Red Light Therapy for Skin Rejuvenation and Anti-Aging

Red Light Therapy for Skin Rejuvenation and Anti-Aging

Aging is a natural part of life. But this doesn’t mean that your age has to show on your skin and feel in your body. You can feel and look younger than the number of candles on your birthday cake show. Using red light therapy is one of my favorite strategies to reduce visible signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and rough skin. It may help to improve scarring, acne scarring, cellulite, and other skin issues. Red light therapy may help to repair, improve, and rejuvenate your skin. Let’s see how.

In this article, I will discuss what red light therapy is. You will learn about the potential health benefits of red-light therapy. You will learn the benefits of red light therapy for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation. I will explain how to use your red light therapy device for skin health, anti-aging, and other health benefits. Finally, I will recommend some of my favorite red light therapy devices.

What is Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy (RLT) is a powerful therapeutic technique used for skin rejuvenation, anti-aging, inflammation, pain, and other health concerns. It is an increasingly popular alternative healing tool that you can use in your own home. It is also commonly offered at alternative medical practices, holistic health centers, dermatology practices for cosmetic skin concerns, salons, and spas.

Red light therapy uses red low-level wavelengths of light. Red light therapy was originally developed back in the 1990s to help photosynthesis and plant growth in space. Soon, researchers realized that alterations influence the cellular redux state and function. It may support photosensitivity leading to a list of health benefits. 

According to a 2013 study published in the Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, low-level laser red light therapy may offer therapeutic benefits for the skin, including reducing pain and inflammation, tissue repair and healing, scarring, acne, burns, and wrinkles (1).

But how does it work? Great question. Red light therapy is a low-level laser therapy. It means that it exposes your skin to low wavelengths of red light. This red light can penetrate your skin deep and offer various health benefits.

Red light is different from ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. It doesn’t burn your skin. You don’t have to worry about sunburn and UV damage. It also won’t get your tanned like the sun or tanning beds do. RLT is completely safe. Instead of sunburn and skin damage, you will receive benefits on a cellular level when standing or sitting several inches from a red light therapy device. 

Using red light therapy may increase antioxidants and cellular energy in your body. It may boost your mitochondrial health, create more ATP energy, and fill your cells with more energy. This extra energy may help cellular repair and rejuvenation.

In the next section, you will learn how RLT may repair and rejuvenate your body and improve various areas of your health, backed by research. Then I will explain how red light therapy may also improve your skin health and reduce the speed and visible signs of the aging process.

Major Benefits of Red Light Therapy

The major benefits of red light therapy may include the following:

• Decreased inflammation: According to a 2017 study published in AIMS Biophysics, red light therapy may have anti-inflammatory effects (2).
• Reduced pain: Red light therapy may be beneficial for reducing pain, especially joint-related and musculoskeletal pain. According to a 2000 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Rheumatology, RLT may help to improve osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms (3).
• Improved mitochondrial health: According to a 2019 study published in the Annals of Translational Medicine, red light therapy may lead to improved mitochondria and increased energy production (4).
• Better sleep quality: According to 2016 review on brain disorders published in BBA Clinical, red light therapy may support better sleep (5).
• Improved endurance performance: According to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Athletic Training, red light therapy sessions may improve sleep and endurance performance of female basketball players (6).
• Improved immune health: According to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, red light therapy may help to improve vitamin D levels, T cell production, and immune health (7). 
• Reduced symptoms of chronic health issues: According to a 2019 review published in Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, red light therapy may help to improve inflammatory and autoimmune issues (8).
• Improved brain health: According to a 2016 review published in BBA Clinical, red light therapy may help to improve neurodevelopment and cognition (9). 
• Better mental health: According to the same 2016 review, red light therapy may improve anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues (9). 
• Increased hair growth: According to a 2019 meta-analysis, red light therapy may improve androgenetic alopecia by supporting hair density and hair growth (10).
• Better collagen production: According to a 2014 study published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, red light may improve collagen production, which may support skin and joint health (11).
• Improved skin health: A  2014 review published in Anais Brasilienos de Dermatologica has found red light therapy may be beneficial for wound healing, tissue repair, reducing skin inflammation, and improving the production of collagen and fibroblast for skin health (13). In the next section, you will learn more about the skin health and anti-aging benefits of red light therapy.

Anti-Aging Benefits of Red Light Therapy

One of the major benefits of red light therapy is the anti-aging effects on your skin. Let’s take a look at how red light therapy can benefit your skin health and reduce visible signs of aging.

Reduces Skin Inflammation

Red light therapy may be a great way to reduce inflammation. I have already mentioned how red light therapy may help with joint and muscle-related inflammation and pain, inflammatory conditions, and autoimmune problems. However, RLT may help with skin inflammation too. 

According to a 2017 study published in AIMS Biophysics, red light therapy may help to fight oxidative stress, offer antioxidant benefits, and reduce inflammation (2). Researchers found that red light therapy may help psoriasis, a type of inflammatory skin condition, and wound healing. It may be beneficial for improving other inflammatory and autoimmune skin conditions as well.

