Today, skin care and beauty enthusiasts seem willing to try almost anything to achieve the perfect glow. From guasure massage to wrinkle patches, there are countless interesting and sometimes bizarre solutions on the market to address all your skin and health concerns.
In addition to tried-and-true serums and moisturizers, one of the latest innovative treatments is red light therapy. Available in a variety of devices, including portable wands, lamps, and masks, red light therapy is a go-to among dermatologists and A-list clients like Chrissy Teigen and Kate Hudson.
“Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low levels of red light to improve skin health and appearance,” explains Tyler Fish, co-founder of Sun Home Sauna. “Also known as photobiomodulation, it penetrates the skin at the cellular level. [and] Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, essential proteins for healthy skin. ”
“While these devices may seem gimmicky at first glance, and so it seemed to me at first, the technology and science behind them is sound,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Luke Maxfield. Masu. Maxfield explains that the photobiomodulation that Fish referred to produces biological effects within the skin, resulting in therapeutic effects. This occurs when an LED (light emitting diode) comes in close proximity to the skin and the wavelengths of light are transmitted through it.
Different wavelengths are correlated to specific colors, and each has different benefits. In addition to red, there are also blue, yellow, green, and near-infrared light therapies. The main difference between these colors is how each penetrates the skin. Blue affects the outermost layer and helps treat acne-causing bacteria, while near-infrared penetrates the deepest. Although each has its benefits, red light therapy and blue light therapy are most commonly used to address concerns such as acne, wrinkles, and scars.
“Of all the colors that make up this spectrum, red light is the basis of LED therapy,” says Maxfield. “Because red light has a long wavelength, it penetrates deep into the skin. When it reaches the dermis, it activates fibroblasts, regulates inflammation, and even suppresses the production of sebum and oil, thereby reducing aging skin. has been shown to have benefits.”
Red light therapy is used throughout the body for a variety of purposes, including treating wounds and promoting hair growth in patients with alopecia.
“By improving cellular function, red light therapy has been shown to increase collagen production. [and] It helps improve skin tone and texture, as well as fine lines and wrinkles,” explains Dr. Tiffany J. Libby, a board-certified dermatologist and director of Mohs microscopy and dermatologic surgery at Brown University. “Studies also show that acne can improve by calming redness and inflammation.”
Red light therapy is safe and non-invasive, but it is important that the light level used is not too intense. Most home devices come with instructions that tell you how often and how much light to use, but you should always consult your dermatologist if necessary. It is also important to avoid harsh treatments immediately after red light therapy and continue to use SPF daily. This is because the treatment may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
Although red light therapy has been around for decades, it’s still an emerging treatment, and the effectiveness of home devices varies. Like many treatments, it has proven efficacy and is completely safe when used on the skin in moderation, but it is important to monitor your skin’s reactions and adjust your daily routine accordingly.
“If the levels of red light are too high, it damages skin cells. If the levels are too low, nothing will help,” says Scott, a dermatologist in Seattle, Washington, and author of skintour.com and Concierge Dermatology & Laser. explains Dr. Brandith Irwin, founder and board-certified dermatologist.. “Low-level home appliances seem to be safe apart from potentially exacerbating pigment problems. In my opinion, if your skin shows no signs of stress, you can continue using them for two months and see how they work. If you don’t see any change, please stop.”
Red light therapy devices such as masks and wands are the most common. You can easily incorporate the treatment into your skin care routine.
“Before red light therapy, make sure your skin is clean and your face is free of makeup and sunscreen,” says Libby. “Then, apply a serum and moisturizer.” Treatments last from 3 to 15 minutes, she says, and provide a brief moment of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Red light therapy masks and equipment
This futuristic LED mask uses red, blue, infrared + red light and has a vibration feature to relieve facial tension. It’s one of Associate Beauty Editor Sophie Shaw’s favorite LED therapy masks because of its comfortable fit. “Some masks sit so close to the eyes that it’s difficult to see through the eye holes. However, Therabody’s masks come with an eye shield that provides a buffer and turns on a red light. “You can easily scroll through TikTok and do other things while you’re on TikTok,” she says.
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Omnilux’s red light mask is popular for its customizable configuration (featuring 132 LEDs) and ability to address fine lines, acne, and more.
“This mask has a comfortable, flexible fit, and clinical studies have proven that red light and near-infrared light-based devices can help skin look healthier and more youthful.” Libby He explains.
