By Nancy H, PharmD
July 6, 2023
9 minutes
They say appearance shows the manner. While appearance, in that regard, essentially talks about how well-dressed a person is, a significant factor contributes to it, and that is your skin. We are in a generation that pays huge attention to skin health.
Millions of dollars are spent on different products in the beauty industry to enhance the appearance, texture, and color of the skin.
According to 2023 statistics , the global beauty and personal care market was valued at over 571 billion U.S. dollars. Another survey found that, in 2022, 1.68 million Americans spent $500 or more on skin care products. Apparently, people pay very significant importance to their skin health.
The reason is not far-fetched, however, as one of the first things people notice when they sight you is your skin. In fact, a survey concluded that the first thing people notice about you is not your clothes; it is your smile, which is complemented by the health of your skin.
Hence, you’d agree you cannot be wrong by spending on your skin. The skin, the largest organ in our body , protects us from external stressors such as UV radiation, pollution, and pathogens.
However, it can also be affected by internal factors such as diet, hormonal changes, and stress. Poor skin health can result in a range of problems, from acne and dryness to premature aging and wrinkles. This can take a heavy toll on appearance and self-esteem.
Sadly, dry and irritated skin can be a tough nut to crack. This is particularly more stressful during dry seasons. Not only does the skin react badly to the cold hands of winter, but sometimes, the reaction can also be challenging to get rid of.
Hence, everyone is looking for the best moisturizer during this time, but those with dry and irritated skin are always on moisturizer all year. Well, maybe not again.
Thanks to advancements in science, a new therapy called The Green Light Therapy provides a remedy for pale, dry, discolored skin. This therapy ensures your skin remains youthful and vibrant. What’s more interesting is that this therapy also ensures the overall well-being of your body and health.
Hence, we will take a closer look at what green therapy entails, how it works, the beauty and health benefits, and the side effects that may arise during and after therapy. So, let’s get right to it.
What is Green Light Therapy?
Green light therapy, or LED therapy, is a non-invasive method that uses specific wavelengths of light to target cells and tissues in the body. Simply put, this therapy’s success relies on the ability of the light wavelength to penetrate through the body tissues and cells to its target site of action.
This, in turn, depends on the penetration power or depth of the light wavelength. Hence, the longer the wavelength, the deeper it burrows the body cells and tissues and delivers therapeutic effects. But before we continue on how green light therapy works, let’s briefly discuss how it all started.
It all started in 1995, when The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, proposed light therapy . For the record, NASA discovered light wavelength’s therapeutic/healing power when the agency tested different light sources for possible effects on the growth of plants in unfavorable conditions.
They concluded that these lights might aid plants’ growth in space and function as a potent medicine. Precisely, they found that light wavelengths 633 (Red Light), 532 (Green Light), and 415 (Blue Light) can penetrate the dermis , the deepest layer of the skin. There, it can enhance cell growth and increases the body’s sensitivity to light.
This results in increased skin and body rejuvenation by promoting blood flow, collagen production, detoxification, reducing skin inflammation, and much more, making it an excellent option for chronic or severe discomfort patients.
In beauty and skin care, green light therapy works from the bottom up. This means it targets skin cell pigmentation and keeps them from reaching the skin’s surface. It disintegrates melanin clumps, hence getting rid of skin discoloration or age spots.
Green light therapy provides a wide range of beauty and health therapy. Below are a few;
Beauty and Health Benefits of Green Light Therapy.
1. Lighter and Smoother Skin
An excess amount of melanin, the pigment that determines hair and skin color, causes dark spots on the skin. When you step into the therapy device, the melanin absorbs the green light that the device emits. As a result, the body recognizes the melanin particles that the light breaks down and discards them. This leaves your skin lighter and smoother, with your body tones popping brilliantly.
2. Decreases Spider Veins and Rosacea
One of the major downsides of aging is the several skin issues that come along with it. Imagine seeing your skin wrinkled and plastered with spider veins and fine lines. It can ruin your self-esteem and leave you not wanting to socialize.
