How Long Does It Take For You To See Red Light Therapy Benefits

In this current era of immediate gratification, “quick fixes” or miracle products often have a high appeal to the masses. However, some things in life - especially the most gratifying ones - take patience and dedication. Red light therapy (RLT) treatments demonstrate this foundationally, requiring consistent practice and implementation for the body to reap the gains borne out of short, intense sessions  of heat exposure. 

The lack of immediate and obvious red light therapy benefits can discourage many, which can lead users to slack in consistency or quit altogether out of the belief that it’s not working. So that you’re managing your expectations, we’ve broken down a couple commonplace factors that tend to affect the body’s adoption of physiological effects to treatment, and what affects this timeframe. 

How Long Before You See Red Light Therapy Benefits

The answer to this question is not straightforward. To put it more simply, application of red light therapy shares similar physical adaptations to stress as exercise can sometimes have. One hour at the gym won’t immediately produce any results, and the same goes for RLT. The treatment requires time to build upon its biological effects to produce noticeable results. Additionally, the treatment’s efficacy is highly dependent on a few factors: 

Factors Influencing Red Light Therapy Results

• Type of Condition Being Treated

The type of condition the therapy is treating will greatly affect how quickly you see results. For instance, skin issues such as acne or psoriasis may take one to ten weeks before results become noticeable. Meanwhile, when used for hair growth, studies show that it can take up to 16 weeks for visible results. The response of each condition to red light therapy will be unique, so it’s essential to consider the specific issue being addressed when accounting for the treatment’s timeline. 

• Frequency and Duration of Sessions

To successfully reap the benefits of red light therapy, consistency is crucial. Regular sessions ensure the therapeutic effects are sustained and built upon. In regards to duration, it’s important to note that red light therapy is biphasic. This means that too little red light is unable to produce benefits, while too much can hamper your results. So, you have to find a balance between the strength of your device and the duration of the treatment to find that sweet spot. To determine this, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines or your doctor’s recommendation. 

• Individual Differences

An individual’s overall health and age can impact the effectiveness of red light therapy. For instance, younger and healthier individuals will - by nature - accommodate higher rates of cellular regeneration and growth, and may notice benefits sooner. On the other hand, those with pre-existing conditions may have slower cellular responses, or need more tailored treatment approaches. 

Tips to Maximise Red Light Therapy Results

While everyone’s bodies react differently to red light therapy, various ways can help you achieve greater or faster results, including the following:

• Stick to a regular schedule: Regular RLT exposure maintains optimal cellular activity to produce significant results. To address pain relief, for example, regular RLT sessions are encouraged to continuously reduce inflammation and enhance healing, preventing symptoms from recurring. 
• Combine RLT with complementary treatments: Using other therapies or treatments alongside RLT can amplify its effects or simultaneously address other aspects of a condition. For example, when using tretinoin for skin care, you can use RLT to combat its side effects and boost its skin turnover function. This combination can result in more youthful and smoother skin.
• Consult with a professional: A professional can assess your individual needs and determine the best approach based on your goals. They can also educate you on contraindications, helping to prevent adverse reactions to the treatment. 
• Track your progress: Red light therapy makes incremental changes, so they may not be immediately noticeable. The best way to help you determine if it’s effective is to log your progress. This can be done through before and after photos or by keeping a health journal. 

Key Takeaway

The amount of time it takes for red light therapy to work is dependent on a few factors, including the condition being treated, the individual’s health condition, their goals, and the consistency of their sessions. So while this treatment is effective for various conditions, patience and dedication are essential for those who are interested in trying it. 

If you’re ready to start your red light therapy journey, we at ROJO Light Therapy can help. We offer a wide variety of top-quality red light therapy devices you can use from the comfort of your home - explore our products here. For more questions or inquiries, feel free to contact us today!