Treatment

Red Light Therapy

Restorative, NON-INVASIVE, Relaxing.

Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that also goes by the names photo biomodulation, low-level laser therapy, or cold laser therapy.

red light therapy

HOW RED LIGHT THERAPY WORKS

With a simple switch activation, Red Light Therapy (RLT) devices, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), offer the promise of reversing signs of aging, reducing scarring, eliminating stubborn acne, and enhancing overall skin texture and radiance. What sets it apart is its chemical-free approach and the absence of downtime, in contrast to certain chemical peels.

But does this light therapy device live up to its remarkable claims? From dermatology practices to fitness centers, red light therapy is gaining popularity due to its reported wide-ranging health benefits.

The devices employed in spas, dermatologists’ offices, and wellness centers utilize LED light therapy, emitting specific light wavelengths: red light at 660 nm and near-infrared light (NIR) at 850 nm. These wavelengths have been the subject of research for their ability to penetrate the skin and induce therapeutic effects on a cellular level.

Our response to light is ingrained in our biology

Our circadian rhythm, also known as our internal clock, is highly sensitive to light, primarily regulating our sleep-wake cycle. Blue light, a component of the sun’s light spectrum, plays a key role in enhancing mental alertness, energy levels, and mood.

In our modern era, technology allows us to work well beyond sundown, and we are constantly exposed to artificial sources of blue light from screens and indoor lighting. This increased exposure has contributed to a growing number of people experiencing sleep disturbances.

Apart from visible sunlight, ultraviolet light (UV) can lead to sunburn and tissue damage with prolonged exposure. Shorter wavelengths within the UV spectrum have been shown to be more damaging to the human body over time.

On the other hand, red light and near-infrared light waves possess longer wavelengths that are non-damaging to the skin. Near-infrared light, in particular, has the ability to penetrate deeply into the skin, targeting muscles, joint pain, and tissues to exert its cellular-level benefits.

Red and near-infrared light are recognized for their capacity to enhance mitochondrial function, the cellular energy powerhouses. By optimizing mitochondrial function, cells can perform at their best, facilitating repair and regeneration processes.

When it comes to the skin’s outermost layers, these skin cells are in a constant cycle of renewal, typically every 27 days. Collagen, a predominant protein in these cells, plays a vital role. Red light therapy, complemented by near-infrared wavelengths, stimulates epidermal cells to renew more rapidly, accelerating skin cell turnover. This process reduces scarring, revealing a more radiant and youthful complexion.

THE BENEFITS OF RED LIGHT THERAPY On Your Skin

The skin, our body’s largest organ, serves as a protective barrier against the environment, regulates body temperature, and houses various components such as nerve endings, blood vessels, lymph glands, epidermis, and hair cells. It plays a vital role in preserving our overall health. Additionally, the state of our skin often mirrors our internal health.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON Red LIGHT THERAPY FOR SKINCARE

LED light therapy treatments are considered safe and well-tolerated. However, it doesn’t mean it can’t come without side effects.


When used correctly, light therapy is very safe. But there are instances of people developing burns from their light therapy devices due to faulty wiring or having adverse effects on the levels of light exposure. Always make sure you purchase your light therapy device from a trusted brand and that you follow the directions for safe application.


You should also wear eye protection when exposing red light and near-infrared to your face. While R+NIR therapy has been shown to have some benefits to eye health, it’s still important that you protect yourself from too much exposure. For those who are highly sensitive to light, the bright light could be uncomfortable on your eyes.

Most people begin to see the noticeable results in the diminishment of scaring and improvement of skin quality when they undergo consistent light therapy exposure, typically over a few weeks.

 

People may react differently to red light therapy, but you can expect to see improvement in your skin between 8–12 weeks of consistent use.

Red light therapy has been shown to be safe and effective for all skin types and tones, making it an excellent option for those with sensitive skin and differing pigmentation.

