WHAT IS RED LIGHT THERAPY? Red light has been used by professionals for many years in clinics and salons. But what is red light therapy? And how can it benefit your skin’s health? «LED light therapy promotes wound healing, increases collagen production and kills P.acne bacteria. This addresses a multitude of issues,» says Genevieve Knodell, […]
Red light has been used by professionals for many years in clinics and salons. But what is red light therapy? And how can it benefit your skin’s health?
«LED light therapy promotes wound healing, increases collagen production and kills P.acne bacteria. This addresses a multitude of issues,» says Genevieve Knodell, an aesthetic practitioner at Stratum dermatology Clinic. It’s ideal for skin preparation, prior to or after any procedure. It stimulates collagen and elastin, suppresses melanocyte activity, provides anti-inflammatory benefits, and will repair and strengthen your skin.
Dr. Dennis Gross, a board-certified dermatologist who also created Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, says that you should search for an at-home device with red and blue LEDs.
The key to designing the device is to maximise energy and allow the skin to be touched with the lights. The most effective wavelength of blue light is 415nm. This wavelength has the ability to kill acne-causing bacteria. He suggests that red LEDs should be in the range 600-1300nm (red or infrared). These wavelengths stimulate collagen production and reduce inflammation.
Dr. Gross recommends that you only use FDA-cleared medical-grade devices that have clinical trials that show its effectiveness. Gross suggests. Gross recommends. The device should be flat on the skin without risk of burning or heat.
These are key terms and features you should be aware of:
Wrinkle reduction: If wrinkle reduction is a concern, make sure you look for a device that targets wrinkles.
Plumping: Want to look younger and more radiant? You should look for a device with red and yellow light that targets the aging skin.
FDA-approved: Although red light therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of skin concerns, it is still quite young. FDA-approved devices are worth your attention.
Acne treatments: Acne-fighting, red light therapy devices for acne will fight bacteria that causes acne and reduce inflammation.
Red light therapy is considered safe by experts. However, some users may experience blistering or burning due to faulty units and excessive usage. Extra precaution is taken when using facial red light therapy devices.
Ryan McCarthy, co-founder of LUMM (opens new tab), agrees that LED light therapy has been used for a variety of therapeutic and cosmetic purposes for many decades. There are currently no side effects to LED light therapy. Every product is unique. Before using any product, you must read the instructions carefully. You can contact the manufacturer directly if you have further questions.
McCarthy says that LED light therapy is safer than the UV rays from tanning beds, which can damage and burn skin. Red light therapy is not recommended for pregnant women.
Although there is no set time frame for red light therapy, most devices suggest that it be used once per day for approximately 15 minutes. Many devices will automatically shut down after a set amount of time. It is important to read the instructions on your device and follow the recommendations. Before you use your device, consult a dermatologist. They will give you their recommendations regarding usage.
It is possible to abuse red light therapy. Overuse can cause tissue damage and inflammation. Dr. Tom Ingegno (opens in a new tab), Doctor in Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine and owner Charm City Integrative Health Baltimore, says that 20 minutes of RLT per day should suffice for most patients. To find the best treatment for you, consult your primary care physician before starting any new treatment.
Ingegno also reminds us that red light is a «relatively low-risk therapy.» RLT, which is at the opposite end the spectrum of light, does not suffer from the same problems as UV radiation. Although there are very few side effects, it is possible to have serious side effects.