Natural Sunlight vs Red Light Therapy Benefits: What's the Difference

Sunlight is a crucial factor to life on Earth affecting all aspects of human life, from the oxygen you breathe to the food you eat. Moreover, it has a myriad of health benefits from improving mood to treating skin conditions. Red light therapy is said to replicate these wellness benefits while adding more targeted advantages, but is one better than the other? This article will explore the similarities and key differences between the two and offer insights on how to harness the maximum health benefits from both. 

Natural Light Benefits for the Body

The sun produces a full spectrum of light in which red, infrared, and UVb light, components beneficial to the human body, are included. The first two play an essential role in boosting cellular energy production while UVb light is primarily responsible for the synthesis of Vitamin D. Other health benefits that these generate include:

• Boosts serotonin levels: Sunlight entering the eyes stimulates the retinas to trigger the production of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and is often called the “feel good” chemical. At normal levels, it allows one to feel more focused, happier, calmer, and emotionally stable. Research also suggests that maintaining this is particularly helpful in easing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) symptoms.
• Increases the body’s Vitamin D levels: UV exposure boosts vitamin D levels in the body accounting for numerous health benefits including protection against cancer, strong bones, and a healthy immune system.
• Regulates the body’s circadian rhythm: The body’s circadian rhythm affects almost all aspects of health including mood, hormone release, hunger patterns, and energy levels and one of the primary factors that drive this cycle is light. Natural light exposure, especially after waking up, helps a person maintain this cycle allowing optimal bodily functions that are properly synched with day and night. 

Risks of Too Much or Too Little Sunlight

Inadequate exposure to sunlight puts one at risk of Vitamin D deficiency which is associated with a weakened immune system, increased cancer risk, cardiovascular diseases, and bone health risks. One study claims that sunlight exposure deficiency may be responsible for 340,000 deaths in the United States and 480,000 deaths in Europe alone. This has been linked to an increased incidence of hypertension, breast cancer, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, type 1 diabetes, myopia, and colorectal cancer. 

On the other hand, there are also similar risks with too much sun exposure because of UVa rays and blue and violet light. Excessive exposure to these can damage the skin in varying degrees from liver spots and wrinkles to skin cancer. Meanwhile, under certain conditions, blue and violet light can cause retina damage and macular degeneration.

Key Difference of Natural Sunlight and Red Light Therapy Benefits

Unlike natural sunlight, red light therapy only uses an extremely targeted dose. A very specific wavelength of red light and near-infrared light exists here, so as to stimulate the production of adenosine triphosphate in the cell’s mitochondria. This results in a variety of health benefits including collagen production, reduced inflammation, better circulation, and the repair and recovery of muscles. 

One notable benefit of red light therapy that natural sunlight does not have is its ability to treat sun damage. One study about the effects of red light therapy on sunburn damage revealed that 91% of participants experienced improved skin tone while 82% reported enhanced smoothness of their facial skin. The therapy has been shown to increase collagen which helps reduce hyperpigmentation and treats melasma through melanin synthesis. 

Proper use and duration using red and near-infrared light devices also have no known side effects or harmful components compared to sunlight. 

How Red Light Therapy Can Boost the Benefits of Natural Sunlight

Given the significant role of sunlight in the body’s processes, it’s essential to receive an appropriate dose daily, however, this might not be possible for all. For instance, those living nearer the poles have limited access to the sun for months. Some countries also experience long dark, cold winter months. Outside this season, many people spend most of their days under the shade of their offices or cubicles. 

In these instances, red light therapy can help people get their dose of healthy red and near-infrared light. However, red light alone won’t stimulate the production of Vitamin D making it an impractical full replacement for sunlight. The best course of action would still be to receive moderate sunlight and use red light therapy as a supplement for additional health benefits. 

For more information about red light therapy benefits and devices, feel free to visit ROJO Light Therapy NZ. You can also contact us for more inquiries about our services and products.