Striae – die strepen op de huid die worden veroorzaakt door snelle uitrekking als gevolg van groei, gewichtstoename, of zwangerschap – kan iedereen treffen. Terwijl ze niet schadelijk zijn, veel mensen zoeken naar manieren om hun uiterlijk te verminderen. One increasingly popular solution is therapie met rood licht (RLT). Maar werkt het echt??
Understanding Stretch Marks
Striae (strepen) occur when the skin is stretched faster than it can repair itself. This causes the collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis to rupture, leaving behind scars that start off red or purple and fade to white over time.
There are two types:
- Striae rubrae – newer, reddish stretch marks.
- Striae albae – older, white or silvery stretch marks.
Hoe roodlichttherapie werkt
Roodlichttherapie maakt gebruik van specifieke golflengten van rood en nabij-infrarood licht (typisch 630-850 nm) to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular activity. Here’s how it may help with stretch marks:
✅ Boosts Collagen and Elastin Production
RLT stimulates fibroblasts — the cells that produce collagen and elastin. Increased collagen helps repair damaged dermal tissue and improve skin firmness, reducing the visibility of stretch marks over time.
✅ Improves Skin Texture and Tone
Red light therapy enhances blood flow and cell turnover, which can smooth the skin’s surface and help fade discoloration associated with newer stretch marks.
✅ Reduces Inflammation
For red or inflamed stretch marks, red light therapy can help calm the skin, reducing irritation and promoting faster recovery.
What Do the Studies Say?
While direct research on red light therapy for stretch marks is still limited, studies on red light’s effects on productie van collageen, huidverjonging, En scar healing are promising:
- A 2014 study published in Seminars in cutane geneeskunde en chirurgie highlighted red light’s ability to stimulate dermal remodeling.
- Another clinical trial found that red light improved skin elasticity and smoothness in women after pregnancy.
These findings suggest that red light therapy can be especially helpful for early-stage (rood of paars) striae, though it may also improve the appearance of older marks over time.
Treatment Tips
To get the best results from red light therapy for stretch marks:
- Gebruik een medical-grade red light device with wavelengths between 630–850 nm.
- Apply the light to the affected area 3–5 keer per week, voor 10–20 minuten per sessie.
- Combine with other skin-supporting treatments, zoals moisturizers, retinoids, or microneedling (under professional guidance).
Is It Safe?
Ja. Red light therapy is non-invasive, pijnloos, and safe for most skin types. It does not cause skin damage or burns like UV light.
Laatste gedachten
Red light therapy may not completely erase stretch marks, but it can significantly reduce their appearance — especially when used consistently over time. By boosting collagen, improving skin tone, and supporting the body’s natural repair processes, RLT offers a gentle, effective solution for those looking to improve their skin’s look and feel.
