Red Light Therapy in Dermatology
Today’s facials and dermatology appointments look different from what they used to. The introduction of new products, treatments, and light therapies is now used regularly in dermatology practices. Blue light therapy has many benefits in skincare, and red light therapy is also consistently showing improvement and promise in the industry.
Photobiomodulation
The medical name for red light therapy is photobiomodulation. This low-level laser is used to reduce pain and inflammation and aid healing without heat. Infrared light stimulates the body’s cells, and more benefits of using red light therapy in skincare and dermatology are being discovered.
Red light therapy emits LED lights that produce biological responses on a cellular level. Although home devices are being sold through social media ads and other vendors, the best skincare treatments will be administered by a professional with the skill and knowledge to explain and implement treatment with the greatest success. Masks are the most popular at-home option for red light therapy, but handheld wands can also be used on the areas to be treated. The frequency and the device will greatly vary the results.
Anti-Aging with Red Light Therapy
One of the most frequent requests in dermatology offices is for anti-aging treatments. Inquiries about products, treatments, and options remain highly sought. The FDA has cleared many red light devices to treat aging skin, and, when used in combination with other therapies, they can deliver incredible results. Red light therapy specifically targets dark spots, discolorations, fine lines, and loose skin. Red light therapy, whether done at home or in the office, will not yield immediate results. Red light therapies must be used consistently and continually to yield the results most people seek. Treatments can take up to three months to see visible results and typically last one month after stopping treatments.
Regrowing Hair with Red Light Therapy
With aging come hair loss and other significant hormonal changes. Often, medications or treatments for health conditions can cause hair thinning and hair loss. Many who experienced COVID-19 reported significant hair loss. The FDA has approved red light devices to stimulate hair follicles and encourage new growth. Red light therapy used to regrow hair has also been shown to thicken hair and allow it to grow longer than before treatment. Other hair loss treatments are rivaled by red light therapy.
Acne Concerns Treated with No Downtime
Whether experiencing acne in the teen years or well into adulthood, acne is a highly controllable skin condition that can be treated with various products and procedures, including red light therapy. As with blue light therapy, many dermatology offices may use both blue light and red light therapies during facials or acne treatments. Although both light therapies address acne differently, red light does.
Blue light targets the acne causing bacteria in oil-producing glands, whereas red light therapy stimulates cells, promotes healing, and reduces inflammation. Treatment every couple of weeks or monthly can effectively reduce the amount of sebum the skin produces, improve acne lesions, and has no adverse side effects. Using both therapies gives clients results they didn’t realize they could achieve using non-invasive treatments.
Using Red Light Therapy Safely
Unlike ultraviolet light, such as that used in tanning beds, red light therapy has not been found to cause cancer, which is why the FDA has cleared its use. As research continues, the American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests using red light therapy safely. First, talk to your dermatologist about your skin concerns. Those with darker skin may be more sensitive to light therapies and have discoloration as a result.
If using a home device, use it only for the areas for which it is approved, not for all areas of the body. In other words, don’t purchase a red light therapy device for your legs and torso and use it on your face. Dermatologists have the training, knowledge, and experience to ensure that only the appropriate amount of light is administered while monitoring the skin’s response. Seeing things at the cellular level can help ensure there are no unwanted side effects from its use. If applied to these areas, there are risks that must be avoided to ensure the best results without any downside!
If you are struggling with acne, signs of aging, or other skin concerns, you deserve care that helps you feel confident and in control of how you look and feel. Contact Buckhead Dermatology to schedule an appointment and learn more about light therapies and other treatments for hair, skin, and nail concerns.