Red Light Therapy for Cellulite Reduction

Have cellulite on your skin? No worries. 

It’s common among at least 90% of female fellows and 10% of guys– especially the ones who just hit puberty. That’s what the NIH stats claim. 

First! Know that it’s not always your weight. Such a condition might pop up because of multiple factors– genes, hormones, and age. 

Fortunately, there’s a savior who can help you with that. Red light therapy. 

It has a simple agenda. The light enters your skin, boosts the good cells, and fights the bad cells. That’s how it reduces cellulite. 

Too simple right? Wrong! 

Red light therapy does more than that. It works on underlying conditions that mainly help fix cellulite. 

Does cellulite ‘depress’ you? Try Red Light Therapy Treatment to smooth out the skin. 

Key Takeaways: Red Light Therapy for Cellulite Reduction 

  • The culprits of cellulite could be— genes, hormones, lifestyle, and age. 
  • Red light therapy’s powerful wavelengths help break down fat and reduce cellulite. 
  • The device boosts cellular energy and collagen production which contribute to the reduction process. 
  • It can take up to 4 months to see visible results. 
  • BIOMAX 900 can be a good RLT device to start with. 

What is Cellulite?

Skin condition but harmless. Cellulite means the collection of fat. Such deposits appear as dimples and depressions. 

It forms when the fat below your skin is squeezed through the collagen fibers that connect your skin to the underlying muscles. 

This results in an uneven surface and a lumpy look. 

A deeper reason is– weaker connective tissue and more and larger fat cells. 

Cellulite mostly occurs on— the hips, buttocks, thighs, arms, breasts, and lower abdomen. This might be a cosmetic or a health issue– but not dangerous. 

It’s also known as orange peel or cottage cheese as that’s how cellulite resembles. 

Causes

The main culprits of cellulite are–

Genetics 

It can have a genetic component. If cellulite is within your family, there are chances you might end up having it. 

So, it all depends on your genetics. Genes can affect how your body stores fat and the structure of collagen fibers. 

Hormonal Factors 

Fluctuations in hormone levels can end up forming cellulite. These include estrogen, insulin, thyroid, and prolactin.

Such hormones can affect metabolism > circulation > fat distribution > and tissue structure. This can lead to cellulite. 

Poor Lifestyle 

Some lifestyle factors can develop cellulite too. This includes— 

  • Poor diet
  • Lack of physical activities
  • Unhealthy habits

They mainly affect the internal system– blood flow, metabolism, and collagen production. This can make cellulite more visible. 

Age

As you age— your skin starts to lose elasticity. The chances get higher when you cross 25. 

Connective tissues weaken and this can make hidden cellulite visible. 

Other Contributing Factors

Weight gain, stress, natural reduction in collagen production, smoking, and tight clothing. 

Common Treatments

The good part is you can fix such issues through different methods. However, if you’re considering one— consult a dermatologist first. They can suggest which option would work best. 

Some traditional treatments for cellulite are—

Creams

Most anti-cellulite creams have components like— caffeine, retinol, and Vitamin (E, and C) that help improve skin texture. It works to some extent. However, it’s not a permanent solution. 

Massages

Different massage therapies target blood circulation improvement. This consequently helps smoothen skin appearance and cellulite. Techniques like–

  • Endermologie
  • Effleurage
  • Knead and Roll
  • Knuckle massage

Invasive Procedures

You can also explore some invasive procedures. But talk to a doctor first. Know which would be good for you. The common ones that work on cellulite are–

  • Liposuction 
  • Laser treatments
  • Subcision
  • Injectable treatments
  • Mesotherapy

Most of them help reduce fat and tighten skin to treat cellulite. But they can be risky and costly. 

Red Light Therapy 

A complete therapeutic method– that’s what Red light therapy is.

It comes as a device with low-level light— only to heal or treat different conditions. 

Such devices use two kinds of special lights:

  • Red wavelengths (630nm-660nm) 
  • Near-infrared wavelengths (810nm-850nm)

These two penetrate your skin and stimulate positive biological activities at a deeper level. 

They even go 2-3mm deep beyond cells and tissues to boost good cells and fix dead ones.  

Consequently, it gives you different therapeutic benefits like:

  • Wound healing
  • Better Skin Health
  • Anti-Aging 
  • Fat Loss
  • Reduced stretch mark 
  • Reduced cellulite 

How Did This Start?

