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Red light therapy (RLT) devices are now an emerging treatment method associated with helping treat several skin conditions such as acne, anti-aging, and hyperpigmentation in a safe, painless, and quick way.
With that being said- just as with any emerging field, claims exist that exposure to red light therapy can cause cancer.
While there is a mountain of evidence that goes against this claim, the Rojo Light Therapy team felt compelled to dispel these baseless rumours ourselves.
In this article, we’ll debunk the common myths surrounding red light therapy, and showcase some of the studies that argue against the idea of RLT causing cancer - and, in actuality, having the potential to have preventative effects against the condition.
Also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), red light therapy (RLT) is a nontoxic and noninvasive method to accelerate your body’s natural healing process. RLTs achieve this result by exposing your skin to low-level red and near-infrared light (NIR) wavelengths.
Despite numerous scientific research backing up the non-invasive properties of RLTs and debunking this myth, there are still sceptical individuals who believe RLTs pose a potential risk for cancer growth.
The truth is, that RLTs do not contribute to cancerous cell growth and are safe to use for both healthy individuals and cancer patients undergoing treatment.
On the contrary, it’s the opposite. A 2012 study on the safety of RLT on tissues harbouring cancer concluded that while they had no harmful effect on tumour growth, they reduced the tumour’s relative area by delaying its inflammatory response.
In another study published in 2022, researchers observed that RLT can even curtail tumour growth by inhibiting melanoma proliferation and suppressing an environment where melanoma can thrive.
Additionally, a study conducted in 2016 found that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can even help mitigate the therapy-induced side effects of patients suffering from head and neck cancer.
Holistically, the breadcrumb of rumours and speculation is easy to follow - red light exists within the same ecosystem of conversations around ultraviolet (UV) light, owing to its place in the neighbouring spectrum of light, likely associating itself with its well-known facilitation of melanoma growth, and its ultimate skin cancer. However, RLT does not use or contain UV light– nor does it burn like one. RLT uses red and near-infrared (NIR) light.
While red light therapy does not cause cancer and is generally considered safe to use, there are still side effects you may need to be aware of. Side effects may include:
Note: These side effects are usually rare and mild, with some of the causes stemming from device overuse.
However, if you have a history of skin cancer and would love to incorporate RLT as a complementary option in your wellness routine, we still highly recommend consulting with your healthcare professional before undergoing treatment.
In conclusion? RLT devices do not cause cancer. Red light therapy is known to most of the public as a non-invasive and pain-free method, with the capacity to help treat several health ailments and supplement lifestyles with peripheral health benefits.
However, it is important to note that red light therapy cannot be substituted in place of conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy, nor should you use it as the sole method of prevention or a substitute for your doctor’s prescribed treatment.
Instead, RLT devices work best as a complementary treatment; combining the treatment with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and advice from your general practitioner is still the most effective way to stay cancer-free.
Rojo Light Therapy’s devices, in particular, can help you achieve maximum healing benefits to reduce cancer risk. Our devices have adjustable features and precise wavelength control so you can pinpoint your amount of desired light.
Interested? Contact us today and get a device equipped with ultra-low EMF and ELF flicker-free technology, preventing you from acquiring any nasty side effects such as headaches, migraines, and mood disorders a regular RLT device might give you.
