What Is A Light Therapy And How It Benefits Your Health

Did you know that your mental health and your skin condition could improve by light? Surprised?! Light has been linked to health forever; however, not many people believed it helped in real-life therapy. It was always used as a set decoration for lovely moods and late-night dinners amongst couples. However, now that the concept of light therapy is highly recognized, it is time to learn more about it.

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What is Blue Light Therapy?

Blue Light therapy is an effective method many professionals use to treat symptoms of depression and S.A.D, skin burns, skin cancer, and mood disorders. S.A.D is a type of depression that occurs due to lack of sunlight in seasons like winter and fall. Generally, S.A.D is highly seen in countries with very little sunlight, like the UK, France, and Russia. Lack of light exposure during cold seasons sometimes affects a person’s biological clock, resulting in mood swings and inconsistent sleep cycles. Light therapy helps in shifting the changes back to normal.

When Should Treatment Via Blue Light Therapy Start?

When is the best type for light therapy depends on why you are trying this therapy method, whether it is a skin condition or a mental health condition. If S.A.D has diagnosed you, start light treatment at the beginning of fall when the weather starts getting cloudy, and stop it in spring to enjoy the natural sunlight outside your home.

Generally, therapy starts to show its effects within a couple of days; however, don’t be surprised if it only starts working for you after a couple of weeks. This is because different bodies react differently to different treatments.

How Light Therapy Works

Mental Health Treatment

If you have S.A.D, your doctor might advise you to try light therapy at their office first and then buy your own lightbox and blue light glasses. Typically for a session to treat your mood disorder, you sit approximately 40 meters square away from the light source in a dark room and wear your blue light goggles to protect your eyes. You can buy all your gear online for such sessions. Look for a website where you can purchase blue light goggles according to your preference; however, ask your therapist for recommendations for the lightbox. Sessions to elevate your mood could last as little as 15 minutes daily or as much as an hour if your therapist suggests that.

Skin Care Treatment

For skincare, your doctor will ask you to enter a dark room and apply for some medicine on your skin, then give you blue light goggles to wear while the session moves forward. Once done, you will be advised to stay away from sunlight to protect your skin as long as the medication is on. Sessions last from an hour to 90 minutes, depending on your doctor’s recommendation.

Benefits of Light Therapy

It Helps Reduce S.A.D Symptoms

Most patients with S.A.D decide to try light therapy at one point. If your therapist recommended light sessions to you, keep in mind that you don’t need medications on your skin for your sessions, all you need is to track your mood and report any effects to your therapist. If you feel that the treatment is not effective, talk to your therapist for alternatives.

It Helps Prevent Skin Cancer

If you have ever suffered from skin burns, light therapy can help your skin lesions regenerate and reduce the swelling; therefore, you get to avoid having a very noticeable scar. Additionally, this therapy method is highly used to prevent skin cancer as it can remove cancerous skin lesions.

It Treats Acne and Acne scars.

Do you feel like your skin is rough and full of scars? If so, you can ask your doctor if light therapy is good for you. Acne scars are usually rough and deep. Therefore, they need a lot of care, and light can help remove sun spots and acne scars while evening your skin texture.

Now you know all the benefits of light sessions, both mentally and physically. Buy your light session materials if you really need them, and always ask your doctor for advice throughout your treatment. Don’t forget to tell them if you notice any side effects. While not many people experience side effects from light therapy, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Furthermore, always inform your doctor about your medical history as different treatments have different eligibility criteria. For example, studies show that it is better not to try light therapy if you ever get a seizure.