Use Light Therapy to Improve Skin Health

“Your skin is your best accessory. Take good care of it.”—Myglamm.com

As women age, they may experience several skin health concerns.

Wrinkles and Fine Lines are the no.1 concern of many women.

But everyone wrinkles eventually.

So, you may ask, “What can I do about my aging face?”

In this article, you will discover how Light Therapy can improve skin health.

First—

What Is Light Therapy?

Light Therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to target various skin conditions and promote skin health.

There are different types of light therapy, each with its benefits and applications:

1. Red Light Therapy: Red light therapy utilizes low-level red or near-infrared light to penetrate the skin’s surface. It can help stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture and tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote overall skin rejuvenation.
2. Blue Light Therapy: Blue light therapy targets the sebaceous glands in the skin, which are responsible for producing oil. It can effectively treat acne and kill the bacteria that contribute to breakouts. Blue light therapy is often used in conjunction with other acne treatments.
3. LED Therapy: Light-emitting diode (LED) therapy involves using multiple wavelengths, including red and blue light, to address various skin concerns. It can be beneficial for acne, skin rejuvenation, and reducing inflammation.
4. Infrared Light Therapy: Infrared light therapy utilizes longer wavelengths of light to penetrate deeper into the skin, promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and enhancing circulation. It can be useful for wound healing, reducing pain, and improving skin health.
5. Combination Therapy: Some clinics and devices combine different wavelengths of light to target multiple skin concerns simultaneously. These treatments may involve red, blue, and infrared light to address acne, promote collagen production and improve overall skin health.

Now that you have an overview of the different light therapies let’s do a deep dive and discuss the top benefits of each, according to the science.

Top Benefits of Red Light (RLT) Therapy:

ClevelandClinic.org has a plethora of information on this type of light therapy.

There’s a lot of ongoing research regarding the effectiveness of RLT in treating all types of health issues.

Regarding skin issues, RLT is reportedly effective in reducing wrinkles, scars, redness, and acne.

The Top 5 Benefits of Red Light Therapy include it:

1. Reduces inflammation.
2. Promotes healthy circulation.
3. Decreases fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Increases skin’s firmness and elasticity.
5. Improves skin’s texture and tone.

Research shows RLT is also good for treating hair loss in men and women who suffer from androgenetic alopecia (a genetic disorder that causes hair loss).

Red Light Therapy, generally considered safe, is non-invasive, and free from significant side effects, although individual experiences may vary.

It’s important to note that while RLT shows promise for various applications, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and establish its effectiveness for specific conditions.

It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist to determine if it’s appropriate for your specific needs.

Side note: It’s interesting to learn that NASA currently studies and experiments with RLT in its potential use to help heal wounds in astronauts.

Studies are ongoing.

Top Benefits of Blue Light Therapy:

Blue light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that involves exposing the skin of specific body parts to low levels of blue light.

Blue light therapy is an acne treatment that kills the bacteria that contribute to acne breakouts, reducing inflammation and helping to improve the skin’s overall appearance.

The Top 5 Benefits of Blue Light Therapy include that it:

1. Kills certain bacteria on the skin.
2. Rejuvenates skin by promoting collagen synthesis.
3. Improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture, leading to a more rejuvenated and smoother complexion.
4. Enhances mood and alleviates symptoms of depression.
5. Heals wounds.

While blue light appears to be safe, there are mild adverse side effects:

• Dry skin.
• Changes in skin color.
• Stinging, prickling, or burning of the treated skin.

They are usually resolved soon after treatment.

(Source: MayoClinic.org)

Top Benefits of LED Therapy:

Light-emitting diode (LED) therapy involves using multiple wavelengths, including red and blue light, to address various skin concerns.

LED can be beneficial for acne, skin rejuvenation, and reducing inflammation, and it is a non-invasive, pain-free, and generally safe treatment.

LED therapy devices send light waves deep into the skin to trigger natural intracellular reactions.

The Top 5 Benefits of LED Therapy include it:

1. Smooth’s fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Improves acne scars.
3. It prevents breakouts by killing the acne-causing bacteria.
4. Stimulates collagen production.
5. Brightens skin.

(Source: Dendy Engelman, MD, and Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Sheila Nazarian, MD)

Side Note:

You can have LED light therapy in a spa, or dermatologist’s office or buy an in-home device.

Top Benefits of Infrared Light Therapy:

How does infrared light therapy differ from red light therapy?

While there is some overlap between the two, they differ primarily in the wavelengths of light used and the depth of penetration into the body.

Red light therapy typically ranges from 620 to 700 nanometers (nm), while infrared light has a deeper penetration into the body and commonly ranges from 700 to 1200 nm.

While both red light therapy and infrared light therapy have specific applications and benefits, they can also complement each other.

