Article: Does LED Light Therapy Eliminate Stretch Marks?
Does LED Light Therapy Eliminate Stretch Marks?
- 01 What is LED Light Therapy?
- 02 What Causes Stretch Marks?
- 03 Can Red Light Therapy Remove Stretch Marks?
- 04 How Does Red Light Therapy Remove Stretch Marks?
- 05 How to Use Red Light Therapy for Stretch Marks?
- 06 Are There Contraindications for Red Light Therapy When Treating Stretch Marks?
- 07 The Takeaway
4-minute read
Stretch marks, medically referred to as striae or striae atrophicae occur when the skin expands or contracts too quickly such as after pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, or hormonal changes. They typically appear red or purplish, and eventually white lines on the legs, glutes, upper arms, chest, and hips. Stretch marks are experienced by up to 90% of the population and pose no health concern, though they present to many as a cosmetic concern. 
If you’re unhappy with your stretch marks, it’s perfectly okay to want to improve their appearance, particularly after pregnancy or puberty, notably challenging times in terms of identity and selfhood.
Here we look at rejuvenatory red light as a possible therapeutic approach and the science behind this on-trend treatment.
What is LED Light Therapy?
LED light therapy is the application of varying light wavelengths such as red (633nm) blue (460nm) infrared (830nm) and deep infrared (1072) to rejuvenate the skin by stimulating cell regeneration and reducing inflammatory markers.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks result from the sudden rupture of collagen and elastin fibers when the skin moves or ‘stretches’ faster than the skin can repair itself.
These tears in the dermal skin layer are a completely natural physiological response to the stress caused to the skin and result in the formation of harmless scar tissue. The marks initially appear red, gradually turning purple and then white over time. The quicker the treatment intervention, the easier and more likely it is to treat stretch marks successfully.
Can Red Light Therapy Remove Stretch Marks?
Red and infrared light therapy known as ‘photobiomodulation’ delivers light energy to the cell mitochondria increasing cell function and in turn triggering the production of collagen and elastin, key skin building blocks. Blue light therapy is clinically proven to reduce inflammation.
In simple terms, if stretch marks are the result of ruptured collagen and elastin stores and infrared and red light therapy support supporting collagen and elastin remodeling, this is how light therapy improves the appearance of stretch marks. Countless peer-reviewed studies attest to the power of light therapy in reinforcing the skin matrix by triggering the formation of new collagen. By reinforcing this matrix, the skin becomes more resilient, firm, and better able to repair itself, helping to maintain a youthful, healthy appearance.
How Does Red Light Therapy Remove Stretch Marks?
- Supports skin rejuvenation to increase fibroblasts
- Supports collagen remodeling
- Reduces inflammation
- Increased blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to damaged skin to accelerate the healing process
How to Use Red Light Therapy for Stretch Marks?
1. Choose the right device.
Choose a high-quality LED device, ideally a full-body device designed to treat larger areas such as the LumaLux Dome. Ensure the device has the correct wavelength specifications and power density. You can also use an LED light therapy wand to treat stretch marks but it may be harder to reach areas like the back of the legs. For more information please reference our blog on everything you need to know before purchasing an LED device.
2. Prep the Skin
Ensure your skin is clean and dry before using the LED device
3. Positioning
Hold the device at the recommended distance from the skin
4. Timing and Frequency
Consistency of treatment is key with it comes to achieving results with LED light therapy, always follow the recommended treatment advice on your specific device and do not exceed these recommendations.
Are There Contraindications for Red Light Therapy When Treating Stretch Marks?
Pregnancy: While stretch marks often occur as a result of pregnancy, red light therapy is generally not recommended during this time. While there is no conclusive research on the effect of red light therapy for pregnant women and the risks (if any) are largely unknown. It is best to consult your OBGYN before undertaking any red light therapy treatments during pregnancy, especially treatment of the abdominal area.
Other contraindications include light sensitivity, recent burns, epilepsy, migraines and blood loss. Always be sure to consult with your physician before starting LED light therapy treatments.
LumaLux Dome | Face & Body LED Light Therapy Device
8 wavelength full body LED light therapy device for skin rejuvenation, fine lines, acne, muscle recovery and mood boost
The Takeaway
LED light therapy rejuvenates the skin by increasing energy to the cell and triggering the production of new, stronger, collagen stores. Stretch marks occur when collagen and elastin fibres in the skin tear due to rapid stretching or movement that outpaces the skin’s ability to heal. LED light therapy treats stretch marks by restoring damaged collagen stores and reinforcing the integrity of the dermal skin layer. The LED light wavelengths also boost blood flow to increase nutrient supply to damaged skin cells and accelerate the healing process.
A red light therapy wand or full body panel can adequately treat and prevent the formation of stretch marks from home.
written by Sophie Flair
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.