Skin care has taken a front seat in the media recently and for a good reason. It seems now more than ever, both women and men are taking better care of their skin and benefiting from the results that come when we take time to take care of ourselves—including a boost in mental health.
That being said, societal norms can pressure us to try the newest fads, test the latest products, and stay in the know with advancing technology. Beauty treatments, trips to the dermatologist, and skin care regimens can be both timely and costly—and make us question what actually works. We are bombarded with ideas on how to maintain the health of our skin when in reality, most of us want a go-to routine that fits into our lifestyle and budget.
Enter red light therapy (RLT). Red light therapy is a type of phototherapy that uses low-level wavelengths of red light to help treat skin conditions, such as wrinkles and scars. Red light therapy is also said to treat cellulite, reduce inflammation, slow aging, and repair muscle tissues. Of course, we encourage embracing your body fully, in all its perfect imperfection—but we also recognize the improvement in mental health when we feel comfortable and confident in our own skin.
Red light therapy offers a non-invasive and natural approach to addressing skin concerns and promoting overall well-being. So, while welcoming the process of aging and appreciating our “flaws” is important, incorporating red light therapy into your self-care routine can complement this mindset by nurturing your skin and enhancing your natural radiance. Self-care, beauty, and health benefits? Count me in.
What is Red Light Therapy (RLT)?
Red light therapy works by exposing your skin to low levels of red and near-infrared light for a set time. At low wavelengths, red light penetrates the skin between 1 and 2 millimeters and doesn’t generate heat. Red light LED (light-emitting diode) are gaining popularity over lasers as the chosen RLT light source because they are nonthermal, and are said to help increase collagen, increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and increase production of fibroblasts.
Studies show that red light exposure may produce a positive biochemical effect in your cells that strengthens the mitochondria, boosting the cell’s energy. Red light therapy does this by increasing the transportation of electrons and oxygen consumption. By increasing the energy of the mitochondria, cells function more efficiently, as well as rejuvenate and repair themselves.
Red Light Therapy: Benefits
Research from about the last 20 years suggests promising results for the use of red light therapy, though additional clinical research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
It is said that red light therapy may help the following:
Reduce some cancer treatment side effects such as oral mucositis, radiation dermatitis, and lymphedema
Improve neural function and protection to improve cognition and memory for people with Alzheimer’s disease
Improve hair growth in people with androgenic alopecia
Treat short-term carpal tunnel syndrome
Reduce myopia progression
Reduces psoriasis lesions and burn scars
Reduces neuropathic pain
Promote wound healing and tissue repair
Treat stretch marks and wrinkles
Reduces inflammation
Repair muscle tissues
Improve skin complexion and build collagen to diminish wrinkles
Promote healthy aging
Interestingly, red light has also been studied for its potential medicinal benefits during space travel. Researchers believe it could help treat muscle atrophy, slow wound healing, and bone density issues caused by weightlessness in space.
Red Light Therapy for Mental Health
Red light therapy, while best known for its benefits when added to a skincare routine, is increasingly recognized for its potential to enhance mental well-being. Research suggests that exposure to red light can stimulate the production of serotonin, the neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation and happiness. By triggering serotonin release, red light therapy may offer relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Additionally, red light therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation in the brain, which is believed to play a role in various mental health conditions. This anti-inflammatory effect could potentially alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as PTSD and bipolar disorder, providing individuals with a non-invasive and drug-free option for managing their mental health.
Moreover, the calming effects of red light therapy extend beyond neurotransmitter regulation. Many users report feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after a session under the gentle glow of red light, which is why we support the use of red light therapy as something to add to your self-care routine. The relaxation response produced by sitting with a red light can help reduce stress levels, promoting better sleep, a crucial component of mental health maintenance. By incorporating red light therapy into their self-care routines, individuals may women find themselves better equipped to manage the challenges of daily life while fostering a greater sense of emotional balance and resilience.
Red Light Therapy: Risks
Red light therapy is characteristically safe and painless when used properly. There have been reports of burns, lesions, and blistering from using light therapy units. Some developed burns after using the device for 30 minutes or falling asleep with the unit in place. The RLT unit could also cause burns in the event there are any broken wires or corrosion within the device. Eye damage is a risk factor, so proper eye protection should be worn at all times during Red light therapy.
Does Red Light Therapy work?
LED light therapy uses varying wavelengths that relate to a specific color, each of which has different benefits. In addition to red, there is also blue, yellow, green, and near-infrared light therapy. The difference between these colors is the way in which each permeates the skin — blue affects the outermost layer and helps to treat acne-causing bacteria, while near-infrared penetrates the deepest.
While each has benefits, red light therapy is most commonly used to address concerns like acne, wrinkles, and scarring. When exposed to red light, the skin undergoes a regenerative process as the cells are stimulated and can stimulate new growth. This cell stimulation can be helpful in day-to-day life or can be incredibly healing for those recovering from surgery or injury.
Incorporating Red Light Therapy into Your Routine
Accessing red light therapy might not be as tricky as one might think. RLT treatments are growing in popularity with some gyms, tanning salons, and day spas now offering red light therapy. You can also find FDA-approved face masks and at-home devices online.
To prepare for red light therapy, cleanse and moisturize the skin before treatment so that no makeup, dirt, or sunscreen is on the treatment area. With treatment times ranging from three to 20 minutes, RLT offers a quick moment of rejuvenation and relaxation. Apply any serums and moisturizers following treatment.
Red Light Therapy and Self-Care Takeaways
Red light therapy is an affordable, nonmedical method for improving many conditions that may not respond to conventional treatments alone. If you're exploring skin rejuvenation and self-care options, you might want to look into the benefits of trying red light therapy. Incorporating RLT could be your next favorite advancement in self-care.
Whether you explore red light therapy or not, the most important thing is to prioritize self-care practices that resonate with you and make you feel comfortable in your own body. Remember, your adherence to beauty trends or skincare routines does not determine your worth. Taking care of yourself means honoring your individuality and embracing your inherent beauty in whatever way feels best for you.
If you’re struggling with your self-image or find it challenging to integrate self-care into your life, we invite you to contact us to get matched with a therapist dedicated to guiding you through practical strategies for self-acceptance and building confidence.
Her Time Therapy is an integrative group counseling practice comprised of licensed therapists in Colorado who specialize in providing convenient and empowering online therapy for women. You can feel confident working with a Her Time therapist because we recognize that women like you experience a unique set of biological, environmental, economic, and social challenges that have a real impact on your mental health and are deserving of specialized support. Reach out for a free consultation today!
Call/Text (720) 255-1667 | info@hertimetherapy.com | www.hertimetherapy.com
Kimberly Gaona is a Clinical Mental Health Graduate Student Intern offering affordable counseling services to Her Time Therapy Clients under the supervision of Meagan Clark, MA LPC NCC BC-TMH, and Adams State University professors. Kimberly is passionate about helping women who are struggling with chronic stress, cross-cultural issues, anxiety, burnout, and relationship issues.
*Disclaimer: This blog does not provide medical advice and the information contained herein is for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed health provider before undertaking a new treatment or health care regimen.
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