Some devices and treatments combine red and infrared wavelengths to target surface-level and deeper tissue-related concerns simultaneously.

The choice between red light therapy and infrared light therapy depends on the desired outcomes and the depth at which the light needs to penetrate to address specific conditions.

The Top 5 Benefits of Infrared Light Therapy include the:

1. Skin purification.
2. Detoxification.
3. Pain relief.
4. Reduction of muscle tension.
5. Improved cardiovascular health.

Side Note: Potential Cancer Cure

“Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy uses an antibody-photo absorber conjugate that binds to cancer cells. When near-infrared light is applied the cells swell and often burst, causing the cancer cell to die.”

(Source: National Cancer Institute (NIH).)

Top Benefits of Combination Therapy:

Some clinics and devices combine different wavelengths of light to target multiple skin concerns simultaneously.

These combined treatments may involve red, blue, and infrared light to address acne, promote collagen production, and improve overall skin health.

Combined light therapy, also known as phototherapy, involves using different wavelengths of light to treat various conditions.

Some clinics and devices combine different wavelengths of light to target multiple skin concerns simultaneously. These treatments may involve red, blue, and infrared light to address acne, promote collagen production, and improve overall skin health.

It can be a highly effective and versatile approach with several benefits.

The Top 5 Benefits of Combined Light Therapy include the:

5. Skin health: Combined light therapy has been shown to be beneficial in treating skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. Red and blue light is commonly used for acne treatment, as red light reduces inflammation and promotes healing, while blue light targets the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts.
6. Mood enhancement: Light therapy is beneficial in treating seasonal affective disorders (SAD), a type of depression typically occurring during the winter months due to reduced sunlight exposure. Exposure to bright light can help circadian rhythms, improve mood, and alleviate symptoms of depression.
7. Pain management: Light therapy manages chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and musculoskeletal disorders. Infrared light can penetrate deep into the tissues, promoting blood circulation and reducing inflammation, which may help alleviate pain and promote healing.
8. Anti-Aging effects: Light therapy can rejuvenate the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. It stimulates collagen and elastin production, which help maintain skin elasticity and firmness.
9. Sleep disorders: Exposure to specific wavelengths of light, such as blue light during the day and warmer tones in the evening, can help regulate the sleep-wake cycle and improve sleep quality. Light therapy benefits those with insomnia, jet lag, or other sleep disorders.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of combined light therapy may vary depending on the specific conditions and individual responses.

It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any light therapy treatment to ensure it is appropriate for your needs.

Summary

As women age, they may experience several skin health concerns.

For instance:

1. Wrinkles and fine lines.
2. Age spots.
3. Dry skin.
4. Thinning of the skin.
5. Skin sagging.
6. Skin sensitivity.
7. Uneven skin tone and texture.

So, in addition to the light therapies discussed in this article, what can a woman do about her aging face?

Here are eight tips:

1. Adopt a skincare routine: A consistent skincare routine includes cleansing, moisturizing, and using products with anti-aging ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and sunscreen to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
2. Stay hydrated: Drink an adequate amount of water each day. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can also provide essential nutrients for healthy skin.
3. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Smoking accelerates skin aging, leading to wrinkles and dullness. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate the skin and contribute to premature aging.
4. Minimize sun exposure: Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, hats, ad sunglasses. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak hours.
5. Experiment with makeup techniques: Use a light-reflecting concealer, highlighting certain of the face, or opt for a fresh, natural-looking makeup style.
6. Get adequate sleep: Quality sleep is a must as this allows your skin to regenerate and repair itself. Lack of sleep can contribute to dark circles, dull complexion, and premature aging.
7. Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to accelerated aging. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercising, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
8. Embrace your appearance: Aging is a natural process. Embracing your appearance with confidence can make a significant difference. Emphasize self-care, and self-acceptance, and celebrate the beauty of experience and wisdom.

Key Takeaways:

1. Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to target various skin conditions and promote skin health.
2. There are different types of light therapy, each with its benefits and applications:

• Red Light Therapy
• Blue Light Therapy
• LED Therapy
• Infrared Light Therapy
• Combination Therapy

3. Other key benefits of light therapy, in addition to skin health, include:

• Mood enhancement.
• Sleep improvement.
• Pain management.
• Wound healing.

4. Consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions regarding your treatment so they can assess your circumstances and provide guidance tailored to your needs.

So, did you “put your face on” today?

That beautiful face that smiles back at you in the mirror could be a creation of Light Therapy, which is known to treat and improve various skin conditions skin and improve overall well-being.

Everyone gets wrinkles eventually.

But as you age, it’s important to maintain skin health.

If you establish a skincare routine focusing on hydration, protection from the sun, and nourishing your skin but still want to do more about fine lines, contact a healthcare professional.

Light Therapy might be what you need to promote healthier skin.

Use Light Therapy to Improve Skin Health Today!