Published on December 19th, 2022

Last updated on January 24th, 2023

Red Light Therapy For Skin: Uses And Benefits

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
red light therapy for skin

Technologies are developing so quickly that doctors can do modern treatment with the help of red rays. It has the name red light therapy, which is popular in cosmetology. Also, specialists actively use red light therapy in dermatology, especially for the skin. It allows them to deal with:

  • dermatitis;
  • rosacea;
  • vitiligo;
  • eczema;
  • neurodermatitis;
  • psoriasis.

There are many different types of this procedure. Red light therapy in salons can be good for scars and cosmetic skin problems. It influences stretch marks and wrinkles on the face. And red light therapy in medicine can treat more severe conditions. For example, it can be psoriasis, slow-healing wounds, and even side effects of chemotherapy. The success of this therapy depends on how powerful the lamps are and how narrow-band light they can provide. No less important is how effectively the device with red light affects the tissues of the face. Generally, this therapy is readily available, and you can do it in a dermatologist’s office. Besides, you can use unique products for this treatment at home.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

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Red Light Therapy (RLT) is a treatment that helps your skin and muscle tissue to heal. It works by using low-level red waves. They reach the deepest layers of the skin and stimulate fibroblasts to produce young and fresh collagen. Thus, red light therapy is typical for treating skin problems such as wrinkles, scars, and old wounds.

Red light therapy guide: how did it become popular in cosmetology? 

Astronauts once grew plants that they irradiated with red light. After prolonged irradiation, they noticed that their wounds began to heal many times faster. As soon as the red radiation hit their hands, all the injuries and scars disappeared. Also, the skin on the hands has become younger and smoother. This fact has led to research into how different parts of the visible light spectrum affect human skin. Now, this procedure is widespread in cosmetology. Red light therapy for skin improves blood circulation, activates metabolism at the cellular level, and produces new collagen and elastin molecules. You can improve skin color and lighten pigment spots by influencing the face with this spectrum. And due to the production of collagen, the skin’s elasticity and tone increase. 

In addition, there is anti-aging red light therapy. Due to the deep penetration of the rays into the skin’s epidermis, it can fight age-related changes on the face. Red light at a depth of about a centimeter causes photochemical reactions in cells that positively affect cellular energy, the nervous system, and metabolic processes. These reactions have the name photobiomodulation. So, often those who want to leave youth and beauty on their face carry out this procedure.

How Is Red Light Therapy Used?

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Red light therapy is a trendy procedure. Many laboratory studies show positive results. But despite all the advantages, scientists still argue about the effectiveness of red therapy. They need evidence that this procedure is one hundred percent useful. But, over the entire existence of red light therapy, researchers have proven certain of its advantages. Therefore, follow the red light therapy usage guide:

Red Light Therapy For Acne

Acne is a fairly common problem among people. Annoying pimples on the face may not heal for years. Even using expensive cosmetics can be powerless. In such cases, you should try red light therapy for acne. 

  • Dermatologists use this procedure to treat pimples and even out skin tone. 
  • All this happens due to red rays that positively affect the skin. 
  • They penetrate the epidermis and kill all bacteria. 

It heals inflammation from acne and prevents the formation of new one.

Red Light Therapy For Scars

Scars can result from burns, surgical interventions, or injuries. They can heal, but with severe damage, their traces do not disappear anywhere. So, to get rid of them, specialists often use red light therapy for scars. The essence of this treatment is the effect of red rays on the upper layers of the epidermis. It gradually destroys scar tissue and stimulates collagen and elastin formation. In addition to the immediate removal of scars, it lightens the surrounding tissues.

Anti-Aging RLT

Even at a young age, the skin of the face can acquire wrinkles and sag. It happens due to a lack of collagen. So, to return the face to a youthful appearance, cosmetologists use red light therapy for the skin. Red rays penetrate three layers of the skin of the face and give incredible results. It manifests in the rejuvenation, tightening, and brightening of the skin. Pulsating red currents cause an energy wave that stimulates the function of muscles and fibroblasts. Also, this therapy affects the regeneration of the skin and improves the movement of blood and lymph through the vessels. So, anti-aging red light therapy is for you if you want to look young and beautiful even in old age.

Red Light Therapy For Hair Growth

Modern trichology is expanding its treatment methods. It also includes red light therapy. This procedure in trichology is helpful for:

  • alopecia;
  • diffuse hair loss;
  • oily and dry seborrhea;
  • treatment of dry, brittle, split hair.

Red rays penetrate the scalp by 10-30 mm and have a regenerating effect. It has such a good effect due to its influence on cellular structures. They absorb the therapeutic light and use it as an energy source.

Benefits Of Red Light Therapy For Skin

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One of the main advantages of red light therapy is its safety. It does not contain rays that can harm the skin. So, such treatment is suitable for regular use. In addition, RLT does not cause burns, so you can perform it on all skin types. But to understand what benefits this procedure has for the skin, keep the red light therapy guide on its benefits:

  • promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration;
  • reduces psoriasis lesions;
  • improves the condition of the scalp;
  • promotes the healing of slow-healing wounds;
  • avoids all inflammatory skin processes;
  • enhances skin tone and produces collagen for it;
  • helps with skin burns from the sun;
  • helps reduce acne scars;
  • minimizes the stretch marks on the skin;
  • avoids skin pigmentation.

Red light therapy rarely involves a single treatment. Doctors usually recommend starting several rounds of therapy. On average, it takes two-three weekly treatments, lasting 4-6 weeks. And the anti-aging red light therapy may take a little longer. After performing a complete set of procedures, your skin receives all the benefits of this therapy and has a beautiful appearance.

Summary 

So, now you know red light therapy benefits. It is a safe treatment for several skin conditions. It can benefit acne, scars, old skin, and the scalp. Research shows that this therapy has promising results. But the procedure’s effectiveness also depends on the level of damage to your skin. So, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist before performing RLT.

FAQ

How To Do Red Light Therapy At Home?

For this, you need to purchase a particular device. It has functions and modes with which you can treat your skin. Adjust the illumination of the rays you need and follow the instructions. This way, you can carry out such a procedure yourself.

How To Use Red Light Therapy?

You can use this therapy at home and a dermatologist’s appointment. During the procedure, you should lie down for 10-20 minutes under the red light equipment. Throughout this time, it can give the skin the effect you need.

What Is Red Light Therapy Good For?

Most often, specialists use RLT for skin treatment. These include problems such as acne, severe scars, burns, and skin inflammation. In addition, this therapy is good for hair growth, relief of rheumatoid diseases, and skin aging.

How Long Does It Take To See Red Light Therapy Results?

The result of this procedure depends on the goal you want to achieve. It also counts on how your skin perceives red rays. But on average, you can notice good results after four weeks of using this procedure.