Is Red Light Therapy Safe for African American Skin? Here’s What You Need to Know
Fact Checked
What is RLT | African American Skin | Types of LLLT | Other Light/Laser Types | Safety Tips | Science | Conclusion
SUMMARY: Yes, red light therapy is generally safe for African American skin when used correctly. It employs red and near-infrared light to penetrate deeply, promoting cell healing and collagen production. Darker skin tones have more melanin, which can affect light absorption. Starting with lower light intensities and consulting a dermatologist guarantees safe and effective treatment. Research also shows that red light therapy can benefit acne and other skin issues for individuals with darker skin.
Here’s what Dr. Alexis – a board certified dermatologist – has to say about lasers and light therapies in people with skin of color.
When you search online if red light therapy (RLT) is safe for African American skin, the very first answer you get at the moment of writing this post, confirms that Red Light Therapy is safe for all skin types, including all Fitzpatrick skin tones.
My problem is that the answer is over two years old and comes from a red light therapy brand, which might be biased. Also, a lot of research can between two years ago and now..
Other articles from the search results can be hard to read or don’t give a clear answer. So, although we confirmed upfront that Red Light Therapy is safe for African American Skins, I decided to take it one step further and explain what science and expert beauticians say about red light therapy for African American skin.
☝️ The Fitzpatrick skin type system, created by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick in 1975, classifies human skin colors based on how they respond to ultraviolet (UV) light. This system is used in dermatology and cosmetic fields to understand how different skin types react to sun exposure and various treatments.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy, also known as photo-biomodulation or LLLT uses special types of light to help heal and “fix” cells in your body and has proven skin health effects.
Red light therapy works by emitting red and near-infrared light waves that penetrate deeply into your skin. These light waves reach the cells and tissues that need healing. The wavelengths are between 600 to 650 nanometers for red light and 800 to 880 nanometers for near-infrared light. This light boosts the mitochondria, the tiny energy factories inside cells, improving their function and speeding up healing.
Red light therapy is safe and doesn’t hurt because it doesn’t involve cutting or any harsh treatments. Each session of this therapy usually lasts about 10 to 20 minutes.
How it Works?
When the light reaches your skin, it starts a bunch of helpful processes.
- It also improves blood flow and speeds up the healing of wounds. That’s why it’s great for treating skin problems like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, and even helps smooth out wrinkles. [3] [4] [5]
- Not just for skin, red light therapy is also being studied for easing pain and helping muscles recover faster after working out. [6]
With hardly any side effects, red light therapy is becoming a popular choice for people looking for gentle treatments for both skin and overall health.
👉 Here’s a list with 7 Red Light Therapy Benefits that are backed by scientific-evidence.
The African American Skin
Understanding how red light therapy works on African American skin means knowing a bit about melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color.
Melanin is great because it protects skin from UV damage, but it also soaks up more red and near-infrared light than lighter skin does. This can make the light less effective and sometimes even cause the skin to heat up or get irritated.
When using red light therapy on African American skin, it’s a good idea to use near-infrared light, which has wavelengths above 800nm. This type of light goes deeper into the skin without making it too hot.
Also, turning down the power of the light can help avoid overheating. If you skin is very sensitive, it also helps to use pulsed light instead of a steady stream of light because it gives the skin a chance to cool down between pulses, reducing the chance of irritation.
You can also start with a low dose and slowly increase how intense and long your treatments are. Keep an eye on how your skin reacts. If it gets red, irritated, or feels too warm, stop the treatment and talk to a doctor.
It’s really important to consult with a dermatologist who knows about using red light therapy on darker skin tones to make sure your treatment is safe and works well.
With the right settings and care, red light therapy can be a safe option for African American skin.
Types Of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Low-Level Laser Therapy, or LLLT, includes different light treatments that use specific light waves to help heal, lessen swelling, and mend tissues.
| Type of Light Therapy | Wavelength (nanometers) | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Red Light Therapy | 630 to 700 | Skin rejuvenation, pain management, wound healing |
| Blue/Cyan Light Therapy | 405 to 450 | Acne treatment, kills bacteria, reduces inflammation |
| Infrared Light Therapy | 700 to 1100 | Eases pain, boosts blood flow, aids muscle recovery |
| Near-Infrared Light Therapy | 700 to 900 | Healing, reduces swelling |
| Yellow/Amber & Orange Light Therapy | 590 to 620 | Makes skin look fresh and hydrated |
| Green Light Therapy | 520 to 560 | Reduces pain and swelling |
| Violet Light Therapy | 380 to 450 | Used for its healing effects |
| White Light Therapy | Full visible spectrum | Lifts mood, boosts energy |
- Red Light Therapy uses light waves from 630 to 700 nanometers. It’s great for making skin look younger, managing pain, and helping wounds heal faster. What’s cool is that it works well for all skin colors, and lots of people on TikTok have shared how it’s worked for them.
- Blue/Cyan Light Therapy shines light between 405 and 450 nanometers to tackle acne and other skin issues. It works by killing off the bacteria that cause skin problems and reducing swelling.
- Infrared Light Therapy uses longer waves, from 700 to 1100 nanometers, to reach deeper into the body. This helps ease pain, boosts blood flow, and helps muscles recover, making it a favorite in sports medicine.
