LED light therapy has long been used to reverse signs of aging and improve overall skin health, but how does red light exposure help people with rosacea? Discover how it works and the benefits you can expect in this guide to red light therapy for rosacea.
How does red light therapy help rosacea?
Rosacea is a complex skin condition that’s often influenced by hormonal fluctuations, environmental factors, and your own immune system. Here’s how red light therapy can help rosacea symptoms, such as facial flushing and visible blood vessels:
Low red light wavelengths
Red light therapy devices emit low-wavelength light between 630 nm and 660 nm, which penetrates the skin without causing damage or triggering an inflammatory response. Instead, it stimulates your body’s natural recovery mechanisms to promote wound healing, stimulate cellular regeneration, and kickstart collagen production.
Reduces inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of rosacea. When flare-ups occur, the skin becomes flushed, swollen, and irritated. Over time, this can lead to permanent pigmentation changes, including persistent visible blood vessels and discoloration that mimics classic age spots.
But red light therapy directly counteracts this inflammation by reducing the production of harmful cytokines and boosting anti-inflammatory cells that calm redness and irritation.
Improves circulation
The absorption of red light wavelengths also enables vasodilation and enhanced circulation, bringing a surge of fresh, oxygen-rich blood to the face and facilitating the removal of waste from congested skin. This process can gradually strengthen capillaries and reduce the frequency of flushing episodes.
Promotes antimicrobial peptide production
Antimicrobial peptides are an integral part of your immune system and your skin’s microbiome. But when dysregulation occurs, you may be more susceptible to flare-ups. Red light therapy helps balance these amino acids to support a more robust moisture barrier.
What are the benefits of red light therapy for rosacea?
Red light therapy does, in fact, help treat the signs and symptoms of rosacea. Here are some of the benefits you can look forward to:
Reduces redness
Rosacea often begins with occasional flare-ups that gradually evolve into persistent redness. While red light therapy is most effective in the early stages of rosacea, it can also reduce inflammation and support cellular repair in more extreme cases.
Some people combine red light therapy with FDA-approved KTP laser treatment to help improve the appearance of advanced rosacea symptoms, such as chronic discoloration, broken capillaries, and visible blood vessels.
Improves skin texture and tone
When red and near-infrared light penetrate the skin, these wavelengths stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, two essential connective tissues responsible for cellular repair. As these tissues regenerate and circulation improves, your body will shed dead cells more effectively, leading to smoother, more radiant skin.
Can reduce the frequency of flare-ups
This skin condition can make it hard to enjoy some of your favorite things in life. From red wine and spicy foods to exercise and hot, steamy baths, many foods, beverages, and activities can trigger flare-ups.
However, red light exposure helps calm inflammation, balance your immune response, regulate overactive oil glands, and support beneficial microbes to reduce the frequency and severity of these episodes.
What’s the treatment protocol for red light therapy?
Your skin is unique, and so is your rosacea. But we can offer a general guideline to help you prepare for your red light therapy treatment plan:
How many treatments do you need?
People with mild to moderate rosacea may notice improvement after six to 12 red light therapy sessions, while those with more severe cases might require up to 20 visits. Your provider may initially schedule two to three appointments per week and gradually reduce the frequency as your skin heals. After this initial treatment series, you can maintain your results with LED light sessions once or twice each month.
How long does treatment take?
Other than a gentle cleanse, there isn’t much to a red light therapy session. Once you put on your protective eyewear, all you have to do is sit back and relax. Depending on your condition and the intensity of the device used, each treatment may last between 10 and 20 minutes.
Though the side effects are minimal, appointment length may vary for folks with sensitive skin or ocular rosacea. Of course, LED light therapy is also frequently included in more complex facial treatments that require more time.
At-home vs professional treatments
Professional red light therapy devices are the gold standard for rosacea treatment, offering higher intensity, shorter sessions, and more rapid results. You’ll also benefit from your provider’s expertise.
The quality and efficacy of at-home devices are subject to debate. They tend to generate less intense light, which can limit your progress. However, they offer flexibility, which is a big selling point for many people.
Whether you choose at-home or professional treatments, certain lifestyle changes will help you maximize your results. Prioritizing hydration, avoiding direct sun exposure, and wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen every day are essential. You should also eliminate harsh skincare products from your daily routine and prioritize gentle cleansers, soothing moisturizers, and nourishing serums instead.
Read more: Red Light Therapy: What To Expect Before and After Your Facial
Treat your skin and your health at The Wellness Club in Tampa!
There’s no denying that red light therapy does help many people with rosacea, and this service is a key component of many of our signature facials at The Wellness Club. Ready to transform your skin? Book a consultation today to discover the ultimate treatment for your needs!