Red Light Therapy- The Newest Secret In Beauty
Red Light Therapy photobiomodulation is rapidly growing into America’s favorite treatment. From red light masks to red light in your average nail salon to the actual powerful red light therapy of a doctors office, people are ready to try something new. There are so many benefits of RLT, including improving your skin’s health, scalp stimulation with hair growth, the improvement of acne, and the improvement of psoriasis. RLT even aids in stress relief. This treatment utilizes wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin, which is when it energizes cells, enhances circulation, and stimulates the skin repair process.
LED Mask Benefits:
- Boosts collagen production
- Speeds up surgery recovery time
- Addresses acne concerns
- Treats sun damage
- Red light and blue light features
- Use 3-4 times per week for optimal results
The secret of RLT is stimulating cellular energy production. When the light is transmitted in the 630-850 nanometer range it is absorbed by the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell!), which increases the production of your adenosine triphosphate (this is what fuels cellular functions!). This intricate process increases energy output and assists cells to repair damage more effectively and rapidly, resulting in overall better skin health. Red Light Therapy also reduces inflammation and offers faster tissue regeneration.
Different wavelengths penetrate the skin at different depths:
- Red Light (630-660 nm): Primarily affects the skin’s surface, promoting collagen production and reducing wrinkles.
- Near-Infrared Light (810-850 nm): Penetrates deeper into tissues and muscles, reducing inflammation, enhancing blood flow, and accelerating healing.
This dual-action makes red and NIR light therapy an ideal treatment for skin improvement and overall skin health.
Let’s discuss some of the benefits of RLT and why it is so useful to people recovering from surgeries, as well as people simply looking to improve their skin health.
COLLAGEN
Collagen is the primary protein that keeps skin plump, tight, and youthful. Unfortunately as we age collagen production does decline, leading to skin sagging, lines, and of course wrinkles. Red light therapy has been researched and proven to improve the look of skin’s aging by stimulating the fibroblasts (the cells that are responsible for making collagen and elastin). The particular study done in 2014 by Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that red and NIR light therapy significantly improved skin complexion, elasticity, and collagen density in participants after 30 treatment sessions.
ACNE & SKIN INFLAMMATION
For those who struggle with acne and skin inflammation, red light therapy is a sound choice. RTL reduces inflammation, targets bacteria that causes acne, and fights excess oil production. Unlike harsh topical treatments, RLT promotes skin healing without dryness, redness, or irritation. A study from The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology published in 2013 stated that red light therapy reduced acne by 50% after four weeks of treatment.
POST-SURGERY
Red light therapy is also a great option for patients post-surgery or those who need to speed up wound healing. RLT has been proven to improve the healing of wounds, scars, and burns by stimulating the cells and assisting with blood circulation. The evidence to back up these claims was published by the Scientific Reports in 2017 that did successfully show RLT assisted with patients with diabetic ulcers.
HAIR LOSS
Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide and red light therapy has been proven to stimulate hair regrowth by revitalizing hair follicles. RLT actually stimulates the microcirculation of the scalp, which is believed to increase nutrient delivery to the hair follicles, assisting them in activating the growth phase. RLT also reduces inflammation, which also can be a cause of hair loss or slow hair growth. The science that backs these claims up was done in 2017 by Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, which discovered that men and women with androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness) experienced a 39% increase in hair density after 16 weeks of red light therapy treatments (650 nm wavelength). Red light therapy enhances keratin production, strengthening hair strands and reducing breakage.
JOINT PAIN & ARTHRITIS
Red light is also beneficial for those who struggle with joint pain or arthritis. These light wavelengths help reduce oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial function. A study done in 2016 by The Journal of Biophotonics found that athletes using red light therapy experienced 40% faster muscle recovery and less soreness after workouts.
MOOD & STRESS
Studies also show that red light therapy can actually improve mood – now that is amazing! Red light therapy regulates melatonin production, improving sleep quality and reducing stress. A 2012 study in The Journal of Athletic Training found that red light therapy significantly improved sleep duration and quality in athletes suffering from insomnia.
Now that we understand all the benefits of red light therapy and how it works, let’s discuss the RLT options. Red light therapy is offered in a few doctor’s offices, perhaps even a few luxury fitness centers or health spas. It is also best to ensure the red light device you are using is being administered properly and is regulated. At Aesthetic Skin Chicago, the office has a very powerful red light device that is frequently used by patients. A red light mask is also a really great option. Red light masks ensure even light distribution including the neck. Using a red light mask is also simple, easy, and convenient, leaving your hands free to read a book, carry about your day, or even make dinner. If you do purchase a red light therapy mask, it is best to follow the guidelines and instructions that are included in the packaging but for best results it is important to stay consistent with treatments.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A RED LIGHT THERAPY DEVICE:
LED Mask Benefits:
- Boosts collagen production
- Speeds up surgery recovery time
- Addresses acne concerns
- Treats sun damage
- Red light and blue light features
- Use 3-4 times per week for optimal results
- Clinically Proven Wavelengths – Ensure the device emits light at 630-660 nm (red) and 810-850 nm (NIR).
- FDA-Cleared Devices – Devices with FDA clearance have been tested for safety.
- Medical-Grade LED Power – Look for at least 100 mW/cm² power output for effective penetration.
- Trusted Manufacturer – Buy from doctor-recommended brands or medical offices to ensure quality and safety.
The advancement in technology in the beauty and facial plastic industry is astonishing. Patients are eager to find new ways to speed up their recovery process from facial surgeries or simply to give their skin the best treatments available. Red light therapy is one of the fastest growing treatments. With science backed power, this is a game changer!