Red Light Therapy vs Sunlight

Introduction: Red Light Therapy vs Sunlight

Light is just as vital to your body as nutrients, oxygen, and water. Light makes life possible not only to perceive objects but because it is essential to living things, particularly humans, with technological advancements in the field of science, therapies such as red light therapy have been developed, employing certain wavelengths of light to impart advantages that some individuals can no longer catch up on due to hectic lifestyles. Yet, sunlight is a natural source of energy that encompasses a wide spectrum of light, with some wavelengths being totally beneficial and others not. In this blog, we are going to discuss the differences between sunlight and red light therapy and their advantages, side effects, risks, and how they touch the lives of human beings.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy is a treatment process involving the usage of particular red and near-infrared light wavelengths to increase the metabolism of your body. Let's see how red and near-infrared light can activate the metabolism and their impact on your body. Red light and near-infrared light travel through your cells and drive the power units of your cells, i.e., mitochondria. Mitochondria are responsible for the production of ATP, an organic molecule required in all biochemical reactions. These biochemical reactions are commonly known as metabolic reactions, and by speeding up the production of ATP, red light therapy helps in all metabolic processes, maintaining your overall health.

Additionally, red light therapy induces the production of elastin and collagen fibers, which are structural proteins necessary for maintaining cell shape. This implies that you can obtain youthful, smooth skin with the aid of red light therapy. It also boosts blood flow, a vital function that supplies nutrients and oxygen to all the cells in your body. They work perfectly if cells have enough nutrients, oxygen, and energy. Red light therapy also minimizes inflammation and oxidative stress, leaving you feeling relaxed and calm. Red light therapy can treat different diseases, their symptoms, and their causes. By using an FDA-approved machine, such as the Total Spectrum machine, you can solve many health problems, make your skin look better, and remove pain without having to undergo invasive procedures.

What is Sunlight Exposure?

Essentially, when discussing sunlight exposure, we're referring to spending time in the outdoor light of the sun. It's not about brightening things up; sunlight is vital for all living organisms – we just can't survive without it

One huge reason is that the sun's UVB rays assist in our bodies producing Vitamin D, which is important for calcium absorption. Without sufficient Vitamin D, we may get issues like arthritis, brittle bones, and osteoporosis. Most folks, particularly those who don't have much time outdoors, don't receive enough sunlight and become deficient.

Sunlight also assists our brains in making serotonin, a chemical that improves our mood and combats depression. That's why we generally feel more cheerful and lively on sunny days. Sunlight also keeps our body's natural sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm, in check, keeping us well and healthy.

However, it's a balancing act. Too much sun can be harmful to your skin. Getting too much exposure without protection can lead to sunburn, speed up skin aging, and even increase your risk of skin cancer, like melanoma. So, while sunlight is good for you, it's essential to be smart about it.

For most individuals, 10 to 30 minutes daily exposure to the sun is sufficient to produce the health benefits without the risk. However, it's always optimal to listen to your body and regulate your exposure to the sun so as not to cause damage but still enjoy its sound effects.

Key Differences Between Red Light Therapy and Sunlight

When it comes to comparing red light therapy vs sunlight, we will discuss the wavelengths, benefits, control and safety, convenience, usage, and duration of effects.

1. Wavelength and Spectrum

Red light therapy is a non-surgical technique employing specific red and near-infrared wavelengths of light, which penetrate the skin to a greater extent and activate cellular processes. The therapy is specific regarding the light and wavelengths employed. In contrast, sunlight has a wide spectrum of light, from visible light to ultraviolet rays and infrared radiation. Although sunlight is vital for many of the body's functions, too much exposure is dangerous.

2. Body Benefits

In comparing red light therapy vs sunlight benefits for your body, the exact wavelengths of red and near-infrared light emitted in red light therapy stimulate the mitochondria, which produce more energy. This additional energy is essential for cell function and regeneration. RLT also increases collagen and elastin production and reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. On the other hand, sunlight contains ultraviolet B rays that the body requires for the production of vitamin D. Sunlight also stimulates serotonin secretion, improving mood and regulating the circadian body rhythm.

