Red light therapy has been touted as a quick and easy way to get tighter, more youthful skin, whether you have wrinkles, sagging skin, or acne scars. However, can it really live up to its promises? Here’s what you need to know about red light therapy for skin tightening before deciding whether or not it’s right for you.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), has been around for a while. The first clinical evidence for its effectiveness was in 1988, and since then, thousands of studies have come forward. However, red light therapy is just now becoming popular with consumers due to its growing reputation as an anti-aging treatment that can improve health and beauty.
With continuous use, red light therapy can help smooth wrinkles, tighten skin, reduce scarring and boost energy levels. But, do these effects really occur? Let’s look at how it works and what’s the real cause of red light therapy for skin tightening.
Read: What Is Red Light Therapy: 6 Amazon At-Home Red Light Devices
How Does RLT Work?
Red light therapy, is a popular anti-aging treatment that uses wavelengths of red light to promote tissue repair and stimulate collagen production. Clinical studies on its efficacy are ongoing, but most experts agree it’s unlikely to be harmful; in fact, recent studies suggest red light therapy might even help burn calories and lose weight.
But does it work for skin tightening? The short answer: yes, in many cases. The long answer: well, we have some ideas about what might make red light therapy effective for skin tightening. Let’s look at why red light therapy could be a good option.
How Does Red Light Therapy Compare to Other Treatments?
Other treatments that may help tighten your skin include lasers. Laser treatments are also known to tighten skin by increasing collagen production, but how do they compare to red light therapy? The biggest difference between these two treatment options is that red light therapy uses LED, which is usually done at home or at a spa. In contrast, laser treatments are done in a dermatologist’s office.
Some opt to combine red light therapy and laser treatments for an overall skin tightening effect. Red light therapy can also be very effective when done with other methods such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and in some cases, surgery or injectables.
This combination approach has been shown to increase results significantly compared to using just one method alone. Also, because lasers work more quickly than red light therapy (typically 3-4 weeks versus 6-8 weeks), patients may find that combining treatments provide better results in less time.
So which option is best for you? This really depends on your budget and how much time you have before you need your desired results. If you have time and funding on your side, choosing a combination of both could give you even better results than just one method alone!
Red Light Therapy vs. Other Skin Tightening Treatments
The light that is emitted from a red light therapy machine is called Near Infrared light. The wavelength of Near-Infrared red light that is used in most treatments for skin tightening has a wavelength between 700-1000 nanometers (1 nanometer = 1 billionth of a meter). At these wavelengths, infrared light does not damage cells as UV light can, and thus side effects are rare.
Many experts think it could potentially be even more effective than botox treatment for preventing facial sagging, wrinkles, and lines, as well as helping to improve muscle tone and cellulite reduction.
Additionally, at these specific wavelengths, red lights can penetrate approximately three centimeters (1.18 inches) into your tissue without causing cellular damage. This means that there is less chance of side effects occurring with red light therapy.
There are many different types of red light therapies available today, but only one type uses NIR technology, which NASA developed to help astronauts heal faster while in space.
This type of red light therapy emits near-infrared wavelengths (between 700nm – 1000nm) and penetrates up to 3cm deep into your skin with minimal heat build-up. This makes red light therapy ideal for treating sensitive areas such as the face, neck, chest, or hands.
How Soon Can You Expect Results?
In most cases, after about 6 to 8 weeks of consistent use (twice a week for 20 minutes each time), you will start to see improved skin tone results. Be patient, though. Some people notice results as soon as two weeks into treatment, while others report that it takes six weeks or more before seeing much of a difference.
The speed at which you notice results will vary based on your skin type and your commitment to daily use.
Although red light therapy does not cause cell damage like other types of radiation, it is essential to use red light treatments and devices with caution. Too much exposure can cause unpleasant side effects such as nausea and headaches.
Is There a Downside to Red Light Therapy For Skin Tightening?
One of the foremost concerns you will have regarding any type of treatment is safety. After all, you’re putting something on or into your body and want to be confident that it won’t cause any issues or problems.
In addition to skin irritation and redness, a red light therapy device may also cause allergies. A small percentage of users have reported experiencing an allergic reaction when using a red light therapy device. If you experience any signs of an allergy, such as swelling, rash, hives, or difficulty breathing after using a red light therapy device, discontinue use immediately and consult your doctor.
You should not continue to use a red light therapy device if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, nor should you ever allow children under 18 years old to use one. You should also avoid using them if you take drugs that make your skin more sensitive to sunlight (such as Accutane) or if you suffer from porphyria (an inherited metabolic disorder).
Final Thoughts
Red light therapy, when done correctly, can produce noticeable results in just a matter of weeks. Used regularly, it can also provide an alternative to more invasive or costly treatments. Red light therapy penetrates deep into your skin, triggers natural cell regeneration, and accelerates collagen production. As a result, users can enjoy smoother, firmer skin as well as improved elasticity and circulation.
However, it’s essential to check with your doctor before giving red light therapy a try. While most side effects are mild and easy to treat, certain complications could result in long-term problems or permanent damage.
Red light therapy may not be for everyone, but it is definitely worth looking into! Talk to your dermatologist today and find out if you would benefit from red light therapy!
Will you include red light therapy in your skincare routine? Comment below and share your thoughts!