If you scroll through TikTok regularly, you've probably noticed many users wearing strangely shaped masks that glow with red light.
“Red LED Light Therapy” has more than 70 million views on the app, and influencers and everyday people alike are using LED light masks, wands, and other products that promise clearer, healthier skin and anti-inflammation. She is seen using high-tech skin care products. Benefits of aging.
At-home “red light therapy masks” range in price from just under $100 to $3,500, depending on functionality. But do they actually work? Are they worth the investment? And should we all use them to improve skin health?
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says Bertha Baum, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. and talk about trends.
Can red light therapy actually improve your skin?
“Red light therapy, like LEDs in general, has actually been around for years. It's very common in Europe and Latin America,” Baum says, adding that it has become popular in the U.S. for skin care purposes in recent years. pointed out that it is increasing. .
Red LED light therapy is a “low-level laser therapy,” she added. “And it penetrates almost 8 to 10 millimeters of the skin.”
The microcurrent emitted from LED light therapy is associated with wound healing and was originally introduced by NASA using red and blue wavelengths of light.
The effects of red wavelength light, in particular, are “more consistent with anti-aging,” Bohm says, because they are “good for collagen production.”
“We used [red light therapy] “It's been used for many years to relieve pain,” Bohm says. “It's very effective at promoting circulation and reducing inflammation.” That's why some people use this device on their joints.
“We've also seen some hair regrowth with red LEDs and red light therapy,” she points out.
Blue wavelengths of light may be helpful in treating acne and also have antibacterial effects, Baum says.
Use only FDA-cleared LED light devices and follow instructions.
“But of course you need the right device,” Bohm says. “I think that's where the problem can be, especially with home devices. They're not controlled.”
Baum strongly recommends that you only use LED light therapy devices that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Additionally, “most [devices] is made for daily use,” she says, adding that when using it on the face, you should stick to the recommended time, “which tends to be 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the device.” That's it.
You also need to make sure “the wavelengths are appropriate and won't affect your eyes,” says Bohm.
“When the whole new wave of LEDs started, we had to take some of them off the market because they weren’t very good for the eyes,” she says. “Those currently on the market are safe to use in terms of wavelength and duration.” [and] Dosage to your eyes.And it will let you know if it's unsafe [to] Please protect your eyes. ”
If you have open wounds on your skin, you should be especially careful when using LED light therapy masks, Bohm says. If the mask is not properly cleaned between uses, there is a risk of infection. She recommends cleaning your LED lighting equipment regularly after using it.
People with certain inflammatory diseases, such as systemic lupus or systemic sclerosis, should consult their doctor before trying an LED light therapy mask because of the potential side effects of increasing levels of inflammation, Bohm said. suggests.
Overall, a red LED light therapy mask is not necessary, but it will not cause any harm if used properly. “I think this is a really good non-invasive way to do something at home that actually has some scientific data,” she said. she says.
“I think all skin types in all age groups over 25 can benefit from it, because anti-aging is not necessary before that.”
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