THE TAKEAWAY: RED LIGHT THERAPY AND SKIN HEALTH

Red Light Therapy Clears Up Acne & Reduces Acne Scars

One of the more popular uses for red light therapy in cosmetic treatments is to clear up the skin from stubborn acne and to reduce scarring.  Unlike many other in-spa treatments for acne, LED light therapy is non-invasive and better tolerated on sensitive skin types and a variety of skin tones. This therapy also doesn’t come with a recovery downtime like some microdermabrasion or chemical peel treatments, that leave you red and puffy after your appointment. You can typically carry on with your day after your red light treatment.

 

Red light has been shown to inactivate certain strains of acne-causing bacteria in the skin without causing severe side-effects.  It’s also known to have anti-inflammatory benefits by reducing inflammatory cell markers, making it effective at treating acne caused by inflammation [3].

Red Light Therapy Reverses the Hands of Time: Anti-aging

In 2014, a study observed that red and near-infrared treatments effectively diminished fine lines, wrinkles, and improved skin texture, yielding a more youthful appearance.

LED light therapy works to rejuvenate the skin by boosting collagen production, a key protein responsible for a supple and youthful complexion. This collagen enhancement helps fill in fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful look.

In contrast to intense pulsed light treatments, red light therapy operates without harming the skin’s surface to initiate the natural regeneration process. Instead, it penetrates the deeper skin layers, promoting the production of collagen and elastin, ultimately leading to a more youthful outcome.

Red Light Therapy Speeds Up the Process of Wound Healing
Extensive research highlights the remarkable benefits of Red Light Therapy in the healing of wounds and surface cuts, as well as the reduction of scarring, all while minimizing pain and inflammation.

In the skin’s natural healing process, fibroblast cells play a pivotal role in collagen production. When the skin sustains an injury, fibroblasts swiftly generate a specific type of collagen to expedite wound closure. However, this type of collagen differs significantly from the regenerative collagen that takes a longer time to develop.

Scar collagen serves as a rapid patch to seal wounds quickly, primarily to prevent infection. Unfortunately, this hurried process often results in uneven and more prominent scarring, creating noticeable marks on the skin.

The introduction of near-infrared light waves serves to stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts, promoting the production of regenerative collagen proteins. This rejuvenated collagen contributes to a more even and aesthetically pleasing appearance during the wound recovery process.
Red Light Therapy Reduces the Appearance of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks develop when the skin undergoes rapid expansion or stretching. Although the skin possesses a degree of flexibility, excessive stretching triggers the rapid formation of scar collagen clusters as a protective measure against potential infections. Unfortunately, this process often results in the visible appearance of stretch mark scarring.

Various factors, including genetics and stress levels, can influence the prominence of stretch marks. While stretch marks themselves are not a medical concern, many individuals find them aesthetically bothersome.

Most topical treatments prove ineffective for stretch marks since the condition originates in the deeper layers of the skin, beyond the reach of surface treatments.

The utilization of Red Light Therapy and near-infrared waves offers a promising solution. These treatments possess the capability to penetrate deep into the skin’s layers, activating skin cells and stimulating their natural repair and regeneration processes. This rejuvenation process aids in breaking down the scar tissue and revealing fresh, new skin cells, ultimately diminishing the appearance of stretch marks.
HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LED LIGHT THERAPY AT HOME
The effectiveness of red light therapy becomes more apparent with regular use, typically recommended at a frequency of 3 to 5 sessions per week.

Although some individuals may experience positive changes in their complexion following their initial treatment, the most substantial and enduring results are typically achieved through consistent and ongoing use, combined with a regimen of healthy skincare practices.

It’s worth noting that dermatologist office treatments, while effective, can become relatively expensive, with session costs ranging from $50 to $200 and potentially more, making home-based light therapy devices an appealing and cost-effective alternative.

When it comes to skin health —whether it’s scarring, anti-aging, or acne-fighting — it always comes down to collagen production and improving the blood supply to the tissues to stimulate the skin’s self-healing process.


Red light and NIR wavelengths penetrate into the layers of skin to exert their effects on a cellular level, targeting the mitochondria, supercharging its energy output to improve cell performance. This treatment also reduces oxidative stress that could contribute to the signs of aging.


As far as noticeable benefits to your complexion, you can expect to see an improvement with consistent use after 8 weeks

Pricing

Red light therapy Facial | 45 minutes – $75 

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