This light-based treatment is touted to rejuvenate skin and even treat acne, psoriasis, and hair loss.
You’ve probably seen or heard the term “red light therapy,” whether at your dermatologist’s office or on the shelves at your favorite beauty store—or maybe you’ve even noticed celebrities like Kate Hudson, Victoria Beckham, and Chrissy Teigan touting the skincare treatment, donning glowing, red light-emitting face masks or waving red wands over their faces on social media. But what is red light therapy, exactly, and how does it work?
Red light therapy (RLT) involves using light-light emitting diode (LED) devices that produce varying wavelengths of light that treat a variety of skin issues, including acne, psoriasis, fine lines, and wrinkles. Also known as low-level laser light therapy (LLLT), low-power laser therapy (LPLT), or photobiomodulation (PBM), this non-invasive treatment has become an increasingly popular option for its touted skin health benefits. We know the benefits! Our entire special is focused on RLT at Euphoria Med Spa for the month of February.
If you’re wondering if you should incorporate red light therapy into your own skincare routine, here’s what dermatologists say you should know—including the low-down on its touted benefits, safety and risks, and whether at-home treatments are truly worth it.
How does red light therapy work, and what is it used for?
Red light therapy usually takes the form of a face mask, light panel, or wand equipped with LED lights, which you place near your skin in order to let your cells “absorb” the light. Red light therapy is theorized to work on the mitochondria of our cells—the engine. This gives the cells of the body more energy, allowing other cells to function with maximum productivity. For the skin, this includes skin restoration and repair which can help increase new cell growth and intensify the restoration process.
Specifically, red light therapy can increase circulation, decrease inflammation, and stimulate collagen to help rejuvenate your skin and treat skin conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and psoriasis—and it may even help with hair loss to increase hair growth and density, too. The LEDs can stimulate collagen production, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Is red light therapy safe? Are there risks?
Red light therapy is considered to be completely safe—as long as you make sure to wear eye protection goggles. Damage to the eyes can occur from long-term blue or red-light exposure.
Side effects from red light therapy are minimal—and if there are any, they’re usually mild—but there are certain conditions in which it might be best to avoid the treatment. Specifically, anti-aging and regenerative medicine doctor Neil Paulvin, D.O. doesn’t recommend it if you have seizures or eye disorders.
The bottom line:
Red light therapy is a promising and emerging treatment option for rejuvenating skin and treating conditions such as acne, psoriasis, hyperpigmentation, and even hair loss. It’s generally considered to be safe with minimal side effects, and can also be safely practiced at home, in addition to standard in-office treatments. However, if you have severe acne, skin disease, or hair loss, you should always consult a healthcare professional.
For more information about our Red Light Therapy February Special, please call 508-721-8995!
Information taken from: https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/a42309079/red-light-therapy/