Expert shares five reasons why you should be using red light therapy this summer

Red light therapy is becoming increasingly popular, with worldwide searches for this beauty trend on the rise - and experts have explained why.

The treatment involves exposure to red and near-infrared light, which penetrates the skin by one to two millimetres. This process stimulates the mitochondria in skin cells, enhancing energy production essential for various processes.

Red light therapy offers multiple benefits, including preventing sunburn, reducing wrinkles, improving scarring, and even promoting hair growth by improving circulation. Beauty and wellness marketplace experts from Fresha have highlighted five benefits of red light therapy during the summer months.

Here's what you should know about red light therapy, as reported by Gloucestershire Live.

Five skincare benefits of red light therapy

1. Preventing sunburn

As the warmer weather approaches, it's time to start considering the best ways to protect your skin from UV radiation. Besides regularly using sunscreen, research on 'LED Photo Prevention' has shown that regular red light therapy can help prevent sunburn.

Red and near-infrared light prepare the skin for UV radiation. A 2008 study found that pre-treatment with red light significantly reduced redness and hyperpigmentation after sun exposure similar to the effects of SPF15.

This method is beneficial for those who want to enjoy the summer sunshine without the risk of sunburn, which can damage skin cells and lead to sunspots.

2. Reducing wrinkles

In addition to causing burns, sun damage can also lead to premature ageing. Red light therapy can help reduce the signs of premature ageing by boosting collagen production.

According to research from Gitnux, this therapy can decrease wrinkles by 36 per cent over a span of ten weeks.

Red and near-infrared light penetrate the skin, promoting the production of collagen, a protein responsible for the skin's strength, elasticity, and hydration. This process helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Reducing inflammation

Sun exposure can worsen various skin conditions and autoimmune diseases, including eczema and psoriasis, as heat and sweat exacerbate symptoms. This can result in severe itching and flaking, causing discomfort for those affected.

Elizabeth H. Page, MD, a dermatologist at Beth Israel Lahey Health and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School in Boston, states that red light therapy's anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate these symptoms.

Red and near-infrared lights combat white blood cells that trigger inflammation and cause lesions, such as those seen in cases of eczema and psoriasis.

4. Improving scarring

Scarring can appear worse after sun exposure. Therefore, alongside regular use of sunscreen to protect against discolouration, people can use red light therapy to soften scarring.

The treatment can be used to address multiple types of scars. For instance, red and near-infrared light enhances collagen production, which improves the look of acne-related scarring, also known as atrophic scars.

The same effect can be achieved for keloid scars and stretch marks.

5. Encourage hair growth

On a daily basis, it's normal for about 50-100 strands of hair to fall out. However, during the summer months, some individuals may notice increased hair loss due to the accumulation of dirt, sweat, and grease in the hot weather.

Healthline research suggests that red light therapy boosts circulation and stimulates hair growth. It can encourage hair growth during the summer, particularly for those suffering from conditions like alopecia.

But the benefits of red light therapy don't end there. It has numerous other advantages, from easing muscle pain to aiding wound healing and even reducing body fat.

Although results vary from person to person, research into the benefits of red light therapy continues and it doesn't appear to be disappearing anytime soon.

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