Red light therapy has been around for decades; however, the beauty community discovered its impeccable properties only recently. Alongside all those active ingredients and revolutionary serums, the red light was one of the most talked-about treatment methods in the skincare community in 2020. If your favorite influencer has been swearing by it and you want to know what the hype is really about, you’ve come to the right place.
Is red light therapy an effective way of fighting acne, wrinkles, scars, and other skin issues? In this article, we answer all the questions you may have about RLT.
What Exactly Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a type of phototherapy that consists of exposing skin to low-level light wavelengths. These light particles are characterized by the power to reach beneath the epidermis and optimize cellular processes.
Let’s break down what this means for you:
Cellular functions are a bunch of complex biochemical reactions that happen simultaneously. Each cell needs a proper amount of energy to run all these processes and keep us healthy and alive. However, when something interferes with natural happenings, our body requires extra resources to get back no normal. This is where the importance of red light therapy comes in.
Exposure to low-level light wavelengths boosts mitochondria metabolism. As a result, extra energy (ATP) is released in our cells, which gives our body enough resources to promote quick healing and regeneration. This is why red light therapy is an effective means of treatment for fighting common skin problems.
Red Light For Treating Acne
Acne is the most common skin condition in the US that affects over 50 million people annually. When the hair follicle is clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells, inflammation occurs, and we are left with those annoying whiteheads.
Red light therapy benefits include fighting acne in several ways. It has anti-inflammatory powers that help stop the spread of breakouts. What’s more, RLT fights off the bacteria causing acne, making it quite effective in the long run.
Increased cellular functions speed up the healing processes as well. Red light exposure promotes the formation of new blood vessels, which are essential for delivering necessary elements for healing. Because of this, dermatologists often recommend red light therapy for treating acne scars.
Red Light For Fading Scars
Scarring is an unavoidable part of the healing process. When your skin is compromised, the body does everything in its power to patch up the wound as soon as possible. This is important for avoiding bacteria getting into our system. In the process, collagen is released to cover up the injury quickly, and this is exactly what forms scar tissue – excess collagen.
Research shows that red light therapy can be effective for getting rid of scarring. It promotes the production of proteins that make up our skin – collagen, elastin, and fibroblasts. This may sound counterintuitive as scars are products of excess collagen production. But what red light does is that it regulates the levels of the protein and promotes developing healthy cells in the affected area.
Keep in mind that RLT isn’t meant for just acne scars. Studies indicate that using red light therapy for surgical scars can be very beneficial. It helps the wound heal fast and get rid of scar tissue. Although, the process may take up to 6 months as the effectiveness of this treatment depends on the severity of the situation.
Red Light For Wrinkles And Fine Lines
Red light therapy has fantastic things in store for those who are looking for an effective anti-aging treatment. Wrinkles and fine lines appear after reaching a certain age because our body doesn’t produce enough proteins that make up our skin and promote a youthful appearance. Fortunately, there’s strong research backing up red light therapy’s effectiveness in reversing the process.
As we already mentioned above, red light aids in collagen and elastin production. These elements help rejuvenate dull skin and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. What’s more, new blood vessels that form near the skin’s surface help deliver nutrients that improve the texture and promote a smoother complexion.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
From what we know, red light therapy is a universal, non-invasive method with no proven side effects. If you are concerned about overdoing, keep in mind that 15-20 minutes of exposure 2-3 times a week is optimal for treating common concerns, including skin issues. The positive results generally start showing up after a month of continuous use.
However, just like every other treatment method out there, the effectiveness of red light therapy greatly depends on your unique condition and medical history. Therefore, if you want to know whether it will work for you, you need to visit a physician. Only a professional healthcare provider will be able to recommend the best course of action for your skin’s needs.
