Red Light therapy. Is it a hoax?

[jsmith255]

Hi,

I am interested in Red light therapy to help improve skin condition and skin aging symptoms, such as to help with sun damage.   There are both places you can go for treatment and home units you can buy, they average around $350.   Tanning salons are now even offering Red Light beds, so it definitely is becoming kind of a craze.  It has also been on Doctor Oz show, though not sure of the reliability of that.
I would be interested in a home unit.  Some of these home units also have infrared light, claiming this works better.

The claim is that the red and infrared light stimulates collagen, cell activity and reduces inflammation....and as usual plenty of people raving saying it works, and some who don't.   Some claim it has worked miracles even helping with joint pain (okay probably due to the heat) and weight loss (okay now we're getting just plain silly)

Is there anyone or anywhere I can get a reliable answer on whether this is worth the money--- and more particularly, I'm concerned about one or two people out of a great many who posted in product reviews the treatments gave them sunspots.  Is there any danger with red light or red/infrared units (such as the DPL, Baby Quazar or Silkn-SN001) causing skin cancer with use?  I'm most interested in what a dermatologist might say, or personal experiences.

Thanks very much also for any professional advice or reference to such.

[junartun44]

When your skin is not like that, usually bi acne and pigmentation or of visible signs of aging. Besides the impact of the external environment such as the sun, gravity, pollution, harsh soaps, cigarette smoke, free radicals, and a poor diet make your skin worse.

http://www.redlighttherapy.com.au/

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Red light therapy is not without side effects and there have been reported cases of increased flushing, redness, burning, acne symptoms, visible problems, physical burns, dryness, swelling, thickening, pain and rashes. You should use it only under medical supervision.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.