By now, you’ve no doubt heard about Red Light Therapy, also known as RLT. Devices like those provided by Recover Red, offer a safe, effective, and affordable way to provide this type of therapy right from home. This emerging therapeutic technique utilizes low-level wavelengths of red light to treat a variety of skin conditions and health conditions. Most commonly, you hear it associated with treating wrinkles, redness, acne, scars, and signs of aging. However, this merely scratches the surface of what RLT can do. It also mistakenly leads people to believe that RLT is only effective for older people. However, studies repeatedly show that RLT has immense potential benefits for children as well. In this article, we’ll discuss what those benefits are while answering the most important question: is red light therapy safe for kids?
Blue Light’s Effect on Children
In the visible light spectrum, each color has its own wavelength and energy level. Blue light, specifically, tends to possess shorter wavelengths and higher energy. This high-energy light, much like ultraviolet rays from the sun, can heighten the risk of eye diseases. As a result, concerns have escalated about the impact of blue light from digital screens on our eyes, especially in children.
Indeed, studies suggest that exposure to blue light could lead to significant vision changes, as it penetrates directly to the back of the retina. This exposure is linked to potential risks like macular degeneration, phototoxicity, and even disturbances in the sleep cycle due to its effect on the circadian rhythm.
Children are particularly susceptible to this, as their eyes do not filter blue light as effectively as adults. Shockingly enough, extreme blue light exposure has been linked to higher risks of everything from nearsightedness and attention focus problems to obesity. To safeguard their vision and overall health, reducing screen time and managing exposure to blue light is crucial. So, how does red light therapy factor into all of this?
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red Light Therapy works by using specific light spectrums to stimulate cellular structures, similar to how sunlight promotes plant growth. This non-invasive, pain-free therapy can be administered at home with the appropriate device. The primary mechanism behind RLT involves the activation of mitochondria within cells—often described as the powerhouse of the cell—thereby boosting cellular function and overall health. From enhancing skin vitality and muscle recovery to improving mental well-being, RLT serves as a versatile treatment option.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
RLT offers numerous therapeutic benefits due to its targeted wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. These wavelengths increase cellular energy production, aiding in healing and reducing inflammation. While it doesn’t stimulate vitamin D production like sunlight, RLT is beneficial for improving skin complexion, reducing signs of aging, and aiding in wound healing without the risks associated with UV light.
Not only does it enhance collagen production and improve cardiovascular health, but it also supports bone density improvements, making it a comprehensive therapy tool for people of all ages. Most important of all, RLT has been proven effective for maintaining ocular health and protecting vision. This is not only true of individuals with age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, but of kids who might be suffering from excess blue light exposure.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe for Kids?
Considering the way children’s bodies metabolize light into cellular energy, specifically adenosine triphosphate (ATP), RLT can be particularly beneficial. Children are constantly using up their energy, which can lead to fatigue and frequent illness. RLT provides a safe method to restore their energy levels without risking the harmful effects of UV rays. This is especially important due to the fact that children are spending less and less time outside. Therefore, in an era where children spend significant time in front of screens, RLT can offer a counterbalance to the negative effects of blue light on their skin, eyes, and brain health.
Conclusion
Allowing your child to spend just 10 minutes under red light could potentially make a significant difference in their overall well-being. The therapy, known as photobiomodulation, is not only safe but also a potentially effective way to enhance their health in various aspects.
