How Does Red Light Therapy Work On Skin?

If you’ve been into skincare recently, like the rest of the world, you’ve come to the right place! As a skincare junky, you are likely familiar with the constant urge to try new methods to perfect your routine. If so, have you heard about red light therapy? This non-invasive, multipurpose treatment method has been taking the skincare community by storm!

But are the tales about the benefits of red light therapy actually true? We gathered all the science-backed evidence, and here’s what we found out:

Our Cells Love Red Light Exposure

Decades of extensive research revealed that low-level wavelengths used in red light therapy have a positive impact on our cellular functions. Exposure to red and near-infrared light boosts mitochondrial metabolism, leading to increased ATP production. As you may remember from biology 101, mitochondria are the cell’s powerhouse. They supply our cells with the energy (ATP) that’s essential for proper functionality.

Basically, with red light therapy, cells get more energy, which allows them to perform at their best capacity. This invisible chemical happening causes chain reaction, affecting our healing and regenerating abilities positively.

Red Light Therapy Can Be Used For Treating Versatile Skin Issues

Because red light wavelengths can reach deep tissue layers beyond the epidermis, they promote skin improvement from within. Considering that red light therapy has the power to alter the fundamentals of our body, it works effectively for solving numerous skin concerns.

RLT Helps With Acne

Acne is the most popular skin concern in the US, affecting over 50 million people. Among many other treatment methods, red light therapy has been proven to help with the condition. Thanks to RLT’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, acne breakouts clear up quickly.

What’s more, red light prevents acne-causing bacteria from spreading further, which is essential in the long-term battle against acne.

Red Light Can Aid in Scar Healing

There’s nothing pathological or unnatural about scarring. It is a part of our body’s healing process. When our skin is exposed to the wound, collagen production goes overdrive, trying to patch it up as soon as possible. Excess collagen is exactly what creates scar tissue.

If used continuously, red light therapy can help you eliminate scars, be it ones left after acne or surgery. Red light exposure regulates collagen production and promotes the formation of healthy skin cells. As a result, scars fade away, making way for healthy skin.

RLT Works Wonders For Psoriasis

Another common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world is Psoriasis. It is an autoimmune disease that presents itself in skin patches that are often covered with silver scales. Unlike acne, Psoriasis has no permanent cure. Therefore, it requires constant care and monitoring. 

There’s been quite a lot of research done on RLT’s effects on Psoriasis patients. Scientists found out that red light therapy can positively affect 80 out of 100 psoriasis patients. What’s more, regular red light exposure prevents psoriasis flare-ups in the future and makes the condition easier to manage.

Red Light Therapy Is An Effective Anti-aging Treatment

Now let’s talk about the skin „issue“ that affects all of us – aging. Of course, wrinkles and fine lines are perfectly natural, but it wouldn’t hurt to postpone their appearance for a few years! Alongside retinol serums, peptide moisturizers, and other conventional treatments, red light therapy can be pretty beneficial for your anti-aging efforts.

Red light exposure promotes collagen, elastin, and fibroblast production. These three are essential proteins that make up the epidermis. In fact, natural collagen formation drops drastically as we grow old, which is one of the main reasons for skin aging. With red light therapy’s aid, collagen levels rise, resulting in a firmer, smoother complexion. 

Getting RLT Is Easier Than You May Think

If you’re considering incorporating red light therapy into your routine, you won’t have to hassle much. The treatment is highly accessible in clinics and aesthetic salons. The price for a single session ranges from $25 to $250, which can be pretty costly in the long run.

However, you also have an option to purchase an in-home red light therapy device. LED light therapy panels of all shapes and sizes are available, so you can choose the one that fits your requirements perfectly.

Red Light Therapy Has No Adverse Side Effects

Another fantastic thing about red light therapy is its safety. Despite extensive studies done on the subject, scientists didn’t find any negative side effects. So you can use red light therapy without damaging your health and wait for the benefits to kick in.

With that in mind, we advise you to get a professional opinion from your healthcare provider. Considering that any treatment’s effectiveness depends on the patient’s personal situation, your doctor will be the only person who can recommend RLT as the best method for you.