When you’ve got acne-prone skin, it can feel like a never-ending cycle. You do everything right. Use quality skincare, eat clean, stay active… And just when it starts to clear up, the breakouts return out of nowhere. Red light therapy for acne is one of those treatments that has become more and more popular in recent years. But could this be a game-changer in your skincare? Let’s see it together.
What Causes Acne – Tackling the Root Problem
Before we discuss whether red light therapy for acne works, it’s good to understand what actually causes it.
Your face is covered in tiny hair follicles. You can think of them as little pockets where each hair grows. Sometimes, those pockets get clogged. And it’s not because of dirt from the outside, but because of what’s happening on your skin.
Here’s what can build up and cause blockages:
- Oil (sebum): Your skin naturally produces this to keep itself lubricated and protected. Some people just produce more of it, which ups their chances of breakouts.
- Bacteria: These microbes live on your skin and usually help protect it, but under the certain conditions, they can trigger inflammation.
- Dead skin cells: Your skin constantly renews itself, and those old cells can pile up if they’re not shed properly.
When these things clog up a follicle, you get the usual suspects:
- A pimple or blackhead
- Redness and swelling (inflammation)
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Red light therapy uses wavelengths between 600 and 850 nanometers (nm) to penetrate deep into the skin and kickstart cellular activity.
The main target? The mitochondria which is the “powerhouse” of the cell. When red light hits the mitochondria, it helps them produce more ATP (a form of energy the cell uses). This extra energy helps skin cells do their jobs better, like repairing damage, reducing inflammation, and making more collagen for healthier skin.
What Does Red Light Therapy Feel Like?
Red light therapy is non-invasive and usually completely painless. Because it uses low-energy wavelengths, most people don’t feel a thing, not even heat.
But just because you can’t feel it doesn’t mean it’s not working. The light is getting deep into your skin, right to the mitochondria. That’s where the real action happens.
Does Red Light Therapy Help Acne?
Red light therapy offers a range of potential benefits for skin health, and yes, that includes improving acne-prone skin.
Here’s what else it can do:
- Firm, tone, and boost skin elasticity
- Reduce inflammation
- Reduces skin degradation
- Activates and stimulates skin cell metabolic functions
- Stimulates and regenerates collagen production and elastin skin proteins
Thanks to its potential to prevent and repair acne and scarring, red light therapy is definitely worth considering.
What Does Acne-Focused Red Light Therapy Look Like?
If you’re doing red light therapy for acne, you’ve got options. One is a full-body treatment, which we highly recommend. Why? Because it comes with bonus benefits like:
- Improved hair and nail regrowth.
- Muscle, nerve and joint pain relief.
- Increased immune system.
- Increased creatine production.
- Reduced dark age spots and dark circles under the eyes.
- Improves sleep
- And more…
You can also go for smaller tools like red light masks or handheld wands. These can help, but for the best and most consistent results, professional or medical-grade red light therapy beds with full-body exposure are the gold standard.
What to Do Before Your Red Light Therapy Treatment?
Before your red light therapy acne treatment, make sure your skin is clean and makeup-free.
Also, hydrate. Drink plenty of water the day before and leading up to your treatment. Hydrated skin responds better to the light.
And most importantly, stay consistent. Red light therapy for acne works best when it’s done regularly.
Can Red Light Therapy Cause Acne
No, red light therapy should not cause acne. In the first few weeks, it will assist you to purge your skin and get what’s lying under the surface out, then from there heal the pore and assist with the root problem. Redlight’s role is to support and improve acne-prone skin, not trigger breakouts.
Ready to Try Red Light Therapy for Yourself?
If you’re in Oregon or Washington, now’s the perfect time to try red light therapy for acne. At SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa, new clients can get their first Medical Grade, comfortable, full body, red light treatment for just $10 (normally $65), and we’ll even throw in a free VIP tan to boost your glow. Whether you’re looking to calm breakouts, smooth your skin, or just feel more confident in your skin, this is a great place to start.
FAQ
Does red light therapy help acne scars?
Yes, it can. Red light therapy supports your skin’s natural rejuvenating process by boosting collagen production and improving circulation. Over time, that can help soften the look of acne scars and even out your skin texture.
Does red light therapy help with cystic acne?
It may help reduce the inflammation and redness that come with cystic acne. So yes, red light can calm the skin and make it a solid add-on to your acne routine.
Can you use red light therapy for hormonal acne?
You can. Hormonal acne usually shows up as deep, painful breakouts, especially around the jawline. Red light therapy won’t stop the hormones, but can help manage flare-ups by reducing inflammation and supporting skin repair.
Does red light therapy help back acne?
Yes, red light therapy could help with back acne (or “bacne”), especially if you’re doing full-body treatments. It can help clear up breakouts, smooth your skin, and prevent future flare-ups.
How often should I do red light therapy for acne?
Consistency is everything. For best results, aim for 3-5 sessions a week to start. Once your skin improves, you can move to a maintenance schedule. For example, 1-2 times a week. Keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different, so listen to yours and adjust as needed.
Need help figuring out what’s right for you? Our certified wellness consultants are here to guide you and answer any red light or acne-related questions you’ve got.
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