Does Red Light Therapy Tighten Loose Skin? + Before & After

Aging is an inevitable process that occurs with any living organism. Now, when the life expectancy of the average person has increased, but at the same time fashion standards dictate their own rules and oblige us to be young and athletic, the topic of resisting aging is becoming more and more popular. 

There is a lot of information out there on the internet about red light therapy and its potential to tighten loose skin. But how much of it is true? And more importantly, what can you do to make sure you are getting the most out of this effective treatment? 

How does red light therapy help in skin tightening?

Loose skin is a common issue that many people face as they age. The skin begins to lose its elasticity and firmness, which can cause it to sag and droop. This can be especially noticeable on the face, neck, and arms.

A common reason why tone and elasticity decrease is the destruction of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin due to natural aging processes.

One option for addressing loose skin is surgery, but this is often expensive and risky. The non-invasive option is to use light therapy.

Light therapy uses different wavelengths of light to stimulate collagen production and promote skin cell turnover. This can help to tighten the skin, reduce wrinkles, and give the skin a more youthful appearance.

The most common type of skin tightening is red and infrared light therapy. This therapy uses light lengths from 620 nm to 1000 nm to penetrate the skin and improve skin tone and elasticity. When these lights are applied to the skin, they create small wounds that trigger the body’s healing response. This increases collagen production and helps improve the appearance of your skin. It is safe, painless, and has few side effects.

How to use red light therapy to tighten loose skin

Whatever the cause of sagging skin, many people who notice it are often dissatisfied with the condition and are interested in finding a solution to the problem. Light therapy is one of the most popular methods that has already won millions of fans around the world.

You can use it in two ways: visit a clinic or with at-home devices.

Use at-home light therapy devices

At-home light therapy devices are becoming more and more popular, as they’re a convenient and affordable way to get light therapy treatments. If you don’t have time to visit salons and clinics, or you want to fully control the treatment process, home devices are your choice.

There are many different types of at-home devices on the market, so you’ll need to do some research to find the best one for you. 

• When you’re looking for an at-home device, it’s important to make sure that it has been cleared by the FDA. 
• You should also look for a device that comes with detailed instructions, so you’ll know how to use it properly. 
• In addition, it’s a good idea to read online reviews of at-home devices before you purchase one, so you can get an idea of what other people think about them.

Visit a clinic or spa

If you have a lot of loose skin, or your skin is especially sagging, you may want to consider visiting a professional for this treatment. One of the most popular ways to tighten skin is with red light therapy, which uses heat to stimulate collagen production and encourage new cell growth.

You can also get other types of light therapy, like LED light therapy. This type doesn’t use heat, but it can still help to improve the appearance of your skin by stimulating collagen production. 

The benefit of getting light therapy at a clinic or spa is that you’ll be able to get a more intense treatment than you would at home. Also, the professionals who work at these businesses are trained to give light therapy treatments, so you can be sure that you’re getting a safe and effective treatment.

Before and after results 

Loose skin can be a result of many different things. Perhaps you’ve lost a lot of weight, been pregnant, or simply gotten older. Whatever the cause, you might be considering light therapy to help improve your appearance. But does it really work? 

Below, we take a look at real before and after results from people who’ve used light therapy for skin tightening.

We can summarize that light therapy can work to an extent of tightening your skin, but there are many variables at play. The type of machine, the wavelength, the strength of the pulses, and how often you use them will all affect your results. 

That being said, if you’re considering light therapy for skin tightening, be sure to consult with a professional beforehand to get the most accurate idea of what to expect.

How to get the most out of red light therapy for skin firm?

There are a few things you should keep in mind if you’re interested in undergoing light therapy for skin firmness. 

✓ Choose the right device

Look for a device that has been cleared by the FDA for use in treating skin conditions.

✓ Make sure you have no adverse reactions

Before you start using your device, you should test it to make sure your skin does not have an adverse reaction. You can do this by using it on the arm or other part of the body that is less sensitive than the face for a few minutes. If there is no negative reaction after two hours, you can start using your skin tightening device.

✓ Understand how your light therapy device works

When you understand how your light therapy device works, you know how to properly use it and what to expect from it. To learn more about your device, read the manual or contact the manufacturer for information.

Also, many light therapy devices include infrared LEDs to enhance the anti-aging benefits they offer. Since infrared radiation is invisible to the human eye, these LEDs do not appear to work. 

However, if you have a phone camera, you will be able to “see” the infrared rays:

• Just turn on your device and then look at it through your phone’s camera.
• If you still can’t see the IR LEDs, try switching between the rear and front cameras.

✓ Protect your skin

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the device. In general, you’ll need to wear eye protection and avoid exposure to sunlight before and after treatment.

✓ Be consistent

For best results, use your device as directed. Most devices require you to use them 3-5 times a week for 6-12 weeks.

✓ Don’t overdo it

More isn’t always better when it comes to light therapy. Using a device more often than recommended can actually damage your skin.

Scientific research on red light therapy for loose skin treatment

Here are some of the studies on the beneficial effects of red light therapy on skin tone and firmness.

In the study [1], 36 patients received 9 sessions of LED therapy over 5 weeks. As a result, a statistically significant reduction in wrinkles was observed. Most patients reported an improvement in skin softness, smoothness, and firmness. Also, thickenings in collagen fibers were revealed.

Another study [2] confirmed an increase in collagen synthesis with red light therapy. Also, after 11 treatments with LED light, it was noted that more than 90% of people experienced a decrease in wrinkle depth and surface roughness. There were no reports of side effects.

This study [3] was including 13 patients with wrinkles or fine lines who received nine-light treatments lasting 20 minutes using LED therapy (a combination of 633 and 830 nm wavelengths). As a result, it was reported that after 12 weeks of follow-up, 91% of patients reported an improvement in skin tone.

The last study [4] was involving men and women between the ages of 39 and 66. The red and near-infrared light therapy device was used for 10 weeks. As a result, 77% of patients noticed a significant reduction in wrinkles, 69% — a decrease of crow’s feet on the face, and improved tone and texture of the skin.

The verdict 

Flabbiness of the skin is one of its main signs of age along with wrinkles, pigmentation, and dryness. People have been using light therapy for several decades to combat age-related changes, and for good reason.

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin. It can be stimulated by exposure to certain types of light, such as those emitted by red and infrared LEDs.

However, keep in mind that the therapy device should contain enough light (from 600 nm) for deep penetration and skin rejuvenation.

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