In today’s world of innovative weight loss strategies, one emerging trend is red light therapy (RLT). Non-invasive, painless, and available at Vibrant Rejuvenation in Long Island, NY, RLT might be the treatment you are looking for to help with weight loss and body contouring. Combined with a healthy lifestyle of a balanced diet and exercise, RLT can reduce the size of fat cells, increase muscle mass, and get you to your weight loss goal.
What is Red Light Therapy?
RLT, also known as low-level laser therapy, infrared light, or photobiomodulation, is an emerging treatment for fat removal that does not require invasive measures. RLT uses a low-powered red light to deliver wavelengths directly through the skin. While the exact mechanism for how RLT supports weight loss isn’t well understood, it is believed that red light stimulates the mitochondria (the powerhouse of cells) to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which carries energy to your cells.
Multiple studies in recent years have found that RLT can reduce upper, middle, and lower abdomen size and develop new healthy cells when combined with diet and exercise. RLT has also been used for tissue regeneration, pain reduction, wound healing, and cholesterol reduction, among other things.
How Red Light Therapy Supports Weight Loss
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Boosts Cellular Metabolism:
Cellular metabolism is the process that allows cells to produce energy and function as they are intended. When this is increased with RLT, the body functions better, and more energy can be created and ultimately burned through exercise.
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Enhances Fat Reduction:
RLT also affects adipocytes, which are the cells that store fat. When tissue is exposed to RLT, the adipocytes release triglycerides, which result in a reduced amount of fat. RLT also increases the body’s leptin levels, which are hormones responsible for controlling appetite and helping your body maintain its normal weight. This increase reduces hunger, which can lead to increased fat reduction.
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Improves Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage:
Research has found that RLT opens the blood and lymphatic vessels to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage. This results in an increase of oxygen and nutrients to cells in the body, which helps to boost cell regeneration.
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Reduces Inflammation and Increases Cell Healing:
In addition to providing additional energy for the body, stimulation of the cell’s mitochondria reduces cell inflammation and supports cell regeneration and healing. Medically, RLT has been used for osteoarthritis, tendinitis, brain disorders, and psoriasis, as it reduces inflammation and supports the body’s natural healing process.
What to Expect Before and After Your Treatment
Prior to receiving RLT, it is encouraged to use salicylic acids, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs – an exfoliant), and retinols to help keep the skin moisturized and pores clean. Sunscreen should be avoided immediately prior to being treated to maximize the amount of infrared light absorbed into the skin. Other ways to prepare include:
- Using a face massager or roller in the hour prior to the appointment. This can stimulate blood circulation in the area.
- Cleanse the area with a gentle cleanser
- Remove all makeup
There is no downtime after RLT, but common side effects include mild redness or sensitivity. Avoid sun exposure in the 48 hours after treatment, as your face will be more sensitive than usual.
Combining Red Light Therapy with Traditional Weight Loss Strategies
RLT works best when it is combined with other healthy strategies, such as eating well, moving your body, hydrating, and getting adequate sleep. The increase in ATP provides the body with more energy, so moving your body might be easier than before. By living a healthy lifestyle, the weight improvements you receive with RLT can be sustained.
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Maintain a Healthy Diet:
Little can replace the benefits of a healthy diet. When trying to maximize fat-burning and lean muscle building, eat a fiber-rich diet with plenty of protein. Chewing your food slowly and mindfully and avoiding electronics while eating can also help you lose weight.
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Move Your Body:
The CDC recommends that adults need at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. This can be walking briskly, doing light yard work, actively playing with children, or biking casually. Exercise 2 days a week should be focused on building muscle, such as using weights or body-weight exercises.
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Hydrate:
It’s true – drinking water can help increase weight loss. Hydrating can suppress appetite, boost metabolism, make exercise easier, and stimulate the body to break down fat without raising blood sugar or insulin.
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Focus on Sleep:
Sleep is often neglected as a weight loss tactic. A lack of sleep can disrupt your hormones, including leptin, which can increase hunger. Having adequate sleep also reduces the risk of several diseases, including type 2 diabetes, and several cancers.
Are you a Candidate for Red Light Therapy?
One of the greatest benefits of RLT is that it does not use ultraviolet (UV) rays and thus does not increase the risk of skin cancer. However, if you have a history of skin cancer, book a consultation with Dr. Natasha Copelin to see if RLT will work for you. Those who take medications that increase skin or eye sensitivity or those with an eye disease should discuss their concerns with Dr. Copelin.
Ready to Transform Your Weight Loss Journey?
In combination with living a healthy lifestyle, red light therapy is a safe and solid choice to help boost weight loss and body contouring by boosting cellular metabolism, enhancing fat reduction, improving circulation and lymphatic drainage, reducing inflammation, and increasing cell healing. Don’t wait to see the results you have been working for. Take the next step in your weight loss journey and book your consultation with Dr. Natasha L. Copelin, NP and her team.
