How To Use Red Light Therapy At Home

If you're struggling with acne, using ointments and oral medications can help zap those zits for you, but when it comes to signs of aging, like fine lines and sagging skin, creams and serums can only do so much. While many skincare products claim to be a Botox in a box, we have yet to see concrete proof. Then, when it comes to skin treatments, facials are super popular. However, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, facials might feel good but don't do much, so it's better just to use "sunscreen, Vaseline, and retinoids" for antiaging benefits (via the National Library of Medicine).

If you're looking for serious antiaging results, you might just have to turn to in-office treatments like microneedling, lasers, or even a face-lift, depending on your age and skin condition. The medical procedures done by dermatologists can give impressive results, but they don't come cheap. LED light therapy is an example of a non-invasive and non-surgical treatment where they use lights of different wavelengths to penetrate the various layers of the skin to make it better, per the Cleveland Clinic. Blue light helps with acne, and red light increases collagen production. 

Red light therapy (RLT) is FDA-approved and does help fight signs of aging by diminishing fine lines and tightening your skin (via Red Light Therapy News). It's pricey to get done professionally, but you can also try it with an at-home device.

There was a time when you could only get red light therapy (RLT) at doctor's offices and spas, but now you can buy your little device to use in the comforts of your bedroom. "The primary benefit of red-light therapy is its antiaging properties and ability to help improve skin damage," Natalie Aguilar, a dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician, told Family Proof. Aquilar added that regular use can "minimize fine lines and wrinkles, improve collagen production, and improve skin elasticity." It's completely safe to use at home as long as the device is FDA-approved, so make sure to check that.

Make sure your skin is clean, keep your eyes protected, and start by using it for 10 to 20 minutes by placing it about 6 to 8 inches from your face, per Platinum Therapy Lights. You should use it three to five times a week to begin seeing changes, and once you have achieved your results, try two to three sessions a week to maintain it. Depending on your skin condition and desired outcomes, the number of sessions can vary.

You must be patient because it takes time; you might not see immediate results. RLT users could see an improvement in their skin as early as two weeks into usage (via Healthy Voyager). While most people don't get have side effects, it's possible that you might experience redness and irritation after use. Results can depend on the individual, so if you're unsure, consult a dermatologist first.