Is Red Light Therapy for Cellulite Effective?

Cellulite is a common skin condition affecting approximately 80–90% of assigned females at birth (AFAB). While it's painless and harmless, for some, it can be aesthetically distressing and influence fashion choices all year round. Naturally, people are searching for effective cellulite removal methods and are curious whether red light therapy could be one of them.

In this article, we discuss cellulite, the effects of red light therapy on cellulite, its potential risks, and alternative procedures. Here, the term 'treatment' refers to the application of red light therapy.

Understanding cellulite

Cellulite is commonly known as 'orange peel' due to its matted appearance. Clinically, cellulite is referred to as 'gynoid lipodystrophy' or 'nodular liposclerosis,' indicating the pathologies of fat cells. In this condition, common areas of fat storage such as thighs, buttocks, or lower abdomen show a dimpled or dented appearance. Cellulite is painless but can cause anxiety or body dissatisfaction and impact the overall quality of life.

The mechanisms of cellulite formation are not yet fully understood. Researchers have hypothesized that the architectural structure of subcutaneous fat and the dermis becomes disorganized, giving a dimpled appearance of cellulite. The superficial fat lobules are smaller in height, but they are numerous, whereas deep fat lobules are larger and fewer. This makes the superficial fat layer thinner and contributes to the uneven appearance of the skin.

Risk factors associated with cellulite

Although cellulite can appear anytime in post-puberty, people often report the appearance of cellulite in their 20s or 30s.

Apart from race and gender, the risk factors of cellulite include:

• High carbohydrate diet
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Pregnancy
• Age
• Genetics

Does red light therapy help with cellulite?

Non-medical grade red light therapy devices used at home are not intended to mitigate, treat, or cure any disease. In clinical settings, red light therapy, which is a type of photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy (if delivered by a low-level laser source), has shown promising results in treating acne, joint pain, and hair loss. But does it help with cellulite? Scientists have hypothesized that light therapy improves blood flow and collagen remodeling to enhance tissue healing.

The outcomes of red light therapy depend on the device used and the regimen followed. Numerous commercial red light therapy devices are being marketed as effective solutions for cellulite treatment. However, the lack of scientific evidence poses questions about their effectiveness. At-home cosmetic and laser therapy are widely popular, but doctors do not consider it standard care.

Few studies have investigated whether red light therapy helps with cellulite reduction. For instance, a study examined the safety and efficacy of anti-cellulite gel, along with red and infrared light treatment. The study observed that at the end of three months, the gel and red light therapy group had a lower cellulite appearance as compared to the placebo group. However, at the end of the 18 months, half of the people had cellulite reappear and needed additional treatment. Also, note that this study used anti-cellulite gel in addition to the red/infrared light treatment.

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How red light therapy is used to manage cellulite?

Most red light therapy devices use light in the red (650–670 nm) and near-infrared range (670–750 nm). While some research studies used infrared light for cellulite (or even green light), these wavelengths are associated with different properties and distinct effects from the red light wavelength. Hence, red light therapy for cellulite is currently not backed by scientific evidence.

Although cellulite red light therapy is not well-studied, other laser therapies, such as Cellulaze pulsed laser devices, have shown promising results. Cellulaze therapy uses infrared light waves at 1,400 nm, which can penetrate deeper than red light, and, as such, are out of the scope of this article.

Potential side effects

Anecdotal evidence from doctors and patients suggests that during cellulite red light therapy, patients may experience side effects like:

• Hyperpigmentation
• Swelling
• Numbness
• Skin burn

During the session, it is advisable to use eye protection, such as blackout goggles or eye patches, to prevent eye injury. Red light therapy might not be advisable during pregnancy or while using active medical implants (e.g., pacemakers).

Alternative treatments for cellulite

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) has noted science-based treatments and lifestyle changes that can help manage cellulite:

• Acoustic wave therapy. In this therapy, dermatologists use a sound wave device to break fibrous collagen bands that give a dimpled or matted appearance of cellulite. Additionally, it improves local blood circulation and lymphatic drainage to make the skin appear smoother. However, several sessions are necessary before patients can notice smoother skin.
• Subcision. This procedure uses a needle to break the collagen bands in the subcutaneous fat, thus providing long-lasting results.
• Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release. In this procedure, small blades are inserted underneath the skin to cut and release the cellulite depressions to get a smoother appearance.
• Exercise. Exercise can change body composition by replacing body fat with muscles. High-intensity treadmill training or free weights can be beneficial in reducing body fat. Talk to your personal trainer about cellulite while developing an exercise routine.
• Weight loss. Usually, cellulite is less visible when individuals are in their normal weight range. Reducing body weight may help reduce the appearance of cellulite in some cases. Red light therapy has been used for weight loss or fat reduction but is not backed by sufficient scientific research.

Apart from the above-mentioned methods to manage cellulite, research studies have shown promising results in early clinical trials using carboxytherapy and creams/lotions containing retinol or caffeine. However, further research studies are necessary before these treatments can be adopted as standard care.

The AADA does not recommend procedures such as cryolipolysis or mesotherapy for reducing cellulite. Also, the association does not advise taking supplements such as grape seed extract or ginkgo biloba, as there is no evidence that supplements work for cellulite.

In summary, cellulite is a dimpled or matted appearance of the skin in areas of high-fat storage such as thighs and buttocks. While cellulite is a painless and harmless skin condition, it can cause body dissatisfaction and lead to anxiety or negative psychosocial effects. Red light therapy is popular, but it is not science-backed for this particular indication. Further research studies are necessary before red light therapy can be adopted as standard care. Lifestyle changes such as exercise and weight loss can help minimize the appearance of cellulite. Consult a healthcare provider before trying any new treatment, including red light therapy.

Remember that our bodies are beautiful the way they are. Accepting cellulite as natural and not a bad 'thing' we need to get rid of can help us approach cellulite treatment from a different perspective. Discuss with your dermatologist the pros and cons of various treatments and the treatment option best suited for you.

Have you recently used red light therapy for cellulite? Share your experiences or questions in the comments section below. Or tag us using #HealthNews while sharing experiences on social media.