Red light therapy has been a widely talked-about subject in the skincare community in recent periods. This treatment has been shown to help with versatile skin issues, which is why many people are curious about it. Even though red light therapy has been around for decades, some people don’t fully understand how it works and how it can contribute to improving one’s skin quality.
In this article, we’ve gathered all the information about RLT to answer your questions and help you decide whether it is a suitable option for you.
Table of Contents
What Is Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that includes exposing the skin to LED light panels. RLT devices utilize red and near-infrared light wavelengths that boost cellular activity by promoting ATP production. To put it simply, ATP is an energy-carrying molecule that supplies our cells with energy that is necessary for carrying out cell functions.
With extra energy, our cells become healthier and more robust. What’s more, they regenerate and duplicate more efficiently, leading to versatile benefits that are associated with red light therapy.
Red Light Therapy Skin Benefits
Let’s dive deeper into the advantages RLT sessions have for the skin:
- Acne Treatment – Acne affects over 50 million Americans annually, making it the most common skin concern. If you have a history of dealing with acne, you probably know that getting rid of breakouts can be a lengthy and exhausting process. Fortunately, red light therapy is here to save the day! The treatment has anti-inflammatory properties that help kill the acne bacteria and avert the further spread of the acne spots.
- Scar Treatment – Scarring is a part of the natural healing process that occurs due to excess collagen production after the damage. Red light exposure can help regulate collagen levels and promote the formation of blood vessels near the epidermis that allows the delivery of necessary elements to the affected tissue. These make RLT an effective method for fading out scars, including the deep ones that appear after the surgical incision.
- Psoriasis – Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease that is caused by an immune system malfunction. When the condition develops, the immune system attacks healthy skin cells by mistake, causing red bumps that are often covered with silverish scales. Research indicates that red light therapy can be an effective solution for healing psoriasis patches. Even though this disease has no permanent cure, continuous RLT sessions may help you keep the condition under control.
- Aging – If you’re dealing with wrinkles and fine lines, red light therapy can be a great addition to your skincare regimen. This treatment increases levels of collagen and elastin – proteins that promote skin elasticity and youthful appearance. What’s more, red light therapy increases cell turnover, which allows new, healthy cells to emerge to the surface and improve complexion.
How To Get Red Light Therapy At Home
In order for red light therapy to be effective, you need to be consistent with it. Specialists recommend starting with 2-5 minute sessions 3 times a week and then gradually increasing the length and intensity of the exposure. Considering that a single session can cost anywhere from $25 to $200, it may be a better idea to have your own device rather than go to the salon or derm’s office.
If you want to find an affordable and powerful red light therapy device for home use, take a look at nuYOU LED’s e-shop. They offer a wide selection of LED panels that incorporate red and near-infrared wavelengths. Best of all, their devices are approved by FDA, meaning that you can purchase their products without worrying about the safety.
Is Red Light Therapy At Home Safe?
When it comes to red light therapy, everyone wants to know whether it’s safe to get it without a specialist’s supervision. Even though thousands of studies have been done on the subject, scientists did not find any adverse side effects associated with it. Harvard professor Dr. Hamblin who has been studying red light therapy for over 2 decades states that there is no such thing as overdoing red light treatments. Therefore, you can do it without having to worry about your health.
With all that said, it is still recommended to consult your healthcare provider before starting red light therapy. Seeing results with RLT greatly depends on your individual skin concerns and medical history. So your doctor is the only person who can truly determine whether red light therapy is the most optimal solution in your case. Once you get a green light from the physician, you can enjoy all the fantastic benefits of RLT for your skin.