However, thanks to green light therapy, the appearance of spider veins and rosacea is much less obvious. Green light therapy works by causing the small blood vessels beneath the skin to close down and disappear. Therefore, making their appearance less visible and keeping your skin youthful and gracious while you age.
Also, researchers indicate that green light is an effective treatment method against skin problems , such as rosacea and erythema, as it soothes the affected skin area.
3. Reduction of Hyperpigmentation and Age Spots
Aside from reducing fine lines and wrinkles, green light therapy has also been highly useful in treating age spots and hyperpigmentation. Instead of fading dark spots, freckles, and other age-related skin issues, it is recommended to use a light therapy device. The green light wavelength penetrates the skin, reduces these blemishes, and creates a barrier that will decrease the chance of such blemishes reoccurring.
4. Protection from UV Radiation.
Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays is one of the key factors in developing hyperpigmentation; thus, you must shield your skin from the sun. Moreso, prolonged exposure to UV radiation may also precipitate cancer in the long run . Apparently, you have more than hyperpigmentation to worry about with UV radiation.
The good news is green light therapy may help reduce the appearance of dark spots, discoloration, and hyperpigmentation from exposure to UV radiation. And combined with other products, such as sunscreen, green light therapy may provide a barrier against the DNA-damaging rays of UV radiation.
5. Relieves Pain.
Apart from the benefits of green light therapy to the skin, green light therapy also makes your muscle more flexible and is an aid for myalgia, pain in a muscle or group of muscles . As a result, exposure to green light therapy eases muscle stiffness and works as a pain reliever in cases of rheumatism, arthritis, and muscular pain.
6. Reduces Migraine
Green light-emitting diodes provide an alternative for patients who prefer non-pharmacological methods for managing migraine. Research shows that green light therapy may help significantly reduce the frequency of headaches in patients with episodic and chronic migraine.
The same study found that the therapy can improve multiple secondary outcome measures, such as the intensity and duration of headaches and, ultimately, the quality of life.
7. Wound Healing and Tissue Repair.
Like collagen, green light therapy also has wound and tissue repair capabilities . Green light therapy has a sterilizing function that increases cell growth. Therefore, enabling your skin to repair the affected area.
Some other benefits of green light therapy include boosting energy levels, improving sleep quality , especially in individuals with non-seasonal depression, and reducing inflammation . You’d agree green light therapy is a non-invasive treatment option with loads of skin and health benefits. It’s an absolute worthy investment.
Before we talk about some of the side effects, below are a few things to note about green light therapy sessions and devices;
Key Things To Know About Green Light Therapy Sessions and Devices.
❖ Before the session, the area of the skin is rid of any dirt, oil, or makeup, as this may reduce the effectiveness of the session.
❖ A session usually lasts between 20-30 minutes. In some cases, the duration could be longer.
❖To get optimal results, you will need multiple sessions of therapy.
❖ Except in rare events where your health practitioner advises against it, you can always return to your routine after the session.
❖ The main aftercare recommendation is to avoid continued exposure to the sun.
❖ Depending on the location and the condition being treated, a session usually costs between $25 and $250.
❖ There are available green light therapy devices that can be used at home. However, consult an expert for recommendations on the best device and how to use it.
Green Light Therapy Side Effects & Risks
Green light therapy is safe with very minimal side effects and risks. The most important thing is to consult a dermatologist before therapy. Dermatologists consider your symptoms and signs and recommend the best treatment option.
Also, green light therapy sessions may be contraindicated in individuals on certain medications, such as photosensitizing drugs, very dark skin tones individuals, and people with some medical conditions such as lupus.
Some common side effects observed after a session include slight pain, redness, mild skin irritation, and increased skin sensitivity. However, they usually wane off hours after the treatment. Eye damage is the most severe risk and side effect of green light therapy sessions. Not to worry, as this can be prevented by wearing appropriate protective eyewear.
