The Benefits of Red Light Therapy For Your Skin
What is Red Light Therapy?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Red light therapy (RLT) is a treatment that uses low wavelength red light to reportedly improve your skin’s appearance, such as reducing wrinkles, scars, redness and acne.” Other names for RLT are: Low-level laser light therapy, LED (light emitting diode), soft laser therapy, biostimulation, phototherapy, photobiomodulation. RLT originated from being used by NASA to grow plants in space and help heal wounds for astronauts while on their missions.
RLT works at the cellular level by increasing cellular energy which allows for them to work more efficiently at repairing skin and encouraging new cell growth which is why it is known for its benefits in skin rejuvenation. RLT increases fibroblast production which makes collagen and is responsible for your connective tissue. By stimulating collagen production it strengthens your skins elasticity. RLT also increases circulation and reduces inflammation.
5 Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Improves wound healing
Reduces wrinkles, fine lines and age spots
Improves skin texture
Treats acne
Encourages hair re-growth in Androgenic alopecia
Safety
Red light therapy is generally safe to use and is not associated with any side effects with short-term use. It is a non-toxic, non-invasive therapy and does not include ultraviolet light (UV), that is known to cause cancer. There are many devices out on the market and it is important to use the products the way they are intended to be used. Some of the red light therapy devices marketed to consumers are generally of a lower quality and use lower wavelength frequency which is why visiting a cosmetic acupuncturist, dermatologist or esthetician who uses red light is more effective.
Written by Dr. Emily Siy, DACM, 3/4/24
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You might also be interested in reading: The Acne Blues, The Benefits of Microneedling
Sources
Cleveland Clinic Online https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22114-red-light-therapy