Improves Collagen Production

Collagen is a primary structural protein in your skin, tendons, ligaments, and teeth. As you age, your body’s collagen production will decline. This will decrease the elasticity of your skin.

Over time, this will result in fine lines and wrinkles, which are visible signs of the aging process. Besides your skin health, collagen is also essential for your nails, hair, joint health, ligaments, tendons, gut health, and mood.

Red light therapy may help to improve collagen production and reduce the risk of collagen loss-related signs of skin aging. A 2014 study published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery has found that red light may improve collagen production and increase intradermal collagen density (12). This may help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles related to a loss of collagen.

Reduces Wrinkles & Age Spots 

Since red light therapy can penetrate your skin and improve collagen and elastin production, it may help to reduce wrinkles. It may also help with age spots. A 2014 study published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery has found that red light may help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by supporting intradermal collagen density (12).

A 2011 study published in Dermatology Therapies has found that 62 percent of their participants found 50 percent improvement (13). Even better, 23 percent saw over 75 percent improvement in their age spots from RLT.

Supports Healthy Skin Color, Texture & Moisture

Red light therapy may help with healthy skin color, texture, and moisture too. According to a 2013 study published in the Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, low-level laser RLT may help to restore your skin (1).

A 2014 study published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery has found that red light may help to improve skin roughness and texture. (12). It may help with skin complexion and an overall healthy feeling and look of the skin.

Prevents & Repairs Acne & Scarring

Red light therapy may be a great way to prevent, repair, and reduce scarring. According to a 2013 study published in the Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery,RLT may help to reduce skin inflammation, support tissue repair and healing, and improve scarring, acne scarring, burns, wounds, and wrinkles (1).

A 2014 review published in Anais Brasilienos de Dermatologica has found that red light therapy may stimulate new blood vessel growth, reduce inflammation, aid collagen production, and support fibroblast production (14). This may help to reduce and repair wounds, scarring, acne, rashes and other skin tissue damage. 

Reduces Cellulite Formation

Cellulite is a common and harmless skin condition characterized by dimpling of the skin, and lumpy, uneven skin. It usually occurs on the thighs, hips, abdomen, and butt, but may occur elsewhere. It develops when fat cells increase and push against the skin.

Cellulite commonly develops with growth spurts, rapid weight gain or weight loss, or pregnancy. Red light therapy may help. According to a 2011 clinical trial published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, combined with treadmill training, it may help to reduce cellulite (15).

How to Use Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy is simple to use. It’s easy and convenient to fit into your daily self-care routine. Depending on the red light therapy device you are using, you can set it up on a table or chair or hang it on your door or wall.

Before you use your red light therapy device, remove your clothes. You may leave your underwear, bra, and socks on. This won’t interfere with your treatment and may feel more comfortable or appropriate depending on the setting.

You get the best benefits from RLT by being within 4-6 inches from the device or having the device directly up against your skin.  Certain devices produce more heat and you can’t put directly on skin while others have less heat and you can apply directly on your skin. 

I recommend treating each area that needs attention for about 5 to 15 minutes. If this is your first time, begin with on 1 to 2 minutes at first on each area. Increase the time spent on each area gradually. Over the next few weeks, you will reach 5 to 15 minutes each. Let your body get use to the red light instead of rushing it.

You may use your RLT device anywhere between 4 to 10 times each week. This all depends on your symptoms, goals, and time. If you end up using red light therapy several times a day, make sure to leave at least 6 hours between each session. 

I recommend consistent, full-body use with special attention to your specific problem areas. Remember, with any healing strategy, consistency is key. Regular red light therapy use may lead to long-term and full-body benefits. 

Remember, red light therapy alone is not enough. Follow a nutrient-dense diet, lead a healthy lifestyle, and take care of your mind and body. However, the combination of healthy strategies is what may bring you real results and the health you desire.

Red Light Therapy Face Mask 

If you are looking for red light therapy benefits specifically for your face, I highly recommend this HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask. It offers a functional cordless design, which is very convenient. You can use it anywhere in the house and take it with you on trips. It helps to rejuvenate your skin and may be great for acne scarring, scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, and your overall skin tone. 

Even just one session can make you feel more rejuvenated and fresh in your skin. However, if you use it regularly, you may notice a visible difference in your skin. Less scaring, fewer fine lines, fewer wrinkles, and more importantly, a visible glow are among the potential benefits.

I highly recommend that you add using a HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask to your daily routine. This is a great time for relaxation, meditation, and some well-deserved ‘me time’.  Use the coupon code DRJOCKERS to save 15% off on HigherDOSE products.

Whole Body Red Light Therapy 

For any other purpose, I recommend red light therapy devices by Mito Red Light. Their devices offer advanced red-light technology delivered with an industry-leading power tested and validated through unbiased 3rd party, independent testing.

Their products use enhanced spectral energy output™ (ESPEO) that delivers wide bands of red and near-infrared red (NIR) light energy. You can receive benefits from a full therapeutic spectrum of red and NIR light and use it on your entire body or locally on specific areas.

