Red light therapy (PBM) exposes your skin to low-power red wavelengths of light that have been found to promote healing and stimulate collagen synthesis without resorting to heat treatment. It has proven itself effective at healing wounds quickly while simultaneously increasing collagen synthesis without creating heat damage.
Red light therapy devices use wavelengths of light that penetrate directly into your cells for maximum benefit. While saunas rely on heat, red light therapy uses the power of red light technology.
RF Devices
RF devices produce electromagnetic radio waves — or more precisely electromagnetic currents — which oscillate at a set frequency. When directed toward conductors such as metal or plastic objects, such as phones or computers, this current becomes attracted to them rather than passing right through. This process is called modulation and allows information transfer over the air without using wires.
Radiofrequency therapy is used extensively in cosmetic practices to tighten skin, stimulate collagen production, and contour by heating and destroying fat cells. Radiofrequency treatments are especially useful for those with darker skin tones who find laser or light therapies difficult to use effectively.
Radiofrequency treatments differ from IPL or LED treatments in that it penetrates below the skin’s surface to stimulate collagen production and lift tissue structure, ultimately diminishing fine lines, sagging jowls and other signs of aging while smoothing fine lines on facial features, neck area, arms abdomen or thighs. Radiofrequency technology is highly versatile – being suitable for face, decolletage, arms abdomen or thighs.
There are two primary kinds of radiofrequency (RF) devices: monopolar and bipolar. Monopolar devices use one single contact point or probe on the skin’s surface, whereas bipolar devices utilize multiple electrodes to cover larger areas. Monopolar devices possess greater penetration power to reach deeper into layers of skin and fat — including even subcutaneous layers if their temperature allows – making them better at contouring large portions of body surfaces.
However, both types of radio frequency (RF) devices can be safely utilized when used properly in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and understanding how these devices work and their limitations – this will allow you to identify any risks and mitigate them as needed (such as overheating or damaging skin).
Microcurrent Devices
If you don’t want to invest in in-spa treatments, there are at-home microcurrent devices available that work similarly. A microcurrent device works by sending gentle waves of energy directly into your facial muscles in a manner similar to natural body ionic flow, increasing protein synthesis and amino acid transport, stimulating collagen production, tightening and firming the skin over time – with results appearing within weeks to months!
Some at-home microcurrent devices have received FDA clearance, providing assurance of their safety for home use and permitting their companies to make claims about them.
One factor that differentiates some at-home devices from others is their frequency level. Most at-home devices operate at lower frequencies (typically around 300 to 1700Hz); professional grade in-spa devices offer higher frequencies that range up to 1300-1700Hz.
Similar to microcurrent devices, devices that claim to provide electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) are simply equipped with stronger settings than their regular counterparts – these settings may go as high as 1 Tesla to ensure effective wound-healing treatments.
Reputable devices should include easy-to-follow instructions that explain how best to use it for optimal results. A touchscreen display may also prove invaluable, offering customized treatment plans and tutorials tailored specifically for you.
At-home devices should be lightweight and ergonomically designed so they’re comfortable to hold in your hand for extended periods. A lightweight design increases chances that users will stick with it and use the device enough times for results to appear.
Note that microcurrent devices used at home may be safe for most individuals; however, those with metal implants, pacemakers, open wounds or electrical medical conditions such as epilepsy should avoid them for safety purposes. Also, individuals who have recently undergone Botox or fillers may wish to wait several weeks before using a microcurrent device as it could lead to complications.
At-Home Devices
Red light therapy uses LED lights with various wavelengths, including blue (which helps treat acne and reduce inflammation), red (which stimulates collagen production and improves skin elasticity), or yellow (which promotes metabolism of cells while inhibiting melanin deposition thereby lightening dark spots). At-home devices range from simple hand-held models that are easy to manage all the way to professional grade machines – the key factor when purchasing is whether its results have been scientifically demonstrated.
For optimal results, look to a combination of technologies, like those found in the Project E BodySculpt LED RF Beauty System. This portable powerhouse combines radio frequency, cavitation and red light therapy technologies for lifting, toning and contouring that’s both effective and safe to use at home.
This device utilizes bipolar radiofrequency to tighten deeper layers of skin for tightening purposes while at the same time using infrared and red light to slim the area by increasing blood circulation and stimulating cell energy production, helping diminish cellulite appearance while creating an evener skin texture and tone.
Combine micro-needling and laser treatments for maximum effect. While I prefer performing such treatments at my clinic, home devices can provide an affordable way of getting similar results. When selecting such devices for at-home use, make sure they feature a built-in timer to ensure maximum safety and effectiveness.
Home RF and red light devices may help improve skin laxity, but are ineffective for treating other signs of aging such as sagging jowls and deep wrinkles. To get results that really count, I advise visiting a dermatologist or aesthetician for professional treatments that will produce significant outcomes.
Whatever device you select, I strongly suggest starting each treatment with a thorough cleansing routine to rid your face of dirt and oil buildup, before following up with moisturizer to protect the skin’s natural hydration levels and help retain natural moisture levels. After each session, avoid sun exposure for at least a few days to reduce risk of sunburn and skin irritation.
Safety
Though these treatments are generally safe, it’s still wise to consult a skincare or wellness professional prior to adding them into your daily routine. They will assess your skin condition, discuss goals for its improvement and suggest the most suitable therapy plan based on those needs.
Red light therapy uses LED light therapy to stimulate cells within your skin to facilitate regeneration and boost collagen production, with proven success at reducing fine lines and wrinkles as well as giving more elasticity to skin. Furthermore, red light therapy reduces inflammation within skin tissues while simultaneously shrinking pore sizes, making it an excellent treatment option for acne. Finally, red light can also promote hair growth – especially on areas that are experiencing pattern baldness/alopecia.
As opposed to infrared saunas, which produce results through heat, red light devices don’t use heat; rather, their wavelengths penetrate deep into your skin and have positive impacts without creating discomfort for users.
Red light therapy has long been known to promote collagen synthesis, reduce inflammation, and hydrate skin. Regular red light usage may help with acne and rosacea as well as speed up wound healing processes; some studies even show how red light therapy may assist with chronic skin conditions like psoriasis and other conditions that recur over time.
Red light’s effectiveness may lie in its interaction with cellular redox systems. These pathways control how much oxygen is released from cells and influence oxidative stress state of cells; depending on how healthy your redox system is, red light may either increase oxidation or decrease it.
Red light therapy, like other forms of light therapy, can be combined with radio frequency for photobiomodulation (PBM) sessions that produce dramatic results – not only anti-ageing benefits but also firmer skin tones! PBM sessions provide another dimension to treatment: treating stubborn fat pockets for firmer and toned results.