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There are endless skincare services and beauty products on the market that promise to make you appear younger and slow down the effects of aging; we see countless procedures, such as Botox injections or facelifts, being done almost routinely on shows like The Real Housewives, not to mention an entire industry of multivitamins.
While there have been amazing strides in the plastic surgery industry to make these procedures safer and produce better results, there are easier and more cost-efficient ways to delay time from marching across your face, and improve the overall quality of your skin — one of them is red light therapy. “Red Light Therapy is a clinically studied, FDA-approved treatment that can improve the appearance of skin if you have acne, scars, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging,” says Shane Miller, a licensed esthetician and the owner of the popular Instagram account @howtohydrate.
Dr. Alexis Curreri, MD, is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and says that Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights (which deliver that aforementioned red and near infrared light) are quickly becoming one of her favorite dermatologic devices. “Studies have shown that these devices help stimulate hair follicles and fibroblasts within our skin. This leads to the generation of ATP, which acts as the fuel for our cells.” She says this allows cells to calm down inflammation, which can increase blood circulation and wound-healing, and help with the creation of new collagen. “Together this leads to more vibrant, elastic, younger-looking skin.”
If you’re interested in finding out what red light therapy can do for you, here are some picks based on Miller and Curreri’s recommendations, along with devices our editors have tested ourselves that come from trustworthy brands.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
So how does red light therapy work? “As we age, our cells become larger,” Miller explains, “making it increasingly difficult for them to divide and multiply, ultimately slowing our body’s ability to regenerate. Red light therapy technology delivers low-wavelength light to energize our skin cells.” In short, the red light produced by the device is absorbed by our mitochondria and keeps our cells stimulated and working hard, improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and our skin’s texture.
In addition to slowing the effects of aging, regular red light therapy sessions can have a variety of other benefits on our skin and overall body, such as reducing skin inflammation brought on by conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and contact dermatitis.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
“Unlike UVA/UVB rays, red light does not pose a threat to your skin,” Miller says. “Still, any new treatment should be taken with caution as everyone’s skin and body will react differently.”
If you’re unsure of how to integrate red light therapy into your daily routine, Miller recommends consulting with a licensed esthetician or a dermatologist to see if it’s right for you.
And as always, Dr. Curreri says that when looking for a device to use at home, “you want to look for a product that has a history of safety, reliable results, and the research to support their claims.”