The concept of red light therapy originates from 1896. 

A Danish physician, Niels Ryberg Finsen used bright electric light so he could treat the painful lupus vulgaris. Because it worked effectively, other doctors started using the lights for different skin conditions. 

Fast forward to 1967. Hungarian physician, Endre Mester became the first to devise a low-active experimental laser for medical treatments. He discovered the therapeutic effect of red light on wound healing and registered it immediately. 

That’s how the first low-level laser photodynamic therapy device was created. Its effectiveness was proven and eventually, it received FDA approval in 2002. 

The benefits of red light therapy also intrigued NASA scientists in 1985. 

In space, astronauts used to face multiple health issues. 

The common ones include— poor wound healing ulcerations, muscular atrophy, and adiposis. 

This used to happen because of microgravity, and loss of bone density. 

For this, the scientists started experimenting with red lights. They discovered the light’s potential to stimulate plant growth and wound healing in space. 

Consequently, NASA launched the first red light therapy devices for the well-being of astronauts. 

Because the therapy provided different health benefits, NASA started funding those devices. 

The scientists and experts incorporated advanced technologies. Those features helped expand their applications to various sectors of the healthcare system. 

How Does Red Light Therapy Reduce Cellulite?

Mechanisms of Action

Increased Collagen Production

A primary function of RLT is that— it effectively stimulates collagen and elastin production. That’s how they reduce cellulite. 

When the wavelengths go deeper into the skin, they boost cellular energy production. The fibroblast cells swell, which further helps increase the expression of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid inside. 

As the collagen boosts through deep-level operation, it tightens and rejuvenates the skin. Eventually, the cellulite reduces and you notice a big change in your skin. 

Enhanced Blood Flow 

The wavelengths of red light speed up the endothelial cells’ production.

Such cells are associated with your blood. It means the therapy prompts your body to make more cells that line blood vessels and make them bigger. 

This fuels blood and lymphatic circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the affected zones. As a result, it helps accelerate healing and prevent cellulite from forming again. 

Fat Cell Reduction

RLT is a big fighter against the fat in your body. It works through a process. 

When the wavelengths penetrate, they stimulate mitochondria in cells to amp up more energy.  

Consequently, you see the following changes:

  • Increasing cellular metabolism 
  • Breaking down stored fat into free fatty acids and glycerol
  • Removing these byproducts 
  • Reducing the fat cell size

That’s how they shrink the fat cells, which further helps reduce cellulite appearance.

Comparison With Other Treatments

Factors RLT CreamsMassages Invasive Procedures
Effectiveness Reduces appearancesMinimal temporary effectTemporary improvement High efficiency 
Invasiveness NoNoNoYes
CostModerate, one-timeLow, recurring costModerate, recurring costHigh, one-time or recurring
Side EffectsVery minimalMinimalModerateModerate to high

How to Use Red Light Therapy for Cellulite Reduction?

Before using one, make sure to grab a good one. 

One product that has recently grabbed attention is the BIOMAX 900. 

It even won the Best Red Light Therapy Panel of 2024 because of its efficiency. 

Frequency and Duration 

You have to be very patient. Red light therapy works differently on individuals. So, the treatment duration would vary from one person to another. 

However, let’s give you a general suggestion for cellulite reduction– 

  • Give yourself 1 to 4 months for the therapy
  • Use Red Light Device for 10 to 20 minutes at a time
  • Maintain it 3-5 times a week

It may take 2 to 3 weeks to notice the changes. 

However, the changes mean the bare minimum here. It can take longer for the light to bring drastic visible results. 

Note that– RLT works at the cellular level. It’s not a band-aid fix. 

You might have to consult an expert and seek other treatments if the light doesn’t work. This usually means, there could be some other underlying conditions that need fixes. 

At-Home Devices vs. Professional Treatments

Both treatments have strengths and weaknesses. However, a bigger audience may prefer at-home devices first, then consider going for the professional ones. 

