Red light lamp and its effect on the face

Radiant, healthy skin through red light?

Our skin is our largest organ. It is immediately visible and, among other things, allows us to draw conclusions about our state of health and mood. And yes, most people want to have a clean and flawless skin. Especially on the face. You certainly do too, don't you?

So it's not surprising that the beauty industry is booming when it comes to facial care. In 2022, sales of facial and skin care products in Germany alone amounted to around 3.2 billion euros. Total sales of personal care products amounted to 14.3 billion euros.

In short, facial care occupies a large place in skin care. People are willing to invest quite a bit of money in skin care. And yet there are alternatives to creams, serums and beauty interventions with hyaluron and Botox.

One among them: The use of red light. In fact, the red light lamp is not infrequently used to promote a youthful and rosy complexion. But does it really work?

How does infrared light work? And what happens in your body during the application?

Infrared light has been a frequently used remedy for pain and inflammation not only since the 2000s. Even grandma swore by the effect of red light lamps. BUT: The lamps that were used by grandma or maybe even by your parents have nothing - or at least little - to do with the red light lamps of today.

The classic red light lamp from grandma's times is primarily known for emitting heat in the form of infrared radiation. This lamp is therefore well suited for the therapy of diseases that respond to heat applications. Trademark of the red light lamp of yesteryear: it usually contains a large incandescent lamp.

What about the modern red light lamps?

Modern red light lamps make near-infrared red light therapy possible. They work either with lasers or - like our Uno red light lamp - with LEDs. The highlight here: The red light and near-infrared light of such lamps generates hardly any heat and unfolds its effect in the cells.

What happens there?

Both red light and near-infrared light penetrate several millimeters deep into the tissue. Here, the light can have an effect on the cells - first and foremost on the mitochondria. These cell organelles can react to the red light. But what do the mitochondria do in the first place?

Mitochondria have many tasks. One of them is the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a cellular energy carrier. As a universal energy carrier in the body, ATP is the basic requirement for a functioning organism. All of the body's processes are powered by ATP. When our mitochondria produce a lot of ATP, we are usually more efficient and feel full of energy. Little ATP, on the other hand, leads to the opposite feeling. We feel tired and worn out.

Since mitochondria are responsible for the production of ATP, they are also called the power plants of the cells.

But what does the red light have to do with it now?

The membrane of the mitochondria contains the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase. This enzyme is activated by light particles. When this happens, further processes are set in motion that affect cell metabolism.

Light of the specific wavelengths of red light and near-infrared light can increase the production of ATP in the cell - and thus its energy supply. And that can bring with it a number of benefits.

In summary: While in classical red light therapy the desired effect is to be achieved by heat, it plays hardly any role in near-infrared red light therapy. Its effect is primarily based on radiation at a frequency that allows it to penetrate up to 6 mm into the skin. In addition, studies have shown that red light stimulates the function of mitochondria.

How do red light lamps help against skin aging now?

Sad but true: From the age of 25, the skin begins to age. At first, fine lines become noticeable on the face, which turn into visible wrinkles over time. The facial skin becomes less elastic. And it often loses the glow for which youth is often envied.

Modern red light therapy can be an option to slow down the aging process of facial skin. But how?

In fact, the regular use of red light lamps is said to stimulate the formation of collagen. This, in turn, can lead to firmer and more elastic skin. In addition, near-infrared light can help repair tissue and regenerate skin cells. This also means, for example, that skin blemishes and inflammation, as well as skin redness, can subside with the use of a red light lamp. Particularly positive effects on the skin have been demonstrated at wavelengths between 605 and 670 nm. Our red light uses light with wavelengths of 630, 660 and 850 nm.

Red light lamp - effect on the face

In addition, irradiation with a red light lamp can promote better blood circulation. And this ideally gives the skin more vitality. Among other things, by the fact that important nutrients and oxygen can be better transported to all layers of the skin.

Better than the sun? Under certain circumstances...

Just lie in the sun and let the warming light work on your facial skin? Could be a real alternative after what you have experienced so far.

It's not quite that simple.

High quality red light lamps are very safe to use. And not as dangerous as sunlight. This is because infrared light does not use the entire radiation spectrum of the sun. For example, when using a red light lamp, you do not come into contact with the dangerous UV rays. Instead, wavelengths of the sun's visible and invisible light spectrum are used, which can have a positive effect on your skin.

The effect of infrared light on the skin therefore does not - like too much sunlight, for example - cause the skin to age. On the contrary. The red light lamp can even contribute to a long-term improvement of the skin's appearance. You have already learned how this works earlier in this article. First keyword: activation of the mitochondria. Second keyword: Improvement of skin circulation.

Red light lamp for prevention and acute treatment

What is the saying? There is no glory in prevention. But honestly: prevention is always better than aftercare. Especially when it comes to your skin. And yes, the effect of a red light lamp can also be used preventively.

When the infrared rays penetrate your skin and dilate the vessels there, the development of skin impurities can be prevented in this way. In particular, new pimples and blackheads can appear less frequently. This is because the red light can cause your pores to dilate. As a result, their clogging is less likely.

A red light lamp can help not only for prevention, but also for acute complaints. The radiated red light can promote blood circulation. And this in turn can lead to inflammations and pimple marks healing more quickly.

Tip: If you suffer from oily, greasy skin, red light can solve the problem. Used regularly, red light can cause your skin to produce less oil and sebum.

Different radiations. Different applications.

Depending on the wavelength, we distinguish between different types of radiation.

IR-A radiation is in a wavelength range from 780 to 1400 nanometers. Rays of this wavelength penetrate up to 6 mm into the skin and thus reach the center of the subcutis.
IR-B radiation has a wavelength of 1400 to 3000 nanometers. It enters the skin up to 2.5 mm and reaches the dermis.
IR-C radiation has a wavelength of 3000 nanometers to 1 millimeter. It reaches just below the skin surface and remains within the epidermis.

Graphic IR-A, IR-B and IR-C radiation

For the treatment of skin impurities and for prevention, IR-A radiation is primarily used.

How to use the red light lamp on the face correctly:

Irradiate your facial skin with red light for a maximum of 15 minutes. We recommend an application of 10 minutes when using our Lichtblock Uno in power mode. With a large distance to the body, 20 minutes of irradiation are also possible.
Ideally, you should use the red light lamp regularly. But no more than once a day.
The distance between the skin and the infrared lamp should be at least 15 centimeters. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
To protect your eyes, you should wear protective goggles during irradiation.
If you have pus pimples, do not use red light lamps. This can aggravate the inflammation.
Painful skin conditions such as psoriasis, herpes and acne can be treated with red light lamps.