We all have an ideal weight and figure that we would like to maintain. That’s true, especially as women. But when past the adolescent stage, we are troubled by wrinkles and fats. The effects of such changes make one look older than we actually are.
Now, none of us want to look older, do we?
We have the need to fight ageing and look younger. Looking younger also makes us looks fitter.
There is a solution that helps with reduction of cellulite. I will show you how you an use red light therapy cellulite reduction treatment.
In this post, you will find out more about this treatment. But first, lets understand what cellulite is and what it does to our body.
What is cellulite?
It is a condition whereby the skin develops dimples and wrinkles at certain parts of the body. Cellulite mainly affects the lower abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. The dimples on the skin are mainly due to the subcutaneous fats underneath the skin in such areas.
Cellulite is also known as orange skin because of the way the affect area appears. Look at the image to the right. It shows how normal skin differs from that affected by cellulite.
Cellulite is very common in women.
There are very few recommended approaches to deal with cellulite including:
- Subcision where a needle in inserted under the skin to break up the connective tissue bands
- Carboxytherapy wherein carbon dioxide (CO2) gas is inserted under the skin. This is known to cause some discomfort after the procedure.
Lets now look at how Red Light Therapy works for Cellulite.
So what is Red Light Therapy?
It’s a non-invasive technique to fight the ageing symptoms in the body. It is mostly used in salons and tanning beds. It’s also called Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT). The technology involves a patient getting subjected to infrared rays. The technique has been shown to have many potential benefits in fighting skin conditions related to ageing. The treatment was initially founded by NASA.
How does the process work?
In order to appreciate the benefits of red light therapy cellulite reduction, it’s good to understand the whole process. The treatment uses the photobiomodulation technique, otherwise called Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), to correct the cellular functions.
The LLLT penetrates the skin and reaches the structure within the body cells. By influencing the operation of these body organelles, it addresses the cellulite problem. Here infrared light of specific wavelength (600 to 1300nm) is employed to provide high skin penetration ability.
The skin and the fat layers beneath have a high concentration of water plus blood. They are able to absorb red light without difficulty. The absorption of a moderated quantity of the red light results in the development of new capillaries. It also results in an increase in the lymphatic system activities. The infrared rays cause the diameter of the lymph vessels to widen hence the flow increase too.
As a result, the liquid part of the cellulite is removed from the body via the bloodstream. In addition, the superfluous protein is also expelled via the lymphatic system.
At the same time, the low-level light treatment also stimulates the increased production of collagen. The collagen fibres then help on the rejuvenation of the skin and hence minimising the wrinkles and cellulite effect. This improves the elasticity of the skin and hence the skin looks better.
Now that we have seen how the therapy process works, lets look at some clinical trial results.
Are there trials and scientific evidence to back up red light therapy on cellulite?
Several studies have been conducted and still many are going on to tap on the potential benefits of the red light therapy.
Lets look at 4 studies that were conducted:
Study #1
For instance, a study was conducted to establish the combined effect of infrared light treatment and mechanical message on cellulite.
12 patients took part in the study. The infrared and mechanical message was conducted over 12 weeks. In the end, tangible results were recorded both in the buttocks and skin appearance.
Study #2
Furthermore, a clinical trial involving 68 female patients was carried out.
The objective of the clinical trial was to find out the effect of low-level light therapy on cellulite treatment. Patients of age bracket 18 to 55 years were involved. In the end, 35% success was recorded.
Study #3
On the same note, a study involving 54 overweight patients was conducted to demonstrate the effect of LLLT on cellulite. The treatment was carried out for over six weeks and the results recorded two weeks later. A significant result was observed in the reduction of the hips, abdomen and thigh’s diameter.
Study #4
A similar study conducted in Brazil to show the combined effect of LLLT and aerobic exercise in reducing body fats echoed similar results. The well-organized study which lasted four months showed positive results.
Considering the above scientific research, studies and clinical trials, we can conclude that red light therapy cellulite reduction is very much possible.
Are there downsides of the treatment?
Studies show a direct link between red light therapy and cellulite. However, be aware of the following when it comes to Red Light Therapy:
- Many devices have come up attempting to provide the same service. You should therefore seek treatment from a professional. That will ensure you receive treatment using the right infrared light wave length. Only once you have consulted with a professional, then you can consider the treatment at home.
- While carrying out the treatment it is important to ensure the eye gets the right protection. Although red light therapy cellulite reduction technique is considered safe, never look directly at the light.
So Does Red Light Therapy Work for Cellulite?
You have seen some of the studies and their before and after results. You should consult a professional before you begin your red light therapy treatment.
Remember, it might take a while before you notice significant results using red light therapy for cellulite reduction.
If you are looking for more details on some red light therapy devices, read this.
