Many people worldwide try different treatments to get that youthful facial appearance and help with anti-aging. One of the treatments is microneedling. It may stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. However, red light therapy has also been praised for its possible skin benefits.
So, you may ask yourself, “Can I use red light therapy after microneedling?” If you are wondering, you are in the right place. We will explain everything.
The combo treatment using microneedling and light therapy may be a good match that may produce healthy, radiant, youthful skin since it releases various growth factors, boosts ATP, and promotes fibroblast proliferation.
Without any further ado, let’s discover whether you can use red light therapy after microneedling.
Can I Use Red Light Therapy After Microneedling?
After microneedling, red LED light is a terrific therapeutic procedure because it may promote the synthesis of new collagen and elastin. This therapy may also help reduce inflammation and promote circulation so that the microneedling process won’t result in scars.
However, we advise against using any red light therapy for at least 10 days following a microneedling procedure.
Microneedling vs. red light therapy
Can I use red light therapy after microneedling? People commonly ask this question after getting a microneedling treatment.
When comparing the two treatments, you will see that they are entirely at odds with one another because one relies on micro-damaging while the other does it through mending.
Utilizing red light therapy may allow your skin layer to regrow without “natural healing”.
However, when evaluating treatments that produce measurable outcomes, are cost-effective, and have little downtime and side effects, combining microneedling and light therapy offers the best of both approaches.
So, it might be very beneficial for you if you combine these two treatments. Remember, you should wait at least 10 days and then use RLT.
History of Microneedling
Orentreich utilized skin needling in the concept in 1994 to release fibrous strands in depressed cutaneous scars and fine lines.
According to a study, you can treat scars with needle dermabrasion using a tattoo gun without ink, improving the surrounding skin’s texture and tone.
Furthermore, Desmond Fernandes, who later created the first cylindrical roller, proposed that the depth should be more significant to promote collagen and elastin fibers.
Studies conducted afterward showed that six months after derma roller therapy, derma roller therapy significantly improved elastin and collagen fibers by 400% to 1,000%.
Serums and healing time
Vitamin C and other substances, such as glycolic acid and retinol, should not be used after microneedling since they can irritate your skin and slow healing.
For this reason, it is preferable to wait two to three days before utilizing products containing these substances again following a microneedling session.
Moreover, microneedling typically heals wounds in just 24 hours. However, depending on the intensity of the treatment, it could take up to two or three days.
After treatment, you can return to your daily obligations as well as wear cosmetics for up to 24 hours.
Source: yourskinrn.ca
History of Red Light Therapy
NASA initially used RLT on plant growth in space and later on astronauts’ wounds. New advances led to the exploration of additional potential applications.
Benefits of red light therapy
Red light treatment is supposed to function by influencing the mitochondria, or “power plant”, found in your body’s cells. Other cells may function more effectively with more energy by mending skin, promoting new cell formation, and improving skin renewal.
More specifically, some light wavelengths may cause specific cells to absorb these wavelengths and potentially promote activity. Red light therapy for skin health may be effective for:
- Encouraging the creation of collagen that provides the skin with its suppleness, structure, and strength
- Boosting fibroblast generation, which produces collagen; skin is made of connective tissue, which contains collagen
- Boosting the flow of blood to the tissue
- Reducing cellular inflammation
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
At least when used briefly and as instructed, the red light treatment seems risk-free and may have no known adverse effects. This therapy is less harsh, non-invasive, and harmful than various topical skin treatments. Unlike the cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning facilities, RLT doesn’t use this kind of light.
However, if items are misused—perhaps applied excessively or improperly—there is a possibility that your skin or eyes if they are not protected, could be harmed. Red light therapy devices’ long-term safety is not yet known.
The best course of action for you is to consult a dermatologist or a licensed, experienced cosmetic therapist. A dermatologist can confirm that your skin issue is what you believe it to be, as well as explain the advantages of red light therapy and other possible treatments.
Source: degreewellness.com
You Might Be Interested: What Research Has Been Done on Red Light Therapy?
What Should You Use Before Receiving Red Light Therapy?
Make sure to use a toner with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory elements a few days before the red light therapy treatment to possibly boost the skin’s collagen level. Also, you should prepare your skin for red light therapy with a non-drying cleanser on the day of the treatment.
Your skin may remain healthy and youthful-looking as a result of this.
Things to Avoid After Microneedling
- Take no anti-inflammatory drugs for a week following the surgery.
- Avoid applying ice to your face, and stay away from arnica/bromelain.
- Stay away from tanning beds and extended sun exposure for at least two weeks.
- If you feel any ache, take a pain reliever like Tylenol.
- Abstain from alcohol, processed meals, and caffeine because they can dry up your skin and hinder your body’s ability to recover.
Conclusion
Can I use red light therapy after microneedling? This is a proper question you may have after getting the latter treatment, and we hope we helped you get your answers.
To summarize, the two treatments complement each other and are a perfect combination for faster results. However, we advise you to use RLT after 10 days. In any case, you should always consult with a doctor or dermatologist.
Besides healing wounds from microneedling, red light therapy may provide other benefits, such as hair growth, weight loss, and reduced pain and inflammation.
Good luck!
Hello! I’m Nicky Rodgers.
Almost a decade ago, I got excited about the idea of employing alternative methods like red light therapy to create a healthier life.
To learn more about it, I did my Certified Light Therapist course from Photonic Therapy Institute and started looking into the intricacies of how light therapy influences several bodily processes. Before I knew it, my interest had become an obsession which resulted in this extensive blog.
Here, I offer countless well-researched articles to help you understand the benefits and uses of light therapy. I hope this information gives you a head start in your wellness journey.