The beauty industry is a ceaseless battlefield where the fight against wrinkles is an eternal struggle. However, with advancements in technology, new tools, and techniques have been developed to reduce and manage wrinkles. Among these, Red Light Therapy has emerged as an innovative and non-invasive approach.
What is Red Light Therapy?
In 1967, Endre Mester tested laser radiation on shaved mice to determine whether it caused cancer, which marked the beginning of low light level therapy (LLLT). He used a low-powered ruby laser on two groups of mice, one treated and the other untreated, and noticed that the treated group grew back hair more quickly, demonstrating "laser biostimulation."
Photobiomodulation, LLLT, or Red Light Therapy, are terms used today to describe the therapeutic technique that uses low-level wavelengths of light, usually red. There are many ways it's used today, including red light therapy for acne healing, hair growth, joint pain relief, and inflammation. Beyond these, it's also known to treat skin issues, such as wrinkles, scars, and persistent wounds. Unlike other types of light therapy, red light therapy does not damage the skin's surface. Instead, it is believed to help stimulate and energize cellular activity, leading to healthier, more vibrant skin.
How Does Red Light Therapy Help with Wrinkles?
Red light therapy promotes skin rejuvenation by influencing the mitochondria in your cells. The mitochondria absorb the red light and respond by creating more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy source for all cells. This increased energy leads to faster cell turnover, which can result in fewer wrinkles and an overall more youthful appearance.
Does Red Light Therapy Really Work for Wrinkles?
Scientific Studies and Evidence
Numerous studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of red light therapy for wrinkles. For example, a 2014 study found significant improvement in skin complexion and an increase in collagen density after red light therapy treatment. In another study, researchers recruited twenty-two people with wrinkles and gave them eight treatments with a red light therapy device over four weeks. A dermatologist evaluated their skin at 6, 9, and 12 weeks after the treatments. They also took photos and asked the participants how satisfied they were with the results. The study found that 74% of the participants noticed a visible improvement in their wrinkles eight weeks after the treatments. These studies provide compelling evidence that red light therapy can be an effective treatment for wrinkles.
How to Use Red Light Therapy for Wrinkles
How Often Should You Do Red Light Therapy for Wrinkles?
The frequency of RLT treatments can depend on your skin type and the severity of your wrinkles. However, as a general rule, professionals often recommend starting with two to three treatments per week for the first one to four weeks. In a randomized study, researchers randomly divided 76 patients into four groups and treated them twice a week for four weeks. The study found that the LED light therapy significantly reduced wrinkles and increased skin elasticity compared to the baseline, with the most significant improvements seen in the groups treated with both 830 and 633nm light, across those four weeks.
How Long Does Red Light Therapy Take for Wrinkles?
Time for treatment has varied through numerous studies, but most professionals recommend individual treatment sessions usually lasting between 15 to 20 minutes. A full treatment course may span several weeks, but skin improvements are often noticeable within the first few weeks.
Should You Do Red Light Therapy in the Morning or Night?
Red light therapy can be done at any time of the day. However, there are some potential side effects and precautions to consider. Patients may experience mild skin irritation, redness, or sensitivity after treatment and these symptoms typically resolve within a few hours, but it is important to avoid exposing the treated area to direct sunlight or UV light for at least 24 hours after treatment, as this may increase the risk of skin damage. Additionally, patients with a history of skin cancer or those who are taking medications that increase sensitivity to light should consult with a medical professional before undergoing red light therapy.
Additional Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Skin Health Improvement
Red light therapy is not just for wrinkles; it can improve overall skin texture and health as well. Studies have shown that it can help with a variety of other skin conditions, including psoriasis, acne scars, and sun damage. Red light therapy for eczema symptoms has also been proven effective as it reduces inflammation and itching.
Collagen Production and Skin Elasticity
As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin - the proteins that give it structure and elasticity. This results in wrinkle formation, fine lines, and thinning skin. However, red light therapy can help counteract this process by boosting mitochondrial function and increasing cellular energy production. This, in turn, can help skin cells protect and produce more collagen and elastin, effectively reversing some of the visible signs of aging. This can result in firmer, plumper skin and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles for a more even skin complexion.
