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Infrared Light Therapy Reduce Cellulite?
Cellulite is a word that carries a heavy load of myths, misconceptions and a host of marketed 'miracle cures'. From creams that promise to smoothen your skin overnight to invasive procedures that offer a quick but painful solution, the battle against cellulite seems like an endless quest for many.
But perhaps the solution isn't to be found in harsh treatments or potions that are too good to be true. What if the gentle heat of an infrared sauna is the way to tackle cellulite?
The Battle Against Cellulite
Cellulite challenges many, but infrared sauna therapy may come to the rescue.
What is Cellulite
Cellulite [1] creates the famous "orange peel" texture on the skin. At first glance it seems like a superficial problem, but there is an underlying structural condition. This occurs when subcutaneous fat pushes against the connective tissue under the skin, leading to the wrinkled appearance often seen on the thighs, buttocks and abdomen.
The culprits behind cellulite
Cellulite is a common problem across different body types.
- Genetics dictate the structure and texture of the skin and has a major influence on the presence of cellulite.
- Hormones, especially estrogen, also play an important role, which explains why women suffer from this more often than men.
- Lifestyle elements such as diet and exercise can affect appearance, although they do not directly cause cellulite.
- In addition, the efficiency of the circulatory and lymphatic systems can worsen cellulite by allowing toxins and fluids to build up.
Why is it Hard to Treat?
Treating Cellulite is extremely difficult. This is also mainly due to the complexity of the causes and the variability in individual responses. Traditional treatments, from topical creams to invasive procedures, often only provide temporary relief. This is because they do not address the underlying structural issues of cellulite.
Infrared Sauna for Cellulite Management
The complexity of treating cellulite leads us to the potential of infrared sauna in its treatment. Deep-penetrating infrared rays improve circulation in and below the surface and support skin health. This approach actually targets the textural layers of cellulite.
Sun Home Luminar™ Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
Infrared Saunas and Red Light Therapy
The combination of infrared sauna with red light therapy is even more powerful in combating cellulite. Let’s see why:
Infrared Sauna
Infrared saunas use infrared light waves to heat your body directly from the inside. The infrared rays penetrate deep into the body. This heat causes intense sweating at the cellular level.
Red light therapy
Red light therapy, also called photobiomodulation, is often used in combination with infrared saunas.
In addition to red light, this therapy mainly uses near-infrared radiation (NIR). These electromagnetic waves are part of the infrared light spectrum, which is invisible to the naked eye, but can infiltrate the tissues, unlike visible red light.
NIR is known for its therapeutic effects. It improves circulation, revs up healing and regeneration of the skin, decreases inflammation, and stimulates collagen production.
The Holistic combo and Cellulite Reduction
Far-infrared saunas and red light therapy blend into one effective approach to cellulite:
The far infrared sauna deals with the structural problem below the superficial skin layers. Since far infrared waves vibrate at a frequency that resonates with water molecules in the body, the sweat glands are triggered and reinforce the release of stored toxins.
The same process has a similar effect on the fat cells that contribute to cellulite formation. Simultaneously, the heat boosts blood circulation, so more oxygen and nutrients are supplied to the skin, which facilitates the breakdown of fatty deposits.
Red Light Therapy uses specific wavelengths of near-infrared light that reach the deeper layers of the skin itself. This light energy is absorbed by the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, strengthens their function and optimizes collagen and elastin production.
These proteins are crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and structure and directly impact the appearance of cellulite by strengthening the skin and reducing the bulge of fat cells.
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Scientific Evidence on the Benefits of red light therapy for Cellulite
There are some interesting scientific studies into the effects of red light therapy on reducing cellulite. We have listen three of those papers here below:
Red and Infrared Light: A Boost for Collagen and Elastin
This study highlights the promising effects of low-level red and near-infrared light therapy on enhancing collagen and elastin production in the skin, key elements that provide skin its elasticity and firmness.
