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In the quest for optimal skin health and a glowing complexion, Red Light Therapy is becoming increasingly popular as an innovative skincare treatment that you can do from the comfort of your own home as part of your regular routine. Depending on the device, Red Light Therapy can work to stimulate collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and restore glowing, healthy-looking skin.
While the benefits of Red Light Therapy extend far beyond aesthetics, we’re going to discuss Red Light Therapy specifically as it pertains to skincare in the face, neck, and chest regions.
What Is Red Light Therapy (RLT)?
Red Light Therapy (RLT) for skincare involves the use of Red and Near-Infrared Light to achieve various goals such as reducing visible signs of skin aging. By delivering light energy to the skin's deeper layers, RLT can help stimulate collagen production and help rejuvenate the skin thanks to collagen’s role in the skin’s structure and integrity. Red Light Therapy is known to be a safe and non-invasive option for enhancing overall skin appearance when used according to the manufacturer instructions.
Other Types of Light Therapy Sometimes Mistaken for Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy, especially the kind we use in our professional-grade skincare products, is just one type of light therapy, and should not be confused with these similar but slightly different treatments:
- Photobiomodulation: A therapy that uses low-level light to stimulate cellular function and promote healing, often used for pain relief and tissue repair.
- Phototherapy: A treatment that involves exposure to specific wavelengths of light to treat various skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, and mood disorders like seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
- Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT): A non-invasive treatment that uses low-intensity light to reduce pain, inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration without causing heat or damage to the skin.
- Low Power Laser Therapy (LPLT): A form of phototherapy that uses low-power lasers to stimulate cellular activity, accelerate healing, and reduce pain and inflammation.
- Biostimulation: A therapeutic approach that uses light or laser energy to stimulate cellular processes, enhancing tissue repair, regeneration, and overall skin health.
- Soft Laser Therapy: A gentle laser treatment that uses low-energy light to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain without damaging the surrounding tissues.
- Cold Laser Therapy: A non-thermal treatment that uses low-level lasers to penetrate the skin and stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and manage pain.
- Photonic Stimulation: A therapy that uses light energy to activate cellular processes, promoting healing, reducing pain, and enhancing tissue function.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Red Light Therapy utilizes a specific wavelength of 630 nanometers, which is known for its ability to penetrate the skin and reach deeper layers where it can stimulate cellular processes like collagen production without causing discomfort or damage to the skin's surface. Because of this, Red Light Therapy is becoming increasingly popular in professional-grade skincare.
What Are the Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Skin?
Red Light Therapy For Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Red Light Therapy stimulates the production of collagen, an essential protein that’s responsible for firmness in the skin because of the role it plays in maintaining your skin’s structure. In aging skin, collagen can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, resulting in smoother, healthier-looking skin with a radiant glow.
Red Light Therapy For Acne
By targeting the skin at a cellular level, Red Light Therapy helps reduce the appearance of inflammation and redness caused by acne. Combined with blue light therapy, it can also help combat pimple-causing bacteria, excess sebum, and post-acne hyperpigmentation.
Red Light Therapy as a Non-Invasive Skin Treatment
Red Light Therapy offers a non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures and more intensive skin treatments, providing significant benefits without the associated risks, recovery time, cost, or discomfort. Unlike surgery or deep chemical peels that require recovery periods and may involve prolonged skin irritation for a period after treatment, Red Light Therapy works gently enough that it can be used daily for most individuals. Red Light Therapy can help to visibly rejuvenate skin, promoting a smoother, firmer complexion without the need for anesthesia or incisions.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
Red Light Therapy is considered a safe and non-invasive treatment when used as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions. Because of the wavelengths at which Red Light Therapy is administered, the skin can be penetrated and treated without being damaged. Unlike ultraviolet (UV) light, Red Light Therapy does not carry the risk of skin damage or increase the likelihood of skin cancer. Most individuals tolerate the therapy well, experiencing minimal to no side effects.
