As its name suggests, light therapy is a treatment that harnesses wavelengths, usually red or blue, to penetrate the skin. It is an emerging treatment gaining so much popularity in dermatology clinics.
Why? Light therapy has been used to fix dermal problems and improve overall skin health thanks to its minimally invasive properties. It addresses conditions like aging, wrinkles, scars, moles, and acne.
Despite its popularity, studies have yet to produce any conclusive consensus on its efficacy and safety. That hasn’t stopped many dermatological experts from recommending it as a form of treatment. A large majority of positive light therapy reviews have furthered its continued use.
Can you rely on it for your skin woes? Decide for yourself by checking out its benefits.
- It Improves Skin Appearance
Light therapy improves skin health and appearance by encouraging the healing and rejuvenation of cells.
When the concentrated wavelengths penetrate the skin’s layers, it stimulates the cells’ mitochondria, reducing oxidative stress. When done regularly as your go-to treatment, it can combat the signs of aging, helping you maintain a youthful look.
Following each light therapy session, you may find your skin feeling flusher and plumper. It’s a sign that the tissues now receive more oxygen and nutrients for healing, thanks to improved blood circulation. It allows the cells to eliminate toxic byproducts more efficiently, maintaining the flexibility and suppleness of the skin. In turn, it makes you look younger and more radiant.
- It Helps Treat Eczema
Eczema is a condition that causes rough and dry patches on the skin. Symptoms usually flare up after exposure to an allergen or skin irritant. Fortunately, eczema isn’t contagious and is easily manageable with proper treatment.
Light therapy is one of the most effective ones. Regular treatment can improve the skin’s appearance by removing blemishes. Coupling this with avoiding triggers and using gentle products is essential for longer-lasting results.
- It Aids In Managing Acne
Light therapy is also used to treat mild to moderate acne breakouts.
There are many causes of acne breakouts. But if yours is specifically due to bacteria or inflammation, light therapy may offer the repair and healing you need.
Note that light therapy isn’t meant to fix this issue permanently. However, at its best, it’s a safe and effective form of acne management.
- It Promotes Wound Healing
Light therapy, particularly red light, can help accelerate the healing process. It comes from its ability to stimulate collagen production, which is vital for maintaining the skin’s structural integrity. It also reduces swelling, redness, and bruising. Some people who get skin resurfacing get light therapy as an accompanying treatment days after their surgery.
- It Helps Reduce Inflammation
Individuals suffering from acute or chronic inflammation can also benefit from light therapy. During each session, blood flow is increased to the damaged tissues, raising antioxidant levels. When the swelling subsides, the skin’s appearance improves by looking more rejuvenated.
- It Helps Combat Hair Loss
Women, in particular, suffer quite significantly from hair loss due to sharp hormonal changes. It’s especially true a few months after birth, where accounts of postpartum women losing hair are relatively high. It also happens to men, though stress and aging play a significant role.
Mild hair loss cases can benefit from light therapy with other treatment forms. These include taking the proper medication and injecting platelet-rich plasma, to name a few.
How Light Therapy Works
How exactly does light therapy provide the benefits mentioned above?
As briefly mentioned before, light therapy stimulates the mitochondria, the little organelles that power the cells’ functions. This releases energy that enhances crucial metabolic processes, allowing the cells to work better at repair, multiplication, and waste disposal.
This series of reactions results in the following:
- Enhanced skin rejuvenation
- Quicker skin repair
- Increased growth of new cells
These are some of the advantages you get from light therapy. If you have skin-related concerns, visit your dermatologist for a consultation. They can help you determine whether or not light therapy can help you with your current problem.
Should You Get It?
Light therapy is quickly becoming one of the most in-demand skin-related treatments with minimal risks and little to no downtime. But it only offers the best effects when administered correctly by a skilled, well-equipped expert. Take some time to compare light therapy providers and check their reviews.
If you’re interested in trying light therapy for your skin woes, the first thing to do is consult your trusted dermatologist. You’ll need their professional advice to know if it’s the right option. Mention any medical concerns you may have for a proper diagnosis and recommendation.