While this research primarily targets skin rejuvenation and anti-aging, these findings could have implications for cellulite management. Cellulite's appearance is influenced by changes in the skin's connective tissues, such as collagen breakdown.
Theoretically, increasing collagen and elastin production could reinforce the skin's structure, making it less prone to the dimpling that typifies cellulite. [2]
LLLT: A Promising Approach to Cellulite Reduction
The insights from this study of the application of low-level laser (light) therapy, also known as red light therapy, implies intriguing possibilities for cellulite treatment, even though cellulite isn't directly addressed in the research.
LLLT's beneficial effects on skin healing, blood flow, and tissue repair by activating stem cells, indicates it could positively influence overall health and appearance of cellulite affected skin. By giving a boost to skin elasticity and structure at a cellular level, LLLT might smooth the skin's surface, reducing the characteristic tell-tale signs of dimpling. [3]
Combining Exercise and Red Light Therapy
Another study explored infrared-LED light therapy combined with treadmill exercise. This research involved 20 women, aged 25 to 55, who were divided into two groups: one just used the treadmill, while the other also received infrared-LED light treatment during their sessions. [4]
They exercised at high intensities, close to their maximum heart rates, for 45 minutes, twice a week over three months. The results ae encouraging, demonstrating a substantial decrease in cellulite, particularly around the thighs and saddlebags.
Additionally, this combination helped to maintain lean muscle mass and prevented an increase in body fat.
These findings are certainly inviting for those who enjoy a good workout during an infrared/redlight therapy session.
Red light therapy, supported by these three and other scientific studies, shows a new avenue for cellulite reduction. The results of the study underscores the need for more research into the multifaceted benefits of this treatment, especially when combining red light therapy with infrared sauna sessions.
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Addressing Cellulite with Infrared Sauna
Intrigued by the possibilities of infrared sauna treatments, especially in combination with red light therapy for reducing cellulite? Here are some tips to get started.
At-Home vs. Professional Use
If you’d like more intensive treatments beyond occasional spa visits, investing in a one person infrared sauna can be advantageous. Home saunas give you the freedom to tailor regular sessions to your schedule and intensity preferences.
Choose the best Sauna
You might consider a full spectrum infrared sauna, with its full spectrum of infrared wavelengths. Each able to infiltrate different layers of the skin and tissue, delivering different health benefits.
A far infrared sauna, to which red light therapy panels or towers can be added, is also a great option. Sauna blankets use FIR too, making them also a good choices.
Of course, there is much more to weigh when buying the best 1-person infrared sauna. View our tips on this page.
Sun Home Equinox™ 3-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
Enhance Your Sauna Experience
If you already own a sauna or prefer more targeted treatments, integrating red light therapy panels or towers can amp up your cellulite reduction plan. These standalone red light solutions allow for focused treatment, give flexibility in addressing specific areas affected by cellulite or upgrade your overall sauna experience with the added benefits of red light therapy.
Combine with Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Maximize the effects of infrared sauna treatments by maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. This approach is good for general health and amplifies the cellulite-reducing and skin benefits of the sauna.
Whether you're investing in a new full spectrum infrared sauna, sprucing up an existing one with red light therapy, or choosing standalone light therapy treatments, these strategies can make for a comprehensive approach to confronting cellulite issues.
Infrared sauna combined with red light therapy is an enticing possible solution for cellulite. This method softens cellulite, and optimizes skin health through a build up of collagen and elastin production.
Start your research today, consult professionals and try a session soon so you can make an informed decision in your fight against cellulite.
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Diane Sargent
References
1. Cleveland Clinis, Cellulite, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17694-cellulite
2. Wen-Hwa Li et al., Low-level red plus near infrared lights combination induces expressions of collagen and elastin in human skin in vitro, PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33594706/
3. Pinar Avci et al., Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring, PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24049929/
4. Fernanda Rossi Paolillo et al., New treatment of cellulite with infrared-LED illumination applied during high-intensity treadmill training, PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21740089/