Safety and Precautions for Red Light Therapy
As mentioned before, red light therapy is considered a safe option for someone to treat skin conditions; however, some people do experience mild symptoms like skin irritation, sensitivity and redness after their treatment most of whom the symptoms will disappear relatively quickly. But it is important that after each treatment, you avoid direct exposure to sunlight or any UV light to avoid skin damage. If you have a history of skin cancer or an increased risk of skin cancer, consulting a medical professional before undergoing red light therapy is highly recommended.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
Red Light Therapy is generally safe for all skin types. However, if you have a medical condition such as lupus or photosensitivity, you should consult your doctor before starting treatment as there is an increased risk of damaging the skin even further.
Tips for Safe and Effective Use
- Keep the skin clean: Before you start the RLT, ensure that your skin is clean and free of any makeup or skincare products.
- Follow the instructions: Each RLT device comes with specific instructions regarding how far to keep the light from your face, how long each treatment should last, and how often to use it. Follow these instructions for optimal results.
- Protect your eyes: Although RLT is not harmful, the light can be bright. Most devices come with protective eyewear, so be sure to use it.
Embracing Red Light Therapy with Lifepro
Lifepro is a company that offers a wide range of health and wellness products, including Red Light Therapy devices. Our devices are well-regarded in the industry for their effectiveness and ease of use.
Lifepro's red light therapy devices are designed with user safety and comfort in mind, offering adjustable light intensity and protective eyewear. This makes it easier than ever to incorporate RLT into your skincare routine, whether you're targeting wrinkles or simply looking to improve overall skin health.
Red light therapy is an innovative, non-invasive, and effective method for reducing wrinkles and improving skin health. While the science behind it is still developing, current studies suggest that it can be a valuable tool in your skincare arsenal. As with any skincare treatment, it's important to use it safely and according to instructions. With careful use, you could be well on your way to healthier, more radiant skin.
References:
- Avci, P., Gupta, A., Sadasivam, M., Vecchio, D., Pam, Z., Pam, N., & Hamblin, M. R. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery, 32(1), 41.
- Barolet, D. Photobiomodulation in Dermatology: Harnessing Light from Visible to Near Infrared. Medical Research Archives, 6(1). doi:10.18103/mra.v6i1.1610. Photobiomodulation in Dermatology: Harnessing Light from Visible to Near Infrared. Medical Research Archives, 2018; 6(1). doi:10.18103/mra.v6i1.1610.
- Laser Pain Therapy. History of LLLT. Available at: https://laserpaintherapy.com.au/history-lllt/. Accessed April 29, 2023.
- Lee SY, Park KH, Choi JW, et al. A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, and split-face clinical study on LED phototherapy for skin rejuvenation: clinical, profilometric, histologic, ultrastructural, and biochemical evaluations and comparison of three different treatment settings. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2007;88(1):51-67. doi:10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2007.04.008
- Lin Y-Y, Lee S-Y, Cheng Y-J. Low-Level Laser Therapy Induces Melanoma Tumor Growth by Promoting Angiogenesis. Life. 2023; 13(2):320.
- National Eczema Association. Phototherapy. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/phototherapy/ . Accessed April 27, 2023
- Russell BA, Kellett N, Reilly LR. A study to determine the efficacy of combination LED light therapy (633 nm and 830 nm) in facial skin rejuvenation. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2005;7(3-4):196-200. doi: 10.1080/14764170500370059.
- Sadick NS. A study to determine the efficacy of a novel handheld light-emitting diode device in the treatment of photoaged skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2008;7(4):263-267. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2165.2008.00404.x
- Wunsch, A., & Matuschka, K. (2014). A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 32(2), 93-100.
Author
Joel Gottehrer is the Co-Founder of Lifepro Fitness and has dedicated his life to helping people transform theirs. With over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and owner of two personal training studios, Joel has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to helping transform lives. After suffering from physical injuries, Joel and his business partner, Abraham Brach, came together with a common goal to alleviate the pain caused by their injuries.
They continued to find themselves disappointed with the results stemming from various products promising to relieve their pain, and with that – Lifepro Fitness was born. Joel's mission is to have a positive impact on millions of lives with the Lifepro brand. Whether it's finding new and innovative ways to help people recover from injuries or developing products to improve overall wellness, Joel is always looking for ways to push the boundaries. Thanks to his commitment to help people live their lives free of pain, Lifepro has been able to do this for thousands of people since its founding in 2017.
