Everyone has a friend who swears by it — red light therapy has been making waves as a go-to treatment for everything from skin rejuvenation to pain relief. But as the hype grows, so do the questions about its effectiveness, and how to try it without breaking the bank.
Below, we discuss what red light therapy is, how it works, and answer: can you use your HSA for red light therapy?
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level wavelengths of light (the red end of the visible spectrum) to penetrate the skin. This process is believed to stimulate cell repair, reduce inflammation, promote healing, and improve skin health, which has made it a popular therapy for a variety of conditions.
What wavelength is red light therapy?
Red light therapy typically uses wavelengths between 630 and 850 nanometers. These wavelengths are thought to penetrate the skin without causing damage, unlike more intense laser therapies.
What are the benefits of red light therapy for skin conditions?
Red light therapy is most commonly used to improve skin conditions. Some of the most common include:
- Wound healing
- Psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema improvement
- Reduction of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots
- Acne treatment
These applications are rooted in the idea that red light can boost collagen production, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation, all of which contribute to healthier skin.
What else is red light therapy good for?
Beyond skincare, red light therapy is marketed for a range of medical conditions. These include reducing the side effects of chemotherapy, as well as relieving pain and inflammation associated with conditions like ankle tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or osteoarthritis of the knee, and more.
Research into red light therapy shows potential benefits in several areas:
- Red light therapy for hair growth: Red light hats are marketed for hair growth, with some success reported.
- Red light therapy for back pain: There’s potential for relief, though more research is needed.
- Red light therapy for osteoarthritis/arthritis: Some studies suggest it can reduce pain and improve joint function.
- Red light therapy for sleep improvement: Some evidence suggests it may help regulate sleep patterns.
- Red light therapy for eye health/macular degeneration: Early studies indicate potential benefits, but more research is needed.
However, we should maintain some healthy skepticism.
Despite its wide promotion, there is no substantial scientific evidence supporting red light therapy for uses like weight loss, cancer treatment, cellulite removal, or mental health conditions such as depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Is red light therapy the same as laser therapy?
Red light therapy is often confused with laser therapy, but they aren't the same thing. While both use light, laser therapy typically involves a more focused beam and often a higher intensity. Red light therapy, on the other hand, is sometimes referred to by various names, such as:
- Low-level laser light therapy
- Low-power laser therapy
- Non-thermal LED light
- Soft laser therapy
- Cold laser therapy
- Biostimulation
- Photonic stimulation
- Photobiomodulation
- Phototherapy
As you can gather, many of these terms highlight the gentle, non-invasive nature of this type of therapy.
How is red light therapy different from infrared treatments?
Red light therapy and infrared treatments are often lumped together as well, but they target different wavelengths. As we noted, red light therapy operates within the 630-850 nanometer (nm) range — often around 660nm — while infrared therapy uses longer wavelengths, typically 700nm to 1,500nm, moving beyond the visible light spectrum.
What does this mean for us? Infrared light penetrates deeper into the body, reaching muscles and joints, while red light mainly targets the skin and just below the surface.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Red light therapy operates on the principle of photobiomodulation, where cells, specifically the mitochondria, absorb light particles and convert them into energy. This energy should theoretically boost cell function, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing processes.
Is it effective?
The effectiveness of red light therapy often depends on the specific condition being treated, the device used, and the consistency of the treatment.
While some studies show promise, especially for skin conditions, pain relief or hair growth, the results are not universally conclusive.
What kinds of lights are used in red light therapy?
The therapy employs LEDs (light-emitting diodes) which are specifically designed to emit light at the red wavelength. These lights are crucial because they can deliver the right amount of energy without producing harmful heat.
As a comparison, you will often see blue LED lights used to treat acne and other surface conditions because this wavelength of light can’t penetrate deeper into the skin.
What to look for in red light therapy?
When considering red light therapy, make sure you’re getting a device that delivers the appropriate wavelength (620-750 nm) and power output (measured in mW/cm²). Look for products backed by clinical studies and avoid those with dubious claims that sound too good to be true.
What are the different types of red light therapy devices?
Red light therapy devices come in various forms, catering to different needs:
- At-home devices: These are generally safe, but might be less powerful than professional-grade devices used by dermatologists. While convenient, they may not deliver the exact results you’re hoping for.
- Clinical devices: More powerful and often more effective, these devices are typically used by professionals.
- Masks: Popular for facial treatments targeting skin rejuvenation.
- Handheld devices: Convenient for treating specific areas like sore muscles or joints.
Is red light therapy safe?
Yes, red light therapy is generally considered safe for most people when used correctly. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment, especially if you have existing health conditions or concerns.
How often should you do red light therapy?
Frequency will depend on your individual goals and the device you’re using. Many recommend starting with several sessions per week and then adjusting based on your response and results.
