Does Red Light Therapy Cause Cancer?

IN THIS ARTICLE:

• 01 What is Red Light Therapy?    
  02 What Are the Benefits of Red Light Therapy for the Skin?    
  03 Does Red Light Therapy Cause Cancer?    
  04 Is Red Light Therapy Safe For Cancer Patients?    
  05 Does Near-Infrared Light Cause Cancer?    
  06 Do You Need Sunscreen For Red Light Therapy?    
  07 Can You Overdo Red Light Therapy?    
  08 The Takeaway: Does Red Light Cause Cancer    

4-minute read

The red light therapy trend shows no signs of slowing down, with the market value estimated to almost double by 2031, assessing the risks associated with this growing trend is, therefore, all the more important. Much of the safety concerns to date have centered on eye health, skin health, the long term impact of LED masks. However recent murmurings have focused on LED and cancer risk - let’s dive into what’s being this speculation and if there is any validity to these claims (spoiler - there’s not).

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy involves the application of clinically proven red light wavelengths to the skin to treat various skin concerns and promote better health outcomes. Unlike traditional anti-aging treatments, red light therapy is painless, non-invasive, and requires zero downtime. This is likely why at-home red light therapy devices have been met with such success in the past number of years.

What Are the Benefits of Red Light Therapy for the Skin? 

-Collagen Production: stimulates mitochondrial activity to enhance collagen production for skin elasticity.

-Inflammation: reduces inflammation in the skin - a key biomarker of several skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and even acne. Red light has been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body and it has been used to treat pain and muscle soreness.

-Healing and repair: red light has regenerative properties and has been linked to accelerated wound healing.

Does Red Light Therapy Cause Cancer?

Red light therapy and cancer have no legitimate link. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, ‘Unlike ultraviolet light, which can cause skin cancer, research has not found that red light can cause any type of cancer’. Cancer-causing UV light also accelerates premature aging, whereas red light exists on the visible light spectrum and has been shown to prevent and reverse signs of photoaging. There is a small body of research that suggests red light may play a part in cancer treatment but this should only be done under medical supervision and as part of a broader treatment plan. There are two main types of UV light emitted by the sun UVB which causes the skin to burn after prolonged sun exposure and UVA which is responsible for photoaging. UV light causes skin cancer by repeated damage to our skin cells causing those cells to grow out of control. There is no evidence that UV-free red light causes damage to the skin - and all the evidence points towards its ability to enhance skin health by boosting collagen and reducing inflammation. 

Is Red Light Therapy Safe For Cancer Patients?

If you have a history of skin cancer, or you are at an increased risk for skin cancer it is important to consult a health professional before starting red light therapy treatments.

Does Near-Infrared Light Cause Cancer?

The closely associated infrared light therapy operates in a similar way to red light only the wavelengths are longer and therefore penetrate deeper into the skin. Infrared wavelengths are usually 810nm - 1072nm and reach beyond the skin to treat muscle, joints, nerves, and bones. These wavelengths are experts at treating pain and inflammation and supporting advanced-phase collagen production to improve skin laxity and fine lines. Similar to red light, infrared wavelengths do not contain cancer-causing UV rays and have not been linked to cancer or skin damage in the same way. A 2019 study demonstrated that near-infrared phototherapy induced cancer cell death - this body of research is to date very limited and any cancer treatments should only be administered under the instruction of a health care professional. 

Do You Need Sunscreen For Red Light Therapy?

No, you don’t need sunscreen for red light therapy, as you don’t want to block the light wavelengths from penetrating the skin and delivering its many benefits. This rule is the same for any topical skincare, and red light therapy devices should always be applied to freshly cleansed skin and followed by your AM/PM skincare regimen. 

Can You Overdo Red Light Therapy?

The risk of overdoing red light therapy with an at-home device is low - a longer treatment time does not necessarily guarantee better results, so while you may not be damaging your skin by doubling up on treatments, you likely arent benefiting your skin either. This is because cells can only absorb a certain amount of light during a single treatment. The best advice is to follow the recommended treatment time on your specific device.

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The Takeaway: Does Red Light Cause Cancer

Unlike ultraviolet light, red light does not carry the same risks of skin cancer or photoaging. It has been shown to prevent and reverse some signs of aging. However, this does not mean that red light protects against UV rays, and applying SPF and other sun safety measures remains important when spending time in the sun. 

As the technology continues to gain popularity, understanding its benefits and limitations ensures informed use. This allows individuals to harness the advantages of red light therapy for better skin health and overall well-being. With no need for sunscreen or other barriers during treatments, this noninvasive therapy fits seamlessly into skincare routines, offering a revolutionary approach to beauty and wellness.

Make the most of our V-day savings now with up to 14% off advanced red light therapy devices and other beauty technology:  use code LOVEANDLIGHT14 at checkout now! 

  written by Sophie Flair