The Basics Of Red Light Therapy
Red light and near-infrared light therapy involve using different net wavelengths of light in the 660 nm to 890 nm range, a portion of the light spectrum that is considered bioactive. The treatment is given by either low-level lasers or LED lights .
Science has shown that it strengthens the mitochondria. A cells energy is created in the mitochondria as adenosine triphosphate . Greater ATP production gives more energy to the cell and helps it function better and repair damage 2.
Red light therapy doesnt damage the skins surface, which is different from laser or intense pulsed light therapy. Laser and IPL work by administering only minor damage to the outer layer of skin, which signals tissue repair. Red light therapy penetrates only about 5 millimeters into the skin, which also stimulates cell regeneration 3. I go into more detail here on how red light therapy works.
How Does Red Light Therapy At Home Compare To In Office
In short, in-office devices are typically stronger than at-home ones. But! Dr. Jagdeo argues that an at-home red light therapy device is an excellent option for maintaining the results you get from in-office treatments. Not only that, but Dr. Jagdeo says it’s possible to achieve similar outcomes with home-use devices simply because you’re able to use them more often than the in-office ones.
I should mention, Dr. Ingleton says that red light therapy is usually not offered as a stand-alone procedure but rather as an add-on. Both dermatologists utilize it as a complement to other advanced treatments, like medical facials, microneedling, and microdermabrasion, to help speed along the healing process post-procedure. Think of it as a nice little bonus to your beauty treatment.
How Does Light Therapy Work For Acne
This post goes into detail about how light therapy works for skin and skin healing. Blue light therapy works by killing the harmful bacteria that gathers on the skin and causes acne. Red light therapy works by reducing inflammation, rejuvenating skin, and diminishing scarring on the skin.
Red light therapy helps heal skin and acne because the mitochondria in our skin cells absorb wavelengths of red light and use it to make cellular energy and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. A recent clinical review said LEDs represent an emerging modality to alter skin biology and change the paradigm of managing skin conditions.
Recent research is showing that the combination of both blue and red light therapy can be an even more effective acne treatment than just one or the other. Below, well summarize some of the recent trials and studies that show how red and blue light work together to treat and heal acne outbreaks.
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The Benefits Of Red Therapy Light
Even though the western world is behind the times with red therapy light, strong evidence supports its health benefits. It is FDA approved for chronic joint pain, slow to heal wounds, wrinkles, hair loss and acne. Many others have used it successfully for other issues, like psoriasis, improved circulation and better immune function.
Heres a partial list of the evidence-based uses of red therapy light:
- It helps rejuvenate facial skin and smooths skin tone.
- Red light builds collagen in the skin to reduce wrinkles.
- It helps to repair sun damage.
- Red light activates the lymphatic system for potentially improved detoxification.
- Helps fade scars and stretch marks.
- Improves hair growth to reverse balding.
- Stimulates slow healing wounds.
- Can prevent recurring cold sores, or herpes simplex.
- Helpful in the short term for carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Beneficial for skin to reduce eczema, rosacea, and acne.
Chemical Peels Vs Light Therapy For Teenagers With Acne
Research has shown that LED light therapy is more effective against acne than certain chemical peels. A 2017 trial with teenagers compared light therapy acne spot treatments with salicylic acid peels. Teens with acne were divided into two treatment groups, with some receiving acid peels and others receiving spot treatments with red and blue light therapy.
Using photographs to track the progress of the teenagers acne, researchers found that the light therapy treatments worked significantly better than the acid peels. Teens in the light therapy group showed significantly fewer new acne pustules after light therapy.
The researchers concluded that combination blue and red light therapy is effective against acne due its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. You can read more about light therapy for wound healing here.
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How Often Does A Person Need To Use It To See Results
This depends on the dose of the light source. Chapas says LED lights used in the office have a higher dosage than at-home tools, which typically dont disclose the wavelength and energy output. Weaker lights, like the TRIA home device, need to be used daily, while stronger in-office versions are twice a week, she says.
LED light home treatments range in price , so there may be an option out there to fit your budget. For example, Neutrogena has a Red & Blue Light Therapy Acne Mask for $29.99. Sephora also sells masks and handheld instruments: Lightstim for Acne , Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare SpectraLite Faceware Pro , and the Foreo ESPADA Blue Light Acne Treatment by FOREO .
Its important to remember that we all react to skin-care treatments differently. What may work for a friend may not be as effective on you. However, if youre looking for a way to treat your acne, LED light therapy may be worth a shot.
