From a Rouge customer: My husband and I have been using our Red Light Panel for about 4 weeks now and we both love it! It has made a huge difference on sore muscles and aching joints! I just ordered a second panel today, can’t wait for it to arrive!! Thanks Rouge
Do you ever feel like your skin is thirstier than a camel in the Sahara? Does the mere thought of winter make you cringe because you know it will wreak havoc on your skin? If so, you're not alone!
Dry skin is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it can be a challenge to deal with. In fact, according to an article in the New York Post, “Six in ten Americans are plagued by “winter skin syndrome” according to recent research,” (2019). In this blog post, we'll explore how red light therapy can support itchy, dry skin and explore the ways we can take care of our skin.
Did you know that there are ways to soothe your skin and promote the healing of common skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema, and other types of dermatitis?Let's dive deeper into how red light therapy can keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Causes of Itchy Skin
It's important to note that the below factors are just a few examples of the many potential causes of itchy and dry skin, and a medical professional, such as a dermatologist, should be consulted to determine the underlying cause of the itching.
- Dry skin - lack of moisture can cause the skin to become dry, itchy, and flaky.
- Allergic reactions - when the body reacts to an allergen, it can cause itchy rashes or hives.
- Insect bites and stings - these can cause the skin to become itchy and inflamed.
- Skin conditions - various skin conditions, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and rosacea, can cause itchy skin.
- Medications - some medications can cause allergic reactions, which can lead to itchy skin.
- Stress - stress can worsen skin conditions and cause itching.
- Chronic diseases - certain chronic diseases, such as liver disease, can cause itchy skin.
- Hormonal changes - hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can cause itching.
Causes of Dry Skin
- While many people assume that dry skin is solely the result of cold weather, dehydration, or using harsh soaps, there are actually many other factors that can contribute to dryness. For example, certain medical conditions (like hypothyroidism and diabetes) can cause dry skin, as can frequent hot showers, low humidity levels, and even aging.
- In some cases, dry skin can be a sign of an underlying skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis. If your dry skin is persistent and accompanied by symptoms like redness, itching, or flaking, it's important to consult a dermatologist to rule out any more serious issues.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that has been studied for its benefits on skin health using red and near-infrared LED lights. It works by kickstarting your body's natural healing processes to increase circulation, promote collagen production, and calm inflammation. This can help achieve clearer, and more hydrated skin as part of one’s skincare routine.
The mechanism of action of red light therapy is based on the ability of light energy to penetrate the skin and stimulate the production of cellular energy (ATP) and the activation of various photoreceptors. This leads to an increase in blood flow, oxygenation, and nutrient delivery to the cells, as well as an enhancement of the activity of enzymes involved in the healing process.
One of the most well-known applications of red light therapy is its support in treating skin disorders, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Additionally, red light therapy has been used to help treat hair loss and improve hair growth, as well as to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
This ground-breaking therapy is a fantastic tool and quickly gaining popularity as a go-to treatment option for reducing redness, and inflammation for a more even complexion while enhancing skin texture and lessening the appearance of wrinkles.
Red light can also help with reduce itchiness associated with dry skin; so if you're looking for a natural and innovative solution to your skin woes, keep reading to learn more about how red light therapy can help!
Soothing Solutions for Dry and Irritated Skin
While using a moisturizer is certainly an effective way to hydrate the skin, there are other steps you can take as well. For example, using a humidifier to add moisture to the air can help prevent dryness, as can taking shorter, colder showers while avoiding harsh soaps.
Red light therapy is now included among the methods that can be used to soothe irritated skin. The benefits of red light therapy for dry skin include improving skin hydration and increasing elastin production in the skin.
Unlike some skin lotions and serums that only target the surface of your skin, red light therapy can penetrate deep into your cells to promote long-lasting change. By stimulating collagen production and reducing inflammation, red light therapy can leave you with a more youthful, radiant, and hydrated complexion.
What Does the Research say
Due to the promise of revitalizing the skin, there has been a significant increase in the number of studies exploring the potential benefits of red light therapy and its benefits for itchy skin. For example, this study, involved 30 people with sensitive skin who had various symptoms. The researchers collected information about where the symptoms were on their bodies and what triggered them. The participants received either one or six sessions of red light therapy treatment, and the researchers measured how severe the symptoms were before and after treatment. The results showed that the red light therapy treatment helped to reduce itching, and the participants reported feeling more comfortable overall.
Red light therapy was successful in lowering itching and enhancing skin barrier function in people with atopic dermatitis, according to another study that was published in the journal Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine in 2016 (a type of eczema). Additionally, a 2020 study published in the Journal of Drugs Dermatology found that red light therapy was effective at reducing the severity of dry, rough skin on the hands of elderly individuals.
Based on these and other studies, it appears that red light therapy could be a viable and secure choice for alleviating skin discomfort characterized by dryness and itchiness. The literature goes on to describe that red light therapy is beneficial due to its ability to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from the cell’s mitochondria, which serves as the energy source of all cells. With an increase in ATP, skin cells have more energy to devote to optimal cell functioning, regeneration, and healing.
The red and NIR light waves also penetrate deep into the skin to stimulate cellular regeneration and repair, which can help to improve the appearance of dry, dull, and flaky skin. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory effects that can help to reduce inflammation, which is great news for those with dry and itchy skin. Overall, if you're looking for a natural and non-invasive way to rejuvenate your skin, red light therapy is worth considering.
Ready to Reap the Benefits of Red Light Therapy but don’t know where to start?
If you're looking to get the most out of your red light therapy panel for dry skin, I've got some tips that will help you achieve optimal results. First things first, let's talk about your pre-treatment routine. It's essential to start with clean, makeup-free skin, so make sure to give your face or target area a good cleanse before each session. During the treatment, make sure the light is directly facing your skin. Afterward, it's time to lock in all those benefits! Stay hydrated from the inside out by drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet. With these simple steps, you'll be able to take your red light therapy experience to the next level and enjoy your results!
Added Benefits
Despite its superficial location; irritated skin can also have an effect on your mental health. Red light therapy is a popular wellness practice that many people believe can encourage relaxation and leave you feeling grounded. Many individuals who incorporate red light therapy into their routine, report feeling more relaxed after each session. This is likely due to the therapy's ability to activate the body's natural healing processes and stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals.
Overall, it is believed that red light therapy can have a dramatic impact on an individual's mood and energy levels, helping them to feel more balanced and revitalized.
It is crucial to recognize that the outcomes of any skincare treatment may differ on an individual basis. It is advisable to consult with a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional before initiating any new skincare regimen.
While more extensive investigation is needed to fully grasp the potential advantages of red light therapy for skin discomfort, present research suggests that it could be a hopeful treatment option for those dealing with this particular issue.
If you are contemplating the use of red light therapy to support skin health, we invite you to treat your skin to the benefits of red light therapy and allow your body time to adapt and relish the potential long-term advantages.
We encourage you to browse our collection of red light therapy products and begin your journey toward improved skin health and wellness today!