3. Control and Safety

In red light therapy, you can exercise total control of the treatment with the appropriate FDA-approved unit, for instance, the Total Spectrum device. You are free to alter the light's intensity and the time for its usage, though the generally recommended duration will be between 10-20 minutes. Comparatively, the use of the sun as an exposure is uncontrolled because the sun is natural. Too much sun exposure can result in sunburn and skin damage and also increase the risk of skin cancer.

Wavelength and Penetration

As you are aware, red light therapy involves certain wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. The wavelength range is restricted, i.e., 630–1100 nm. Red light in the range of 630–700 nm primarily targets the outer layers of the skin, whereas near-infrared light in the range of 700–1100 nm penetrates deeper into tissues, muscles, and joints. These lights are the ones that stimulate cellular repair and other healing processes. Conversely, sunlight has a wide spectrum of light wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet (less than 400 nm) through visible light (400–700 nm) and into infrared (more than 700 nm). Infrared light partly penetrates the skin, whereas UV and the majority of visible light only act on the surface. UVB reaches only the outer layers of the skin and causes sunburn and the generation of vitamin D. In general, the greater penetration of sunlight is restricted and less concentrated than that of red light therapy, which is aimed at reaching certain depths for the purpose of healing.

Risks and Side Effects

Side Effects of Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy is harmless to most people, especially if done as directed. Like with any therapy, there are certain mild side effects. Some people may experience mild redness, constriction, or warmth on the skin after a session. This tends to resolve rapidly and is harmless.

If the light is too intense or the session lasts too long, it could lead to temporary irritation, particularly on sensitive skin. Occasionally, individuals could experience headaches or dizziness, particularly if they look directly at the light without protective eyewear. That's why direct looking at the light needs to be avoided, and protective eyewear should be worn during sessions if necessary.

Also, individuals with some health conditions or those who take medications that make them more sensitive to light should consult a doctor before use. Side effects are, overall, rare and typically mild, particularly when red light therapy is applied appropriately.

Side Effects of Sun Exposure

It is healthy to get a little sun; it causes your body to produce vitamin D and can make you feel better. But, as with anything, too much sun can be a problem.

The most common problem is sunburn, which occurs when your skin is burned by the UV rays of the sun. This can cause your skin to be red and painful and even peel.

If you sit in the sun often and don't protect your skin, you could begin to notice signs of aging sooner, such as wrinkles, spots, and dryness. Worse yet, it can make you more likely to develop skin cancer, a dangerous kind being melanoma.

You can also develop heat exhaustion or heatstroke if you are out under the sun for an extended period and fail to hydrate. Others may develop itchy or irritated skin due to sun allergies or rashes.

To protect yourself, it's a good idea to wear sunblock, cover up with clothing, and attempt to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is usually the hottest time of day.

Conclusion

When discussing red light therapy and sunlight, red light therapy is a beneficial and safe way that provides numerous health advantages. You can regulate the exposure to red light therapy by having the appropriate device, e.g., the Total Spectrum device. RLT promotes cellular repair, improves the health of the skin, and addresses a variety of conditions. As a scientific advancement, RLT not only heals but also enhances a person's general health. Sunlight, on the other hand, is a natural source of light that contributes to the formation of vitamin D and helps with mood, but it will harm the skin if one gets exposed to it excessively. While red light treatment should be used for safe, specific treatment, sunlight is important for overall health when used moderately and with caution.

FAQS: Addressing Common Questions

How much red light is in sunlight?

Yes, sunlight does contain red light. Red light is included in the visible light we can see and constitutes a small amount of sunlight. It's located at the end of the visible light spectrum, just before the light converts to infrared.

Can I go in the sun after red light therapy?

Yes, you can go in sunlight after red light therapy because these two types of light have different effects on your skin and body. However, it is important to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when you go out in the sun.

Is red light better than no light?

Yes, red light therapy is much better than nothing because it utilizes targeted wavelengths of near-infrared and red light that pass through your skin and induce natural processes to heal you. These wavelengths enhance the energy output of mitochondria, cell-based energy-making structures. On balance, the therapy is healthy for cellular restoration, improving the health of the skin, and eliminating inflammation.

Does red light therapy give vitamin D?

No, red light therapy does not produce vitamin D.