The Impact of Red Light on Your Skin: How to Protect Yourself from Aging

As people seek ways to protect their skin from aging and health complications while boosting health, more and more skin treatments and technologies are being developed and popularized. One of those treatments that has gained traction in recent years is red light therapy for the skin. If you’re wondering, “What does red light therapy do?” and are actively seeking a treatment option that not only safeguards your skin from aging but also offers numerous additional benefits, then red light therapy might be the perfect solution for you.

Dermatologists and physicians have been using red light therapy for years as an easy, non-invasive treatment for cell rejuvenation, accelerated healing, pain relief, treating skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, and anti-aging benefits. You may have seen red light therapy utilized a lot for the face; however, this treatment can be administered to the entire body to benefit every inch of the skin. The skin on the rest of your body is just as important as the skin on your face, and protecting all of your skin is vital. 

What is RED Light Therapy?

Red light therapy, or RLT, improves skin health and protects against skin concerns such as aging and sun damage. It also helps stimulate cell rejuvenation for improved skin health, healing, and even pain relief. Red light therapy is non-invasive and uses red LED lights to penetrate the skin at a cellular level. The red light stimulates the production of collagen, which is essential for skin health, and promotes cell regeneration. This process can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of scars.

When undergoing RTL, the treated area will be placed under a lamp that emits red light to the skin to penetrate the cells and help rejuvenate, benefit, and protect the skin. Red light therapy can be applied to a specific area to be treated, such as just the face, or it can be applied to the entire body. The treatment doesn’t involve any heat or UV rays, so it’s completely safe and painless, and it’s a fairly quick treatment process. 

What Does Red Light Therapy Do?

One of the most significant benefits of red light therapy is its ability to protect your skin from aging. Aging occurs when the body’s cells break down over time, losing collagen and other essential proteins. This breakdown can cause the skin to become thin, dry, and less elastic, leading to wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging.

Red light therapy can help protect your skin from aging by stimulating the production of collagen and other essential proteins. The red light also improves blood circulation, which helps to bring essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells. This increased circulation can help improve the skin’s overall health and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Using red light therapy also promotes cell rejuvenation and can help enhance the skin cells’ metabolism, encouraging cell production. These new cells replace the damaged ones that contribute to the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, crow’s feet, and fine lines, to also contribute to protecting the skin against aging.

In addition to stimulating collagen production, red light therapy can also help reduce inflammation in the skin. Inflammation is a significant contributor to the aging process, as it can lead to oxidative stress and damage to the skin cells. Red light therapy can help reduce inflammation by increasing the production of antioxidants, which can help neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative damage.

How to Protect Your Skin From Aging

While red light therapy can help protect your skin from aging and it’s a great treatment option to add to your regimen, there are other steps you should be taking to keep your skin protected, healthy, and youthful. 

Wear Sunscreen

UV rays and sun damage ages skin the most, and the best thing you can do to protect your skin from aging is to wear sunscreen on a daily basis. Sun exposure can cause damage to the skin cells and lead to the breakdown of collagen. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it to your face and neck every morning. You can also apply it to other exposed skin to go the extra mile and protect the rest of your skin from sun exposure, damage, and aging. 

Eat a Healthy Diet

What you put into your body directly affects your skin’s health and appearance. A healthy, well-balanced diet can help protect your skin from aging and maintain a healthy appearance. Choose foods high in antioxidants, like berries, leafy greens, and nuts. These foods can help neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to the skin cells. Also, ensure you get enough protein, which is essential for collagen production.

Stay Hydrated

The skin is the body’s largest organ, and staying hydrated ensures your skin looks and functions as it should. Staying hydrated will rejuvenate the skin to look smooth and soft. When you’re well hydrated, the outermost layer of the skin has the moisture it needs to flush away toxins and carry nutrients to the skin’s cells. When your body is dehydrated, your skin can become dry, dull, and prone to wrinkles. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and consider using a moisturizer to help lock in hydration.

Use Gentle Skincare Products

Using harsh skincare products can also contribute to the aging process. Choose gentle products free from harsh chemicals and fragrances, and avoid over-exfoliating, as this can cause damage to the skin cells. Look for products that contain ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, which can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for protecting the skin against aging and looking dull. When you sleep, your body has the chance to repair and regenerate, which can help reduce the signs of aging. Aim to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night and establish a consistent sleep schedule.

Manage Stress

Prolonged stress can negatively contribute to aging, including signs of aging in the skin. Stress contributes to the aging process by increasing inflammation in the body. Finding ways to manage stress, such as practicing meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, can help reduce the impact of stress on your skin and overall health.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking is a major contributor to aging, especially on the skin. Smoking can cause damage to the skin cells, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging. Quitting smoking can help reduce the impact of smoking and aging on your skin and overall health.

Go the Extra Mile to Protect Your Skin

Red light therapy can be an effective way to help protect your skin from aging and maintain a healthy and youthful appearance. While it’s not the only way to protect your skin against aging, it can be a great addition to your regimen and be used in targeted areas or the entire body. While there are many options for utilizing red light for the skin on the market today, the best way to ensure you receive the most effective treatment and results is by going to a trained and knowledgeable practitioner with the latest technology.
At CORR, we offer the latest red light technology with our LED bed to treat the entire body. Whether you want to improve your overall skin health or just relax and get ahead of the aging process, our team of experts can provide the best red light therapy plan for you and your goals. To learn more about if RTL is right for you or to get started, reach out to schedule a consultation with us today.