As always, if you have concerns or are generally unsure how a new skincare treatment may affect your skin, specifically, consult with a skincare provider such as a dermatologist or licensed esthetician for further guidance based on your specific medical history and skin health.
The Best Red Light Therapy Devices
Red Light Therapy devices come in various forms, each designed to cater to different treatment needs and preferences. These devices range from handheld wands for targeted areas to full-body beds for comprehensive skin rejuvenation.
Below are some of the most popular Red Light Therapy devices available:
Red Light Therapy Face Mask
A Red Light Therapy face mask covers the entire face, delivering uniform light exposure to improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. It is effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and irritation caused by acne.
Our Wrinkle Retreat Mask combines Red Light Therapy with Near-Infrared Light Therapy to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production, while also improving skin firmness and overall radiance. Made from medical-grade silicone, it's lightweight, comfortable, and easy to use, offering a quick 10-minute treatment that fits seamlessly into your regular skincare routine to help reveal smoother, healthier-looking skin!
Red Light Therapy Neck and Chest Mask
A Red Light Therapy neck and chest mask is designed to target the often-overlooked neck and chest. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while also working to visibly lift and firm skin that may otherwise appear saggy due to skin aging.
Our Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Skincare Mask is specifically designed to address skin aging concerns within the neck and chest areas. Like our face mask, the neck and chest mask is designed to deliver both Red Light Therapy and Near-Infrared Light Therapy to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and creases, and rejuvenate tired, aged, and saggy skin. Its hands-free, easy-to-use design allows you to enjoy a 10-minute treatment that promotes smoother, firmer, and more radiant-looking skin in these delicate areas.
Red Light Therapy Handhelds
A Red Light Therapy handheld device is designed for targeted treatment of specific areas on the face or body. It is ideal for addressing localized concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and acne spots.
Our 4-in-1 Red Light Therapy Wand is a multifunctional skincare tool that combines Red Light Therapy, Galvanic Current, Facial Massage, and Therapeutic Warmth to deliver a wealth of benefits in a compact but thorough handheld treatment device. Our 7x award-winning device can help tackle wrinkles and fine lines, puffiness, dark spots and circles, and skin texture.
- Red Light Therapy helps to stimulate collagen production, which helps promote youthful, radiant skin by smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Galvanic Current helps to boost the absorption of serums and creams that come later in your skincare routine (check out out article here on how to layer your favorite products for max efficiency)
- Gentle facial massaging reduces the appearance of puffiness
- Therapeutic warmth soothes skin and reduces the appearance of dark spots and under-eye circles
We also have a 2-in-1 Red Light Therapy Mini Handheld, which integrates Red Light and Near-Infrared Light Therapy with Therapeutic Warmth in a portable, collapsible format that’s designed for skincare and self-care on-the-go. Its unique design offers flexibility and convenience without sacrificing effectiveness, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a versatile, travel-friendly skincare treatment that works great for the back of the hands, neck, chest, arms, and anywhere else you want to rejuvenate your skin!
Last but not least, we also have a handheld specifically designed to target pimples! Our FDA-cleared 3-Minute Acne Spot Treatment also uses a dual-action approach, combining Red Light and Blue Light Therapies to combat breakouts, pimples, and inflammation. Blue Light therapy has been shown to destroy acne-causing bacteria while also helping to balance sebum in the skin. Meanwhile, the Red Light Therapy helps to visibly reduce the redness caused by acne, and brighten post-acne hyperpigmentation. Designed for ease of use, this compact, travel-friendly tool delivers a potent, 3-minute treatment that targets mild to moderate acne quickly and painlessly.
Red Light Therapy Eye Mask
A Red Light Therapy eye mask is specifically designed to target the delicate skin around the eyes. It helps reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines, promoting a more refreshed and youthful look.
Red Light Therapy Panel
A Red Light Therapy panel is a larger device that emits Red and Near-Infrared Light over a broader area. It is suitable for treating larger sections of the body, providing comprehensive skin rejuvenation and overall wellness benefits.
