What Is Hyaluronic Acid and Why Is It Used With Red Light Therapy?
The skin is your body’s largest organ. Taking the time to care for it properly is essential to becoming your healthiest self.
Your skin has three separate layers. The epidermis is the topmost layer, the one you present to the world. Even though the next two layers, the dermis and the hypodermis, aren’t visible, it’s important to care for them too. But how do you strengthen and repair layers of your skin you can’t even see?
Two effective means of caring for those deep layers are hyaluronic acid and red light therapy. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
If you’re not familiar with the benefits of hyaluronic acid, buckle up: There are a lot of them!
Our bodies naturally produce hyaluronic acid to keep our joints, eyes, and skin healthy. This slick, gooey substance eases movement between the joints and lubricates our eyes and skin.
Basically, the hyaluronic acid in our bodies reduces friction — and when it comes to skincare, products that contain hyaluronic acid take things to the next level.
Skincare Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is available as a topical serum and as an injectable dermal filler.
Dermal fillers are generally used to reduce severe signs of aging and can last anywhere from six months to two years. This cosmetic procedure is done by a qualified healthcare professional in a clinical setting.
When it comes to topical treatments you can do at home, few things are more important than maintaining adequate hydration. Skin that is well hydrated is soft, smooth, and free of toxins that can cause significant damage. And it just so happens that hydration is hyaluronic acid’s superpower!
Not only does hyaluronic acid hydrate your skin, it also enables water retention, keeping the skin plump and moist all day long. It works by acting as a cushion within the reticular layer, the thick base of the dermis that supports and strengthens your skin.
All these skin-healing properties combined help you achieve visible results. When used correctly, hyaluronic acid:
- Restores moisture
- Smooths out wrinkles
- Plumps fine lines
- Softens tissues
- Increases collagen production
- Reduces redness and dark spots
Hyaluronic acid has many amazing benefits, but as the old adage goes, two is better than one. How can hyaluronic acid and red light therapy join forces to elevate your skincare routine?
Red Light Therapy and Your Skin
Red light therapy is another treatment gaining popularity in the skincare world.
When compared to other types of therapies, there’s limited research available about red light therapy, and we’re still exploring all the positive ways it affects your skin. But numerous initial studies have had positive and encouraging results!
The three most common skin concerns red light therapy addresses include:
- Mild to moderate acne breakouts
- Wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging
- Redness and dark spots
When you expose your skin to specific red wavelengths of light, your mitochondria — the powerhouses of your cells — activate. Activated mitochondria produce more energy and, in turn, help your cells repair damage at a faster rate.
Red light therapy also stimulates collagen production in your skin, which is essential for structural support, as it strengthens skin cells and improves elasticity.
Hyaluronic Acid and Red Light Therapy
While they’re effective on their own, a combination of hyaluronic acid and red light therapy may be the best way to help your skin reach its fullest potential.
Whether you choose dermal fillers or topical products like serums, hyaluronic acid can enhance the positive effects of red light therapy.
Like hyaluronic acid, light therapy can be administered either at home or in a clinical setting by a dermatologist. The latter is often more expensive and less accessible than home devices, but thankfully, home devices for light therapy are becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s market. If red light therapy is the right path for you, you have a wealth of treatment options to choose from!
How to Use Topical Hyaluronic Acid and Red Light Therapy Together
Different skincare products have different instructions for achieving best results. As such, be sure to read all instructions before using any product and compare the results on a case-by-case basis.
Also, before using a new product on a large area of your skin, test it on a smaller area to ensure you aren’t allergic to any of the product’s ingredients, including the inactive ones.
Once your trial-and-error experiments lead you to the perfect products, administer the red light and then apply your chosen topical hyaluronic acid serum, in that order.
Always Buy From Brands You Trust
Excited to start a skincare routine that includes both hyaluronic acid and red light therapy? We don’t blame you — but be sure to stop and consider all your options first!
If your skin concerns go beyond what a topical treatment can address, consult a qualified skincare professional about hyaluronic acid fillers. This treatment is less invasive than cosmetic surgery, but remember, it’s not a permanent solution. Hyaluronic acid fillers last a maximum of two years.
On the other hand, a hyaluronic acid serum is a less costly and relatively risk-free option. Many trusted and established skincare brands have a hyaluronic acid-based product available for purchase. Start with reputable brands you already use and know your skin tolerates well.
When it comes to red light therapy, if you opt for at-home treatments, look for devices from well-established, trusted brands. Read consumer reviews and compare different products before making your choice. Pay close attention to reviewers who have the same or similar skin concerns as yours!
If your primary skincare concern is acne breakouts, consider a light therapy device that administers both red and blue light therapy. Red light therapy helps heal existing breakouts, and blue light prevents future breakouts by killing acne-causing bacteria.
Hyaluronic Acid and Red Light Therapy: Final Thoughts
As with any healthcare routine, your chances of success increase when you take the time to research your options. While hyaluronic acid and red light therapy are very different skincare treatments, they provide complimentary benefits that can help you achieve the strong, healthy skin you’ve been looking for!