At Home Devices

Pros

  • Convenient to be used anytime at home
  • More cost-effective than professional treatments
  • Suitable for different individuals (unless pregnant) 
  • Privacy and comfort

Cons

  • It might not be suitable for severe cases
  • Limited settings and intensity level

Professional Treatments 

Pros

  • Ensures proper technique and safety
  • More powerful devices mean faster and more visible results
  • Customized treatments based on individuals
  • Use of advanced techs that ensure more efficiency

Cons

  • Higher cost per session
  • Requires appointments and travel 

Precautions and Considerations 

  • Stay at least 6 to 12 inches away from the device. Don’t sit too close. 
  • Overexposure, skipping the session, and doing it carelessly can cause damage to your skin. 
  • First, use it for 5 minutes to check for skin sensitivity. You can also consult an expert to know about your health conditions. 
  • For beginners— we suggest starting the session with 5 to 10 minutes. Then after 2-3 weeks, increase it up to 15 to 20 minutes. 
  • Red light therapy can take a longer time to show visible results. So you have to be patient and consistent.

Success Stories

The claims that mention “RLT works to boost skin health” aren’t just talk. Case studies, surveys, and research papers back them up. 

What papers show RLT’s efficacy in promoting skin health and reducing cellulite?

  • 34 women were under the treatment using Low-level laser therapy. Most noticed a decrease in cellulite appearance on the thighs and buttocks. Over 62% were happy with the result. The study concluded that LLL therapy works effectively in treating cellulite. (Source: PubMed, 2013)
  • 9 females volunteered for the evaluation of Phosphatidylcholine Gel with red light therapy. The study showed that the combined treatment is more effective in reducing cellulite than single ones. (Source: PubMed, 2007)
  • 20 females revealed that their cellulite reduced significantly in the buttocks and hip areas after getting both treatments simultaneously. Moreover, it also improved skin texture apart from targeting stubborn fat. Most studies were done to check RLT’s efficiency on different skin and underlying conditions. 

The focus wasn’t cellulite. Then again, such issues can contribute to the cellulite formation. 

The best thing is that RLT is proven to be a multipurpose therapy. It can work to treat several skin and underlying problems. 

Eventually, it helps prevent or heal cellulite caused by them.  

For instance–

  • Cellular mitochondria
  • Collagen density increase
  • Anti-aging

Potential Side Effects and Myths

Common Side Effects

Since RLT is a natural treatment, it’s considered a safer method to treat stuff. However, some people might still encounter some issues. This can be due to sensitivity or overexposure to the Red Light devices.

There are 2 side effects–

  • Mild redness, warmth 
  • Slight skin irritation

Don’t want it? 

  • That’s why seeking professional help is a must. 
  • Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturers. 

Debunking Myths

Myth 1: RLT Is A Quick Fix

Debunked– No it’s not. It may take weeks to years to notice visible results.

Myth 2: RLT Is For Everyone

Debunked– RLT is almost for everyone except for pregnant females. 

Myth 3: RLT Works For All Conditions

Debunked– RLT usually works at the cellular level but might not work for severe cases.

Myth 4: RLT Is Unsafe

Debunked– False. RLT is a safe method to try as long as you use it properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see results from red light therapy for cellulite?

You might see a slight improvement in skin layers within 3 weeks. However, RLT can bring visible results within 4-6 weeks for cellulite. 

Is red light therapy safe for all skin types?

RLT works well with almost all skin types. However, ones with sensitive skin should consult a dermatologist. 

Can I use red light therapy in combination with other cellulite treatments?

Of course. Many studies mentioned how well Red light therapy works to treat cellulite when combined with other treatments. 

How often should I use red light therapy for cellulite?

Always start with 5-10 minutes no matter what! Once the red light therapy adjusts to your skin, use it for 10-20 minutes for 3-5 times a week for cellulite. 

Are at-home red light therapy devices effective for cellulite?

Yes. As long as it’s not very severe, at-home red light therapy devices are effective for cellulite. 

Does red light therapy work on thighs?

Yes. Few studies have shown how Red Light Therapy can work efficiently to reduce cellulite on the thighs.

Does red light therapy tighten skin?

Yes. Red light therapy can help tighten skin by boosting collagen production.

What treatment is best for cellulite?

Explore Red Light Therapy to treat cellulite since it works efficiently and is non-invasive. 

Does red light therapy help break down fat?

Yes. Red light therapy boosts cellular energy that works to break down fat and reduce cellulite formation. 

Final Thoughts On Red Light For Cellulite 

There are multiple Red Light Therapy benefits. It speeds up collagen, cellular energy, and blood circulation. The combination eventually helps reduce the cellulite appearance. 

If you want to employ the perks of RLT, consider getting a BIOMAX 900 from Platinum Therapy Lights. 

Have something to share? Write us your cellulite reduction strategy. 

Leave a Comment