Red Light Therapy After Microneedling: A Guide to Enhanced Healing
Microneedling and red light therapy are two of the most sought-after treatments for healthier skin. Microneedling involves the use of small needles to cause tiny wounds on the skin. This encourages the skin to produce higher levels of collagen and elastin, which enhances texture, eliminates fine lines, and erases scars or stretch marks. However, the skin becomes red, inflamed, and sensitive after microneedling.
Red light therapy is a non-invasive method to enhance skin health. It increases blood flow, lowers redness, and accelerates your skin's healing process. Applying red light therapy after microneedling is an excellent option, as it speeds up recovery and leaves your skin looking fresh and healthy.
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What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a non-surgical skin treatment that helps make your skin healthier, smoother, and younger. It uses extremely thin, sterilized needles to create small punctures on the skin's surface. These minor injuries trigger the body's own repairing process, causing it to create more elastin and collagen. Microneedling is commonly used to treat fine wrinkles and lines, improve skin tone, and remove acne scarring. After a treatment, your skin will be warm and perhaps slightly pink for a day or two, but this is temporary.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a popular non-surgical treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to assist the body's own healing mechanisms. These light wavelengths stimulate the mitochondria of skin cells, causing them to produce additional ATP (cellular energy). This extra energy enables skin cells to heal faster and operate more efficiently.
Red light therapy also enhances blood flow to the skin, which enables cells to receive a better supply of oxygen and nutrients. It also reduces inflammation and redness by suppressing the creation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Because of its powerful effects, red light therapy is a gentle yet potent means of promoting skin health.
How Red Light Therapy Enhances Microneedling Results
You may experience side effects from microneedling, such as redness, swelling, and irritation. Red light therapy minimizes these side effects and enhances the skin's natural healing process. It stimulates faster recovery from the micro-injuries by increasing energy production in cells. Red light therapy also enhances blood flow and amplifies the collagen and elastin production already increased by microneedling. The combined action enhances skin texture and makes results visible sooner.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy After Microneedling
- Speeds Up Healing: RLT helps the micro-wounds from microneedling heal quicker by increasing energy production in the skin cells.
- Reduces Redness, Swelling, and Pain: RLT works to calm the skin by de-escalating inflammation, soothing agitated areas and making the skin more comfortable soon after treatment.
- Increases Collagen and Elastin Production: Microneedling already stimulates collagen, and red light therapy amplifies the effect, which tightens skin and reduces wrinkles.
- Improves Skin Health from Within: RLT penetrates beyond the surface, stimulating blood flow and transport of nutrients to the skin.
How to Use Red Light Therapy After Microneedling
You can treat your skin with red light therapy to enhance the effects of microneedling, but you should wait at least 24 hours after your session to allow your skin to settle. When it is safe to start, sit or lie down in front of your red light device. Hold the light 6 to 12 inches from your skin. A 10 to 15 minute session is generally sufficient, 3 to 5 times a week. For a complete guide on treatment protocols, always refer to the official instructions that come with your device.
Clinical Studies on Red Light Therapy Following Microneedling
Study 1: Enhanced Skin Rejuvenation Using Microneedling with ALA and Red Light Therapy (630 nm).
The purpose of this study was to improve sun-damaged facial skin therapy. Doctors first treated the skin using a microneedle roller, then applied ALA (aminolevulinic acid), and finally applied red light with a wavelength of 630 nm. The treatment induced clear improvements in the signs of aging, such as fine lines, irregular skin texture, and dullness. Nearly 90% of individuals in the study reported that their skin appeared more than 50% better at 6 months.
Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Device for Post-Microneedling Skin Recovery
When purchasing a red light therapy device, ensure it has scientific backing and evidence for it to work effectively. The device should deliver red light within the wavelength range of 630-660 nm and near-infrared light in the range of 810-850 nm. It is also vital that the device be functional and easy to use, such as providing hands-free use. Also, the device needs to be FDA-approved. If you wish to purchase a scientifically tested red light machine, you should choose from the RLT Home Total Spectrum Series.
Conclusion: Maximizing Results with Red Light Therapy After Microneedling
Red light therapy enhances the effectiveness of microneedling, helping to make your skin healthy, young, and smooth. Immediately following microneedling, your skin may be red and sensitive. After being treated with red light therapy, you will notice reduced pain, swelling, and inflammation. The rate of healing also improves significantly. If you are treating acne scars or other skin issues with microneedling, red light therapy can be applied to minimize these imperfections. This combination causes enhanced healing, enhanced texture, and enhanced visibility.
FAQs: Addressing Common Questions
Can I use red light therapy immediately after microneedling?
No, you should wait at least 24 hours after microneedling before using red light therapy to allow your skin time to settle.
Can I use red light therapy after microblading?
It is better to avoid red light therapy immediately after microblading due to the tiny cuts in the skin, as it may cause irritation.
Can you use red light therapy after PRP?
Yes, you can use red light therapy after PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) to enhance healing, but it’s recommended to wait at least 24 hours before starting.