Say Goodbye to Dull Skin with These 15 Red Light Therapy Benefits
Red light therapy (RLT) uses low-wavelength red light to potentially improve skin conditions and promote a healthy glow. RLT has gained popularity over the years, and it looks like it’s here to stay, with searches for the luxurious beauty trend increasing by 262% over the last five years worldwide, according to Google Trends.
The treatment exposes people to red and near-infrared light penetrating the skin by one to two millimeters. In turn, red light stimulates the production of mitochondria, a part of skin cells that creates the energy needed to heal wounds, grow hair, and more.
Enhancing Circulation
According to Healthline, RLT may improve circulation by increasing the formation of new capillaries. This can bring more oxygen and nutrients to the skin’s surface, contributing to a natural glow and promoting a more revitalized appearance.
Skin Detoxification
Red light therapy can help promote detoxification. The increased blood flow helps to remove toxins accumulated in the skin layers. This detoxification process can help reveal a clearer and more radiant skin surface, as the removal of toxins is often associated with improved skin health and appearance.
Preventing sunburn
Summer is just around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about the best ways to protect skin from UV radiation. In addition to regularly using sunscreen, research on ‘LED Photoprevention’ has shown that people can avoid sunburn with regular red light therapy.
According to experts from Fresha, red and near-infrared light prepares the skin for UV radiation. A 2008 study found that red light pre-treatment significantly reduced redness and hyperpigmentation after sun exposure – similar to the effects of SPF15. This method is helpful for people who wish to enjoy the summer sunshine without sunburn, which can damage skin cells and encourage sunspots.
Sun Damage Repair
While red and near-infrared light prepares skin for UV radiation, exposure to red light may also aid in reversing some visible signs of sun damage. By promoting tissue repair and regeneration, red light therapy can help diminish the appearance of sun spots and photoaging, leading to a more even skin tone and a radiant glow.
Reducing inflammation
Sun exposure can exacerbate various skin conditions and autoimmune diseases, including eczema and psoriasis, as heat and sweat worsen symptoms. This may lead to excessive itching and flaking, which is painful for those involved.
According to Elizabeth H. Page, MD – dermatologist at Beth Israel Lahey Health and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School in Boston – red light therapy’s anti-inflammatory properties can reduce these symptoms. Red and near-infrared lights do this by combatting white blood cells that trigger inflammation and cause lesions, such as those seen in cases of eczema and psoriasis.
Enhancing Moisture Retention
Improved skin hydration is another potential benefit of red light therapy. Increasing the skin’s ability to retain moisture can lead to a plumper, more hydrated complexion. Hydrated skin reflects light better, giving it a natural, healthy glow.
Reducing wrinkles
In addition to burns, sun damage can lead to premature aging. Red light therapy reduces the appearance of premature aging by increasing collagen production, with research from Gitnux stating that the treatment can lessen wrinkles by 36% over ten weeks.
According to Fresha experts, red and near-infrared light penetrates the skin and, in turn, promotes the creation of the protein collagen, which is responsible for the skin’s strength, elasticity, and hydration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Wound Healing
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), red light therapy can potentially speed up the skin’s healing process by stimulating tissue repair. Faster healing of wounds, including acne scars or other skin damage, can improve overall skin texture and luminosity, making the skin appear more radiant (NCBI).
Improving scarring
Along with its ability to speed up wound healing, there’s evidence that red light therapy can help soften scars. The appearance of scarring can worsen after sun exposure. Therefore, in addition to regularly using sunscreen that protects against discoloration, people can soften scarring with red light therapy.
The therapy can be used to treat multiple scars. For example, red and near-infrared light boosts collagen production, improving the appearance of acne-related scarring, otherwise known as atrophic scars. The same can also be accomplished for keloid scars and stretch marks.
Treating Acne
Red light therapy can help manage acne by reducing inflammation and acting as an antibacterial treatment. This can lead to fewer breakouts and reduced acne scars, contributing to a smoother and more glowing skin complexion.
Pore Size Reduction
Red light therapy helps reduce the appearance of pores by improving skin texture and elasticity. Smaller, less visible pores contribute to a smoother skin surface, which can enhance the skin’s overall texture.
Promote hair growth
On average, around 50-100 hair strands fall out per day. However, some people may notice more hair loss during the summer months, which can be due to a build-up of dirt, sweat, and grease in the hot weather.
According to research by Healthline, red light therapy improves circulation and encourages hair growth. It can promote hair growth during the summer months, especially for those with conditions such as alopecia.
Promoting Antioxidant Activity
According to NCBI, RLT may promote antioxidant activity in the skin, which can protect against oxidative stress and damage from free radicals. This protective effect can help maintain the integrity of the skin and contribute to a glowing appearance.
Enhancing Skin Barrier Function
The skin’s barrier protects against environmental damage and maintains hydration. NCBI also states that red light therapy may help strengthen this barrier, leading to healthier, more resilient skin that retains moisture and appears more luminous.
Enhancing Product Absorption
Red light therapy might enhance the effectiveness of skincare products by potentially increasing skin permeability. This means that the beneficial ingredients from your skincare routine could be more effectively absorbed, leading to better skin nourishment and a more radiant glow.
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