Cosmetic anti-aging procedures like Botox and chemical peels are becoming increasingly commonplace. While they may not be viewed as taboo anymore, they certainly don’t come cheap. And let’s be real; not all of us have the stomach for getting tiny needles stuck in our faces (or is that just me??). But Beverly Hills-based plastic surgeonDaniel Barrett, MD, recommends red light therapy, an easy, affordable at-home hack that can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles in just 10 minutes a day.
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What is red light therapy?
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“What’s the number-one beauty hack that everyone can do that’s really inexpensive long-term, and it’s something you can do in your own home?” Barrett says in a recent TikTok video. “Well, it’s red light therapy.”
“Why red light works is it builds collagen and decreases wrinkles,” he shares.
Collagen is a protein that acts as a building block for skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, your body naturally decreases its collagen production as you age.
“Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look,” explains dermatologistOhara Aivaz, DM, in an article for Cedars Sinai. “Starting in our mid-20s, we slowly begin to lose collagen. For women, we can lose up to 30% of our collagen production in the first 5 years of menopause.”
Red light therapy masks, like all LED therapy face masks, work by emitting a low-level light that causes a reaction in cells that increases collagen production and reduces inflammation, thereby bestowing anti-aging benefits upon your skin.
They’re also known to improve the effects of sun damage, scars, and acne, as well as decrease rosacea and eczema.
RELATED: 5 Best Collagen-Boosting Supplements to Look and Feel Younger.
Is red light therapy safe?
The main thing to understand about red light therapy is that scientific studies aren’t conclusive as to its effectiveness. As Cleveland Clinic explains, “The studies published so far show some potential for certain conditions.” However, the majority of these studies included only a small number of participants, were only conducted in animals or cell tissue, and/or did not include a placebo group.
However, experts believe that red light therapy masks are generally safe if used as directed. Those with light sensitivity or melasma should not use these masks. Everyone should wear eye protection if the mask itself doesn’t offer it.
Depending on the settings of your mask, Barrett recommends starting at a lower light intensity and working your way up to higher levels. It’s generally recommended to only wear the mask for 10 minutes a day.
And many experts provide anectodal evidence of the benefits.
“When I first started using red light therapy…I was amazed at the results: A blister on my face healed in just 48 hours, and my acne breakouts cleared up much more quickly!” Fawn Bowe, founder of Skincare Stacy, previously shared with Best Life.
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What are the best red light therapy masks?
If you want to make a skincare investment, be aware that most doctor-recommended red light therapy masks will cost several hundred dollars.
Bowe told Best Life that she saw results with the $469 red light mask from CurrentBody.
Barrett created his own LED mask that retails for $348. This option can be used as a red light, blue light, amber light, or near-infrared (NIR) invisible light, all of which have various purported skin benefits.
DermatologistHeather D. Rogers, MD, FAAD, told Time that her two favorites are from the brands Celluma ($795) and Omnilux ($395).
Of course, you can also do your research on cheaper masks from the likes of Amazon, but Rogers cautions against using a handheld red light wand: “For best outcomes, the device needs to be touching or nearly touching your skin to ensure the energy is being absorbed into your skin.”
And, of course, before starting any new skincare regimen, always speak with your doctor or dermatologist.