From the ancient times where people believed that sunlight can bring about healing (heliotherapy) to the modern-day discoveries that light therapy can combat signs of aging, light has always been a fascinating source of treatment.
NASA’s study on red light therapy has opened up a lot of possibilities for the skincare world especially in terms of battling aging skin problems. This led to numerous companies offering light-based devices, all promising to be effective and beneficial for the skin.
Red Light Therapy has to be done in a series of treatment, over a period of time, to bring about positive changes to the skin. It may be done in a dermatologist’s clinic or at home.
But is it really true that red light can make your skin look younger or are all these just puffed up fad that will eventually fade away?
With all the research and advancement in technology available to us nowadays, let us investigate how something as simple as red light can bring about a number of health benefits, results, and how safe it truly is.
Red Light Therapy Background
What is in a light that makes it therapeutic? Physics teaches us that light is energy. It is made up of photons that have the ability to interact with matter.
When plants make their food, sunlight makes it possible through photosynthesis. This is the same when we produce Vitamin D when our skin is exposed to the sun. For a detailed explanation of this process, check out this link.
So can an average Jane (or Joe) soak up good old sunshine to get therapeutic results? Maybe. But the risk of getting a sunburn is higher and can lead to a number of serious skin problems.
Can we just use a flashlight to get the same effect? Apparently, no. We need to take into account the light source so we may identify if it is safe for our skin and if it is powerful enough to bring about desirable cellular changes.
Red Light Wavelengths
Due to numerous research about LED lights, they discovered that the optimal wavelength to penetrate the skin should be about 670 nm up to 830nm, which are light in the red to the nearly-infrared range.
These lights can penetrate the skin up to 4 centimeters and travel deep within the tissue. The light energizes the cell to stimulate healing from within. So, it is not just any kind of light. It has to have the correct wavelength for it to have an effect on our cells.
The Powerhouse Connection
We want to shine a light on our skin to bring about cellular changes that are important in our desire to be more youthful. In order to do that, the light has to be in the 670nm-830nm wavelengths to be able to be absorbed by the mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouse.
What do mitochondria have to do with all these?
The powerhouse of the cell has to be energized so that it can have enough energy to keep the cell alive and functioning properly. With a lack of energy, it can lead to cell death and may also bring about a number of illnesses brought about by malfunctions of the mitochondria.
Light Source: Laser or LED
We can spend some time under the sun to infuse some energy from sunlight but the number of health risks outweighs the benefits. In fact, if you want to prevent premature aging, you should be preventing sun exposure as much as you can and soak up on sunscreen on a daily basis!
In Photo-medicine, there has been a debate whether LED-based light sources are as efficient as laser lights. People would think lasers are more efficient but that is not always the case.
Lasers are difficult to operate because it might cause burns and tissue damage. It also requires a special training to operate such devices.
LED-based light sources are far safer to use and won’t heat up the skin so it doesn’t pose a danger in causing damage or burning the skin. As long as it emits an efficient light wavelength, it should be enough to be absorbed by the skin and start a cellular activity. It is easy to use and is UV-free!
Anti-Aging Red Light Therapy Properties
It is natural for people to want to look youthful for as long as possible. When the first signs of aging appear, we tend to panic and Google our way to fast fixes to put a stopper to aging.
But, how did we acquire those facial lines in the first place?
Collagen plays an important role in having a firm, youthful skin. Younger people have an abundant supply of this component that is why they have plump and firm skin. Once collagen becomes short, signs of skin aging manifest.
In most cases, you will notice having fine lines and wrinkles. It can also manifest by having cellulite. Some people also suffer from joint pains.
To look more youthful, we need to replenish the protein that builds and repairs our skin. Together with elastin, collagen is vital to sustain skin elasticity. Increased collagen supply in the body will help improve the skin’s smoothness and make it look firmer.
How does Red Light Therapy Work?
Red Light Therapy is a non-invasive anti-aging treatment that is approved by the FDA to fight the signs of aging skin. It functions by shining light into the skin to stimulate cellular activity to speed up the skin’s regeneration process, heal the skin, spur the creation of collagen, increase blood circulation and help calm inflammation.
It is painless and has no downtime!
Depending on the device you are using, you can go about your normal daily activities without having to worry that your skin will look terrible. You can wear makeup directly after having a treatment, go to work, or wherever you need to be.
What are the side effects?
To date, there are no known untoward side effects to red light therapy. However, this doesn’t mean it is safe for everyone. People with photosensitivity or is under photosensitizing medication has to consult their doctors if it is safe for them to undergo light therapy.
Generally, LED light therapy is unsafe and not recommended for people with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Epilepsy, and pregnant women (basically because there are no studies conducted to rule out if it is safe for the unborn baby).
It is also important to wear goggles while doing light therapy to prevent eyestrain or visual problems. Staring at bright lights may cause headaches, migraines, and damage to the eyes.
Where can I get red light therapy?
Red Light Therapy is offered in medical spas, tanning salons (red light tanning), and dermatologist’s clinics. There are also a number of companies offering at-home LED light therapy devices. Trophy Skin offers RejuvaliteMD (formerly known as RedMD), an FDA-cleared at-home tool that heals full facial wrinkles. It can be used daily in just 5 minutes to reverse sun damage and address aging skin concerns.
How much can treatments cost?
The cost of in-office treatments will depend on location but normally ranges from $80-$300 per session. At-home devices can also range from $150 to $600, depending on the quality of the tool. RejuvaliteMD costs $249 with a 1-year warranty and a risk-free 60-day money back guarantee.