- Near-Infrared Light Therapy is quite similar, using waves from 700 to 900 nanometers. It’s good for healing and reducing swelling.
- Yellow/Amber Light Therapy and Orange Light Therapy, both using light waves from 590-620 nm, focus more on making the skin look fresh and hydrated, though they aren’t as commonly used.
- Green Light Therapy, which uses 520 to 560 nanometers, helps reduce pain and swelling too.
- Violet Light Therapy, from 380 to 450 nanometers, is used in special cases for its healing effects.
- White Light Therapy mixes all the colors of the visible spectrum to help lift your mood and boost your energy.
Each type of light targets different issues and can be super helpful in its own way. Whether it’s soothing pain or making skin look better, LLLT offers a wide range of benefits.
Other Types of Light & Laser Therapies
In the world of skin care, various light and laser therapies have shown great results for different skin issues. It’s really important to know how these treatments work on African American skin because it has more melanin, which affects how the skin reacts to these therapies.
| LASER/LIGHT TYPE | SAFETY |
|---|---|
| Broad Spectrum Light Therapy: This therapy uses a wide range of light waves, including visible light and some that we can’t see like infrared light. It’s great for tackling seasonal depression, improving certain skin problems, and helping fix sleep issues. | This therapy is generally safe for all skin types, including darker skin tones. If you have a dark skin tone (Fitzpatrick skin type VI), are pregnant, or have taken Accutane in the last six months, you should avoid broadband light therapy. [7] |
| UV Light Therapy: This method uses ultraviolet light to help with skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo. It works by slowing down the fast growth of skin cells and calming down an overactive immune system. | UV light therapy can be safe and effective for treating certain skin conditions, but it’s important to use it under the guidance of a healthcare professional because it can cause skin damage, photoaging, and skin cancer. [8] |
| Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): PDT is a two-part treatment using a special drug and a laser. It’s a powerhouse for managing acne, psoriasis, and even some kinds of skin cancer by killing off the bad cells and fixing skin troubles. | People with medium to deep skin tones, like African American skin, can get post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from injuries. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can be painful and cause a burning sensation. Recovery may involve redness, crusting, and peeling for one to two weeks. After acne treatment, your skin might be red for a few days. If your skin reacts poorly to light (e.g., burns easily or gets hyperpigmentation), PDT may not be safe for you. [9] |
| Laser Resurfacing: This includes treatments like Fractional CO2 and Er:YAG lasers that help make the skin smoother, reduce scars and wrinkles, fading age spots. It often works best when combined with other skin treatments for extra rejuvenation. | These kind of treatments need to be used carefully on African American skin to prevent dark spots after treatment. [10] |
| Photofacial therapy, or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy: It uses light pulses to improve skin by addressing sun damage, age spots, and wrinkles. The treatment involves applying a cooling gel and using a handheld device to project light into the skin, promoting collagen production in 30-60 minutes. | IPL is not generally recommended for darker skin tones because it targets darker pigment, which can lead to burns [11]. Monique Diaz Doolin – a woman of color – shared on TikTok that her face was badly damaged after trying BBL therapy, so it is not recommended for dark skin. |
Knowing about these therapies can help you talk with your dermatologist to find the best option for your skin. It’s all about finding the right fit and making sure the treatment is safe and effective for your skin type.
Safety Tips
For African American individuals considering red light therapy, it’s important to follow these key points:
- Skin Type: African American skin has more melanin, which can make it more sensitive to light. Start with lower light intensities and gradually increase exposure time to avoid any adverse reactions.
- Wavelength: The wavelength of the red light is crucial. Shorter wavelengths (around 600 nm) may be more suitable for African American skin, as they are less likely to cause hyperpigmentation or other side effects.
- Skin Condition: If you have pre-existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, consult a dermatologist before starting red light therapy. They can provide guidance on the appropriate treatment plan.
- Skin Sensitivity: Some individuals may be more sensitive to red light therapy. Do a patch test on a small area of your skin before proceeding with full-body treatment.
What science says?
Scientific studies show that red light therapy (RLT) is safe and works well for all skin types, including African American skin when used with the right settings.
- General Safety: Studies have shown that red light therapy (RLT) is generally safe for various skin types, including darker skin tones. Adverse events such as blistering and prolonged erythema were mild and dose-dependent, with higher fluences (energy levels) posing more risk (Jagdeo et al., 2019).
- Photosensitivity in Darker Skin: Research indicates that darker skin may be more photosensitive to RLT. Therefore, lower fluences are recommended for individuals with skin of color to minimize risks such as hyperpigmentation and erythema (Jagdeo et al., 2019).
- Efficacy and Safety for Acne: Red light photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used effectively for treating acne in patients with darker skin tones, showing significant improvement without severe adverse effects (Terrell et al., 2009).
- Dermatological Treatments: Light-based therapies, including RLT, are considered safe for ethnic skin when appropriate parameters are used. Careful selection of fluence and wavelength is crucial to prevent complications such as dyspigmentation and scarring (Alexis, 2013).
Conclusion
To sum up, red light therapy is generally safe for African American skin, thanks to its ability to penetrate deeply without causing thermal damage. Studies show it’s effective for skin rejuvenation and healing across diverse skin tones. However, always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
More Resources
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