Acne Light Therapy Mask
Acne light therapy masks are great for treating facial acne and can smooth the visible signs of aging. Many combine red light therapy with the benefits of blue or green light therapy. Masks are a one size fits all shape, but are specially designed to fit the contours of your face allowing even coverage and a comfortable fit. Many have built-in eye protection to you are free to carry on with the housework or sit back and relax in front of a film while you are treating yourself.
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What Is Red Light Therapy Why Is It Good For You
Red Light Therapy is still being studied by scientists, but it is championed by dermatologists and has a fascinating history. According to Healthline, The U.S. Navy SEALs began using it in the 1990s to help heal wounds quickly and to help regenerate damaged muscle tissues. In other words, this technology was first developed by the military to treat wounds and minimize the damage. The application of this is that Red Light Therapy has been shown to fade scars. In the cosmetic world, this is great news for people with acne and stretch marks.
One reason to try RLT at the tanner instead of the dermatologists office is that our bed covers your full body. At the dermatologist or other tanning salons, they might not have the same full bed that we do. A facial treatment does nothing to help people who suffer from acne scars on their body, and it certainly doesnt attack stretch marks.
Besides being less dangerous than UV bulbs and a powerful treatment for scars, RLT has one more awesome benefit. Its been studied at the National Institutes of Health in a controlled study that looked at whether it improved collagen density in subjects. Collagen is the material in our skin that makes it smooth and plump. As the bodys natural supply of collagen depletes with the aging process, wrinkles form in places where collagen once provided elasticity. RLT was rumored to spur collagen growth in the skin and tested in this study.
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Red Light Therapy Devices
Although red light therapy devices work to quickly reduce the signs of scarring, you will need a course of sessions if you want to see significant improvements.
Its also a good idea to top your treatment up with maintenance sessions too. The number of maintenance sessions you need will vary again since different peoples skin reacts individually. If youre not sure exactly whats right for you, the therapist leading your sessions will be able to advise and monitor your results to help you get the best possible outcome.
The alternative to repeat sessions is getting a home device and with a range to suit virtually all budgets, it might work out to make more financial sense compared to costly repeat bookings at a treatment centre. If youre curious, Ive put together a guide that will help you find the perfect device for your needs.
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Blue And Red Light Therapy May Suppress Sebum Production
Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by an increase in the bodys sebum production. Combination blue and red light therapy has reduced acne in clinical trials and shown a significant decrease in sebum production after LED treatments.
Clinical data shows that red light and blue light used in tandem strongly downregulate lipid production in sebocytes, the cells that produce sebum . Trial results suggest that roughly 415 nm blue light and 630 nm red light wavelengths, when used together, can have beneficial effects on acne by suppressing sebum production.
Led Acne Treatments: Blue Or Red Light Therapy
Blue light and red light are the most common wavelengths used to treat acne, and they both have positive effects on acne and skin. Research is showing that light therapy may be most effective for acne when red and blue light therapy are used together. Lets start by breaking down the difference between blue light and red light spot treatments for acne.
Blue light therapy is used against acne because wavelengths of blue light have an antimicrobial effect, killing bacteria on the skin that gathers in pores and oil glands and causes acne breakouts. In clinical research, blue light has been effective for acne treatment, inducing photodynamic destruction of bacteria on the skin. Blue light can also help eliminate free radicals that oxidize on the face. You can buy numerous blue light therapy masks and wands online or from beauty retailers.
Red light therapy isnt antimicrobial like blue light. Instead, wavelengths of red light have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and promote the healing of skin and acne scars. While blue light kills acne-causing bacteria on the surface, red light works below the surface and in the cells, helping to repair damaged tissues and rejuvenate the skin from within.
As for near-infrared light, research shows its less effective for acne than red light therapy. . One trial compared red light versus NIR light for acne and determined that red light therapy is safe and effective to treat acne compared to NIR light, which doesnt work as well.
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How Light Therapy Works To Treat Acne
Of all the colors out there, blue light is generally considered to be the most effective option for acne, given that it has three different mechanisms of action that target breakouts:
- Antibacterial Properties:“Blue light sets off a chemical reaction that eliminates acne-causing bacteria, P. acnes. That bacteria produces a protein called porphyrins, and when this protein is exposed to and absorbs blue light, a chemical reaction ensues, killing the bacteria,” explains Nussbaum.
- Regulates Sebum Production: Second, it regulates sebum production, and we know that excess sebum can clog pores and is a key component in the acne cycle.
- Improves Inflammation: And finally, blue light also tones down inflammation and redness, a major boon when you’re battling breakouts.
This all makes for a great and effective solution for those who have easily irritated skin and may not be able to tolerate traditional topical treatments . The experts we spoke with agree that yes, ideally using light therapy in tandem with topicals is the ideal approach . Still, LED treatments offer a great alternative to the standard topical and oral acne treatments out there.
