Does Red Light Therapy Cause Skin Cancer?
There is no evidence to suggest that red light therapy itself directly causes skin cancer. In fact, RLT uses low-level light (usually red or near-infrared) that doesn’t carry the harmful UV radiation associated with skin cancer risks, unlike tanning beds or prolonged sun exposure. The wavelengths used in RLT are typically in the range of 600 to 1,000 nanometers, which are considered non-ionizing and do not have the energy to damage DNA or cause mutations linked to cancer.
How Red Light Therapy Works:
- RLT works by stimulating mitochondria in cells to produce more energy (ATP), which can help with healing, reducing inflammation, and improving skin health.
- It also increases collagen production and can help improve the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and other skin conditions.
- RLT does not emit ultraviolet (UV) light, which is the type of light that can cause DNA damage in skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Red Light Therapy and Skin Cancer Treatment: thera redlight
While RLT itself does not cause skin cancer, there is some research suggesting that low-level light therapy (including red light) may have a beneficial role in supporting treatment for certain skin conditions, including those related to cancer treatment:
- Supporting healing after cancer treatments: Red light therapy is sometimes used to help with the healing of skin following radiation therapy or surgery for skin cancers. It can improve skin regeneration, reduce scars, and reduce inflammation in the treated areas.
- Reducing side effects: Patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy for skin cancers may experience side effects such as dryness, burns, or radiation dermatitis. Some studies have indicated that red light therapy may help reduce these side effects by promoting skin regeneration and decreasing pain.