Gone are the days when skincare concerns could only be solved with either repetitive use of cosmetics or some kind of surgery. Today, you can tackle a wide range of skincare and medical problems with better-simplified procedures and at-home treatments– and that’s where red light therapy comes in. You’ve probably heard a lot about light therapy and are wondering if it’s safe and effective. Here is everything you need to know.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy, also called cold laser therapy, low-level light therapy, or biostimulation, is a technique that involves using low-level wavelengths of red light to treat the skin. In the 90s, this intense red light was used to stimulate photosynthesis for growing plants in space.
More recent research has increased the popularity of this therapy technique. Red light therapy delivers light to the skin, stimulating the cells and tackling several skin issues. It is a nonthermal treatment, so it doesn’t heat the skin.
How Does It Work?
You might be asking, “How does light penetrate one’s skin?” or “How can light treat skin problems?”. Well, the red light gets through the skin tissues and increases your skin cells’ energy. So, how does this treat skin issues?
Aging and other factors may reduce the cell’s energy– red light therapy rejuvenates that energy. By stimulating the skin cells to rejuvenate themselves, red light therapy (RLT) helps increase blood flow and improve skin elasticity.
What Types of Skin Issues Are We Talking About?
Red light therapy is one of many techniques, so it’s not a one-for-all skincare solution. Red light therapy majorly slows down the decline in the skin cell’s energy; think of it as a ‘skin workout.’
This stimulation effect makes it a good treatment for inflammation, wrinkles, fine lines, and irritation. Many cosmetologists also claim it enhances hair growth and also reduces acne. Aside from the skin, the therapy is also used for some dental treatments.
Getting a Red Light Therapy Treatment
Red light therapy is recommended to be done once or twice a week; the good thing is that you don’t have to visit your dermatologist that often. There are different portable RLT devices ranging from $170 to thousands of dollars- you can use them anytime.
You don’t have to be a dermatologist or beautician to get an RLT; it’s a safe procedure that you can do at home. However, if you’re unsure, you might have a RLT session at a dermatologist’s for between $35 and $250.
Are There Risks?
Whenever there’s a new skin solution, we often start hearing about its potential side effects. Well, as for red light therapy, using it too often may cause eye or skin problems. So it’s recommended to be done once in three weeks.
Furthermore, pregnant women, diabetes patients, and people with sensitive skin or open wounds should consult their dermatologist before doing an RLT. So, as long as you don’t use it too often, you’re good! However, it may take weeks to see visible results.