Conclusion
See that! The benefits of green light therapy to the skin and the body’s overall well-being. This is, indeed, an optimal remedy option for different skin diseases and health issues. Thankfully, the therapy comes with little to no side effects, making it one of the best treatment options.
Do note that your skin or overall health won’t become great overnight, but with consistency, this is a game-changer for you. While green light therapy has been primarily used to enhance skin conditions recently, it provides more health benefits than enhancement of skin conditions.
With green light therapy, you can bid farewell to all skin-related problems and embrace youthful, graceful, supple, and vibrant skin!
References
1. 4913
2. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. How does skin work? 2009 Sep 28 [Updated 2019 Apr 11]. Available from: 4913
3. 4913
4. Krzyścin, J. W., Jarosławski, J., Rajewska-Więch, B., Sobolewski, P. S., Narbutt, J., Lesiak, A., Pawlaczyk, M., & Janouch, M. (2012). Space-based estimation of the solar UV-B doses for psoriasis heliotherapy in Poland using OMI data for the period 2005-2011. Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology, 117, 240–246. 4913
5. Avci, P., Gupta, A., Sadasivam, M., Vecchio, D., Pam, Z., Pam, N., & Hamblin, M. R. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery, 32(1), 41–52.
6. Rohringer, S., Holnthoner, W., Chaudary, S., Slezak, P., Priglinger, E., Strassl, M., Pill, K., Mühleder, S., Redl, H., & Dungel, P. (2017). The impact of wavelengths of LED light therapy on endothelial cells. Scientific reports, 7(1), 10700. 4913
7. Martin, L., Porreca, F., Mata, E. I., Salloum, M., Goel, V., Gunnala, P., S Killgore, W. D., Jain, S., Jones-MacFarland, F. N., Khanna, R., Patwardhan, A., & Ibrahim, M. M. (2021). Green Light Exposure Improves Pain and Quality of Life in Fibromyalgia Patients: A Preliminary One-Way Crossover Clinical Trial. Pain Medicine: The Official Journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine , 22 (1), 118-130. 4913
8. Ablon, G. (2018). Phototherapy with Light Emitting Diodes: Treating a Broad Range of Medical and Aesthetic Conditions in Dermatology. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology , 11 (2), 21-27. 4913
9. Martin, L., Porreca, F., Mata, E. I., Salloum, M., Goel, V., Gunnala, P., S Killgore, W. D., Jain, S., Jones-MacFarland, F. N., Khanna, R., Patwardhan, A., & Ibrahim, M. M. (2021). Green Light Exposure Improves Pain and Quality of Life in Fibromyalgia Patients: A Preliminary One-Way Crossover Clinical Trial. Pain Medicine: The Official Journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine , 22 (1), 118-130. 4913
10. Brenner, M., & Hearing, V. J. (2008). The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin. Photochemistry and Photobiology , 84 (3), 539. 4913
11. Martin, L. F., Patwardhan, A. M., Jain, S. V., Salloum, M. M., Freeman, J., Khanna, R., Gannala, P., Goel, V., Jones-MacFarland, F. N., Killgore, W. D., Porreca, F., & Ibrahim, M. M. (2021). Evaluation of green light exposure on headache frequency and quality of life in migraine patients: A preliminary one-way cross-over clinical trial. Cephalalgia: an international journal of headache, 41(2), 135–147. 4913
12. Nussbaumer-Streit, B., Forneris, C. A., Morgan, L. C., Van Noord, M. G., Gaynes, B. N., Greenblatt, A., Wipplinger, J., Lux, L. J., Winkler, D., & Gartlehner, G. (2019). Light therapy for preventing seasonal affective disorder. The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews, 3(3), CD011269. 4913
13. Chaves, A., Cruz Piancastelli, A. C., & Pinotti, M. (2014). Effects of low-power light therapy on wound healing: LASER x LED. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 89(4), 616-623. 4913
14. Jarrett, S., Amaro-Ortiz, A., & Scott, T. (2013). UV Radiation and the Skin. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 14(6), 12222-12248. 4913
