Light therapy - An Alternative to Botox and Fillers?

It’s safe to say that most people would prefer to slow down the physical signs of aging, particularly on their faces – and the proof is in the numbers. In 2018, the global anti-aging market was estimated to be worth around $50.2 billion U.S. dollars. Now that's a lot of skin cream and Botox. And those numbers are only increasing: by 2027, the anti-aging product industry is projected to be worth $83.2 billion U.S. dollars. 

Of course, a large portion of sales are going to anti-aging creams and serums; however, there's been an increase in soft-tissues cosmetic procedures like Botox and filler treatments. A report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons from 2018 reported around 7.4 million injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) and 2.6 million dermal filler injections we used that year. 

In America alone, Botox and fillers ranked the second most popular, minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures. But why are they so popular? Due to their invasiveness, they're more effective than anti-aging creams. However, that comes at a potentially risky and painful price. 

Botox's side effects include bruising and swelling at the injection site, fever, chills, and headaches. Some side effects are specific to the area of injection and include drooping eyelids, excessive tearing, and uneven eyebrows and other facial muscles. More importantly, research on the long-term side effects of Botox and fillers is limited. There are immediate results, yes; however, there's an unclear understanding of what Botox and fillers do to the body in the long-term.

Aside from health concerns, Botox and fillers can quickly add up financially, too. The most common Botox and filler treatments cost hundreds of dollars per session. Women and men around the world are risking their health and money to look youthful, but what they don't realize is there's non-invasive alternatives to these procedures, including light therapy. 

Aside from light therapy’s plethora of benefits for the human body, it is an amazing anti-aging alternative for those looking for non-invasive and natural anti-aging results. Light therapy reduces fine lines and wrinkles, but goes beyond just skin deep. 

While Botox and fillers work to cover the symptoms of aging skin, light therapy solves the problem at a cellular level. As we age, our body’s collagen production decreases, leaving our skin less plump and full. However, through light therapy, you’re actually stimulating collagen production beneath the skin to receive natural and similar results to Botox and fillers. 

Light therapy works by delivering wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to our skin and cells. Red light enhances our cellular function, stimulating the cell's mitochondria to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) energy. This boost of cell energy promotes collagen and elastin production, bringing the plumpness back into your skin. 

A 2014 study found that users of red light therapy experienced significantly improved skin complexion and increased collagen. Angela Lamb, M.D. and associate professor of the Department of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, stated that "Science shows that red light therapy protects existing collagen and boosts new production. Plus, it helps with texture, tone, pore size, and wrinkles."

However, there are more benefits to red light therapy than natural collagen production. Light therapy also aids in diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, reduces scarring, fights acne, treats inflammation, and aids in muscle recovery.

The proof is in the research, and study after study has shown the same results: red light therapy works for anti-aging. Rhonda Klein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut, said that “Realistically, you can expect RLT to improve your skin’s tone and texture. We know that it soothes inflammation, improves mild acne, and proactively treats fine lines and wrinkles, in addition to other benefits.”

Lunas’ red light therapy devices are both MDA and FDA-approved, assuring you receive the highest quality of red light treatments available on the market, which is essential in receiving the best, most efficacious results.