Red Light Therapy After Microneedling: Benefits and Tips

Red light therapy supports skin healing and recovery. After microneedling, you might wonder if it is safe and effective.

Using it incorrectly can lead to irritation or reduced results. Avoid wasting your effort and learn how to use red light therapy the right way.

This guide provides clear benefits and essential tips to help you get the most out of red light therapy after microneedling.

Key Takeaways

Wait 24 to 72 hours after microneedling before using red light therapy to avoid irritation.
Cleanse your skin thoroughly before applying red light therapy for the best results.
Stick to safe practices by using clean devices and adhering to recommended usage times.
A healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and hydration, can boost the benefits of red light therapy.
Red light therapy speeds up healing, reduces redness, increases collagen, and improves skin elasticity.

What is red light therapy and microneedling?

Microneedling uses a tool with tiny needles, like a dermaroller or pen, that are gently pressed into the skin.

These small punctures encourage the skin to heal and renew itself. People typically use microneedling in a clinic, but there are also safe at-home devices available.

On the other hand, red light therapy uses a device that emits red light, which is applied to the skin to help improve its appearance.

It’s often done at home with handheld devices or in spas. Both methods promote skin health in different ways.

Important Tips to use Red light after microneedling

Don’t red light therapy immediately after microneedling

It's important to wait before using red light therapy after microneedling. Microneedling creates tiny channels in your skin, making it sensitive right after the procedure.

Applying red light therapy too soon can irritate your skin rather than help it. Waiting 24 to 72 hours allows your skin to heal a bit before introducing red light, which can enhance the healing process.

Rushing into it may cause soreness or inflammation, and you might not achieve the best results.

Prepare your skin for the red light therapy

Properly preparing your skin before using red light therapy after microneedling is key to avoiding discomfort and getting the most out of the treatment.

Preparing allows your skin to absorb the light more effectively, which speeds up the healing process.

Cleanse your face thoroughly to remove any leftover products or dirt that might block the therapy. Skipping this step can lead to irritation or less effective treatment.

Follow Safe practices

When using red light therapy after microneedling, sticking to safe practices is essential for achieving the best results.

Ensure the device is clean, and only use it for the recommended time. Overusing the light or using it on unclean skin can cause irritation or even reverse the healing benefits.

Following these simple guidelines will prevent unnecessary side effects and help your skin recover.

Pair with a Healthy Lifestyle

Incorporating a healthy lifestyle alongside red light therapy can boost the benefits of microneedling.

Eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep all play important roles in skin health.

A balanced lifestyle supports your body’s natural healing process, allowing you to see quicker and more visible results from the therapy.

Benefits of using Red light therapy after microneedling

Speed up healing

Using red light therapy after microneedling helps speed up healing by stimulating collagen production and enhancing blood flow to the treated area.

This promotes faster cell regeneration and reduces inflammation. However, it's important to avoid overuse and follow proper timing to prevent irritation.

Speeding up healing matters because it improves your results, leaving your skin looking smoother and healthier faster.

Reduce redness

Microneedling often causes redness on the skin due to tiny punctures made by the needles.

This redness can be uncomfortable, but red light therapy can help reduce it. The therapy works by stimulating collagen production and improving blood circulation, which helps speed up the healing process.

By using red light after microneedling, you can reduce redness faster, allowing your skin to calm down and recover more quickly.

Increase the collagen production

Microneedling is known for its ability to boost collagen production by creating tiny micro-injuries in the skin, which helps the body repair itself.

When you combine microneedling with red light therapy, you can enhance this benefit even further. Red light therapy, like microneedling, also encourages collagen production.

Studies show that red light therapy stimulates the skin’s natural healing process, increasing collagen and elastin production.

One study found that low-level red and infrared light significantly increased the expression of collagen proteins in skin cells in just a few days.

So, if you're looking for smoother, firmer skin, increasing collagen is key. More collagen means tighter, youthful-looking skin and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Prevent inflammation

Microneedling can cause inflammation because it creates tiny injuries in the skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing process.

While this is normal, too much inflammation can cause swelling, redness, and slow down recovery. The good news is that red light therapy can help reduce inflammation.

A 2017 study found that red light therapy helps lower inflammation by boosting the skin's healing process.

It helps calm the inflammation, allowing your skin to recover faster after microneedling, leaving you with smoother, healthier skin.

Improve skin elasticity

Red light therapy can significantly enhance skin elasticity, especially when used after microneedling.

A study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology showed that LED phototherapy increased skin elasticity by up to 19% in patients who underwent treatments with 830 nm and 633 nm wavelengths.

This improvement was linked to the therapy’s ability to stimulate collagen and elastic fiber production, which are key components in maintaining skin’s firmness and flexibility.

Another study from Skin Research and Technology confirmed that red light therapy boosts skin elasticity by enhancing cellular processes like ATP production and collagen synthesis.

By incorporating red light therapy after microneedling, you can accelerate the rejuvenation process, helping your skin become firmer, smoother, and more youthful.

Reduce wrinkles

Microneedling can help reduce wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture.

When combined with red light therapy, the results can be even more impressive. Red light therapy not only boosts collagen but also helps decrease the appearance of wrinkles.

For instance, a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that LED treatments with 660 nm light significantly increased collagen levels and reduced wrinkle depth in individuals.

After 12 treatments, 87% of participants saw a noticeable reduction in wrinkle severity.

This proves that combining microneedling with red light therapy can be a powerful duo for smoother, younger-looking skin.

Effective for acne scars

Microneedling can work wonders for acne by stimulating skin regeneration. Combining it with red light therapy can make the results even more impressive, as red light also helps target acne.

For instance, a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology showed that red light therapy with a 630 nm wavelength significantly reduced acne lesions.

After 10 weeks of treatment, acne decreased by over 75%, proving that red light therapy is both effective and safe for acne treatment.