Blog
Red Light Therapy for Anti Aging
Light therapy (also known as photobiomodulation) is the application of light with specific wavelengths to the body for the purposes of influencing biology. The most common form of light therapy uses red light, which is visible as the color red, and/or near infrared light, which is not visible but can be felt as heat. Blue light is also often used in light therapy for skin conditions. Different colors of light have different depths of skin penetration, with red light and near infrared light penetrating the deepest. Light therapy can support skin health in a variety of different ways. Through its effects on mitochondria, light therapy can increase cellular energy production and modulate oxidative stress. In the skin, this increased energy can be used to support normal processes such as collagen and elastin production. And by modulating ROS production and oxidative stress, there is a shift towards skin rejuvenation rather than skin breakdown. The anti-aging effects of light therapy are often referred to as “skin rejuvenation”. This includes outcomes like increased collagen synthesis, increased elastin production, extracellular matrix regeneration, regulation of oil production, and regulation of the pigment producing cells of the skin. Clinically, these manifest as reduced wrinkles, improved skin appearance, and improved skin pigmentation. Studies show results such as smoother skin, wrinkle reduction and improved skin elasticity, and normalization of skin pigmentation. The effect of red light therapy on wrinkles can be quite dramatic, with one study showing a 30% decrease in eye wrinkle volume. Most skin rejuvenation studies use both red and near infrared light. Importantly, the use of light therapy to regenerate skin is gentle and “non-ablative”, which means that it doesn’t harm the epidermis of the skin and require downtime for healing. This contrasts with many popular anti-aging treatments such as microneedling, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion, which stimulative collagen synthesis and improve appearance by damaging and resurfacing the outer layer of the skin. At Fringe, we view aging as something to be embraced and supported using natural therapies, which is why we developed the Fringe red light face mask. Our mask is hands free, wireless, and uses 234 hard working LED light chips to deliver red and near infrared light to the entire face. It also has the option to deliver blue light if blemishes are a problem. Use the healing power of light and treat yourself to healthy, radiant looking skin in the comfort of your own home! For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
Learn more
Light Therapy for Acne
Red & Blue Light for Acne Red and near infrared light therapy is the application of artificially generated light in the red and near infrared spectral bands. Other forms of light therapy include light in the blue spectrum, which is often used in light therapy for skin conditions. Blue light has the shortest wavelength, red light is intermediate, and near infrared light wavelengths are the longest. Different colors of light have different depths of skin penetration, with red and near infrared penetrating the deepest. Blue light from light therapy devices mimics the blue light generated from the sun, without any harmful UV rays. In contrast, artificial blue light generated from electronic devices has different spectral properties and can be harmful to the skin. Red, near infrared, and blue light have all been found to effectively treat acne. Acne is a common skin condition, affecting nearly 10% of people worldwide. Prevalence is highest in adolescents, with up to 85% having acne at some time during this period. Acne is not only painful, but it can also have adverse effects on many aspects of life, including social, psychological, and economic. Since acne has been observed to respond positively to sun exposure, a variety of treatment approaches using light therapy have been used. Light therapy for acne is treated in a variety of ways. Molecules in the skin called porphyrins absorb blue light which has antimicrobial effects that kill the bacteria associated with acne. Red and near infrared light also have antimicrobial effects but work via a different mechanism. The longer light wavelengths also reduce the activity of sebaceous glands, which are responsible for oil production. Treatment with blue, red, and near infrared light has been found to effectively treat acne, especially when used in combination. The Fringe Red Light Face Mask delivers both red and near infrared light as well as blue light to support skin health, including the treatment of acne. Made of soft silicone and battery powered, the mask is comfortable to wear and easy to use. The mask has three modes of use, which can deliver blue, red, or red and near/infrared. These can be combined in sequence for exposure to multiple wavelengths. Our recommended treatment protocol of light therapy for acne is to use blue daily and follow this with red/near infrared 3 to 4 times per week. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
Learn more