The first use of red-light therapy in a controlled, scientific environment dates back to the 1890s, when it was studied and developed for use in the treatment of skin lesions caused by smallpox and symptoms associated with lupus.
In the 1980s, NASA began testing red-light wavelengths to help grow plants and provide a sustainable food source for extended space voyages. During their research, NASA also discovered that red-light wavelengths, when applied to the skin, could be used safely and effectively for alleviating pain, healing wounds and rejuvenating the skin.
This remarkable discovery has led to the development of a new category of derma-wellness devices that utilize red-light energy to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, treat acne and blemishes, rejuvenate the skin – and energize the entire body by naturally stimulating the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – an energy-carrying molecule that drives and supports many processes in living cells of the body.
Once available only to dermatologists and medical practices, several companies have now received FDA 510K OTC Clearances and FDA Registrations allowing such red-light-based devices to be sold for use in mainstream businesses – including salons, spas and wellness centers.
Lightwaves 101 & Effective Red-Light Energy
Lightwaves, including those generated by the sun, are measured in nanometers (nm). A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. For a point of reference, picture a yardstick divided into 1,000,000,000 slices. Each slice represents one (1) nanometer – about 100,000 times thinner than the diameter of a human hair.
Ultraviolet light, like that found in a typical tanning bed, occurs in the wavelength below 400 nanometers. Red light occurs in the range from 600-700 nanometers, and infrared is found above 700 nanometers. Note: red-light energy is part of the visible light spectrum.
For a red-light device to work effectively, the light emitted should be within a specific wavelength range: 630-660 nanometers. And the device must be designed to generate sufficient power to stimulate results: 30-60 milliwatts per centimeter squared (mW/cm2) is considered the amount of power required to produce effective results. I state this adamantly, as some red-light devices being offered for sale lack FDA Clearance and FDA Registration, and emit no more power than the decorative lights on a Christmas tree.
We have measured several devices, including old-style fluorescent lamps, that emit less than 10 mW/cm2. Think of it this way: Which would be more effective: a vitamin capsule with 60 milligrams of vitamin C or one with 600 milligrams of vitamin C?
Several red-light-based devices have been cleared for use in mainstream businesses – including salons, spas and wellness centers.
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) & Collagen Production
To function effectively, each cell in your body requires energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). The mitochondria, known as the “powerhouse” of the cell, produce chemical energy in the form of ATP.
Red-light energy at 630nm-660nm and 30-60 m/Wcm2 helps stimulate the mitochondria and super-charges the production of energy = ATP. This process helps to rejuvenate the skin by stimulating cellular metabolism, increasing cellular energy, blood flow and production of collagen – the main structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues in the body.
It is estimated that after we reach 21 years of age, our body’s collagen production decreases about 1% each year. An increase in ATP stimulates production of collagen fibers and collagen density. As collagen density increases, it helps to rejuvenate the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, thus creating a more youthful appearance.
Business Applications
The use of FDA-Cleared and Registered red-light devices, in general, is considered safe and effective for people with any skin type. These devices can also add a new dimension of profitability to your salon or spa service menu by attracting new customers while helping to keep existing customers engaged and loyal to your business.
For your free Red-Light Therapy Science & Business Report, email: jerry.deveney@outlook.com
