I don’t know Katy Perry personally, but I saw her show in Las Vegas and her skin looked amazing. It was so bright, I almost didn’t notice her iconic whipped cream canister bra because I couldn’t stop staring at her face.
I know celebrities aren’t exactly like us, and it takes a lot of talented people to pull off a stunning glow like Perry’s. But when she recently gave the red light treatment a go for her gorgeous skin — it was the ultimate celebrity secret I’ve been waiting for.
Could it be true that we’re all just one red light away from Perry-perfect skin?
Well, not exactly. However, research has found that red light therapy can help reveal smoother skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. “It’s not going to be the result of a facelift or give you the same volume you would get with filler—but your skin may feel more rejuvenated,” said Elizabeth Liotta, MD, board-certified dermatologist and member of HealthyWomen’s. Advisory Council on Women’s Health.
What is red light therapy?
You’ve probably seen red light therapy advertised as a glow stick, panel, or mask on social media. Or if you followed NASA in the 1990s, you might remember when it made headlines as a way to help heal astronaut wounds.
Either way, red light therapy involves a device that emits LED (light emitting diode) light into the skin. Low levels of red or near-infrared light help promote cell renewal for healing and can improve overall skin texture and tone.
The benefits of red light therapy
“Data shows that red light therapy increases collagen and blood circulation and reduces inflammation,” Liotta said.
In addition to boosting collagen for fine lines and wrinkles, red light therapy can be used on the face and body to help treat many skin conditions, including:
Red light therapy can also help with pain and promote healing for various health conditions. These may include:
- Arthritis
- Sores in the mouth
- Tendonitis
Treatment for certain conditions such as skin cancer must be done in the doctor’s office by your healthcare provider (HCP). But a big part of why red light therapy is so hot right now is because you can DIY it at home.
Red light therapy at home
Choosing a red light therapy device is the hard part. There are many options out there. When looking at devices for your face, Lauren Fine, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, recommended a mask over something smaller, like a wand or razor-type device. “It makes more sense to get the mask unless you’re only focusing on a small part of your face,” he said. “Smaller hand sticks are harder to use and there’s more room for error.”
Whatever device you decide to go with, Fine said it’s important to consider wavelength and nanometers. “For anti-aging purposes, if it’s not at 600 to 630 [nanometers] range will be a waste of money — it won’t have that stimulating collagen.”
If you’re looking for something stronger or to help with recovery or body pain, wavelengths of 800 nanometers and above penetrate deeper into tissue and can reduce inflammation.
If the device doesn’t mention nanometers at all, Fine said find one that does.
When considering a particular brand, a little research can go a long way. The Food and Drug Administration has approved several red light therapy devices. You can also contact your HCP for a recommendation and read online reviews before purchasing a device. Liotta noted that you don’t have to get the most popular or the most expensive to get results. “Some companies have great marketing, but the red light is really tried and true,” he said.
Possible dangers of red light therapy
Many people can benefit from a little red light therapy, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you get glowing. “In general, these treatments are extremely safe, gentle and effective, but some people are sensitive to the effects of heat on the skin. So if someone is prone to blackheads or hyperpigmentation, I would be cautious about using a full-face mask. Finn said.
Check with your HCP before trying red light therapy if you are taking medications that make you sensitive to sunlight, or if you are pregnant or undergoing radiation or chemotherapy.
Before using any red light device, Liotta said to read the directions carefully because they differ in timing and how many days a week you can use it. Note that your skin should not feel hot or burning when using a red light device. If this happens, do not use it again.
Overall, if your skin needs a boost, RLT can be an easy way to give it some TLC. “It’s a little tweak and you can look a little tighter and a little brighter,” Liotta said.
From your website articles
Related articles around the web
