a “treatment using irradiation with light of low power intensity so that the effects are a response to the light and not due to heat. A variety of light sources, especially low-power lasers are used.”
Since 2015, there has been an effort to expand that definition to: “a form of light therapy that utilizes non-ionizing forms of light sources, including lasers, LEDs, and broadband light, in the visible and infrared spectrum.” It is a nonthermal process involving endogenous chromophores eliciting photophysical (i.e., linear and nonlinear) and photochemical events at various biological scales.
This process results in beneficial outcomes including the alleviation of pain or inflammation, immunomodulation, and promotion of wound healing and tissue regeneration.
How it works
When red light penetrates the skin, photons are absorbed by chromophores within the mitochondria – the cell’s powerhouse. This absorption stimulates a cascade of enzymatic reactions. Research shows that a single photon can initiate thousands of these reactions in under a second, underscoring RLT’s efficacy in cellular modulation.
Mitochondria are responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells. ATP is critical for functions like muscle contraction, neural signaling and tissue repair. The enzyme cytochrome c- oxidase plays a pivotal role in ATP production.
Better circulation
Under RLT, cytochrome c-oxidase absorbs light, which displaces nitric oxide trapped within the enzyme. While nitric oxide can inhibit ATP synthesis by limiting oxygen utilization, its displacement under light therapy enhances mitochondrial efficiency.
Interestingly, nitric oxide released into blood vessels promotes vasodilation, improving circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues. This enhances circulation almost immediately.
Enhanced circulation is one of the most immediate and impactful benefits of RLT – improved blood flow allows for better nutrient delivery and waste removal at the cellular level. This increased nutrient availability accelerates healing and reduces pain.
Pain relief
Pain relief is achieved through two primary mechanisms:
1. Blocking Pain Signals: RLT can inhibit pain signals from reaching the brain by modulating nerve function.
2. Reducing Inflammatory Cytokines: Inflammation is a significant contributor to chronic pain. Studies have demonstrated that RLT reduces markers of inflammation, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).
Additionally, RLT stimulates the immune system, enhancing the activity of macrophages – cells responsible for clearing damaged tissue and pathogens.
Educating salon guests about RLT involves more than just listing benefits; it’s about empowering them with knowledge.
Anti-aging
In the beauty & wellness industry, RLT’s anti-aging properties are particularly appealing. The therapy stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, proteins essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Collagen production naturally declines with age, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. By boosting collagen synthesis, RLT can help restore a youthful appearance.
Additionally, RLT promotes the activity of fibroblasts, cells responsible for producing connective tissue, further enhancing skin health. The therapy also increases the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme that protects cells from oxidative stress – a key factor in the aging process.
As cells age, their ability to efficiently convert food into energy diminishes. This decline is exacerbated by factors such as injury, chronic disease and environmental stressors. Reduced cellular efficiency leads to increased inflammation, pain and decreased functionality. The early signs of this decline often manifest as aches, pains and wrinkled skin.
RLT helps counteract these effects by rejuvenating mitochondrial function, thereby enhancing ATP production and cellular repair mechanisms. After consistent RLT sessions, people often report improved energy levels, reduced pain and a general sense of well-being.
Empowering guests through education
Educating salon guests about RLT involves more than just listing benefits; it’s about empowering them with knowledge. Encourage them to explore reputable studies and understand the science behind the therapy. Discuss the specific wavelengths your devices use, as different wavelengths penetrate tissues to varying depths and elicit different biological responses.
For example:
▸ Red light (620-750 nm): Primarily affects surface tissues, making it effective for skin health and superficial wound healing.
▸ Near-infrared light (750-1200 nm): Penetrates deeper, benefiting muscles, joints and internal tissues.
By guiding salon guests toward evidence-based information, you can build trust and foster long-term relationships. To maintain compliance and avoid legal risks, always ensure that your explanations align with the FDA-cleared indications of your devices.
