Red light therapy has become an increasingly popular treatment for various skin conditions and anti-aging purposes. By exposing the skin to certain wavelengths of red and near-infrared light, red light therapy provides many benefits for the skin without the risks and downtime associated with more invasive procedures.
In this in-depth article, we’ll explore the science behind how red light works and share 5 powerful benefits it can provide for your skin. By the end, you’ll understand why this cutting-edge treatment deserves a try for healthier, youthful-looking skin.
Source: The picture comes from the Internet
what is Red light therapy?
Red light therapy involves exposing the skin to red and near-infrared light for therapeutic benefits. The treatment uses wavelengths between 600-950 nanometers which are absorbed by the skin.
When absorbed by the skin, red and near-infrared light produces a number of beneficial effects:
- Red and near-infrared light increases mitochondrial activity, fueling cellular metabolism and energy production. This jumpstarts healthy functioning at the cellular level.
- It boosts collagen and elastin production, strengthening the foundations of youthful skin. Over time, this visibly plumps fine lines, reduces wrinkles, and firms texture.
- Light therapy stimulates the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Increased circulation supplies oxygen and nutrients to nourish skin from within.
- Anti-inflammatory cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes are activated, reducing redness and soothing irritated skin.
- Growth factors like keratinocyte and fibroblast growth factors are expressed, promoting the growth of new cells. This speeds healing of lesions and blemishes.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what red light therapy is and how it works, let’s go over some frequently asked safety questions.
Source: The picture comes from the Internet
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
Red light therapy is considered very safe with minimal side effects. The wavelengths used do not contain ultraviolet light, so there is no risk of skin damage or increased cancer risk which is a concern with some types of light therapy.
Here are answers to some common safety questions regarding red light therapy:
Does it cause burns or skin damage?
No, red light therapy does not burn the skin. The light wavelengths are benign and do not generate heat like higher intensity lasers can.
Are there risks if I have sensitive skin?
Red light is gentle enough even for those with sensitive skin. However, there is always a small risk of mild side effects so test a small patch first.
Are the light wavelengths safe if I have an underlying medical condition?
Yes, red light is generally safe even if you have an underlying health condition. But check with your doctor first if you have any concerns.
Can it interact with medications I’m taking?
Red light is unlikely to interact with medications or supplements. But check with your doctor to be sure if taking photosensitive drugs.
Is red light therapy safe during pregnancy?
Most experts consider red light therapy safe during pregnancy. But as a precaution, check with your OB-GYN first. Avoid directly shining light over the abdomen.
Are there any side effects?
Most people experience no side effects. In rare cases, mild headache, nausea or skin irritation may occur with red light therapy.
Always follow precautions such as wearing eye protection and not staring directly into the red light. But overall, red light therapy is very safe for skin – much more so than UV light treatments! Now let’s look at the top 5 benefits of incorporating red light therapy into your skincare routine.
5 Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Skin
1. Reduces Visible Signs of Aging
One of the most researched and proven benefits of red light therapy is its ability to reduce visible signs of aging on the skin. Chronic UV exposure from the sun causes premature aging of the skin that shows up as wrinkles, fine lines, uneven tone, roughness and enlarged pores.
Red light energizes mitochondria in skin cells, boosting collagen production. Collagen is the structural protein that keeps skin firm, smooth and elastic. Higher collagen levels lead to a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines.
By increasing fibroblast activity in the skin, red light also promotes the regeneration of elastin fibers, improving skin’s resilience. When skin better retains its natural elasticity, wrinkles and lines soften and become less noticeable.
A 2009 clinical study showed that red light therapy increased collagen levels in just 11 sessions. More than 90% of participants experienced significant improvements in facial signs of aging, with fewer wrinkles around the eyes and smoother skin texture.
2. Minimizes Acne Breakouts
The unique wavelengths of red light provide powerful antibacterial effects that can help reduce acne breakouts. Red light penetrates deep into pores to eliminate P. acnes bacteria which cause inflammatory acne.
Red light also has anti-inflammatory properties that calm irritation and redness of acne flareups. This leads to less frequent breakouts and faster healing of acne blemishes.
In a 2016 randomized, blinded study, patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I to VI and mild-to-moderate facial acne vulgaris reduced inflammatory lesions by more than 24.4% after 12 weeks of red light therapy.
Red light is an ideal treatment to control acne since it targets the source – bacteria overgrowth and inflammation – without drying or irritating the skin like harsh acne creams can do.
3. Improves Wound and Burn Healing
The light wavelengths applied in red light therapy promote faster wound healing by stimulating the cells involved in repair and regeneration. It also reduces inflammation around wounds and increases blood flow to the injury.
In a 2004 study on burn scars, rats treated with 660nm red light experienced reduced inflammation and improved collagen deposition, thereby improving the healing of third-degree burns.
Red light stimulates stem cells from bone marrow to migrate to wound sites and transform into brand new skin cells. This results in better wound closure, less scar formation, and accelerated healing.
4. Lightens dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is excess melanin production in certain spots on the skin, resulting in darker pigmented patches appearing. This is often caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, aging, or skin irritation.
By inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, red light therapy reduces abnormal melanin production which improves hyperpigmentation and evens out skin tone.
In a 2017 study, subjects with UV-induced hyperpigmentation and melasma experienced significant improvement after receiving red light therapy. Phototherapy results in a visibly lighter, brighter complexion.
5. Calms Rosacea Symptoms
Red light therapy helps calm rosacea flareups and reduces symptoms like facial redness, bumps and pustules. It works by decreasing inflammation, dilating blood vessels, and inhibiting the overgrowth of blood vessels that contributes to visible redness.
A 2020 case report found that redness severity, bumps, and papules improved after treating two patients with papulopustular rosacea with light-emitting diode therapy that combined blue (480 nm) and red (650 nm) light.
Red light is very beneficial for rosacea patients since it tackles hard-to-treat symptoms without stinging, drying or irritating sensitive skin like many topical medications do.
Conclusion
Are you ready to embrace a healthier glow and put problem skin in the past? Then it’s time to visit RedDot LED to choose the device that’s right for you. They have helped so many just like you – I can’t recommend them enough. Don’t deprive your skin of these regeneration advantages any longer. Your confidence and complexion will thank you!
Published by reddotled.com (Repost Tips)