By Adrian Ermter
Did you know that over the past five years, Google Trends has accounted for a 262 per cent increase of Google searches for Red Light Therapy? It’s a treatment that involves exposing the skin to red and near-infrared light, which then penetrates it by one to two millimeters. The process is believed to stimulate mitochondria in skin cells, boosting energy production for healing wounds, promoting hair growth and more. According to the experts at beauty and wellness marketing, booking and tracking software platform Fresha, Red Light Therapy can also provide five great hair and skincare benefits that you can tap into this summer.
Benefit #1: Sunburn prevention
Obviously, applying a sunscreen with UVA and UVB blockers and a SPF higher than 30 to your face and body are your first step in preventing damage from the sun’s harsh ray. Research on LED Photoprevention has also shown that people can avoid sunburn with regular Red Light Therapy. The experts at Fresha say that red and near-infrared light prepares the skin for UV radiation. “[A] 2008 study found that red light pre-treatment significantly reduced redness and hyperpigmentation after sun exposure—like the effects of SPF15. This method is helpful for people who wish to enjoy the summer sunshine without sunburn, which can damage skin cells and encourage sunspots.”
Benefit #2: Reduces wrinkles
There’s a reason why beauty peeps have dubbed the “B” in the sun’s UVB rays as the burning and damaging ones and the “A” in the UVA rays as the aging ones, that add wrinkles and fine lines to our face. In black and white text on their website, The Skin Cancer Foundation clearly notes that in addition to burns, sun damage has been proven to lead to premature ageing. “Red Light Therapy reduces the appearance of premature ageing by increasing collagen production,” add the experts at Fresha, referencing research from Gitnux that states that the therapy can lessen wrinkles by 36 per cent over a ten-week period. “Red and near-infrared light penetrates the skin and, in turn, promotes the creation of the protein collagen, which is responsible for the skin’s strength, elasticity and hydration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Benefit #3: Reduces inflammation
Sun exposure can exacerbate various skin conditions and autoimmune diseases, including eczema and psoriasis, as heat and sweat worsen symptoms. Its uncomfortable and can be stressful as it can lead to excessive and often painful itching and flaking. Fresha says that according to Elizabeth H. Page, MD, a dermatologist at Beth Israel Lahey Health and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Red Light Therapy’s anti-inflammatory properties can reduce these symptoms. The experts at Fresha further note that “red and near-infrared lights do this by combatting white blood cells that trigger inflammation and cause lesions, such as those seen in cases of eczema and psoriasis.”
Benefit #4: Diminishes the appearance of scars
Not so fun fact: the appearance of scarring can worsen after sun exposure. “The [Red Light] Therapy can be used to treat multiple scars,” say the experts at Fresha. “For example, red and near-infrared light boosts collagen production, improving the appearance of acne-related scarring, otherwise known as atrophic scars. The same can also be accomplished for keloid scars and stretch marks.”
Benefit #5: Promotes hair growth
On average, we each lose around 50 to 100 hair strands every day. It’s normal. Some people though, may notice more hair loss during the summer months, which can often be attributed to a build-up of dirt, sweat and excessive oil in hot weather. The experts at Fresha say that according to research by Healthline, “Red Light Therapy improves circulation and encourages hair growth. It can promote hair growth during the summer months, especially for those with conditions such as alopecia.”
