RED LIGHT THERAPY functions mainly by causing a biochemical reaction within the mitochondria cells that allows it to use oxygen more efficiently to produce energy in the form of ATP. ATP is known as the body's energy currency and is responsible for the proper functioning of every organelle, cell, tissue, and organ in the body. Unfortunately, ATP synthesis can lag for several reasons, leading to myriad health issues, including those related to the skin. 

One of the most significant effects of more efficient energy synthesis at the cellular level is increased collagen production. As mentioned above, collagen is an essential protein for healthy, youthful-looking skin. It plays a significant role in healing wounds and scars, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, and providing firmness to the skin. 

Red light therapy has also improved blood flow by causing vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). This creates a positive feedback loop in which better circulation allows for more oxygen to reach the cells, boosts energy production, improves blood flow, and so on. Red light therapy is also known to reduce inflammation, in part through improved blood flow, but also through the exact mechanism on which micro-needling relies: hormesis. This involves what is known as oxidative stress. 

Defined as an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, oxidative stress occurs when an oxygen molecule is broken down into single atoms with an uneven number of electrons. Electrons always want to be in pairs, so these molecules, called free radicals, roam free looking for other molecules to pair with. This causes damage to cells, proteins and DNA, which in turn can lead to a number of serious pathological conditions, including inflammatory skin diseases, and can also cause skin wrinkling and other signs of aging.

Antioxidants are the benevolent molecules that essentially sacrifice themselves to free radicals by offering up electrons, thereby preventing damage to healthy molecules. When free radicals become too abundant for antioxidants to keep under control, we have what is called oxidative stress. 

While it is generally considered to be harmful, research indicates that oxidative stress in small doses can be beneficial to the body and can help fight a wealth of pathological conditions by both slowing down the growth of certain cells and by creating protective mechanisms to neutralize and eliminate free radicals. 

Red light therapy has been demonstrated to cause a temporary increase in free radicals (also called reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing the body to jumpstart its defense mechanisms. 

Dr. Lange's office offers Red Light Therapy to treat Chronic Skin Conditions, Psoriasis, eczema, acne, and other chronic skin conditions are currently considered incurable. Treating chronic inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction and improving the health of newly formed skin cells can push these disorders into remission, Low back pain, or muscle strains, Hair Restoration, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Red light reduces arthritis inflammation to help slow or potentially reverse the degeneration of the joints. It also increases collagen production to help joints stay supple and increases blood flow for better waste disposal and nutrient delivery. In addition, several studies show that red light eases osteoarthritis pain and it's a safe therapy for long-term treatment.

Red light therapy is a therapeutic technique that uses low-level wavelengths of light to treat a number of conditions, from pain relief to anti-aging. 

As a safe and minimally invasive solution, infrared light offers an effective alternative to traditional drugs as a method of healing wounds and reducing the pain of inflammation. low-level light therapy is FDA-approved for treating conditions like chronic joint pain, hair loss, and may even help repair brain tissue. 

But what about the possible side-effects?  First, it's important to take a look at the beginnings of red light therapy.