Light therapy or phototherapy is making waves in the healthcare and cosmetic therapy industries. This is mainly due to its higher effectiveness and non-invasive nature. It uses specific wavelengths of light to treat a variety of mental and skin conditions.
There is a growing interest in light therapy, especially for treating seasonal affective disorder. LED light therapy for skin is becoming trendy. It is gaining attention for tackling skin conditions like acne and eczema. These expanding applications are boosting the industry growth.
As per Coherent Market Insights, the global light therapy industry is poised to exhibit a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. The industry valuation is anticipated to cross US$ 1410.9 million by the end of 2030.
How Light Therapy Works?
Light therapy uses artificial light sources that mimic natural sunlight or emit specific therapeutic wavelengths. These lights stimulate specific photoreceptors which influence various biological processes. For instance, they impact cell regeneration and collagen production.
Red light therapy, blue light therapy, bright light therapy, and near-infrared light therapy are the most common forms of light therapy. These therapies used different lights to trigger physiological responses, offering various health benefits.
Different wavelengths of light have different effects on the human body. For instance, red light can penetrate deeper into skin and promote collagen production, while blue light is known to kill bacteria.
Exposure to specific wavelengths increases serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. This alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety. Light therapy has also the potential to regulate the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm), leading to improved sleep quality.
At the cellular level, light therapy works by stimulating mitochondria, leading to increased production of adenosine triphosphate. High ATP improves cell repair, facilitates healing, and reduces inflammation.
What are the Health Benefits of Light Therapy?
Light therapy offers a wide range of health benefits. What really makes it a versatile treatment option is its higher effectiveness, fewer side effects, and non-invasive nature.
Light therapy or photobiomodulation therapy is being widely used to treat conditions like
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Skin conditions like acne, wrinkles, eczema, and psoriasis
- Sleep disorders
- Arthritis and fibromyalgia
Overview of Light Therapy Health Benefits
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Light therapy has the tendency to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm. This enables it to reduce symptoms of SAD and improve mood.
Phototherapy is also used to treat bipolar disorder and non-seasonal depression. Studies have revealed that light therapy can significantly improve mood by balancing serotonin and dopamine levels.
Skin Conditions
Light therapy is becoming a go-to solution in the modern era for to treat skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It can stimulate collagen production, leading to reduced wrinkles and improved skin elasticity.
Sleep Disorders
Light therapy can help regulate sleep patterns and improve sleep quality. This it does by influencing melatonin production that regulates sleep. People with jet leg and insomnia can benefit from light therapy due to its ability to regulate the circadian clock.
Light Therapy for Pain Relief
Light therapy has the potential to alleviate chronic pain by reducing inflammation. It is becoming a promising treatment method for conditions like arthritis and carpel tunnel syndrome.
Wound Healing
Light therapy can also facilitate wound healing by stimulating collagen production and improving blood flow.
Cognitive Function
Light therapy, especially near-infrared, is being explored to improve brain function and reduce symptoms of neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. It has the ability to increase blood flow and stimulate neurogenesis.
