In a recent "Of Course" TikTok, where celebrities share tongue-in-cheek videos being their peak selves, Kim Kardashian showcased her red light bed in her office. Kim's reel marks the first (okay, second: Jean Smart's character on HBO's Hacks hauled a full-size bed around on her tour bus in a 2022 episode) time that a red light bed appeared in the mainstream.
Sure, red light masks and facial wands have been seeping into the national consciousness for a while now. Who hasn't seen an actress post a funny/freaky photos of themselves donning their glowing masks? But those are battery-operated and can only do so much.
My first time on a red light bed was at Miami Beach's Skincare by Amy Peterson in 2020. At the time, Amy was the first person to have a commercial bed in the Southeastern United States. I was recovering from long(ish) Covid at the time and I felt the 20,000 red lights breathe new life into me. For most people, however, the immediate effects are more subtle, slowly building with continued use. Unfortunately, Peterson found that few Miami customers had the patience to stay on the bed for 40 minutes (20 minutes per side) and eventually sold it.
She still uses the safe, non-invasive therapy in her practice on the face, as do most good aesthetic practitioners at this time. No doubt for the same beautifying reasons that Kardashian is a fan.
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Collagen production: Red light therapy stimulates collagen production, a protein that helps maintain the skin's firmness and elasticity. Increased collagen reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in smoother and more youthful-looking skin.
Improved skin tone and texture: By stimulating blood circulation and promoting the production of new skin cells, red light therapy may help improve skin tone and texture. This can lead to a more even complexion and a reduction in the appearance of blemishes and imperfections.
Reduced inflammation: Red light therapy has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce redness and swelling in the skin. This can benefit for conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema, leading to a clearer and more even skin tone.
Enhanced wound healing: Red light therapy promotes faster healing of wounds and skin injuries. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals undergoing cosmetic procedures, as it may help reduce downtime and improve overall healing outcomes.
Hair growth stimulation: Red light therapy is also used to promote hair growth and improve the condition of the scalp. This improves hair loss or thinning, leading to improved aesthetic outcomes. Biohackers like Bryan Johnson wear red light caps to increase hair growth.
WAIT, THERE'S MORE
All of these are great reasons to use red light, but they may not even the most compelling. From a health perspective, the most serious benefit is a 16-fold increase in mitochondrial output! That translates to a significant increase in energy to power the cells to do just about anything they need.
Immune Support: Red light therapy may stimulate the immune system, increasing the production of cytokines and other immune-related molecules that help fight infection and promote healing.
Cognitive Function: Some research suggests that red light therapy may have neuroprotective effects and could improve cognitive function, memory, and mood. It may also be beneficial in the treatment of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and depression.
Eye Health: Red light therapy has been studied for its potential to improve certain aspects of eye health, such as reducing eye fatigue, improving visual acuity, and protecting against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other eye disorders.
Pain Relief: Red light therapy has analgesic (pain-relieving) effects and is commonly used to alleviate musculoskeletal pain, including joint pain, muscle soreness, and arthritis. It may help reduce inflammation and improve circulation in affected tissues.
Joint Health: Red light therapy can help alleviate pain and stiffness associated with various joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It may also promote cartilage repair and joint function.
Muscle Recovery and Performance: Athletes and fitness enthusiasts often use red light therapy to support muscle recovery, reduce exercise-induced inflammation, and enhance athletic performance. It may help reduce muscle fatigue, improve endurance, and speed up recovery after intense workouts.
With all these benefits, it's not surprising red light is getting popular and not hard to find in most cities. South Florida biohackers looking for their red light fix can find not one but three full-size beds red light beds with 40,000 lights at Centner Wellness in downtown Miami's Brickell area. Like Kim's new model, they are fully enclosed, allowing for slightly speedier sessions. Unlike Kim's model they feature frequency and EES cubes nearby, which is a fascinating story for another article. Stay tuned.
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