Cellulite, those stubborn dimpled fat deposits on the thighs and midsection, are entirely normal — but it’s also okay if you’re a little self-conscious about its appearance. If you’ve tried all the creams and topical treatments without seeing the results you want, it may be time to find something with a little more oomph.
A non-invasive way to treat cellulite you may have come across is red light therapy. This light-based treatment has been used by dermatologists and skincare professionals for various skin conditions, from wrinkles to acne, but it can also reduce the appearance of cellulite. But how does red light therapy do this? Keep reading to find out!
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite appears on the thighs, hips, buttocks, and stomach as small pockets of fat deposits under the skin that can give the area a dimpled appearance similar to that of citrus skin.
Cellulite is a harmless condition that is not an indicator of your overall health. Some people are more likely to develop cellulite based on their genetics, or it can be influenced by diet and exercise. It’s important to note that cellulite can develop on any body shape, and even models, actors, and athletes have cellulite.
However, cellulite can impact someone’s confidence in their body. If the cellulite on your body prevents you from being confident in the clothes you want to wear or activities you want to do, there are safe, effective ways to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Red Light Therapy for Cellulite
Red light therapy is used to treat various skin conditions, and it’s shown to have some benefits for cellulite. Red light therapy increases fibroblast development, which boosts collagen production and firms the skin in the area being treated — reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Red light therapy is not a cure for cellulite. This therapy can help improve the appearance of cellulite, but it won’t eliminate it entirely. If you really want to get rid of your cellulite and make sure that it never comes back, then another method, in addition to red light therapy, may be the best choice for you.
Get the most out of red light therapy by prepping your skin properly for treatment.
Types of Devices for Red Light Therapy
Many red light therapy devices are available, but when treating cellulite, you’ll want to make sure you use a device with the right power and coverage.
Since cellulite can present throughout the midsection, a full body device, like the TheraLight 360 light bed, can treat the entire area at once. A full body red light therapy bed can use multiple wavelengths of light with different intensities and even use continuous or pulsed light to target your concerns best and adjust for your skin tone.
You can purchase full body red light therapy beds for use at home, but they’re large, expensive, and require some training to learn how to operate effectively. Many gyms, wellness clinics, and spas offer whole body red light therapy with a treatment plan developed by a professional wellness provider to target your specific goals.
There are red light therapy devices you can purchase to use at home that are smaller, more affordable, and easy to use, but they don’t offer the same level of power or customizability that a whole body bed would. These devices might not produce the results you’re looking for, or they may take longer to see results.
Ultimately, when choosing a device for something like red light therapy, make sure the device and its manufacturer are registered with the FDA. That way, if something goes wrong, you’re protected.
Learn more about how FDA registration works.
Red Light Therapy can Help with Cellulite, but it Takes Time & Patience
Red light therapy is a type of light therapy that uses red and infrared light to treat various skin conditions. It’s been shown to help with the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks, acne, and rosacea. Its collagen-boosting powers can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles, diminish the appearance of scars, and even speed up wound healing!
The best results come from using the device at least once a week for 20 minutes. You may notice some improvement after just one session, but it takes time to see significant results. Just like a new skin cream doesn’t magically perfect your skin overnight, results from red light therapy for cellulite can take several weeks to a few months to truly show. However, consistency with the treatment is key to seeing the best results.
If you’re looking for an alternative treatment option that can help improve the appearance of stubborn fat deposits on your body (and even other skin conditions), this might be worth trying. Find a red light therapy provider near you.
