Professionals all around the world frequently employ red light therapy to treat a variety of skin and health disorders. Acne, eczema, and psoriasis have all been treated with red light therapy because it promotes skin healing and lessens inflammation. Additionally, it has been demonstrated to have a favorable effect on mood. Some individuals may discover that they sleep better due to red light treatment because of their improved mood and lower levels of tension and worry.
What Is Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is a type of therapy that involves exposure to red and near-infrared light. The therapy is delivered using LED lights and can be applied to the skin for a specified amount of time.
Red light therapy works by penetrating the skin and increasing blood flow and oxygenation, which can help reduce inflammation and promote the healing of damaged tissue. It has often been used to treat various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, wrinkles, and fine lines, as well as other conditions, such as pain, joint and muscle stiffness, and wound healing.
It has also been suggested that red light therapy may benefit sleep, mood, and energy levels, but more research is needed to understand these effects fully. The best part is, you can enjoy light therapy at home.
Red light therapy is not a cure for any condition; the results may vary depending on the individual and the treatment condition. If you are considering red light therapy, it is always best to consult a doctor or healthcare provider to determine if it is safe and appropriate.
How Can Red Light Therapy Help With Psoriasis
Red light therapy can help with psoriasis by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged skin. Here’s a breakdown of how it may work.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Red light therapy has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce the redness, scaling, and itching associated with psoriasis. Red light therapy has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which is why it is sometimes used to treat various conditions. Inflammation is a natural body response to injury or infection, but in some cases, it can become chronic, leading to a wide range of health problems.
Red light therapy has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects by:
- Stimulating the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of cells.
- Increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines; helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Reducing oxidative stress, which is a significant contributor to inflammation.
- Decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that contributes to inflammation.
Stimulation of collagen production
Red light therapy has been shown to stimulate collagen production, which can help improve the appearance of psoriasis-affected skin and reduce the formation of scars. Collagen is a protein abundant in the skin and other connective tissues, and it plays a key role in maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. Our bodies produce less collagen as we age, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
Red light therapy stimulates collagen production in the skin, which can help improve skin firmness, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and improve skin texture. Here’s how it works:
- Increased blood flow: Red light therapy has been shown to increase blood flow, which can help bring more oxygen and nutrients to the skin and promote the growth of new collagen fibers.
- Stimulation of fibroblasts: Red light therapy has been shown to stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen, increasing collagen production.
- Reduction of oxidative stress: Red light therapy has been shown to reduce oxidative stress, which can damage the skin and contribute to the breakdown of collagen fibers.
Increased blood flow
Red light therapy has been shown to increase blood flow and oxygenation, which can help promote the healing of damaged skin and reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms. Here’s how increased blood flow can help:
- Improved oxygenation: Increased blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, which can help promote skin health and improve the appearance of skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Reduced pain and inflammation: Increased blood flow can help reduce pain and inflammation by carrying away waste products from the affected area.
- Enhanced wound healing: Increased blood flow can help promote the healing of wounds by bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the affected area.
- Improved circulation: Increased blood flow can help improve overall circulation, benefiting the entire body, including the skin, brain, and muscles.
- Better skin health: Increased blood flow can help bring more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, which can help promote skin health and improve the appearance of skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
If you have a health condition that you believe may benefit from increased blood flow, it is always best to consult a doctor or healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.
Bottom Line
Red light therapy has several benefits, which can significantly improve the effects of psoriasis. If you have psoriasis and are considering red light therapy, it is always best to consult a dermatologist or skin specialist to determine the best treatment for your specific condition.
FAQ
How often should people with psoriasis use red light therapy?
Typically, phototherapy is administered at a hospital or psoriasis treatment facility. Most patients require two or three phototherapy sessions each week to be effective. This requires you to visit the hospital or treatment facility twice a week for several weeks. You may have to go five times each week.
Is blue or red light therapy more effective for psoriasis?
Psoriasis could be effectively treated with both red and blue light therapy. Scaling and skin stiffening did not differ significantly between the two.
