In today's pursuit of the perfect glow, skincare enthusiasts are willing to explore a plethora of options. This is especially true for those dealing with skin conditions that can make daily life a bit more challenging. If you've tried everything from gua sha massages to creams and face masks, you're likely aware of the diverse and sometimes unusual solutions available on the market to address various skin concerns.

Amidst the constant influx of innovative treatments, red light therapy stands out as a promising solution worth getting excited about. Red light therapy is available in various devices, including portable wands, lamps, masks, and more, making it a go-to treatment option for dermatologists and A-list clients such as Chrissy Teigen and Kate Hudson.

Red light therapy, a non-invasive treatment utilizing low-level red light, works to enhance skin health and appearance. This form of light therapy has been utilized in medical and scientific fields for decades, effectively addressing skin disorders, wrinkles, and imperfections while aiding in scar healing. Scientifically referred to as photobiomodulation, red light therapy penetrates the skin at a cellular level, stimulating collagen and elastin production—essential proteins for maintaining healthy skin. By exposing the body to low-wavelength red light (ranging from 620 to 750 nanometers), red light therapy promotes increased energy production within cells, potentially leading to numerous health benefits.

The journey of discovering red light therapy began when astronauts tending to plant growth chambers observed their minor hand scratches starting to heal, sparking interest in a professor from the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Further research, funded by NASA for human trials, revealed that red light therapy could be intentionally used as a form of photomedicine—applying light for health and healing purposes. Visible light penetrates biological tissues, including cells, muscle tissues, and nerve tissues, with red and near-infrared (NIR) light penetrating deeper compared to green, blue, or violet light.

Red light therapy exhibits potential in assisting acne treatment and reducing inflammation, accelerating healing, stimulating hair growth, and promoting general skin rejuvenation. However, as a newer and less studied treatment for skin, more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits. Presently, ongoing research, publication of small-scale studies, and extensive discussions on the internet shed light on the potential effectiveness of red light therapy for various health applications. While some studies demonstrate promise, the complete efficacy of red light therapy remains to be conclusively determined. Nevertheless, it is already being successfully employed in many clinical settings.

At-home red light therapy devices offer versatile benefits, addressing multiple skincare concerns. With regular use, these anti-aging devices can enhance skin elasticity, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone and texture, and minimize pore appearance over time. These devices are painless, non-invasive, and quick to use, with many at-home treatment sessions lasting just three minutes.

Light therapy has been a longstanding approach for acne treatment, often used in conjunction with medications and therapies to enhance light absorption. Red light therapy is emerging as a promising acne treatment, with recent small-scale studies showing a 36% reduction in mild and moderate breakouts.

Skin fibrosis, commonly known as scarring, affects over 100 million people worldwide each year. While more clinical trials are required, a growing body of evidence suggests that red light therapy may help modulate key cell characteristics contributing to scarring. Specifically, red light therapy is employed to reduce collagen production in scar tissue, ultimately improving or preventing thickened scars.

Difficult-to-heal wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, pose significant challenges in skin treatment. Red light therapy is demonstrating promise in accelerating the healing process for such wounds. Researchers posit that the potential positive effects of red light therapy in wound healing are likely attributed to increased cell mitochondria activity, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen production.

Experts recommend consulting a dermatologist before purchasing a red light therapy tool. If you decide to invest in an at-home product, seek guidance from a medical professional, review online testimonials, and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions. Below, we've compiled dermatologists' recommendations for FDA-cleared red light therapy devices.

Red light therapy goes by various names, including:

• Low-level laser light therapy.
• Low-power laser therapy.
• Non-thermal LED light.
• Soft laser therapy.
• Cold laser therapy.
• Biostimulation, photonic stimulation.
• Photobiomodulation and phototherapy.

For at-home red light therapy, excellent options include the DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro ,and the  Foreo Ufo 3, for those seeking a travel-size treatment device.

Remember to consult a dermatologist before purchasing any medical-related devices.