Red Light Therapy Acne Before And After

Blue And Red Light Therapy May Suppress Sebum Production

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by an increase in the bodys sebum production. Combination blue and red light therapy has reduced acne in clinical trials and shown a significant decrease in sebum production after LED treatments.

Clinical data shows that red light and blue light used in tandem strongly downregulate lipid production in sebocytes, the cells that produce sebum . Trial results suggest that roughly 415 nm blue light and 630 nm red light wavelengths, when used together, can have beneficial effects on acne by suppressing sebum production.

Red Light Therapy For Injury

Scars from injuries can happen anywhere on the body. Depending on their location, scars may restrict movement and cause discomfort or pain.

A 2018 review examined several studies on red light and animal wound healing. Across these studies, the reviewers found that red light therapy increased wound contraction and tensile strength, which often results in less scarring. Shortened healing times could mean less opportunity for scars to continue developing.

With injury-related scars, it’s important to use near-infrared light treatment to benefit the emerging cells well below the surface of the scar, especially if it’s a raised scar.

Types Of Lasers And Lights Used To Treat Acne

Blue, red, and blue + red light devices: Called visible light because you can see the colors, these devices can treat pimples. Visible light is not effective against blackheads, whiteheads, acne cysts, or nodules.

At-home devices: The US Food and Drug Administration has approved some visible-light LED devices for at-home use. These devices are less powerful than the ones a dermatologist uses. As stated above, visible light can only treat pimples.

There is no way to know who will see results. If you want to give it a try, youll need to use an at-home device twice a day. Some devices you need to use for 30 to 60 minutes, twice a day, for 4 to 5 weeks.

Infrared light: The FDA has approved this type of light to treat pimples, including those that develop on the back. Infrared light cannot treat blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, or nodules.

During PDT, a solution that makes the skin more sensitive to light is applied to acne-prone skin. The solution must sit on the skin for a while, between 15 minutes and 3 hours. Next, a dermatologist uses a laser or light device to treat the skin.

PDT therapy shows great promise in helping to treat severe acne. Some patients who had acne cysts have been clear for years after receiving PDT from a dermatologist.

ImageBefore and after laser treatments for acne: Image used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012 66:626-33.

Don’t Miss: I Need Therapy But I Have No Money

What About Acne Scars

Acne scarring occurs as a result of improper healing. When acne becomes too clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, it swells and ruptures, damaging your skin.

If this happens near your skins surface, itll usually heal quickly and leave little to no evidence behind.

But, if the acne penetrates deeper into your skin and ruptures, all the nasty stuff inside can spill out and damage more of your healthy skin cells.

Your skin enters emergency-response mode and builds new collagen fibers to repair the damage, but it can often produce too little or too much. This leads to scarring.

Too little collagen leads to depressed acne scars . Too much collagen leads to raised acne scars .

Because RLT has been shown to promote healing and normalize collagen production, it can help you prevent those pesky scars from ever forming.

This Is What Happened When I Tried Light Therapy To Clear Up My Acne

Somewhere between my obsession with acid toners and the realization that I had to give up Retin-A thanks to non-stop peeling, I found myself searching for a new cosmetic trend to try. My 29-year-old facestill battling occasional breakouts and the beginnings of wrinklesneeded a boost. Then, this past summer, I saw a YouTube video in which a beauty blogger claimed that LED light therapy changed her skin .

LED light therapy started as NASA technology. LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, release energy in the form of photons and can emit different wavelengths corresponding with specific colors. In the early 1990s, a NASA-sponsored research center helped develop the technology to allow for plant growth on shuttle missions. This technique, they found, could also help heal wounds on human skin. Because wounds heal less effectively in space, this proved useful for astronauts on long missions.

More from Tonic:

Thanks to that YouTube video, and armed with some basic knowledge of how it worked, I splurged on a $1,600 at-home Celluma LED light panel a few months ago in hopes of getting better skin. My device is a panel that can be placed anywhere on the body and has three modes : acne, anti-aging, and pain. Four to five times a week, I place the curved, mask-like device over my face for 30 minutes. Theres a warm sensation, and you have to keep your eyes closed or wear protective eye goggles, but otherwise its basically like taking a nap.

Don’t Miss: What Does Suction Cup Therapy Do

Which Kinds Of Light Treat Acne

Doctors used to treat acne with ultraviolet light — the type of radiation that comes from the sun. UV light clears up acne, but it can also damage the skin and cause cancer. Today, doctors donât use UV light to treat acne.

Instead, they use certain wavelengths of blue or red light. Blue and red light therapy kills acne-causing bacteria without damaging the skin.

Omnilux Plus Infrared Light

In combination with Omnilux Revive stimulates the deeper skin tissue for dermal re-modelling, leading to a softening of fine lines, improved skin tone and super smooth skin.