How long are red light therapy sessions?
The length of Red light therapy sessions depends on the type of device used. Treatments vary from 5 minutes to 30 minutes. Some hand-held devices can be used within 3-5 minutes per treatment area. However, treatments may become longer depending on how big the surface area you are working on.
RejuvaliteMD may be used hands-free in just 5 minutes per treatment area. You can position the LED panel 4-6 inches away from the skin for wider coverage. You may do a split 2-session to cover the entire face if you prefer.
You can use the anti-aging lamp on your face, neck, chest, back or anywhere in your body. We recommend daily use for better results.
How long does it take to see results when doing red light therapy?
Every individual may respond differently to specific treatments and results will also depend on the goal you want to achieve. However, with daily use, you should be able to see improvements in 4 to 6 weeks.
It is important to take "before and after" pictures to document your progress. Results will be subtle and it is important to set your expectations right. This is not magic and results do not show overnight.
We have lots of happy customers who are in love with what Red Light LED Therapy is doing to their skin!
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy was initially used to grow plants in space and was discovered to increase wound healing by astronauts. The shortened healing time for wounds is important because this leads to a number of benefits for the skin.
Different wavelengths of light trigger chemical reactions in our skin and body that increase cellular activity to produce the desired effects that we want to achieve. Red light is known to improve skin quality by triggering collagen production. Infrared light can penetrate deep layers of the skin and has been proven to have anti-inflammatory effects and help improve blood flow.
Deal with Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Red Light can help stimulate the production of fibroblasts that in turn, produces collagen. With continued use, it can plump up the skin to erase fine lines. It also aids in wrinkle reduction.
Heal Sun-damaged Skin
With the healing power of red light, it can reverse sun damage too! Do not forget to wear sunscreen on a daily basis, even on cloudy days, to prevent acquiring more sun damage.
Help calm inflammation of the skin
The different wavelengths of red light can aid in inflammation control. This is effective in calming inflammation brought about by acne too that is why Trophy Skin also incorporated red light in its acne-busting LED light, BlueMD Acne Light.
Alleviate Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that can be triggered by emotional stress, alcohol, spicy food and sun exposure. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is manifested by flushing or too much redness of the skin. Red Light Therapy can be used to help alleviate rosacea and some patients experience remissions for a period of time.
Improve the appearance of stretch marks and Cellulite
With continued use over a period of time, red light therapy can trigger fibroblasts to create more collagen to effectively target stretch marks and cellulite. Collagen can help rebuild the damaged skin matrix. The infrared light can also penetrate deeper into the skin to jumpstart cell activity to trigger healing from within.
Why use RejuvaliteMD Red Light Therapy instead of other Anti-aging tools?
RejuvaliteMD Red Light Therapy is an exciting way to combat signs of aging. There are no known untoward side effects to red light therapy. It is a safer and painless alternative to laser treatments and it can be safely administered at home.
It is non-invasive, and you will not have to worry about operating a complicated skin tool. You simply have to turn it on and wait for it to automatically shut-off after 5 minutes.
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Do not apply serums or moisturizers BEFORE the treatment. It is important to work on clean skin.
Wear the goggles that are included in the kit to protect your eyes from damage. We advise that you keep your eyes closed during the 5-minute treatment to prevent vision problems.
RejuvaliteMD is FDA-cleared to combat signs of aging skin. It is hands-free so you need not have to hold the panel in a specific area and move to the next, unlike other at-home red light tools. Just position the panel 4-6 inches away from your skin, sit back or lie down, and let the light do its work.
No need to tolerate zapping sensation from electro-current devices. You do not need to buy gels to make the light work. No needles. And no harsh chemicals that may make your skin feel tight, burned, or extra sensitized.
It is exciting how something as simple as light can reverse the hands of time without having to undergo painful and expensive procedures.
RejuvaliteMD contains four different colors in the red spectrum. Red (660nm), Yellow (590nm), Amber (630nm), and Infrared (880nm). These different wavelengths work great in reducing signs of aging by penetrating the different layers of the skin to create new collagen, elastin, and fibroblasts.
Just a note, there should be 3 rows of light that are unlit. These AREN'T busted bulbs. These are the infrared bulbs that appear unlit or naked to the eyes. These invisible lights are important to make sure deeper layers of the skin are penetrated to stimulate healing from within.
Hopefully, with red light therapy, no wrinkles (and other aging skin problems) shall pass.
Additional Information
The red light therapy device is gaining popularity not only for its effectiveness in anti-aging but also for its ability to relieve pain and improve skin health. The use of a red light device can penetrate deep into the layers of the skin, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. This makes it an excellent tool not only for aesthetic purposes but also for those suffering from chronic pain conditions. Studies suggest that red and near-infrared light therapy can accelerate tissue repair and reduce pain, making it a versatile addition to your wellness routine.
When you use red light therapy, you are not just investing in your skin's appearance but also in its overall health. The light treatment works by stimulating the mitochondria in your cells, enhancing energy production, which is crucial for repairing damaged tissue. This process is similar whether you're using a red light device at home or receiving professional treatments. The key is the consistent application of the therapy, as regular use can lead to more significant improvements in both skin texture and pain management.
Moreover, near-infrared light has the added benefit of reaching even deeper layers of the skin compared to visible red light. This capability allows it to address issues that are not just on the surface, such as joint and muscle pain. Whether you're looking to use red light therapy to diminish fine lines or to alleviate discomfort, the combined power of red and near-infrared light makes it a compelling choice for a wide range of health benefits.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.