The relationship between your skin and the sun’s UVA and UVB rays is widely known as harmful. However, healthier forms of light, such as red light, may offer health and skin-enhancing benefits. If you’re into skincare for men, you’ve probably seen sometimes odd-looking light-emitting devices flooding your Instagram feed. You can also find stronger red light therapy (RLT) treatments at your local medical spa or doctor’s office. But what are the benefits of red light therapy, and how can it help your skin? 

RLT uses low-level red light wavelengths to address various skin and health conditions, such as wrinkles, scarring, stretch marks, chronic pain conditions, and wounds. It may also provide a healing benefit for injured muscles. After initial use by scientists in the 1990s to grow plants, medical interest in red light grew as researchers discovered its growth effect in plant cells. As it turns out, RLT offers similar positive effects on skin and muscle tissue and may help boost collagen production. 

There are different types of RLT, including at-home devices for help with skin issues. Red light can potentially offer an impressive boost to the overall look and feel of your skin when combined with a men’s skincare routine, 

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

Also called low-level laser therapy, RLT works by strengthening energy-creating mitochondria. RLT exposes the treatment area to red or near-infra-red light and helps mitochondria make more energy, which promotes growth and healing in wounded skin and muscle tissue. 

It’s also important to note that red light is not the same kind of light used in tanning booths, and it won’t expose your skin to potentially damaging UV rays. 

Why Red Light Therapy is Amazing for Your Skin

Experts say that RLT works by penetrating the skin and acting on skin cells called fibroblasts. By stimulating collagen-producing fibroblasts, RLT may help heal and strengthen damaged skin and connective tissue, resulting in firmer, more youthful skin with less noticeable scarring. 

With RLT, your provider exposes your skin to red light via a lamp or device, and there are also various at-home options to choose from––though in-clinic technology may be stronger and more effective. 

Is Red Light Therapy Safe?

RLT is generally considered safe when administered by a trained aesthetician or dermatologist, and you can buy at-home RLT devices at varying price points. Whether picking a provider or an at-home tool, do your research first to ensure that you get the most for your investment. 

While in-office RLT treatments are likely more powerful than home gadgets, at-home RLT devices offer a great, affordable alternative if professional treatments aren’t accessible to you. Plus, at-home RLT devices can help enhance the results of your in-clinic treatments if you use them regularly. 

It’s important to note that you’re not likely to see dramatic results with one RLT treatment: you’ll most likely need a series of treatments to affect a noticeable change. So, whether you opt for professional sessions, at-home treatments, or both, consistency is key to getting your best results.