Does Red LED Light Therapy Reduce Cellulite?

IN THIS ARTICLE: 

• 01 What is Cellulite?
• 02 What is Red Light Therapy?
• 03 How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
• 04 Does Red Light Therapy Treat Cellulite?
• 05 Can You Use Red Light Therapy For Cellulite At Home?
• 06 What is the Best Red Light Therapy for Cellulite?
• 07 The Takeaway: Can Red Light Therapy Really Reduce Cellulite?

5-minute read

Cellulite, characterized by the appearance of dimpled skin, is simply an accumulation of stored fat cells pressing against the the skin. 80 to 90% of women experience cellulite in their lifetime. The good news is it is completely normal and harmless to our health. The bad news is, it can significantly impact our self-confidence. There is nothing ‘wrong’ with cellulite and if it impacts your self-confidence, addressing it is a personal choice and entirely valid. Your comfort and self-esteem are paramount, and seeking treatment can be an empowering decision to enhance your well-being. 

Red light therapy has burst into the beauty space as the answer to many skin woes including boosting collagen, smoothing fine lines, and targeting sagging and inflammation but recent claims suggest it may help in reducing the appearance of cellulite by smoothing skin texture. 

While cellulite is notoriously difficult to address permanently, could red light therapy be the solution to managing the appearance of this common skin concern?

Let’s find out.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite, simply put is stored fat. It is more common in women due to a specific hormonal composition and genetic makeup. Cellulite is caused by fat pushing up against the connective tissue under the skin causing a ‘dimpling’ effect or rough skin texture. In women, fat expands vertically resulting in the appearance of these bumps. This genetic predisposition means it is very difficult to eliminate entirely,  but some treatments reduce its appearance significantly. Aging reduces skin elasticity and firmness, making cellulite more pronounced. Additionally, a poor diet and lack of physical activity can further intensify its appearance.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Acclaimed for its skin rejuvenation properties, red light therapy uses wavelengths 600-700nm to stimulate the production of new collagen and smooth fine lines by stimulating the mitochondria to produce more energy. It is linked to improving pain and inflammation, repairing damaged tissue, reducing the appearance of scars and other enduring blemishes, and boosting the lymphatic system.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

Red light therapy has the ability to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) within cells. ATP is the primary energy currency of cells, providing the fuel needed for various cellular processes. By boosting ATP synthesis, red light therapy can enhance the overall function and regenerative capacity of cells.

Does Red Light Therapy Treat Cellulite?

Red and infrared light therapy have been linked to treating the appearance of cellulite by improving skin elasticity, by building new, thicker collagen stores. By boosting skin elasticity and firmness underlying fat deposits become less distinct, thereby smoothing out dimpling and rough skin texture. It does not directly target the subcutaneous fat and fibrous tissue beneath your skin in the way other anti-cellulite treatments do but thickens the layer of skin around localized fat deposits for a smoother appearance.

Red light therapy can also reduce the appearance of cellulite by stimulating the lymphatic system and boosting blood circulation. Excess lymphatic fluid blocks fat cells worsening the appearance of cellulite. Red light can ‘get things moving’ by detoxifying built-up fluid that contributes to stored fat. This fat may become resistant to exercise and so needs a push from red light wavelengths to improve lymphatic flow and smooth skin texture.

Can You Use Red Light Therapy For Cellulite At Home? 

Yes, combining an at-home red light therapy device with other lifestyle interventions such as a healthy diet and regular exercise can significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite by enhancing skin elasticity and firmness. Investing in an at-home device is effective as it allows you to conduct regular treatments without frequent clinic visits. Regular intervention is key in treating cellulite because it can never be eliminated, its look can be greatly improved with repeated treatments. 

What is the Best Red Light Therapy for Cellulite? 

When looking for an LED light therapy device to treat cellulite, ensure you are purchasing from a reputable brand with a high-powered output and sufficient LED bulbs to target larger areas such as the legs. Studies also indicate that combining red light therapy with other techniques such as vacuum body sculpting and electro-muscle stimulation (EMS) that targets the underlying subcutaneous tissue and muscle enhances overall results.

A full-body LED light therapy panel is the superior choice for treating the legs, butt, and arms, where cellulite typically appears. Our LumaLux LED (Light Therapy Panel has an ultra wide curve design to treat the full body with optimal power and coverage for full skin rejuvenation including addressing cellulite. Full-body panels are also an ok choice but do not have the targeted precision of a curved device. Handheld devices are also an option but overall treatment time may take longer.

Body Panel

LumaLux Dome | Face & Body LED Light Therapy Device

8 wavelength full body LED light therapy device for skin rejuvenation, fine lines, acne, muscle recovery and mood boost

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The Takeaway: Can Red Light Therapy Really Reduce Cellulite?

Yes, red light therapy can help to reduce cellulite by enhancing skin firmness and elasticity to visibly reduce the appearance of localized fat deposits. Red light therapy for cellulite is best combined with other treatments that directly disperse the build-up of fat deposits such as vacuum body sculpting and EMS. Red light therapy also boosts the lymphatic system to remove built-up lymph from fat cells to support the body's detoxification process while reducing the appearance of cellulite. Investing in a full-body LED light therapy device or handheld wand can numerous skin benefits beyond reducing the appearance of cellulite such as boosting collage, smoothing fine lines, reducing inflammation, speeding up wound healing and tightening sagging skin.  

  written by Charlotte Rycroft