55 year old woman 3 months after 7 treatments using Omnilux white light only

With over 100 published clinical trials, Omnilux is a proven, safe, well-tolerated, non-invasive and effective technology for painless skin rejuvenation.

Don’t Miss: How To Get Physical Therapy License

What Are The Benefits Of Red Light Therapy

“Clinically, we can use red light therapy for several different purposes,” explains Desai. Of course, anti-aging is probably the most widely known benefit of led light use. “Because of the way red light therapy improves cellular function, studies show it can be used to increase the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, which helps with tone and texture, as well as fine lines and wrinkles,” she says.

But red light therapy is also a great treatment for the blemish-prone. “Low energy red light can really help calm redness and inflammation associated with mild to moderate acne,” says Desai.

In dermatological offices, there are other applications that are often used as adjunct treatments for conditions like male and female pattern hair loss and precancerous lesions.

Light Therapy Vs Other Acne Treatments

Over 50 million people have acne concerns in the United States alone. Thousands of different products exist to treat acne, including prescription drugs, topical medications, and beauty products like washes and peels. The biggest problem these products share is a wide range of potential side effects, especially skin irritation and bacterial resistance.

The most commonly used topical medications for acne include retinoids and retinoid-like drugs that come in creams, gels, and lotions, like Retin-A, Differin, and Tazorac. These work for some people, but can also cause increased sun sensitivity, dry skin, and redness, especially in people of color.

Azelaic acid and salicylic acid in creams or peels are also used for acne treatments because of their antibacterial effects. Dapsone is a gel used for inflammatory acne and can cause side effects like dryness and redness. Oral medications like tetracycline are used to treat more severe acne. Oral acne drugs can increase sun sensitivity and antibiotic resistance.

One major advantage light therapy has over other acne treatments is fewer potential side effects. In a wide range of clinical trials and populations, LED light therapy with red and blue wavelengths has proven safe and well-tolerated for people with acne, causing virtually no side effects.

Also Check: Inspire Physical Therapy And Wellness

Lasers And Lights: How Well Do They Treat Acne

Lasers and other light therapies may seem like the perfect acne treatment. Just beam a light to make the acne disappear.

Using them is actually a bit more involved and the results less predictable, even in the skilled hands of a dermatologist. Still, these treatments can be an effective part of an acne treatment plan.

The following explains what you can expect from an in-office acne treatment that uses a laser or other light treatment.

How To Use Black Seed Oil On Acne

For a more extensive therapy of acne, you can furthermore use the oil topically. Add 2 tsps of black seed oil to a bowl of hot water and afterwards placed face over the bowl with a towel covering the head and the dish. Depending on the extent of the problem organic treatments such as black seed oil job naturally.

You May Like: Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy And Weight Loss

Increased Collagen And Elastin Production

Collagen and elastin are related proteins that collectively comprise about 80 percent of the skin. They provide the skin with a flexible support structure, which is why the skin begins to wrinkle and sag when their production drops. This process is a normal part of aging, but it also has other causes like mitochondrial dysfunction.

Collagen is the main structural component in connective tissue like the skin and the most abundant protein in mammals. Studies consistently show that red light therapy increases the density of collagen within the dermal layer of skin, resulting in tighter, firmer skin. While collagen provides the skin with structural rigidity, elastin allows the skin to stretch. A 2007 study in South Korea treated study subjects with 633nm red light and 830nm NIR light twice a week for four weeks, resulting in a dramatic increase in skin elasticity. Yet again from the paper above we see the before and after effects of red light therapy.

The combination of increasing collagen and elastin density in the skin helps smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. This process provides you with more youthful skin, helping to provide the benefits of a facelift without the expense and risk of surgery.

Minutes Makes A Big Impact

This next set of photos shows the amazing impact just one 30-minute treatment each day can make to a persons skin. In photo 6A, just look at the painful redness and inflammation around the nose and mouth. Now look at photo 6B to see the incredible reduction in these symptoms, as well as the improvement in skin tone, texture, and quality. These amazing results were achieved after just one daily 30-minute treatment for 10 straight days. No other modality was used, including no antibiotics, steroids, medications or creams.

Recommended Reading: Arizona Board Of Massage Therapy

Guide To Preparing Your Skin For Red Light Therapy

Preparing your skin for red light therapy helps you get the most out of your PBMT treatment. Before your appointment:

• Perform your skin care routine as usual in the days leading up to your appointment
• Treat your skin nicelyavoid irritating your skin with aggressive exfoliant products or sun exposure
• Clean your skin with a gentle, non-drying cleanser before treatment to remove any mineral-based sunscreen or makeup containing zinc

What you do after your red light therapy session is also important. Red light therapy helps your skin absorb creams and serums, making post-PBMT the right time to apply anti-aging products, moisturizers, and other cosmetic products. Before applying heavier moisturizers, start with serums and eye creams, which are lightweight and often contain concentrated doses of active ingredients. Apply sunscreen last, even if you do not plan to spend much time outdoors.