This silicone patch targets stubborn acne with a combination of red and blue light that kills acne-causing bacteria. Two 6-minute patches will reduce the size of pimples and treat inflamed skin. While most red light masks are full-sized, this compact patch is small enough to fit comfortably in your suitcase (it comes with its own charging case).
SolaWave’s portable and handheld canes are popular among celebrities like Lil Nas X, Sydney Sweeney, and Nicole Kidman. The brand’s latest device is an improvement on his original 4-in-1 device, which utilizes traditional red light therapy with galvanic current, therapeutic warmth, and massage features to soothe the skin and Promotes absorption of skin care products. Its small configuration allows users to easily target specific areas such as the chin, forehead, etc.
Recommended by Libby and Maxfield, Qure is great value for money. “When LED masks first became a trend and I was experimenting with different options, Qure’s LED Light Therapy Mask caught my eye,” Maxfield shares. He found the wireless use, relatively short treatment time, and comfortable fit appealing. “Years later, I’m still using the same mask, so I can prove my first impressions were right. With multiple wavelengths of blue, amber, red, crimson, and infrared, the Qure mask also comes with unique partnerships. We have an app that allows us to tailor treatments to not only human skin goals, but specific goals for different areas of the face.”
With a variety of devices targeting specific areas such as the neck, décolleté and eyes, CurrentBody’s range is ideal for those looking for a targeted approach to red light therapy. The brand’s Eye Perfector uses anti-aging LEDs to treat fine lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles. It also has a hands-free configuration, making it perfect for people on the go.
CurrentBody’s original LED mask, which is also used by celebrities and editors, is also safe. (He also has a cameo in “Emily in Paris.”) This is Shaw’s favorite flexible LED mask to take with him when he travels. It’s thin and easy to pack, so it doesn’t take up much space in your suitcase. It also comes with a rechargeable mobile battery, so you can carry it in your carry-on baggage and use it for treatment on the plane.
The TheraFace Pro device combines LED therapy with several massage settings, along with other interchangeable heads, for the ultimate handheld red light experience.
There are three light settings: red, blue, and red+infrared, each targeting specific skin concerns like acne and wrinkles. We tested his TheraFace Pro and loved the mixable therapy, which lets you enjoy the skin benefits of a muscle-relaxing massage and LED treatment.
This LED device treats the neck and chest areas, where the first signs of aging tend to appear. Using red light and near-infrared light, it slows the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, making them less noticeable. With treatment times of 10 and 20 minutes, you can simply sit back and relax while the device strengthens your décolleté.
Experts say Dr. Dennis Gross’ FaceWare Pro mask is worth the price tag, and our editors agree. This device features 100 red and 62 blue lights that simultaneously work to address wrinkles, promote collagen production, and reduce inflammation.
The device automatically turns off after the allotted three minutes and features an adjustable silicone strap for a customized fit. Like most dermatologists, the brand recommends using the device on clean skin and following a skin care routine.
Masks are great for holistic treatments, while wands are great for people who want more control. This 4-in-1 wand features traditional LED (red, blue, and green light) as well as biowave, ion channeling, and massage modes.
The wand’s customizable technology allows users to tailor the device to their own skin care regimen. Red light stimulates collagen production and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, while green light purifies the skin and blue helps calm redness and inflammation.
One of the most cost-friendly mask options on the market, this product from Skin Gym is equipped with blue, orange, and red LEDs to specifically address acne, redness, and dull skin. The wireless mask fully charges in about 2 hours and has a 15 minute timer.
LightStim has a variety of LED devices, but one of their best sellers is the wand that addresses wrinkles and fine lines. The brand’s patented MultiWave technology emits several wavelengths of red light (amber, dark red, infrared, etc.), making it a great choice for those seeking anti-aging benefits.
If you’re looking for a small device that packs all the healing benefits of red light therapy, check out the compact Foreo UFO 2. Its heating, cooling, and sonic vibrations open pores, simultaneously locking in moisture and regenerating the skin’s surface.
With LEDs ranging from 660 to 850 nanometers (the ideal wavelength for red light therapy), Sun Home Saunas home lights are the perfect addition to your wellness routine. The digital control panel has a built-in timer and adjustable stand.
“Generally, after eight to 12 weeks of consistent use, most people begin to see noticeable improvements in their skin,” says Fish. “While red light therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment option, it is not a quick fix and requires patience to see the desired improvements in skin health and appearance.”
