Red light therapy: what it is, benefits and risks for the skin

        When it comes to developing skin care solutions, there are several key players: dermatologists, biomedical engineers, cosmetologists and… NASA? Yes, back in the early 1990s, the famous space agency (inadvertently) developed a popular skin care regimen.
        Originally conceived to stimulate plant growth in space, scientists soon discovered that red light therapy (RLT) could also help heal wounds in astronauts and reduce bone loss; The beauty world has taken notice.
       RLT is mostly used and talked about now because of its ability to improve the appearance of skin such as fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars.
        While the full extent of its effectiveness is still under debate, there is plenty of research and anecdotal evidence that, when used correctly, RLT can be a real skin care solution. So let’s fire up this skincare party and find out more.
       Light Emitting Diode (LED) therapy refers to the practice of using different frequencies of light to treat the outer layers of the skin.
        LEDs come in different colors, each with a different wavelength. Red light is one of the frequencies practitioners use primarily to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.
        “RLT is the application of light energy of a certain wavelength to tissues to achieve a therapeutic effect,” explains Dr. Rekha Taylor, founding physician of the Clinic for Health and Aesthetics. “This energy is used to boost cell performance and can be delivered by cold laser or LED devices.”
       Although the mechanism is not *completely* clear, it is hypothesized that when RTL light pulses hit the face, they are absorbed by mitochondria, vital organisms in our skin cells responsible for breaking down nutrients and converting them into energy.
       ”Think of it as a great way for plants to absorb sunlight to speed up photosynthesis and stimulate tissue growth,” Taylor said. “Human cells can absorb light wavelengths to stimulate collagen and elastin production.”
        As mentioned earlier, RLT is primarily used to improve the appearance of the skin, especially by increasing collagen production, which naturally declines with age. While research is still ongoing, the results look promising.
        A German study showed improvement in skin rejuvenation, smoothness and collagen density in RLT patients after 15 weeks of 30 sessions; while a small US study of RRT on sun-damaged skin was conducted for 5 weeks. After 9 sessions, the collagen fibers became thicker, resulting in a softer, smoother, firmer look.
        In addition, studies have shown that taking RLT twice a week for 2 months significantly reduces the appearance of burn scars; preliminary studies have shown the treatment to be effective in treating acne, psoriasis and vitiligo.
        If there’s something you didn’t understand from this article, it’s that RLT is not a quick fix. Tailor recommends 2 to 3 treatments per week for a minimum of 4 weeks to see results.
        The good news is that there is no reason to be afraid or nervous about getting an RLT. The red light is emitted by a lamp-like device or mask, and it falls lightly on your face – you hardly feel anything. “The treatment is painless, just a warm feeling,” says Taylor.
        While the cost varies by clinic, a 30-minute session will set you back around $80. Follow the recommendations 2-3 times a week and you will quickly get a huge bill. And, unfortunately, this cannot be claimed by the insurance company.
        Taylor says RLT is a non-toxic, non-invasive alternative to drugs and harsh topical treatments. In addition, it does not contain harmful ultraviolet rays, and clinical trials have not revealed any side effects.
        So far, so good. However, we recommend visiting a qualified and trained RLT therapist, as improper treatment means your skin may not be receiving the correct frequency to be effective and, in rare cases, can result in burns. They will also make sure that your eyes are properly protected.
        You can save some money and buy an RLT home unit. While they are generally safe to use, their lower wave frequencies mean they are less powerful. “I always recommend seeing a specialist who can advise on a complete treatment plan along with RLT,” says Taylor.
        Or do you want to go alone? We’ve listed some of our top picks to save you some research time.
        While skin problems are the main target of RLT, some members of the scientific community are excited about the possibility of treating other diseases. Several promising studies have been found:
        The internet is full of claims about what RTL therapy can achieve. However, there is no strong scientific evidence to support its use when it comes to the following issues:
        If you love trying new skincare routines, have the money to pay, and have the time to sign up for weekly treatments, there’s no reason not to try RLT. Just don’t get your hopes up because everyone’s skin is different and results will vary.
       Also, minimizing your time in direct sunlight and using sunscreen is still the most effective way to slow down the signs of aging, so don’t make the mistake of thinking you can do some RLT and then try to repair the damage.
        Retinol is one of the best ingredients in skin care products. It is effective in reducing everything from wrinkles and fine lines to uneven…
        How to create an individual skin care program? Of course, knowing your skin type and what ingredients are best for it. We interviewed top…
        Dehydrated skin lacks water and can become itchy and dull. You can most likely restore plump skin by making some simple changes to your daily routine.
        Gray hair in your 20s or 30s? If you’ve dyed your hair, here’s how to complete the gray transition and how to style it
       If your skincare isn’t working as the label promises, it might be time to check if you’re accidentally making any of these mistakes.
        Age spots are usually harmless and do not require medical attention. But there are home and office remedies to treat age spots that lighten and brighten…
        Crow’s feet can be annoying. While many people are learning to live with wrinkles, others are trying to smooth them out. That’s all.
       More and more people in their 20s and 30s are using Botox to prevent aging and keep their skin fresh and young.