Do you experience acne breakouts regularly? Are you looking for a few solutions to get rid of your acne and have clearer skin? Fortunately, there are many treatments available that can help reduce or eliminate acne breakouts. One of the best and clinically studied treatments is red light therapy.
In this article, we’ll discuss the powerful benefits of red light therapy (RLT) for acne and how to use it effectively. Read on to learn more about this amazing acne treatment and how it can help you get clear, healthy skin.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses infrared light to penetrate the skin, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and stimulate healing. It works by emitting near-infrared, red light wavelengths into the skin, which can help reduce acne breakouts as well as minimize signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. This therapy doesn’t use heat or UV radiation, making it safe for all skin types.
This is clinically proven to be an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne, and it can even help clear up more severe cases when combined with other treatments.
Where Did RLT Come From?
NASA first developed this treatment to help astronauts heal from wounds suffered during long-term space missions. After its success in the space program, red light therapy started to be used in clinical settings to treat a variety of skin conditions. This therapy has been used in dermatology and aesthetic clinics around the world.
In present days, this therapy is readily available at skin care clinics and spas, as well as in-home devices that are easy to use.
How Does It Work?
The near-infrared light emitted from the red light device penetrates the skin and targets acne-causing bacteria. This helps to kill off the bacteria and reduce inflammation, allowing the skin to heal and reduce the appearance of acne.
RLT also helps to stimulate collagen production, which can help give the skin a more youthful and vibrant appearance. The increased circulation that comes from red light therapy also helps improve the overall health of your skin.
Additionally, this therapy has been shown to reduce redness, swelling, and scarring associated with acne. With this therapy, you can expect to see fewer breakouts and less overall redness in your skin.
What Are the Benefits of Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy offers many powerful benefits for acne-prone skin. Here are some of the biggest benefits of this treatment:
1. Wound Healing
RLT is known to help speed up the healing process of wounds and scars. Through increased circulation, this therapy helps reduce irritation and stimulate collagen production to help the skin heal faster.
2. Reduced Inflammation
The light waves from RLT target bacteria that cause acne and can help reduce redness and swelling in affected areas. This can help give you a clearer complexion and reduce the appearance of pimple marks. This therapy can also help reduce inflammation associated with acne breakouts.
3. Improved Collagen Production
RLT also helps to stimulate collagen production, which can help improve skin elasticity and give you a more youthful glow. This helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother, more even complexion.
4. Reduction in Pore Size
Pores are openings in your skin where oil and dirt can get trapped, leading to acne. By reducing their size, you can help minimize the risk of breakouts. The increased circulation that comes from RLT can help minimize the size of your pores and give you smoother skin.
5. Increased Skin Hydration
This also helps to increase skin hydration, which can help reduce dryness and flakiness associated with breakouts. This can make your skin look and feel more supple and soft.
6. Treatment For Rosacea
This therapy has also been used to treat rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness and inflammation. RLT can help reduce symptoms of this condition by targeting the bacteria that cause it, which can help reduce the redness and burn associated with it.
Ways To Use
Red light therapy is most commonly used in a professional setting to treat acne, but it can also be used at home. There are a few different ways you can use this:
1. In-Clinic Treatments
This therapy is available as an in-clinic treatment where the red light device is held up close to the skin. With this method, you can expect to see results in as little as a few weeks. This is a more intensive treatment and typically requires multiple sessions for optimal results.
Clinics may also use other methods, such as LED masks or lasers, to target specific areas of the skin.
2. At-Home Devices
You can also buy an at-home device, which is much easier to use. These devices are typically handheld, such as red light therapy wands, so you can move them around the affected area for targeted treatments. At-home RLT devices don’t require as many sessions as in-clinic treatments, so you can expect to see results in a few weeks.
3. Topical Creams and Lotions
You can also buy topical creams and lotions that contain red light therapy ingredients; this includes ferulic acid or retinol. These products help to reduce inflammation, breakouts, and discoloration related to acne problems.
Side Effects
Red light therapy is generally safe and doesn’t produce any major side effects; however, some people may experience mild redness or skin irritation. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to stop using the device for a few days and consult your doctor before continuing with treatment. There is also a risk of sunburn if the exposure to the light is too high, so it’s important to follow the instructions provided with your device.
In general, red light therapy is an effective way to treat acne and improve skin health. With regular use, you can expect to see results in as fast as a few weeks and long-term benefits over time. However, it’s important to consult your doctor before starting any new treatments to ensure that it is right for you.
