Does Red Light Therapy Help Acne​

Acne is a common condition that affects around 95% of people aged between 11 and 30, causing spots and oily skin that often leaves behind scars and affects self-esteem.

While prescribed creams and gels are commonly used as a form of treatment for acne, many people wonder, does red light therapy work for acne? The treatment has recently gained a lot of attention as a potentially effective solution.

In this blog, we will explore what red light therapy is, how acne is formed, the benefits of red light therapy, and how many times it should be used when treating acne.

 

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red Light Therapy is a treatment that uses low wavelengths of red light to improve overall skin health by reducing wrinkles, scars, redness, and acne. These wavelengths penetrate the skin’s surface and are absorbed by mitochondria to produce more energy. This increase in cell energy enhances healing processes, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue repair.

Red light therapy is known for treating a variety of medical and cosmetic conditions but its ability to treat acne has gained a lot of attention recently for the many benefits it has to offer and also its minimal side effects.

 

How Does Acne Form?

Before you consider red light therapy as a solution for treating acne, let’s explore how acne forms to help prevent the development of severe acne in the future.

Here is when acne occurs:

 

1. Excess Oil Production: Sebaceous glands produce too much sebum.
2. Clogged Hair Follicles: Dead skin cells and oil-block pores.
3. Bacterial Growth: Bacteria thrive in clogged pores, leading to inflammation.
4. Inflammatory Response: The immune system reacts, resulting in redness, swelling, and pus-filled lesions.

With the use of low levels of light, red light therapy aims to address one or more of these factors, helping improve the overall condition of your skin.

 

How Can Red Light Therapy Treat Acne

Red light therapy can help improve acne through different mechanisms that target the main underlying causes of acne. This includes inflammation, bacteria growth, and skin healing. Here’s how it works:

 

Reduces Inflammation

The low wavelengths of light used in red light therapy penetrate the skin and promote anti-inflammatory effects. Acne is often caused by inflammation in the sebaceous glands and surrounding tissues.

With a reduction in inflammation, red light therapy can help calm redness, swelling, and irritation which is caused by acne.

 

Promotes Skin Healing

The development of acne on the skin causes severe damage to skin cells, leading to redness and irritation. However, the use of red light therapy helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin repair and regeneration. This can help improve your overall skin condition and enhance the overall healing process of acne.

 

Removing Bacteria

Although red light is less directly bactericidal than blue light, it can still support antibacterial effects indirectly by creating an environment less conducive to the growth of acne.

 

Improves Blood Circulation

Red light therapy improves microcirculation in the skin, which can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This helps with the removal of toxins and accelerates skin healing.

 

What are the Benefits of Red Light Therapy

There are many key benefits that red light therapy has to offer when treating skin conditions such as acne. Here are some of the many benefits:

 

Non-Invasive and Painless

Unlike chemical peels or invasive treatments, red light therapy is gentle on the skin and requires no recovery time. It’s suitable for people with sensitive skin or those seeking an alternative to harsher methods.

Minimal Side Effects

RLT is generally safe when used as directed. Common side effects, such as mild redness or irritation, are rare and temporary.

Versatility

In addition to acne, RLT can address related concerns like acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging, making it a multi-functional skin treatment.

Accessibility

Therapy has become more accessible with the advent of at-home red light devices. Many devices are approved and come with clear instructions for safe usage.

 

Is Red Light Therapy Safe?

Red light therapy is considered to be a generally safe form of treatment and comes with minimal side effects. With the use of low light wavelengths, red light therapy isn’t too harsh on the skin making it a very effective solution for addressing skin conditions.

However, like most treatments, if red light therapy is misused and not completed according to directions, this can lead to side effects. To ensure the safety of your skin, it is advised to seek a qualified therapist to ensure that the treatment is carried out correctly.

A therapist can make sure that the treatment is tailored best to your specific needs to address the underlying causes of the condition. At Concordia Clinic, we have a well-experienced team of therapists who have the skills and expertise to provide reliable and effective red light therapy sessions.

 

Red Light Therapy at Concordia Clinic

Red light therapy is a promising form of treatment, gaining a lot of attention for its ability to treat a wide range of conditions. Its ability to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and improve overall skin health makes it a stand-out solution for treating acne.

If you are still unsure of whether red light therapy is the best solution for you, consulting with one of our therapists at Concordia Clinic will help put your mind at ease. We can tailor your red light therapy that best suits your preferences, helping you seek the full potential of the treatment and experience fast improvements to your skin.