She Strengthens

Unlock the Power of Red Light Therapy: A Revolutionary Skin Care Solution

When it comes to developing innovative skin care treatments, several key players come to mind: dermatologists, biomedical engineers, facialists, and even NASA. Yes, you read that right – the renowned space agency inadvertently pioneered a popular skin care treatment back in the early 1990s. Initially designed to encourage plant growth in space, scientists soon discovered that red light therapy (RLT) also helped heal wounds and treat bone loss in astronauts. The beauty world took notice, and today RLT is mainly used to improve skin appearance, tackling fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring.

Understanding Red Light Therapy vs. LED Therapy

Light emitting diode (LED) therapy refers to the practice of using different light frequencies to treat the outer layer of your skin. There are various colors of LED, each with its own wavelength frequency. Red light is one of the frequencies, primarily used to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.

How Red Light Therapy Works

“RLT is the application of specific wavelengths of light energy to tissue for therapeutic benefits,” explains Dr. Rekha Tailor, founding doctor at the Health and Aesthetics Clinic. “This energy is used to improve cellular performance, and can be delivered through cold lasers or LED devices.” While the mechanism isn’t entirely understood, it’s hypothesized that when pulses of RLT light hit the face, they’re absorbed by mitochondria – vital organisms in our skin cells responsible for breaking down nutrients and transforming them into energy. Energized by the light, the mitochondria fuels cell growth and rejuvenation.

The New Skin Savior?

RLT is mainly used to improve the appearance of skin, especially by enhancing collagen production, which naturally decreases as we age. Although research is still growing, the results look promising. Studies have found that RLT patients saw improved skin rejuvenation, smoothness, and collagen density. Furthermore, research indicates the therapy’s efficacy in treating acne, psoriasis, and vitiligo.

What to Expect from Red Light Therapy

If there’s one point you take away from this article, it’s that RLT isn’t a quick fix. Dr. Tailor recommends having treatments done 2 to 3 times a week, for at least 4 weeks, to see results. The good news is, there’s no reason to be scared or nervous about getting RLT. The red light is beamed from a lamp-like device or a mask that sits gently on top of your face – you’ll barely feel a thing.

The Cost of Red Light Therapy

Although costs vary between clinics, a 30-minute session will set you back around $80. At the recommended 2 to 3 times a week, you can rack up a hefty bill in no time. Unfortunately, it can’t be claimed on insurance.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe?

RLT is a non-toxic, non-invasive alternative to drugs and hard topical treatments, says Dr. Tailor. Plus, it doesn’t contain damaging UV rays, and clinical trials haven’t found any side effects. However, we recommend visiting a qualified and trained therapist to receive RLT, as improper treatment means your skin might not obtain the correct frequency to be effective, and in rare cases could cause burns.

At-Home Red Light Therapy Devices: Are They Worth It?

You might be tempted to save some cash and buy an at-home RLT device. While these are generally safe to use, their lower wavelength frequency means they’re less powerful. Dr. Tailor notes a few factors to be aware of when using an at-home device: make sure your eyes are well shielded, follow the instructions from the manufacturer, be careful not to fall asleep during the treatment, and take good care of the device to avoid broken wires or corrosion.

Beyond Skin Care: The Potential of Red Light Therapy

While skin issues are the primary target of RLT, researchers are excited about the potential to treat other conditions as well. Some promising research has been found for the following:

• Inflammation
• Edema (the swelling of tissue around a joint)
• Wound healing
• Side-effects of chemotherapy
• Alopecia

Separating Fact from Fiction: What Red Light Therapy Can’t Do

The internet is full of claims about what RLT therapy can achieve. However, there’s no solid scientific evidence to support its use when it comes to these issues:

• Mental health concerns, such as depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and postpartum depression
• Body “detoxification”
• Boosting immunity
• Banishing cellulite
• Weight loss
• Managing neck and/or back pain
• Treating cancer

Is Red Light Therapy Right for You?

If you love trying new skin care treatments, have the cash to pay for it, and time to spare for weekly sessions, there’s no reason not to give RLT a try. Just don’t get your hopes too high, since everyone’s skin varies and so do results. Plus, minimizing your time in direct sunlight and applying sunscreen is still the most effective approach to staving off signs of aging – so don’t be fooled into thinking you can lay out and then attempt to undo damage by going for some RLT.