Ignite Your Skin Cells and Mood With Red Light Therapy
- Genelle Holub
- Nov 8
- 5 min read
Red light therapy has gained attention for its remarkable effects on skin health and overall well-being. It supports cell regeneration and promotes ageless aging, helping your skin look youthful and vibrant. On the other hand, blue light therapy targets acne-causing bacteria and reduces skin inflammation while also boosting mood. Both therapies can be added to any facial treatment or experienced through facials specifically designed with light therapy. This post explores how these therapies work and why they might be a valuable addition to your skincare routine.
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How Red Light Therapy Supports Cell Regeneration and Ageless Aging
Red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths of red or near-infrared light to penetrate the skin. This light stimulates the mitochondria in your cells, which are responsible for producing energy. When mitochondria absorb this light, they generate more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells. This boost in energy helps cells repair and regenerate faster...aka younger cells!
The benefits for skin include:
Increased collagen production: Collagen is a protein that keeps skin firm and elastic. Red light therapy encourages fibroblasts to produce more collagen, reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
Improved circulation: Enhanced blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, supporting their health and vitality.
Reduced signs of aging: With better cell function and collagen levels, skin appears smoother, plumper, and more youthful.
People who use red light therapy regularly often notice their skin feels softer and looks brighter. It can also help with , sun damage, and uneven skin tone. But how?
By reducing discoloration, improving skin texture, and promoting healing. Red light therapy stimulates collagen and elastin production to soften and flatten scars, while blue light can target acne-causing bacteria that has darkened skin and may reduce inflammation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This does not take the place of laser for hyperpigmentation caused by the sun.
Adding red light therapy to your facial routine can amplify the effects of other treatments by speeding up healing and boosting skin cell activity. Below are 5 facials Face It Skin offers for these skin goals:
Blue Light Therapy for Acne, Inflammation, and Mood Enhancement
Blue light therapy works differently but is equally effective for specific skin concerns. It targets the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, which contribute to acne development. Blue light activates porphyrins produced by these bacteria, creating reactive oxygen species that kill the bacteria without harming surrounding skin.
Want just the light? Schedule the Quick Fix Facial and relax...
Key benefits of blue light therapy include:
Reduction of acne-causing bacteria: This helps clear existing acne and prevents new breakouts.
Decreased skin inflammation: Blue light calms redness and swelling, improving the overall appearance of irritated skin. Works for rosacea.
Mood boosting effects: Exposure to blue light influences the brain’s production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation. This can help reduce feelings of stress and improve overall well-being. It's fantastic for peeps who struggle with the darkness this time of year!
Blue light therapy is often recommended for people struggling with mild to moderate acne or sensitive, inflamed skin. It can be used alone or combined with other treatments for enhanced results.
How to Incorporate Light Therapy Into Your Skincare Routine
Light therapy is versatile and can fit into many skincare routines. You can add red or blue light therapy to your existing facials or choose facials that already include these treatments. Here are some practical ways to use light therapy:
Add-on to facials: Many spas and skincare clinics offer light therapy as an add-on to traditional facials. This boosts the benefits of cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturizing.
Dedicated light therapy facials: These treatments focus on using red and/or blue light to target specific skin concerns like aging or acne.
At-home devices: For convenience, there are handheld or mask-style devices designed for home use. CAUTION these often do not work and are very gimmicky. The light needs to sit on the face for at least 20 minutes without moving around so handheld devices do not work so don't waste your money.
If you want an at-home device be sure for skin improvement, with red light (around
600−650 nm) targeting the dermis to stimulate collagen and reduce inflammation, while near-infrared light (800−880 nm) penetrates even deeper to aid in tissue repair and healing (for at-home saunas). Blue light (415 nm) another common wavelength, specifically used for treating acne by targeting the bacteria that cause breakouts.
When selecting a treatment, consider your skin goals. If you want to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture, red light therapy is ideal. For acne-prone or inflamed skin, blue light therapy offers targeted relief. Some facials combine both lights to address multiple concerns simultaneously.
Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of Light Therapy
To get the best results from red and blue light therapy, keep these tips in mind:
Consistency matters: Regular sessions, typically 2-3 times per week, provide the most noticeable improvements. However it may not be realistic for everyone I've seen much skin improvement with 1-2x a month.
Follow professional guidance: If you visit a spa or clinic, follow the recommended treatment plan and aftercare instructions.
Protect your skin: Use sunscreen daily, as light therapy does not replace sun protection.
Combine with good skincare: Cleanse, hydrate, and nourish your skin to support the effects of light therapy. Be sure you are not using a hodge-podge of skin care but skin care with active organics for the most part.
Be patient: Skin cell regeneration takes time. Visible changes may appear after several weeks of treatment.
When selecting a treatment, get a phone, virtual or in-person consultation first. Usually the in-person consult happens at the time of the appointment. Choose your practitioner carefully and you ask some questions:
How long have they been doing this?
How long have you been in business?
What results do your clients see?
Having a referral from someone who has already had great results is helpful. Keep in mind when having a new treatment and getting aquatinted with an esthetician goes both ways. It takes time, maybe a couple of appointments to see how skin is reacting and progressing from the products and light device used. It takes time to build a healthy skin-ship in many ways.
Comments are always welcome here or for questions for me: genelle@faceitskin.net
Genelle Holub
Pro MUA, NCE
Face It Skin
Founder
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