Ask your skin care professional for suggestions on the best products to use after red light therapy. In most cases, you can return to your regular skincare routine immediately after your PBMT session. Your skincare consultant may be able to recommend products to optimize the beneficial effects of red light therapy. Your dermatology professional can also help you identify and avoid any products that are not helping you reach your aesthetic or health goals.

Preparing your skin for red light therapy can help you optimize and enhance the results you receive from this state-of-the-art treatment.

What Are The Benefits Of Red Light Therapy For Face

Red light therapy low-level light therapy

Red light therapy is an effective and safe way to improve the appearance of your skin. Below are some of the benefits:

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles are one of the first signs of aging skin. Red light therapy can help reduce this appearance by stimulating collagen production. This can help to fill in wrinkles and give your skin a more youthful appearance.

• Improves skin texture and tone

If you have dull, uneven skin, red light therapy can help to improve your complexion. The light penetrates the skin and stimulates cell turnover. This helps to even out the skin tone and give it a healthy glow.

• Reduces inflammation

Red light therapy is beneficial for conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema. It can help to calm the skin and reduce the appearance of redness and irritation.

• Improves circulation

Improved circulation helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells. This can help to improve the health of the skin and give it a radiant appearance.

• Reduces pore size

Large pores can give the skin an uneven appearance. Red light therapy can help to reduce pore size by stimulating collagen production. This can help to tighten the skin and give it a smoother appearance.

You May Like: Online Therapy That Accepts Insurance

What Is Red Light Therapy And Does Red Light Therapy Work For Acne

“The red light is used in the same way, but it doesn’t kill the bacteria – it reduces the inflammation and the redness associated with it so helps with the healing process. We use them in conjunction,” Dr Cussell explained.

“So basically, the blue light is very effective in killing the main offending organism in causing acne inflammation, which can often cause scarring and pigmentation, and the red light phototherapy, in a different wavelength, helps with inflammation and also promotes healing with a little bit of collagen.”

“The red light phototherapy we use for many other conditions apart from acne. It helps reduce inflammation and redness with other treatments using various specific lasers. We use red light immediately afterwards to help with swelling and redness so people can get a quicker recovery – so they’re very versatile,” Dr Cussell said.

How Does Light Therapy Work For Acne

This post goes into detail about how light therapy works for skin and skin healing. Blue light therapy works by killing the harmful bacteria that gathers on the skin and causes acne. Red light therapy works by reducing inflammation, rejuvenating skin, and diminishing scarring on the skin.

Red light therapy helps heal skin and acne because the mitochondria in our skin cells absorb wavelengths of red light and use it to make cellular energy and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. A recent clinical review said LEDs represent an emerging modality to alter skin biology and change the paradigm of managing skin conditions.

Recent research is showing that the combination of both blue and red light therapy can be an even more effective acne treatment than just one or the other. Below, well summarize some of the recent trials and studies that show how red and blue light work together to treat and heal acne outbreaks.

Don’t Miss: Texas Physical Therapy New Braunfels

Track Your Progress To Measure The Benefits Of Light Therapy

Recording your progress with photos or videos is the best way to see the evidence of light therapys benefits. Take a photo of the treated area the day you start using your device, and then another one from the same angle and in the same light once a week or once a month and repeat at that interval. While the changes may not be as obvious to you when you look in the mirror each day, the photos will clearly show your progress.

Light therapy cannot be overdone for most people. If you notice any extraordinary results, stop treatment, and contact your physician. For the best results, choose the right device style and LED color, and use it as directed.

Omnilux Revive Led Light

Stimulates cellular activity. As cellular activity increases, cells become more permeable and responsive to exogenous factors, blood flow increases, which leads to greater tissue oxygenation and detoxification, skin appears clearer with fewer fine lines, skin is plumped and hydrated, and the effect of active skincare products is greatly enhanced.

In a recent study:

• 91% of subjects reported an improvement in their skin when using Omnilux as a stand-alone treatment
• Over 60% reported a softening of fine lines and wrinkles and softer smoother skin
• 55% of subjects showed an improvement in skin firmness after a course of 9 treatments. An improvement in elasticity was also seen.

Omnilux revive can be used alone for primary skin rejuvenation and in combination with Omnilux plus for wound healing, psoriasis and for the reduction of periorbital wrinkles. It can also be used in Photo Dynamic Therapy for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers and severe acne, and used in combination with Omnilux blue for mild to moderate acne vulgaris and cystic acne.

Before & after Omnilux for wrinkle reduction

Also Check: Led Light Therapy For Acne