Skincare fanatics appear eager to try anything to get that ideal glow. From gua shua massages to wrinkle patches, there are many unique, sometimes bizarre, skin care options.
Red light therapy is an innovative alternative to serums and moisturizers. Dermatologists like Chrissy Teigen and Kate Hudson use red light treatment, which comes in wands, lamps, masks, and more.
Tyler Fish, Sun Home Sauna co-founder, says red light therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses low-level red light to improve skin health and beauty. Photobiomodulation penetrates the skin at a cellular level and increases collagen and elastin formation, which are necessary proteins for good skin.
Red-light therapy benefits
LED (light-emitting diode) therapy uses multiple wavelengths for each hue, each with different benefits. Red, blue, yellow, green, and near-infrared light treatment exist. Blue penetrates the outermost layer and treats acne-causing germs, while near-infrared penetrates the deepest. Red and blue light therapy are utilized for acne, wrinkles, and scars.
Red light stimulates cells to renew and develop, regenerating the skin. The medication is also used to treat wounds and encourage hair growth in alopecia patients.
Dr. Tiffany J. Libby, board-certified dermatologist and director of Mohs micrographic and dermatologic surgery at Brown University, says red light therapy boosts collagen production by improving cellular function. “Reducing redness and inflammation improves acne.”
Red light treatment is simple to use in skin care. Libby advises to remove makeup and sunscreen before red light therapy. “Use serums and moisturizers.” It provides fast relaxation and rejuvenation in three to 15 minutes.
Risks
Red light therapy is safe and noninvasive, but the light must be mild. Most at-home devices contain recommendations on frequency and light intensity, but visit a dermatologist if needed. Red light therapy may make skin sensitive to UV radiation, so avoid harsh treatments and use SPF regularly afterward.
Red light therapy has been known for decades, but at-home systems vary in performance. Like many treatments, it’s important to monitor your skin’s reaction and adjust your routine.
“Excessive red light damages skin cells. “If too low, it does nothing,” says Dr. Brandith Irwin, board-certified dermatologist and founder of skintour.com and Concierge Dermatology & Laser in Seattle, Washington. “Low-level home devices appear safe, except for pigment problems. I recommend continuing for two months if your skin doesn’t show indications of stress, then stopping if you don’t observe any improvements.