Wrinkles and signs of aging can add years to your face – but what if there was a way to get rid of them in a short amount of time? Red Light Treatment for Wrinkles has been gaining popularity, but is it really the miracle cure it claims to be? Find out in this article as we explore the science behind red light therapy and how it can help reduce wrinkles quickly.
Red Light Treatment for Wrinkles
Red light therapy for wrinkles is a popular, non-invasive way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The therapy uses low-level red light to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Historically it was always done in a dermatologist’s clinic or high-end health spa but the advances in health tech now enable you to tread yourself at home privately and conveniently.
Red light therapy is most effective when used consistently over a period of time. Most people see noticeable results after 4-8 weeks of regular treatments. The best results are usually seen after 12 weeks of treatment so taking time out to go to a spa for these treatments really eats into your day, which is why many business executives are choosing to have their own equipment at home. It’s a lot easier to look good when you can have a Home Spa then go straight to bed than it is to make endless appointments with your therapist!
So with this huge increase in demand, I decided to conduct my own research – as a 53-year-old peri-menopausal woman who abhors the idea of unnatural beauty treatments such as botox, face lifts and goodness knows what else!
What is Red Light Treatment?
Red light therapy (RLT) is a popular, FDA-cleared, cosmetic skin treatment that uses red and near-infrared light to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other skin concerns. RLT is often referred to as “red light therapy for wrinkles” because one of its most common uses is reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
But RLT can do more than just help with wrinkles. This powerful skin treatment has been shown to improve a number of different skin concerns, including acne, rosacea, scars, stretch marks, and more. It can even be used to help speed up the healing process after certain cosmetic procedures, like laser resurfacing.
How does Red Light Treatment Work?
Red and near-infrared light penetrate the skin and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. This helps to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin while also reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Red Light Therapy (RLT) is a treatment that uses red low-level light wavelengths to improve skin health and appearance. RLT has been shown to be effective in reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging and it can be used on the face, neck, chest, hands, or any other area of the body that shows signs of aging.
Scientific Evidence on the Benefits of Red Light Treatment for Wrinkles
Red light therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment to treat fine lines and wrinkles according to a study in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery Volume 32, Number 2, 2014
Red light treatment has ‘stimulating, healing and restoring‘ properties according to research in PubMed.
A randomized double blind study demonstrated a reduction in cellulite among people who had light treatment compared with the placebo group who had no change.
The treatment is quick and easy and unlike the more invasive treatments listed below, no downtime is required.
Red light therapy can be used to treat both fine lines and deeper wrinkles, and results are typically seen after just a few sessions
Using a red light face mask at home is convenient and very straightforward which saves you a lot of time and effort.
Having your own red light face mask at home is a lot more affordable than regular therapy sessions in a Spa or clinic. £300 for a face mask for home use compared with London clinics charging upwards of £1500.
Potential Side Effects
Red light therapy is considered to be a safe, non-invasive treatment for wrinkles with very few side effects. The most common side effect is temporary redness or mild swelling of the treated area. Other potential side effects include:
-Eye discomfort if the eyes are not protected during treatment
-Skin irritation or burns if the skin is not protected during treatment
-Temporary increase in sun sensitivity
Cost and Availability
Red light therapy for wrinkles is an affordable, convenient, and non-invasive option for treating wrinkles. Costs vary according to the colour of LED light you need! This is because different frequencies are used to treat different health conditions. Yellow light will give you a post-holiday ‘glow’, blue targets acne bacteria and also treats psoriasis and eczema; red light is for wound healing, lines and wrinkles, stretch marks and age spots.
London Clinics typically charge £80 to £100 per session and patients typically require around 18 treatments, so £1,440 to £1,800 for a set of 18 treatments.
Compare this to buying your own equipment for home use which, with a company such as Higherdose costs £299 (or £25 per month on their finance deal)
Alternatives to Red Light Treatment
There are many other anti-aging treatments available but they are far more invasive and carry a higher cost as well as greater risks!
- Botox injections: Botox is a popular treatment for wrinkles and fine lines. It works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles, which smooths out the skin. You can spot people who have had this done because they lack facial expression. I have also treated people in my clinic who have tried this and sady it has gone wrong. I could feel solid lumps under the skin, their muscles were not functioning properly and these symptoms had gone on for three months or more. I would remind anyone that botox comes from botulinum toxin – the clue is in the name, it’s a toxin that paralyzes your nerves! Please do not go down this route for cosmetic reasons alone! Migraine treatment with botox may be a different matter, but I most certainly do not endorse botox for anti-ageing. Personally, I’d rather get wrinkles and have a face that is ‘full of expression’!!
- Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers are another popular option for reducing wrinkles and fine lines. They work by filling in the empty space beneath the skin, which gives it a more youthful appearance. Again, not a natural route! I would rather increase hydration to plump up my cells!
- Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that uses a high-powered device to exfoliate the skin. This removes the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing softer, smoother skin underneath. I’m not opposed to this in principle, but it does concern me that nature intended for us to have a layer of dead skin cells because they really do protect the maturing cells beneath them. For me, skin brushing is a more gentle way forward, it’s less painful and more natural.
- Chemical peels: Chemical peels are another type of exfoliating treatment that can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Peels use strong chemicals to remove the top layer of skin, revealing newer, healthier skin below. This is definitely not a route I go down, however, I do use a plant-based gentle skin peel which is AMAZING!
Conclusion
Red light therapy for wrinkles has been scientifically proven to bean effective and safe way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles quickly. This treatment can help boost collagen production, improve skin tone and texture, and provide a more youthful look with fewer side effects than other treatments like Botox or dermal fillers. I personally think it is a much better approach than the invasive alternatives and I’m encouraged by the sheer volume of scientific research into this area both for cosmetic and clinical purposes. The company I’m recommending seems to have excellent customer reviews regarding the quality of their equipment, the results people get and also the standard of customer care.
