Why Doing the Right Things Matters More Than Doing All the Things
September 2, 2026
When it comes to anti-aging, many people are willing to try whatever they can get their hands on to improve their skin, lessen their wrinkles, and reverse the clock. Light therapy wands and devices are currently a hot topic. As with most things that become popular, it can be difficult as a consumer and patient to navigate which tools are legit. That’s where we come in. The truth of the matter is that not all light is created equal. Some forms of light therapy are incredibly healing and hold a multitude of benefits while others aren’t necessarily going to hurt you but likely aren’t worth your money or your time. One of my passions is to educate my patients so they can make the decision as to which are the correct tools to implement into their routine.
Light therapy dates back to the 1800s when it was proven that light stimulates the immune defenses and ability to fight infection. This approach was addressed in two different ways: heliotherapy (natural sunlight therapy) and phototherapy (artificial light). Phototherapy was used in many different clinical settings for things such as tuberculosis, and other infections of the joints and skin, heart disease, anemia, varicose veins etc. In the 1940s, Emmitt Knott developed the haemo irradiation machine. This treated blood with ultraviolet light for things like sepsis, encephalitis, HSV, polio, and peritonitis. Results were actually quite good with a reported success rate of 50-80%. Pretty impressive outcomes considering the seriousness of the involved diseases and the fact that the only modality used was light therapy. While ultraviolet light can have many health benefits it’s also important that the amount or ‘dosage’ of light given is closely monitored as overexposure can cause inflammation and oxidative stress leading to further health problems.
It’s true that different wavelengths of light and different colors of light are beneficial or harmful in different situations. For example, the sun gives off an abundance of blue light but artificial blue light and too much of it (especially at the wrong times of the day) can be damaging to your health. Our bodies are meant to rise and set with the sun. Blue light at the wrong time of the day can wreak havoc on the circadian rhythm.
Light therapy can be applied both topically and internally. Below, we discuss the different varieties of light therapy and how they may benefit your health.
Ultraviolet light irradiation (UVBI) is an anti-inflammatory and anti-infective therapy that heightens the body’s immune response. This type of light has been used since the 1800s to treat infection and disease. Its use decreased as pharmaceuticals and vaccines increased. UVBI is the same type of light that comes from the sun.
Red light therapy uses LED light and is a fantastic choice for skin health. It also holds many benefits in repairing the mitochondria (powerhouse) inside each cell. Improving mitochondrial function is an imperative part of anti-aging therapy. The stronger the mitochondria, the stronger your health. It can increase collagen production which in turn can reduce scars and wrinkles. Aside from the anti-aging benefits, red light therapy is also an excellent treatment modality for dermatologic diagnoses like acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. Post-exercise, red light therapy can be an excellent tool for muscle recovery and repair. Using red light therapy after your workout can reduce delayed onset muscle soreness and can also be used for warming muscles up prior to more intensive activity. While red light therapy improves muscle recovery, it also speeds up the process of healing from wounds and injuries. Lastly and somewhat most importantly, red light therapy has benefits in improving chronic pain. Clinical studies have shown that red light therapy relieves pain in people experiencing osteoarthritis, back pain, mucositis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Infrared light therapy is another popular form of light treatment. Unlike red light therapy, which is visible to the human eye, infrared light is invisible and penetrates deeper into the body. This deeper penetration allows it to reach muscles, nerves, and even bones.
The primary benefits of infrared light therapy include improved blood circulation, pain relief, and inflammation reduction. It’s particularly effective for those with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia or neuropathy. Additionally, infrared light therapy can aid in detoxification, as it helps improve the circulation of the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in eliminating toxins from the body.
Infrared light has also been shown to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, making it a valuable tool for skin rejuvenation and wound healing. It can be beneficial in combination with red light for those with hair loss, as it can stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) therapy is a gentle, non-invasive technique harnessing varied light wavelengths to address diverse skin issues. Originating from NASA’s research in the 1990s, LEDs were explored for their potential to aid wound recovery in astronauts by stimulating cellular and tissue growth.
Now, skin care experts, including dermatologists and estheticians, frequently incorporate LED light therapy into their regimen. Often, they combine this therapy with other treatments like creams, serums, and facials to optimize outcomes.
LED light therapy can also now be applied to different IV infusions with different colored LED lights offering different types of health benefits.
It’s essential to remember that while LED light therapy can be beneficial, consistency is key. Regular sessions are often required to see noticeable results. Moreover, it’s always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional before starting any new treatment.
Hemealumen light therapy utilizes a carefully calibrated spectrum of light to address various health concerns. It can be administered topically and internally, providing a wide range of potential benefits. One of the key advantages of Hemealumen is its ability to deliver therapeutic light at precise dosages, minimizing the risk of overexposure and associated inflammation and oxidative stress.
Answer: Side effects are generally minimal, with some people experiencing mild redness or irritation, which usually subsides quickly.
Q. How many LED Light Therapy sessions are needed for noticeable results?
Answer: The number of sessions needed varies depending on the specific concern and the device used, but many people start to see results after a few sessions.
Q. Is LED Light Therapy a legitimate treatment?
Answer: LED Light Therapy is considered a legitimate and science-backed treatment with a growing body of research supporting its effectiveness for various applications. However, it’s essential to consult with a qualified professional for personalized advice.
Summarizing what is above… If you’re looking for the ultimate anti-aging solutions, these innovative therapies are the answer. Contact us here to learn more!
Peak Health Institute offers a range of light therapy treatments in our office, serving as powerful tools for anti-aging solutions. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can assist you on your journey. Contact us here to learn more!