Most red-light therapy devices use only 2 watt or 3-watt LEDs, whereas Mito Red Light Therapy uses 5-watt LEDs for the best results. You will experience higher irradiance for better results in less time. I love that it comes in different sizes for your convenience and personal needs.

Mito Red Light devices are affordable yet effective. You can use them in your own home without having to visit a salon or health clinic. They offer a digital control panel with a built-in timer to make it more convenient for your needs. I recommend that you try their products.  Use the coupon code DRJOCKERS at checkout to save 5% on the MitoRed product line.

I love the MitoPro Series. It offers three different sizes depending on your needs. MitoPro 300 is the smallest for targeted needs. MitoPro 750 is great for a half body treatment and MitoPro 1500 is designed for a full body treatment.

They include a quad wavelength design aimed at maximizing Cytochrome C Oxidase activity. It is a third-party tested device with the highest power on the market. 

I also recommend the MitoADAPT Series. It also comes in three sizes. MitoADAPT MIN is for targeted needs. MitoADAPT MID is for half body and MitoADAPT MAXis for a full body treatment.

These products are made with a dual chip multi-wavelength design offering a remarkable eleven different possible modes. You can choose your mode from red and NIR wavelength combinations.  Use the coupon code DRJOCKERS at checkout to save 5% on the MitoRed product line.

Final Thoughts

Red light therapy is a powerful therapeutic technique used for skin rejuvenation, anti-aging, inflammation, pain, and other health concerns. It is a fantastic tool to use for fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, acne scarring, scarring, cellulite, skin moisture, and overall skin rejuvenation. It’s a simple alternative healing tool you can use in your own home. I recommend that you try red light therapy for your skin health and its anti-aging benefits.

If you want to work with a functional health coach, I recommend this article with tips on how to find a great coach. On our website, we offer long-distance functional health coaching programs. For further support with your health goals, just reach out—our fantastic coaches are here to support your journey.

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Sources in This Article Include:

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2. Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys. 2017;4(3):337-361. doi: 10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337. Epub 2017 May 19. PMID: 28748217

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4. Sommer AP. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase is not the primary acceptor for near infrared light-it is mitochondrial bound water: the principles of low-level light therapy. Ann Transl Med. 2019 Mar;7(Suppl 1):S13. doi: 10.21037/atm.2019.01.43. PMID: 31032294

5. Hamblin MR. Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders. BBA Clin. 2016 Oct 1;6:113-124. doi: 10.1016/j.bbacli.2016.09.002. PMID: 27752476

6. Zhao J, Tian Y, Nie J, Xu J, Liu D. Red light and the sleep quality and endurance performance of Chinese female basketball players. J Athl Train. 2012 Nov-Dec;47(6):673-8. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-47.6.08. PMID: 23182016

7. Sarah V.I. Milliken, Heather Wassall, Barry J. Lewis, Judith Logie, Robert N. Barker, Helen Macdonald, Mark A. Vickers, Anthony D. Ormerod, Effects of ultraviolet light on human serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and systemic immune function,Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2012. Link Here

8. Wickenheisser VA, Zywot EM, Rabjohns EM, Lee HH, Lawrence DS, Tarrant TK. Laser Light Therapy in Inflammatory, Musculoskeletal, and Autoimmune Disease. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2019 Jul 2;19(8):37. doi: 10.1007/s11882-019-0869-z. PMID: 31267251

9. Hamblin MR. Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders. BBA Clin. 2016 Oct 1;6:113-124. doi: 10.1016/j.bbacli.2016.09.002. PMID: 27752476

10. Liu KH, Liu D, Chen YT, Chin SY. Comparative effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for adult androgenic alopecia: a system review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Lasers Med Sci. 2019 Aug;34(6):1063-1069. doi: 10.1007/s10103-019-02723-6. Epub 2019 Jan 31. PMID: 30706177

11. Wunsch A, Matuschka K. A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomed Laser Surg. 2014 Feb;32(2):93-100. doi: 10.1089/pho.2013.3616. Epub 2013 Nov 28. PMID: 24286286

12. Wunsch A, Matuschka K. A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomed Laser Surg. 2014 Feb;32(2):93-100. doi: 10.1089/pho.2013.3616. Epub 2013 Nov 28. PMID: 24286286

13. Sasaya H, Kawada A, Wada T, Hirao A, Oiso N. Clinical effectiveness of intense pulsed light therapy for solar lentigines of the hands. Dermatol Ther. 2011 Nov-Dec;24(6):584-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2012.01426.x. PMID: 2251567

14. Chaves ME, Araújo AR, Piancastelli AC, Pinotti M. Effects of low-power light therapy on wound healing: LASER x LED. An Bras Dermatol. 2014 Jul-Aug;89(4):616-23. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142519. PMID: 25054749

15. Paolillo FR, Borghi-Silva A, Parizotto NA, Kurachi C, Bagnato VS. New treatment of cellulite with infrared-LED illumination applied during high-intensity treadmill training. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2011 Aug;13(4):166-71. doi: 10.3109/14764172.2011.594065. PMID: 21740089