After age 20, the collagen on our face is lost at a rate of about 1% per year. The degradation rate of collagen and elastin fibers gradually exceeds the synthesis rate, thinning progressively the collagen layer. The lack of collagen and other inflammatory conditions in the body result in rosacea, psoriasis, wrinkles, scars, eczema, and chronic skin diseases. So, how does anti-aging keep glowing skin and prevent skin disorders? There are bundles of skin beautifying products available on the market today, but if we talk about one of the non-invasive, side-effect-free treatment options, red light therapy stands out.
What is Red Light Therapy (RLT)?
Red light therapy is a safe and non-invasive phototherapy-based treatment that delivers concentrated wavelengths of red light and near-infrared (NIR) (630–850 nm) light to the body. Light waves can penetrate the skin tissue. The energy of the light activates the cells of the body, which helps heal skin, muscle tissues, and other parts of the body. Unlike lasers and ultraviolet rays from 200 – 400 nm, red light therapy is non-invasive to the skin and does not cause problems such as tanning and dark spots. Red light therapy does not cause any pain when it comes into contact with the skin and can even treat sunburn, rosacea, psoriasis, and wrinkles and improve skin texture.
Red Light Therapy Advantages for Glowing Skin
- Promote skin cell regeneration and repair:
Specific wavelengths of red light can penetrate the skin, stimulate the activity of mitochondria in skin cells, and enhance energy production. This promotes the regeneration and repair of skin cells and accelerates the healing process of damaged skin. Studies have found that red light therapy increases collagen synthesis and elastin fibers, resulting in firmer, smoother skin and less appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Reduces inflammation and redness:
Red light therapy has shown significant results in reducing skin inflammation and redness. Specific wavelengths of red light promote blood circulation and oxygen delivery, accelerating the recovery process at the site of inflammation. Moreover, red light therapy can inhibit the production of inflammation-related cytokines and reduce the degree of the inflammatory response. This has a positive effect on treating facial redness, acne inflammation, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
- Improve blood circulation and oxygen supply:
Red light therapy promotes blood circulation and oxygen supply, which contributes to overall skin health. Faster blood circulation helps deliver nutrients to skin cells, promotes the elimination of metabolic waste, and enhances skin radiance and vitality. In addition, red light therapy helps dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow to the skin, and promote the efficient delivery of nutrients and oxygen.
- Relieves Pain and Aids Recovery
Red light therapy is widely used for pain management and injury recovery. It stimulates nerve endings and releases endogenous painkillers, thereby reducing pain. In addition, red light therapy can speed up tissue repair and regeneration, helping to treat wounds, acne, burns, rosacea, and other skin injuries. A combination of red and blue light therapy provides potent anti-bacterial and pain-relieving effects in eczema and psoriasis.
Efficacy Timeline of Red Light Therapy
The results of RLT are not instantaneous. Typically, improvements in superficial skin issues like wrinkles and scars may be noticed within weeks, while deeper concerns such as arthritis might take months of consistent treatment before significant benefits are felt. Red light therapy heals the body from the inside by maintaining body metabolism and a healthy weight to induce a natural glow. Generally speaking, the effectiveness of red light therapy on the skin varies depending on the target skin goals. Anti-aging wrinkle removal is also divided into age groups, and each age group has a different wrinkle removal method. Choose the right method for your age to make yourself look younger than your peers. In cases of skin diseases, follow the expert-advised protocol. Here is the general timeline for therapy effectiveness.
- Short-term effects (0–4 weeks)
RLT can enhance blood flow to the skin, leading to a temporary increase in skin warmth and a subtle flush or glow. You may notice immediate improvements in skin hydration and moisture levels following a red light therapy session. It may also help to reduce the redness associated with certain skin conditions, such as acne or rosacea, leading to a calmer complexion.
- Mid-Term Effects (4–8 weeks)
Over several weeks, RLT improves skin texture and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. With continued use, it can help to refine the texture by making it smoother and more even-toned. It may help fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and other skin discolorations over time.
- Long-Term Effects (8+ weeks)
Consistent use of red light therapy over several months can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, resulting in a more youthful-looking complexion. It can help even out skin tone and minimize the appearance of redness, blotchiness, and uneven pigmentation. Continued use can contribute to overall skin rejuvenation, helping to maintain a healthy, vibrant complexion over the long term.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many advantages to red light therapy. This treatment is becoming more common and popular in dermatologist's clinics and salons across the globe. Many studies support the benefits of red light therapy for the skin. It is a promising therapy that may take some time to show results. You can determine if red light therapy is right for your skin condition by talking to your doctor.
References and Citations
[1] Couturaud, V., Le Fur, M., Pelletier, M., & Granotier, F. (2023). Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation. Skin research and technologyofficial journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) & International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI), 29(7), e13391. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.13391
[2] Jagdeo, J., Nguyen, J. K., Ho, D., Wang, E. B., Austin, E., Mamalis, A., Kaur, R., Kraeva, E., Schulman, J. M., Li, C. S., Hwang, S. T., Wun, T., Maverakis, E., & Isseroff, R. R. (2020). Safety of light emitting diode-red light on human skin: Two randomized controlledtrials. Journalofbiophotonics, 13(3),e201960014.https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.201960014
[3] Ngoc, L. T. N., Moon, J. Y., & Lee, Y. C. (2023). Utilization of light-emitting diodes for skin therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Photodermatology, photoimmunology&photomedicine, 39(4),303317.https://doi.org/10.1111/phpp.12841
[4] Li, J., Li, J., Zhang, L., Liu, X., Cao, Y., Wang, P., & Wang, X. (2022). Comparison of red and blue light therapies for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: A randomized controlled clinical study. Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine, 38(5), 459–464. https://doi.org/10.1111/phpp.12769
[5] Nam, C. H., Park, B. C., Kim, M. H., Choi, E. H., & Hong, S. P. (2017). The Efficacy &Safety of 660 nm and 411 to 777 nm Light-Emitting Devices for Treating Wrinkles. Dermatological surgery official publication for American Society for Dermatology[et al.], 43(3), 371–380.https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000000981
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