Skincare is very important in the summer. The hot weather makes the sweat glands and sebaceous glands secrete vigorously, which causes the skin to lose a lot of moisture. The hydration of the skin and oil production are unbalanced, which leads to acne and skin issues. High temperatures increase sweat, and the skin can unknowingly become infected by bacteria. At the same time, the melanin in the dermis is secreted in large quantities due to the stimulation of ultraviolet rays, and the skin is prone to darkening and sunburn.
Maintaining skin care in the summer is a matter of concern to many people, especially those seeking to maintain a youthful appearance. So, how can one effectively care for one's skin in the summer? Let's take a look at red light therapy in summer skincare!
Introducing Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-intensity laser therapy, is a breakthrough treatment that uses a specific wavelength of light energy, typically between 660 and 850 nm. But what makes this therapy stand out? The secret lies in the body's response to these frequencies. The red light targets the layers of the skin and stimulates collagen production – which is essential for overall skin health. At the same time, near-infrared light can penetrate deeper into your tissues, bringing benefits for body healing.
Red Light Therapy Benefits for Summer Skincare
- Reverse Sunburn Damage
Red Light Skin Therapy helps combat inflammation and increase skin rejuvenation. It promotes overall skin firmness and elasticity by boosting collagen and elastin production. In addition, this treatment helps to remove and repair damaged skin cells, resulting in a healthier, brighter complexion. A study showed the effect of pre-treatment with red light at 660nm on one thigh and before exposing both thighs to UV exposure. Areas that have been treated with red light showed significantly less redness than areas that have not been treated!
- Promotes Facial Glow
Want to revolutionize your skin? Red light therapy has got you covered! It's a safe and effective way to tackle dull skin while promoting overall skin health! Its benefits extend beyond the anti-aging role, this cold laser therapy is also beneficial for acne. The near-infrared light can penetrate more deeply into the sebaceous glands and may control excessive oil production effectively as compared to traditional topical ointments. Scientific findings from various studies have shown RLT helps to reduce the inflammation associated with chronic conditions. Some users reported improvements in the skin after just one session, although regular treatments are often recommended for consistent results.
Comparison Between Traditional Suncare vs Red Light Therapy
|
Criteria |
Traditional Sun Care |
Red Light Therapy |
|
Mechanism of Action |
Physical Barrier (Sunscreen), Tanning |
Deep cellular stimulation by targeting mitochondria |
|
Skin Benefits |
Sunburn protection, possible tan |
Collagen production, reduced wrinkles, healing enhancement |
|
Side Effects |
Potential for burns, premature aging |
Minimal, if used correctly |
|
Usage Frequency |
Daily during sun exposure |
Regular sessions (e.g., 2-3 times a week) |
|
Duration of Effects |
Short-term (Protection lasts for hours) |
Long-term (Cumulative benefits) |
Daily Skincare with Red Light Therapy
Before using an RLT, make sure your skin is well-prepared to enhance the effects of light therapy.
- Deep Cleansing
Use a gentle yet deep cleanser to make sure the surface of your skin is free of traces of makeup, oil, etc.
- Exfoliation of the stratum corneum
Regular gentle exfoliation helps LED light penetrate the skin better.
- Use the right skincare products
Avoid cosmetics that can irritate the skin, and use gentle products. Combining an LED mask with a skincare routine like a facial serum can enhance the overall effect. Make sure the ingredients in your face serum meet the light therapy goals of the LED mask. Use the face serum before the LED mask to ensure full absorption so as not to affect the phototherapy effect.
Red Light Therapy Usage Guideline
- Frequency Recommendations
Determine the appropriate frequency of use according to individual skin types and needs. It is generally recommended to use it 2-3 times a week.
- Best Time to Use
It's best to use an RLT at night to give your skin enough time to absorb the benefits of light therapy. Different people can take moderate rest while using it according to their needs after 2-4 weeks of continuous use to maintain the condition of the skin.
- Choose the Right Device
Multiple types of red light therapy-made LED face masks are available for skin care in the market. It is crucial to choose an LED mask that can cater to your concerns including oily, dry, sensitive, etc. You can consider choosing a multi-wavelength spectrum LED mask to meet different skin needs. Red LED Mask: Suitable for anti-aging needs also soothes redness and reduces inflammation. Blue LED Mask: A better option for oily skin and acne problems due to their antiseptic and skin-purifying effects.
- Device Safety
Only buy a red light therapy device for home use which is FDA-cleared. It should also come from a reputable seller, work within the appropriate wavelength, and project a single color of wavelength for maximum effect.
Conclusion
In short, red light therapy has magical benefits for our skin, removing all the pesky sun damage and giving us a fresh start! It is an innovative solution for treating conditions such as sunburn, acne, wrinkles, open sores, damaged tissue, and more. If you want to utilize the potential benefits of red light therapy for sunburn, we recommend talking to a medical expert with knowledge of the subject.
References and Citations
[1] Li, W. H., Seo, I., Kim, B., Fassih, A., Southall, M. D., & Parsa, R. (2021). Low-level red and near infrared lights combination induces expressions of the collagen and elastin in human skin in vitro. International journal of cosmetic science, 43(3), 311–320. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12698
[2] Wunsch, A., & Matuschka, K. (2014). A controlled trial to determine efficacy of the red & near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomedicine & laser surgery, 32(2), 93–100. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2013.3616
[3] de Melo, C. A., Alves, A. N., Terena, S. M., Fernandes, K. P., Nunes, F. D., da Silva, D.deF., Bussadori, S. K., Deana, A. M., & Mesquita-Ferrari, R. A. (2016). Light-emitting diode therapy increases collagen deposition during the repair process of skeletal muscle. Lasers in medical science, 31(3), 531–538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-016-1888-9
[4] Mota, L. R., Duarte, I. D. S., Galache, T. R., Pretti, K. M. D. S., Neto, O. C., Motta, L. J., Horliana, A. C. R. T., Silva, D. F. T. D., & Pavani, C. (2023). Photobiomodulation Reduces Periocular Wrinkle Volume by 30%: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery, 41(2), 48–56. https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2022.0114
[5] Ngooc, L. T. N., Moon, J. Y., & Lee, Y. C. (2023). Utilization of light-emitting diodes LED for skin therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine, 39(4), 303–317. https://doi.org/10.1111/phpp.12841
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