Acne is a very painful skin condition that may affect more than just skin color and may cause long-term scarring, which greatly undermines the self-confidence of acne sufferers. Untreated acne sufferers may experience depression and anxiety. Approximately 117.4 million people worldwide currently suffer from acne, and this number is increasing every year.
Acne usually begins during puberty and occurs mainly in teenagers and young adults, but this skin condition may persist into the 30s and 40s. The condition develops when oil and dead skin cells clog the hair follicles beneath the skin’s surface. An overproduction of sebum, the oil that keeps skin supple, contributes to the development of acne.
Treatment for acne includes over-the-counter creams, cleansers, and antibiotics. Unfortunately, not all acne treatments work for everyone, and there are very few treatments for acne scars and red spots. The good news is that you can get real results from red light therapy for acne.
Red light therapy for acne scars: How does it work?
More and more people are discovering the potential of red light therapy for acne scars. Red light is different from other types of visible light in the electromagnetic spectrum because of its low-level but longer wavelengths. In contrast, blue and purple lights have shorter waves, vibrate at higher energies, and can damage DNA. Thus, with lower frequencies, red light is not just safe for humans; its penetrating wavelengths can reach deep down to the cellular level. The mitochondria or the “power generators” of cells can then absorb its energy, which it uses to self-repair and regenerate. So, let’s count the ways that red light therapy can be highly beneficial for your skin:
- It helps form new collagen.
The body’s ability to create collagen decreases with age. Fortunately, red light therapy can boost fibroblast production, which can make more collagen to heal acne lesions.
2. It activates DNA repair mechanisms.
While sunlight does not cause acne, it can worsen it. Scientific evidence shows that red light therapy prevents UV-induced skin damage by stimulating special proteins called ATF2 (Activating Transcription Factor-2) that reduce the risk of cellular injury, repair DNA, and protect cell survival.
3. It enhances blood circulation
Red light therapy can also improve blood flow and make the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to different body parts more efficient. This enables the various cells to receive the nourishment they need to perform rejuvenating functions, such as replacing tissues lost from acne scar formation.
4. It fights inflammation
Red light therapy can also trigger the release of cytokines, small proteins that are crucial in coordinating immune responses. By combating inflammation, these molecules prevent the breakdown of our pores’ walls as a result of acne.
5. It effectively clears out acne.
In one research, patients went through photodynamic therapy (PDT). This was combined with a treatment of aminolevulinic acid (ALA). The outcome was impressive: a ≥90% acne clearance in one month!
6. It reduces acne lesions.
Red light therapy was also demonstrated to work effectively for acne scars in patients with mild to moderate cases. After only 12 sessions, there was a dramatic decrease in the number of lesions without any complications.
How to choose a suitable light therapy device.
Here’s an easy way to treat scars at home with an LED red light device.
For best results, be sure to use a high-powered, high-quality LED device. Such a device will provide enough light output to successfully penetrate the skin depth and stimulate skin cell renewal.
Merican Red Light Therapy Bed M4; adopts UK Lucite® acrylic sheet with 99% light transmittance; 0-15000Hz pulse adjustable system; self-developed constant current source program and self-developed wireless intelligent control system. The product also brings you the benefits of 660, 810, 830, 850 nm, and 940 nm red and infrared light for faster and more dramatic results. Using the product can also prevent hair loss, relieve muscle aches and pains, etc.
