Red light therapy can be used to ease redness caused by age spots, acne scars and other skin conditions.
Red light therapy is usually a hand-held device, like a kit or gadget. It works by emitting red light for a few minutes, in order to stimulate collagen and other repairing proteins in the skin.
The results of this treatment are usually long-lasting and can even reverse some skin discoloration if used regularly. It may be an ideal alternative for people who cannot afford or access Botox or laser treatments.
Benefits
Red light therapy reduces redness caused by age spots, acne scars and other skin conditions. Red light therapy reduces redness caused by age spots, acne scars and other skin conditions.
Some people who experience or notice redness, rosacea or sun spots while they are younger may find that they improve significantly with regular red light therapy.
Red light therapy can help reduce symptoms of:
- age spots
- skin discoloration, such as acne scarring
- certain cancers
- redness caused by minor injuries
- redness from conditions that cause skin discoloration, such as erythema nodosum
- The current evidence about red light therapy is mixed.
Some research suggests that red light therapy can be effective against age spots. Research also shows that red light therapy may be useful against skin discoloration caused by the use of certain drugs. However, more research is required.
While there is some evidence that red light therapy can reduce redness from superficial wounds, there is no research to prove that it can help relieve the pain of superficial burns.
However, it is unlikely that red light therapy would help a condition that causes inflammation around the eye, such as conjunctivitis or photokeratitis.
More research is needed to confirm the benefits of red light therapy. People should consult their doctor before using it, as side effects may include:
- bleeding
- skin damage, including peeling
- skin sensitivity
- redness or inflammation in areas around the eyes
- sensitivity to light, such as the red eye.
Red light therapy may also be useful for treating white spots. However, the current evidence about its effectiveness is limited, and more research is needed.
Side effects of Red Light Therapy
A person should not use red light therapy regularly or for an extended period if they have any underlying medical conditions, such as:
- anemia
- angina
- skin problems
- bleeding disorder
- asthma
- shortness of breath
- a pulse rate greater than 90 beats per minute
- Procedure
A red light box makes red light therapy easy. A red light box makes red light therapy easy.
There are several ways that people can apply red light therapy to their skin:
- using a kit
- wearing goggles
- carrying the device in a bag
- carrying the device in a car.
Depending on the device and the distance that it is set up, the device may be placed against the face, hands, back, or chest. Some devices have front reflectors so that the light does not end up in the eyes.
Some doctors recommend that a person applies red light therapy before bed or in the morning to allow the light to stay in the skin for the longest period of time.
People may need to take red light therapy equipment into the shower or bath for the best results.
Takeaway
While red light therapy has only recently been studied as an alternative treatment for conditions such as acne scars, the results are positive. There is some evidence that it may be useful against age spots. More research is needed.
It is important to remember that red light therapy will not permanently make skin more radiant or darken the color of the skin.
People can use red light therapy for a few hours to several weeks.
As red light therapy is a relatively new technology, doctors do not yet know the long-term effects of using it.
Anyone who has used red light therapy, or has any questions about its possible risks or benefits, should speak to a doctor.
