Light Therapy Light is now used to cure various skin ailments. This kind of treatment is called light therapy. Light has been found to have positive effects on skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. Light contains ultraviolet rays that can lessen the production of hyperactive cells that causes psoriasis. The red and blue wavelengths found in light can also kill bacteria that cause facial acne. The use of light therapy can leave you with a fairer and smoother skin.
You can have light therapy done at the dermatologists’ clinics or even at the comfort of your own home. If you have the proper equipment, you can do the therapy by yourself. Sunscreen is necessary during therapy sessions, because you will be exposed to light for 15 minutes thrice a week. Treatment of psoriasis requires about 30 fifteen minute session in order to have visible effects. For acne, about the same duration is required but with a different type of light.
This therapy has been proven to be effective in most cases. Although, light therapy is not advisable for people who have lighter skin tones because they are more susceptible to skin cancer. Too much exposure to UV rays may have some unfavorable effects on the skin. It is imperative that you follow the guidelines and instructions of the process.
Light therapy is also a good anti-aging method. This type of therapy can speed the production of collagens and can also trigger the ATP of skin cells, thus producing an invigorating effect on the skin. Light therapy is also effective in lessening pain, especially in people with Neuropathy. Blood circulation is also known to improve with therapy, which increases the healing rate of ulcers.
However, with all these beneficial effects, light therapy is not without side effects and disadvantages. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays can progressively harm the skin. The vitamins A & C found in the skin are relatively destroyed with too much light exposure. The blue light has also been found out to cause breaks in the DNA, but it is believed that enzymes in cells can repair this damage to the DNA.
Light therapy, as with drug treatments, can also alter the mood of an individual. A manic reaction is possible if the person is currently in a depressed mood. Anxiety is also known as a side effect to light therapy, but most of these side effects are more often than not controllable. Patients undergoing light therapy are required to be under close supervision of an experienced or professional clinician. Self therapy is generally not a good idea.
A person who already has certain disorders must seek professional medical advice before undertaking light therapy. Extreme caution is required for people who have highly sensitive skin, disorders that can cause the eyes to be susceptible to photo toxicity, manic behavioral tendencies, and already taking photosensitizing medications. Patients with Porphyria must most certainly avoid any type of light therapy. It is essential that you know the pros and cons of light therapy.
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