Red light therapy – does it really work?

If you like to keep up to date on popular skincare trends, you’ve probably heard or seen the term ‘red light therapy’ floating around on the internet and social media platforms. However, it might surprise you to learn that it’s not all that new of a phenomenon. Red light therapy has been known to the skincare world for quite some time and is said to have a multitude of skincare benefits like reducing the appearance of wrinkles, scars, redness and acne – but does it really work?

If you are looking to find out the answer to that question, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re talking about all things red light therapy and whether there’s any truth to the claims that beauty influencers are making. Let’s dive in and find out!

What is red light therapy?

According to Healthline, red light therapy, which is also referred to as RLT or photobiomodulation is ‘a therapeutic technique that uses low level wavelengths of red light to help treat skin conditions, such as wrinkles and psoriasis. It’s classified as a type of phototherapy.

The history of red light therapy

Endre Mester accidentally discovered red light therapy in 1967 at the Semmelweis Medical University in Budapest, Hungary. While conducting experiments on mice with red light, he shaved their fur, and to his surprise, the red light actually helped their fur grow back more quickly.

What’s the process?

Red light therapy utilises specific wavelengths of red or near-infrared LED light that do not produce heat to penetrate the skin at depths of 1 to 2 millimetres, where they are absorbed by the mitochondria in cells. It’s believed that the absorption of red light may significantly enhance ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, which is the source of energy for use and storage at the cellular level, leading to a potential improvement in cellular energy and function. Still, more research is needed before any definitive claims are made.

It’s thought that by boosting the energy of the mitochondria via red light therapy, cells can operate more effectively, undergo rejuvenation, and repair themselves more efficiently. It’s also thought that RLT can increase blood flow and help deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the skin while assisting in the removal of waste products, reducing chronic inflammation and supporting overall skin health.

So, does it work?

Well, the short answer is that it’s too soon to give a definitive option. While some studies have found that it does have a positive effect on many things, not just skin health, there are a few reports that have negative findings. That, and many of the clinical trials undertaken were conducted on rodents rather than humans. So, it’s still too soon to tell if it’s genuinely beneficial without any nasty side effects.

Don’t worry though, if you’re looking for ways to combat any wrinkles that may appear on your face, we have a great, safe alternative to RLT here at AP Smilecare – anti-wrinkle treatments.

Our anti-wrinkle treatments are quick and easy, taking just a few minutes to administer. They are an effective way to smooth lines on the forehead and around the eyes and mouth without any need for invasive procedures.

You can rest assured that you’re in good hands with our trained clinicians. We only use high-quality, powerful medical-grade ingredients. Most importantly, we’re professionally trained, and we’ll take the time to understand what you’re looking to get out of the treatment. So, if this is something you’re considering, why not pop into our Blackburn clinic and find out what the treatment involves and whether it’s the right choice for you? If you’re interested, give us a call on 01254 297000 and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help!