Does Red And Blue Light Therapy Help Acne And Things You Will
When used correctly, blue light therapy does not seem to pose any significant long-term outcomes. It may cause retinal damage. If you want to test out red light therapy for yourself, we highly suggest seeing an expert to guarantee that the proper wavelengths and methods are used for your unique condition.
UV light clears up acne, but it may also damage the epidermis and lead to cancer. Blue light therapy may be used to take care of acne thats already present on the epidermis or maybe to control the condition before an outbreak occurs. It is generally used to treat acne that is already present on your skin or just when you are about to get a breakout.
To actually find out if the most common at-home light treatments work, I chose to try them myself! Needless to say, blue light alone might be insufficient. Red light therapy employs low-level wavelengths to boost cell feature, which regenerates the top layer of the epidermis.
Blue and red light therapies, two kinds of phototherapy, have some similar advantages and uses, even though they work in various ways. Another reason LED light tools have gotten so popular is that everyone may benefit from a tiny light action. Since there are 3 lights, you have the choice of using only one treatment or employing a combo of a few.
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It Promotes Hair Growth
The most common type of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia, affects 50 percent of men over age 40 and 75 percent of women over 65, and there are only two medications approved to help counter it. But research reveals that red light therapy may be a powerful, drug-free solution. One research review found that red light therapy was safe and effective for promoting hair growth in both men and women. It seems to work by stimulating stem cells in the hair follicle and shifting follicles into the anagen phase . More research is needed to determine the optimal wavelength for promoting hair growth, but one study found that women who received red light therapy at 650 nm every other day for 17 weeks experienced a 51 percent increase in hair density.
Science And Statistics On Acne
At least 85% of people in the United States have acne between the ages of 12 and 24. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, which included more than 1,000 participants aged 20 and older, found that 73.3% of them suffered from acne. The prevalence of acne was higher in women.
One study found that 96% of people with acne reported being depressed about their condition. This led to 46% having self-esteem problems because of their complexion, and 31% staying home more, refusing to participate in social activities. Acne was found to increase the risk of depression. Severe depression was found in 11% of people with acne, twice as many as people without acne.
Americans spend more than $3 billion a year on over-the-counter acne medications and an estimated $3 billion more on prescription acne medications and office visits. Only 10% of people with acne go to a dermatologist for acne. 30% of people with acne rely on over-the-counter medications to treat their condition .
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How Long Does It Take For Red Light Therapy To Work
Are you going to see any incredible results from one use? I wish, but noand that’s including in-office, professional treatments. Dr. Jagdeo says the effects of red light on the skin can be temporary and could require several professional treatments for any kind of noticeable difference. Because consistency is key here, Dr. Jagdeo recommends that patients supplement their in-office treatments with home-use red light therapy for the best outcome.
There Is Some Evidence They Work But It’s Far From Conclusive
The claims about light-emitting diode skin devices certainly sound appealing. They’re touted to treat everything from wrinkles, redness, and signs of aging to acne, scarring, and dark spots.
If you’ve visited a spa or even a drugstore lately, you’ve probably seen one of the growing number of treatments and products on the market. The question is, are these claims true? Can LED light devices really do all these things for your skin? And more importantly, are they safe?
Experts say that it’s too early to know whether these devices are effective. Some small studies have shown promise for certain conditions, says Dr. Elizabeth Buzney, assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School. “I think it’s a really exciting emerging area,” she says. But the evidence isn’t quite there yet.
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Can You Combine Both Red Light And Blue Light
Yes, you can combine both red light and blue light in your acne treatment.
While red light therapy alone can help reduce acne, youll get the best results if you combine it with blue light therapy.
Dendy Engelman, a dermatologic surgeon, says, red light is believed to target oil glands to reduce cytokines, which cause inflammation and play a role in chronic acne. In the case of blue light, specific wavelengths stimulate production of oxygen radicals that kill bacteria, all without damaging skin.
In a 2013 clinical study, patients using both red and blue light saw a 77% and a 54% reduction in inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions, respectively. And, unlike with other acne medications, patients experienced zero side effects .
In another study, researchers noted that combination red and blue LED light treatment was marginally better for severe acne than for mild acne .
And, guess what?
Patients who used combination red and blue LED light therapy saw better results than just using blue light or a 5% benzoyl peroxide cream .
Using red and blue light together produces better results than using either light separately. Red light is anti-inflammatory, while blue light is anti-bacterial.
In clinical trial after clinical trial, researchers have found LED light therapy to be an effective way to treat acne, especially in those who dont respond well to acne medications.
In some cases, it was even more effective than some of those dermatologist-prescribed medications!
