‘Fox & Friends’ dives into red light and contrast therapies for Wellness Week
Fox News’ Ainsley Earhardt and Adam Klotz explore trending wellness treatments for Wellness Week. Ainsley highlights red light therapy benefits for skin and collagen production. Adam details contrast therapy, including hot saunas and cold plunges, discussing muscle recovery and mental acuity. Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel discusses the benefits and risks of these therapies.
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Fox & Friends has officially launched Wellness Week, a dedicated series aimed at navigating the world of social media health trends.
“The internet is jam-packed with millions of these trends that are promising you a healthier, younger and more energized life. But it’s hard to tell what’s a real hack or just hype,” said host Kayleigh McEnany.
To find out, the team traveled to downtown New York City to experience popular treatments firsthand, specifically focusing on the science behind red light therapy and the intense contrast of hot and cold plunges.
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The investigation began at La Reserve Esthetics and Wellness, where the team explored red light therapy.
Describing the process, one spa employee said, “The way that it works for our body is we’re able to absorb the heat and the warmth from those red-light therapy light bulbs and give our body the space to help with recovery, help with cell production.”
Describing the process of red light therapy, one spa employee said, “The way that it works for our body is we’re able to absorb the heat and the warmth from those red-light therapy light bulbs and give our body the space to help with recovery, help with cell production.” (iStock)
The treatment is marketed for helping with inflammation, muscle recovery, weight loss, anti-aging and collagen production.
While McEnany compared the experience to a tanning bed in terms of warmth, it was noted as being “much safer” than traditional UV exposure.
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Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel clarified that the devices use LED light, which is “close to infrared light” but remains visible and safer than sunlight.
Consistent use can “promote healing of the skin and more collagen,” according to Siegel, though he cautioned that it might be three or four weeks of usage before users notice a visible impact.
The physical reaction to the cold is intense, described as an “immediate stress response” that requires breathing through the shock. (iStock)
Next, the team tested out hot and cold therapies.
Adam Klotz started in a 190-degree Fahrenheit sauna for 15 to 20 minutes to build up a stress response, which was immediately followed by a plunge into an ice bath with water temperatures between 46 and 48 degrees.