Red Light Therapy Bed
A Red Light Therapy bed is a full-body device that allows for extensive treatment of the skin. It is ideal for individuals seeking comprehensive skin rejuvenation and overall wellness benefits, as it covers the entire body in therapeutic light.
How To Do Red Light Therapy At Home
Choose The Right Device
Select a Red Light Therapy device that suits your specific needs and preferences.
If you need help choosing, you can take our Skin Quiz here for guidance based on factors like your age, skin concerns, skin tone, skin type, and more!
Prepare Your Skin
Cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove any makeup, oils, and impurities. Clean, dry skin allows the light to penetrate more effectively and ensures optimal results.
Position the Device
Place the Red Light Therapy device at the recommended distance from your skin. Follow the manufacturer's instructions as this can vary depending on the device. Both our face mask and neck and chest masks lay directly on top of the skin so you can relax during treatment, but this may not be the case for other manufacturers!
Set a Timer
Some Red Light Therapy devices come with a built-in timer, programmed timer, and/or automatic shutoff. Set the timer according to the recommended duration, typically between 10 to 20 minutes per session.
For our devices, simply turn on the power and let the treatment do its thing; our face mask, neck and chest mask, and pimple handheld will automatically shut off when treatment is done.
Consistency Is Key
For the best results, use Red Light Therapy consistently. Most recommendations average at about three to five sessions per week for the first one to four weeks, followed by a reduction to one to two times per week for maintenance.
Our devices are gentle enough that you can incorporate them as you’d like into your regular skincare routine! That said, don’t mistake “gentle” for anything but powerful -- check out our Red Light Therapy before and after photos for yourself!
Who Should Not Use Red Light Therapy?
While Red Light Therapy is generally safe for most individuals, you should always review the contraindications and risk factors section of the included instruction guide for any device you use, as there are certain groups who should exercise caution or avoid it altogether.
Pregnant women, individuals with photosensitive conditions, or those taking medications that increase sensitivity to light should consult with a healthcare professional before starting Red Light Therapy. Additionally, people with active skin infections, open wounds, or severe skin conditions should avoid using Red Light Therapy unless otherwise advised by their primary healthcare provider.
If you have any concerns about incorporating Red Light Therapy into your routine, or if your skin does not respond well to the first treatment and you notice redness or general irritation, you should consult with a dermatologist or licensed esthetician.
How Often Should You Use Red Light Therapy?
The frequency of Red Light Therapy sessions can vary depending on individual needs and the specific goals being targeted. Generally, it is recommended to start with sessions three to five times per week for the first one to four weeks to achieve optimal results. As improvements are noticed, the frequency can be reduced to one to two times per week for maintenance. Each session typically lasts about 10 minutes, allowing the red light to effectively penetrate the skin and deliver results.
As we said above, all of our devices can be added into your regular skincare routine with low risk of skin irritation. Of course, be sure to always monitor how your skin reacts to regular sessions, especially if you’re treating daily, and adjust accordingly or seek guidance from a skincare professional as needed.
Conclusion
Red Light Therapy has emerged as a versatile and effective treatment in the skincare world. From tackling fine lines and wrinkles to combating the effects of pimples and breakouts, the benefits of Red Light Therapy are notable.
At Solawave, we consider ourselves the experts when it comes to innovating Light Therapy tools and powerful topicals so you can achieve healthier-looking, glowing skin from the comfort of your home. We take pride in offering a range of high-quality, user-friendly devices designed to deliver consistent, visibly noticeable results. Whether you're new to Red Light Therapy or seeking to enhance your current skincare routine, we provide the tools you need to achieve glowing, healthier-looking skin.
Get started transforming your skin here!
Sources:
- 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
- Safety of light emitting diode-red light on human skin: Two randomized controlled trials
- Light-based therapies in acne treatment - PMC
