The red light therapy has been making waves in the wellness and skincare world. Red light therapy has been hailed as the key to younger-looking skin, from reducing signs and symptoms of aging to improving your skin's health. Does it work?
Learn about the red light therapy benefits and why it is so popular.
What is red-light therapy?
The red light therapy, also known as RLT, uses low-wavelength light to stimulate cellular activity and penetrate the skin layers. Red light therapy, unlike ultraviolet (UV), can boost the natural cell processes. This includes enhanced collagen and elastic production, better blood circulation, and faster wound recovery.
Most commonly, this type of therapy is used in dermatology clinics for conditions like acne, fine wrinkles, scarring, and more. There are also devices such as red-light therapy panels, masks or wands that can be used at home.
What is red light therapy?
The red light therapy penetrates the skin on a cellular basis using low-wavelength, red light. This process increases circulation, stimulates cell activity and boosts collagen and elastin production, two key components to maintaining youthful, firm skin. It also helps treat acne because of its anti-inflammatory properties and wound healing promotion.
What is the difference between infrared and red light therapy?
Both red and infrared therapies are beneficial, but they have slightly different goals. Red light can be seen by the human eye, and it works on issues such as skin health and healing. Infrared, on the contrary, penetrates deeper and is used more often for internal conditions and pain relief. Infrared produces heat and requires high-quality equipment.
Red light therapy: 5 Benefits
Researchers have studied the effects of red light therapy on hair loss, acne and anti-aging. Recent studies have shown that red light therapy can improve each of these conditions, especially when combined with other prescribed treatment.
Benefits include:
1. Anti-aging
Red light therapy can help keep your skin youthful. The wavelengths of red light penetrate beneath the surface, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. These two proteins play a vital role in maintaining firm, youthful and smooth skin. People may notice improvements in the texture of their skin, reduced fine wrinkles and a reduction in wrinkles with regular use.
2. Acne Treatment
Acne can be effectively treated with red light therapy. Anti-inflammatory properties of red light therapy reduce swelling and redness, while also targeting bacteria that causes breakouts.
3. Hair growth
Red light therapy may help people who are experiencing hair thinning, or hair loss of certain types. It does this by increasing blood flow and stimulating hair follicles. Over time, this type of therapy promotes thicker and healthier hair.
4. Skin tone and texture improved
Red light therapy users often experience a smoother skin tone, smaller pores, and a "glow" to their skin. Red light therapy promotes skin repair and renewal at the cellular levels, reducing dullness and other imperfections.
5. Wound healing can be accelerated.
Research has shown that the red light therapy accelerates wound healing by promoting tissue repairs and reducing the appearance of scars caused by acne, surgery, or injury.
Do you have any side effects or risks?
Red light therapy is safe in the short-term. Red light therapy is not linked to any cancerous effects, unlike UV light which can cause skin tumors. Most side effects are mild. Keep in mind the following:
* Temporary Side Effects: Some people experience temporary mild pain, or irritation of the skin after red light therapy.
* Red light can interact with medications. It could worsen another medical condition or cause you to take more medication.
* Incorrect device use: Follow the instructions for your device carefully, whether you are at home or in clinic. Wear goggles to protect your eye if they are recommended.
Use only FDA-cleared devices and adhere to the instructions. Improper use can cause skin irritation or a diminished result.
Red light therapy: How to integrate it into your wellness routine
It's important to adhere to specific guidelines when incorporating red-light therapy into your daily routine to ensure a safe and effective use. You can get the best results by following best practices. This will also reduce the risk of adverse effects. Here are some tips that will help you start safely and successfully your red light treatment journey:
1. Consult your dermatologist before using any products.
Consult your dermatologist before starting red light treatment. Discuss your skin goals with your dermatologist to determine the best treatment plan.
2. Consider a home device that is FDA-cleared or professional sessions
Red light therapy masks and handheld wands are great products to use at home if you want to experience the benefits of red light therapy. These devices are easy to use and available in different price ranges.
In-office treatments that use higher light intensities can often produce faster results.
3. Follow the instructions
Consistency is important, whether you are at home or a clinic. Most devices at home recommend treatment between 10 and 20 minutes, two or three times per week.
4. Manage your expectations
The red light therapy works best when used consistently and over a long period of time. This is not an instant treatment. You'll have to keep using the red-light device regularly if you use it at home. Follow the instructions that come with your device to determine the amount of time required. Remember that results take time to show and not everyone will see them. Most devices need 10 to 20 minute sessions repeated twice or three times a week.
Maximize your results with these tips
The most effective red light therapy is when combined with a regular skincare routine. Tips to maximize results include:
Test the device in a small patch of skin first to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.
For maximum benefits, combine red light therapy and a good skincare routine that includes sunscreen, hydrating lotions, or acne medications.
* Be consistent in your treatment and follow a regular routine for noticeable results.
Is red light therapy at home worth it?
You may wonder if the devices you can buy at home are worth it.
Costs of home devices can vary from $100 to $1,000. When investing, make sure to check that the device you are considering is FDA-cleared for the condition your want to treat. If you're looking to treat acne, for example, buy an acne red-light and follow its recommended treatment schedule.
What's the bottom line? Should you include red light therapy in your skin care regiment?
Red light therapy, more than a trend, is a scientifically-backed way to achieve glowing skin and a healthy lifestyle. This versatile technology can be used to improve skin, reduce wrinkles or increase hair growth.
Consult a dermatologist for the best red light therapy option. Find a dermatologist in your area.
