Red light therapy for Skin Ageing, Wrinkles, Hyperpigmentation, Skin Conditions, and Cellulite

Can Red Light Therapy Improve My Skin?

The positive effects of Red Light Therapy on our skin are widely studied with resoundingly positive results. The results indicate that it’s primary benefit is its ability to stimulate collagen production to create softer, fuller, smoother, and more elastic skin. Collagen is the body’s bandage: this protein is used to repair and rebuild skin. Increased collagen production also reduces the size of pores, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Red light therapy is a great way to tighten your skin, treat skin conditions, and promote overall health and vitality. The full spectrum of light can be beneficial, depending on your current skin and goals. But for optimal results make sure to include red and possibly near-infrared light in your normal skin care therapy routine. 

Taking care of your skin is vital for your overall health, not just the way you look. Skin plays a huge role in everything from body temperature, to immunity to hormone regulation.  Red light therapy treatments at Red Lab with a high-quality device can enhance cellular function, and promote healthier skin across your entire body. In this article, we explain why skin health is so important, and give an overview of how red light therapy has a positive effect on your skin.

Why is Skin Important for Overall Health?

When we think of our organs, we think of working parts deep in our body, however we often forget that skin is our largest organ, and it’s the first line of defense for our immune system. The skin also plays a central role in key bodily processes like blood circulation, hormone production, and temperature control.  Here’s a look at some of the most important functions of the skin:

Circulation and Repair: Skin is central to our circulatory system, and good blood circulation is needed for healthy skin and general well being. Blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to the skin, and removes carbon dioxide and waste products. When organs are damaged, circulating blood delivers proteins and cells needed for repair. [1]

Storage and Hormone Production: The lower layers of our skin are essential for the storage of water, fat, and metabolic products. Our skin also produces key hormones such as Vitamin D, which is made with exposure to light. Red Light Therapy provides this light in a required dosage without having to expose our skin to the harmful cancer generating UV-rays present in regular sunlight.  [2]

Temperature Regulation: The skin is essential to body temperature regulation, protecting you from heat or cold, and helping to prevent dehydration. [2]

Protection and Immunity: The skin is our protective layer, keeping out the dangers of the world. It shields us from the dirt and debris that we can see, and from invisible invaders like germs and diseases. Skin is the essential first component of a healthy immune system, fighting off risks from allergens, toxins, and carcinogens. [2]

Beauty: Compared to the other essential functions of our skin, appearance shouldn't logically be our main priority, but it just is, skin cosmetic items are a huge industry around the world because we all want healthy looking, beautiful skin. Skin is central to how we perceive ourselves, and how others view us, which affects self-esteem and mental health every day.

How does Red Light Therapy aid skin health?

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a simple, non-invasive treatment that delivers wavelengths of red and near infrared (NIR) light to the skin and cells. 

Red light therapy works by enhancing cellular function. Wavelengths of red and NIR light have been shown to stimulate the mitochondria, the energy providing powerhouse of the cell. A study published in Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery states that mitochondria in the skin cells absorbs red light and supports the production of more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), stimulating the synthesis of pro-collagen, collagen, basic fibroblast growth factors (bFGF), and proliferation of fibroblasts, this keeps cells functioning at a high level for longer before dying away. [4] Red light therapy treatments are quick and easy, at about 10 minutes per side per session, allowing a person to supplement the healthy wavelengths of sunlight they get from their environment with specific wavelengths of red and NIR light. 

Our bodies work and look better, when our cells are in a state of balance, or homeostasis. Red and NIR light promotes balance across the body by enhancing the cellular environment, making energy production more efficient, with less inflammation and oxidative stress. When your cells are in greater balance, your skin will look & feel softer and more invigorated. [5] That inner balance is ideal for outer beauty. 

Other ways in which Red Light Therapy supports Skin Health

Red Light Therapy and Inflammation: Inflammation can wreak havoc on skin health and appearance. In addition to supporting cellular health, red light therapy, combined with a healthy lifestyle, has been shown to have a positive impact on inflammation. [6]  

Dr. Michael Hamblin of Harvard Medical School is a leading light therapy researcher. Dr. Hamblin has written about how red light therapy has the potential to reduce oxidative stress, and increase blood flow to damaged & inflamed tissues. This can help skin tissue regenerate and heal faster, reducing inflammation and improving bodily balance. [6,7]

Why Use Red Light Therapy for Full-Body Skin Health?

Red light therapy was mostly used in high-end salons and spas for skin treatments. Thanks to innovations in LED technology, red light therapy is now accessible at a far more reasonable price. The skincare community has taken notice; many of the world’s leading skin experts trust and recommend Red Light Therapy as an integral part of their skincare routine.

Full-Body Skin Health: Your face gets the most attention, but skin health doesn’t end at the neck. Exposing more of your skin and cells to red and NIR light will have a greater effect on your overall health. The more of your skin you can expose to healthy wavelengths of light, the more energy you can produce, which translates to better overall health. Red Lab makes use of full body banks of lights, allowings for just 20 minute sessions to cover the back and front of your body for the full amount of possible energy consumption recommended for healthy and vibrant skin.

Balance is about your whole body working together as a system, so you’re going to see better results treating more of your skin with red and NIR light. It may seem counterintuitive, but giving the skin on your legs and back the light they need can have just as much effect on how your face looks and feels as doing targeted facial treatments. True health and beauty is a full-body phenomenon.

Conclusion: Improve your skin care routine with Red Light Therapy

Vibrant skin health is essential for your overall well-being. Healthy skin is vital for immunity, circulation, hormone production, temperature regulation, and self-esteem. It’s important to take care of more than just your face, and getting healthy light, while maintaining a balanced lifestyle is key. Red light therapy can help manage inflammation and support skin health across your entire body.