What results can you expect?
While results vary, many people report seeing improvements in skin tone, reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, and a decrease in pain or inflammation over time. It’s important to remember that red light therapy is not a miracle cure, and consistency is key.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are great tools for managing healthcare costs. They allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses, typically allowing you to save 30-40% because of tax savings.
But can you use these funds for red light therapy? The short answer is yes when used for skin treatments (such as acne or rosacea) or hair re-growth — but for other conditions, it depends.
Qualified medical expenses
HSAs and FSAs are designed to be used for qualified medical expenses which “must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness” and includes costs associated with diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention. In Publication 502 (the link above) you will find a comprehensive list of approved items.
However, you can also pay for items that aren’t pre-approved if you receive a Letter of Medical Necessity from a healthcare professional. Either way, keep receipts handy for documentation.
What is a Letter of Medical Necessity?
A Letter of Medical Necessity, or LOMN, is like a doctor’s note that allows doctors to make determinations on behalf of patients, to qualify certain purchases for HSA or FSA spending. The LOMN must outline why a specific purchase is medically necessary for an individual and how it addresses a specific condition.
When does red light therapy qualify?
Red light therapy is considered an eligible HSA or FSA expense when it is used for skin conditions (such as acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema improvement), hair growth, back pain, and osteoarthritis/arthritis, among others.
For other use cases, it depends on the specific condition and requires a healthcare provider to prescribe it as a treatment in a LOMN. Note that devices catered to cosmetic purposes (such as reducing wrinkles) are unlikely to qualify.
Is red light therapy covered by my health insurance?
Unfortunately, red light therapy is typically not covered by health insurance. For that reason, you may want to consider using your HSA or FSA for red light therapy.
Innovations At Home: Try These Red Light Therapy Tools
Red light therapy is increasingly finding its way to consumers, making it easier to experience the benefits without having to go to the doctor or a clinic. For some conditions, you may even look to combine them with other therapies, such as posture correctors for back pain, orthotics if you have foot or posture problems, or massage. Here are a few recommendations:
Hair growth solutions from the future
A red light hat for hair growth? It’s a thing — and it has several interesting studies backing it!
Capillus uses a slightly different technology, FDA-cleared low-level laser therapy, to encourage your hair to regrow. The cap directs photons of light toward the stem cells of your scalp which increases blood flow and delivers essential nutrients to the hair follicles, encouraging them to become more active and promoting the growth of healthier, thicker hair.
Red Light Innovation has developed a natural, non-invasive hair growth option — the RedLight Hat Pro
uses perfectly spaced diodes and 3 different wavelengths to enhance hair follicle stimulation, helping your hair regrow in 2-6 months. Over 65% of American men deal with some sort of hair loss which means the RedLight Hat might just become your greatest hairline ally.
Curavi: Precise pain relief through laser therapy
Pioneers in pain relief through red light therapy, Curavi go one step beyond. Along with using classic LEDs, their assortment of back pain relief belts (which may also help with menstrual cramps) utilizes medical-grade lasers to reach deeper into the muscle. This means you get the soothing effects much sooner than with traditional devices. And the best part? Their portable battery-powered devices allow you to enjoy red light rehab sessions on the go!
How Flex Can Help You Pay for Red Light Therapy With Your HSA/FSA
Want to pay for red light therapy with your HSA/FSA? Flex is here to help!
Step 1: Add the HSA/FSA-eligible product you want to your cart
Companies like Curavi, Capillus, and Red Light Innovation have partnered with Flex to make purchasing their products with HSA/FSA much easier.
Step 2: Select “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" at checkout
You can buy these items directly from the companies by selecting “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" as your payment option at checkout and using your HSA/FSA card. It’s as simple as that.
Step 3: Keep Documentation
Keep all documentation, including receipts and the letter of medical necessity, for tax purposes and to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
The HSA and FSA eligibility of other red light therapy items may depend on your plan, so make sure to verify with your provider first.
How it typically works to pay for red light therapy with your HSA/FSA
If you want to purchase from a company not partnered with Flex, you may be able to pay with your HSA or FSA debit card if they are able to accept that as a payment option or you will have to pay out-of-pocket first and submit a claim for reimbursement. Be sure to include your receipt and the letter of medical necessity when filing the claim. As always, keep all documentation for tax purposes and to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
HSAs and FSAs: Your Green Light for Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy offers a promising, non-invasive option for various skin and medical conditions. That said, you should approach it with realistic expectations.
While the effectiveness of red light therapy is still under research, and coverage by health plans like HSAs and FSAs can be limited, it remains a popular choice for those seeking alternative treatments. As always, consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new therapy, but innovation has been given the green light when it comes to red light therapy.
