Every so often, a new skincare trend surfaces on our social media feeds that seem equally as satisfying as it is promising. In this case, red light therapy has been gaining popularity due to its non-invasive and painless approach. With benefits like reduction in wrinkles, acne scars, and fine lines, it has us asking: Is red light therapy (RLT) the beauty secret that you should know, or just a passing fad?
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT) is a treatment that uses low-level red light wavelengths to help promote skin health, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. The treatment is typically performed by exposing your skin to a red light lamp, device, or laser to your skin.
Within the cells of our skin are tiny powerhouses called mitochondria that soak up the red light and generate more energy. Experts say the benefits of red and near-infrared light therapy on a cellular level, include promoting the growth and function of mitochondria and promoting wound healing.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Red light therapy works by penetrating the skin at a depth of around 5mm, where it stimulates the production of collagen and ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Collagen is a protein that gives skin its elasticity and helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while ATP is a molecule that provides energy to cells, which helps them to function more efficiently. So you can kiss those acne scars, and premature fine lines goodbye.
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What Are The Benefits of Red Light Therapy?
One of the most significant benefits of RLT is its ability to improve skin health. It has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve the texture and tone of the skin. It can also help to reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and age spots.
RLT has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce pain and swelling in joints and muscles. This makes it an effective treatment for conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions.
Beyond the enhancements it can make to your skin, RLT can also help to improve sleep quality. We know that getting our beauty rest is just as essential to our skin health as our skin routine, so using red light to stimulate the production of melatonin, can be an impactful way to regulate sleep patterns and reduce insomnia.
Is Red Light Therapy Worth Trying?
Although there is promising research and results around the usage of, according to experts, it is still uncertain whether red light therapy (RLT) is effective for all of its claimed uses. Despite this, the benefits that have been linked to this device are reason enough to test it out on your own.
If you’re looking to get try red light therapy for yourself, there are many at-home devices that you can use to test out the treatment. However, it’s always recommended that you consult a board-certified dermatologist prior to attempting red light therapy on your own.
Still, if red light therapy sounds like it could be the next best skincare treatment you need in your routine, we’ve provided a list of the best masks, wands, and devices to get your hands on.
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite Dpl FaceWare Pro
SolaWave Advanced Skincare Wand
GYH LED Beauty Mask
HigherDOSE Red Light Therapy Face Mask
Skin Gym WrinkLit LED Mask
NEWKEY LED Light Therapy Face Mask
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Probiotics are live microorganisms, often referred to as "good" bacteria, that help maintain a balanced and healthy microbial environment in our digestive system. With probiotic beverages that contain live beneficial bacteria, these drinks deliver probiotics to the digestive system in a convenient and enjoyable way.
Although it may seem as if probiotic sodas have had an instant surge in popularity, these low-sugar, tummy-soothing beverages have earned their position by tasting good and being good for you. From their support in maintaining good bacteria in the gut to keeping your immune system balanced and in check, there’s truly nothing like sipping your way to better gut health.
From fermented seltzers to probiotic pops, we’ve got the best bubbly, gut-focused sodas for you to try.
Poppi 12-Pack Sparkling Prebiotic Strawberry Lemon Soda
Poppi
This sparkling soda from Poppi is packed with the good stuff to keep your immune system boosted, your stomach less bloated, and your digestive system flowing.
Health-Ade Pop Prebiotic Soda
Flavor and fuel for your tummy, who could ask for a better duo to keep your digestive system happy?
Mayawell Bubbly Prebiotic Soda
Amazon
Looking for a soda that puts your gut health first? Mayawell has all the good prebiotic fiber to keep your immune system strong and metabolism burning.
wildwonder Sparkling Probiotic Juice Drink
We love a silly little drink that’s serious about giving your gut the good bacteria it needs, with both prebiotics and probiotics packed in every can.
KeVita Probiotic Sparkling Refresher
The secret behind KeVita’s sparkling refreshers is that it’s been fermented with their water kefir culture to keep the “good bacteria” happy and working for you.
OLIPOP
Amazon
Whether it's for the taste or its endless gut benefits, OLIPOP is providing a healthier alternative to sugary sodas with high-fiber ingredients that support your digestive system.
culture POP soda
Amazon
Sipping on your favorite soda is even better when you know that it’s juicy, fruity, and made with organic spices and herbs, along with billions of live probiotics that are as soothing as it is satisfying.
Humm Probiotic Seltzer
Amazon
If you’re looking for a seltzer that’s good for you and loaded with two billion probiotics in every can, you’re gonna love these seltzers from Humm.
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