Red light therapy is a relatively new technique used to treat skin issues. The way it works is red, low-level wavelengths of light are used to target things like wrinkles, fine lines, and acne. Some of the other issues red-light therapy treats include:
- Acne scars
- Age spots
- Sun damage
- Wrinkles
- Sagging skin
Generally, it’s used to combat aging and to improve the quality and appearance of one’s skin. It’s a bit controversial and not everybody agrees that it works. Here, we’ll discuss some of the pros and cons to using red-light therapy.
The Pros of Using Red-Light Therapy
There are an awful lot of benefits to using red-light therapy to correct minor and even major skin issues. It would seem the pros outweigh the cons. Of course, it all depends on what you’re using red-light therapy for. It also depends on what issues you already have with your skin.
Here are some of the pros to using red-light therapy:
- Helps repair minor skin damage – Red-light therapy can help you treat sunspots and other discolorations on your face and neck. Over time, these discolorations can almost disappear.
- Rejuvenates skin – If you have tired, dry skin, red-light therapy can make your skin feel and look refreshed and dewy.
- Builds collagen – One of the reasons people start to see wrinkles and fine lines is because they’re no longer producing collagen at the same rate they did when they were younger. This therapy can help boost collagen production. It can also maximize the benefits of collagen production.
- Reduces inflammation – if you currently suffer from inflammation, especially near your eyes and cheeks, red-light therapy may help. It can help reduce inflammation and eliminate the side effects of inflammation as well.
- Makes stretch marks fade – Nobody wants to have visible stretch marks. These are the result of having a baby or from gaining and losing weight. Over time, stretch marks become more obvious. Red-light therapy is believed to help minimize the appearance of the marks.
- Stimulates hair growth – Believe it or not, red-light therapy can actually help your hair grow faster and stronger. Of course, many people are leery about using this kind of technology on their head.
- Improves circulation – If you’re dealing with circulation issues, you may want to try red-light therapy. It is said to help improve circulation, especially in trouble areas.
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles – The main reason people use red-light therapy is to get rid of wrinkles. As we get older, men and women suffer from embarrassing wrinkles and signs of aging. Red-light therapy can help remove these signs.
- Smooths your skin tone – If you have uneven skin tones, you can use red-light therapy to help calm them down and balance them out.
- Minimize cellulite – One of the major complaints of women is that they wish they could rid of their cellulite. Even fit women suffer from this problem. Red-light therapy promises to minimize, if not eliminate, cellulite.
While these pros of using red-light therapy can be beneficial, there are also a number of cons to using this technology. Since you need to make an informed decision before using this therapy, it is only fair that we point out the cons of red-light therapy treatments.
There aren’t many, and they mostly have to do with the price, so lets address these.
Cons to Using Red-Light Therapy Treatments?
As indicated above, there are plenty of cons to using red-light therapy. Several are worth mentioning here. The top 10 cons of using this technology include the following:
- Red light therapy can be really expensive to have it done in the salon. Even if you don’t go every week (as recommended) it can cost hundreds of dollars per month. Thats why we recommend using a red light therapy device at home, its just a lot cheaper.
- You have to use it constantly. Otherwise, any benefits you experienced will take a long time to apear. As people, we have a tedency to not be consistent, which may be an issue wether you’re choosing red light therapy or any other skincare treatment. Make it a habit to treat your skin 3-4 times a week. Simply set a few minutes and try to set them at the same exact time of the day, so you won’t forget.
- There are many led device and it may be hard to find a good one. Some of the devices we tested were very low quality, and we wouldn’t recommend them. If you’re shopping for a led light therapy device, check out this post.
What’s the Verdict – Beyond the Pros and Cons
Now that you’ve seen the pros and cons to using red-light therapy, you have to make a decision. I
Should you get your own device, or would you rather go to a salon?
We recommend mixing the two, if you can afford it.
However, if you’re trying to save money, get a home red light therapy device like this one, it has everything you need, including red, blue and green led light therapy modes, and it will save you a lot of money (and time).
Use the device 3 times a week at least, for 5 minutes per treated area (so 5 minutes for your face, 5 minutes for your neck, and 5 minutes for any other body part you want to treat).
Red light therapy treatments have been proven to work, but the results might take time to appear.
Don’t get discouraged and avoid the “diet pill” mentality of “I need results today”. Almost every skincare product or treatment we tested that promised ‘instant’ results – is a scam and just don’t work.
Nothing happens overnight unless you’re using unnatural procedures like botox or getting a surgery, keep that in mind.
