What is Amber Light Therapy?
Skin treatments with LED light technology have gained popularity over the years because of the numerous benefits for the skin. People are more aware of blue light and red light, without knowing there are other colors that may address some skin concerns. Amber or yellow light therapy is a less popular form of skin treatment. Yellow light is a painless, non-invasive, and safe form of laser treatment, which utilizes light-emitting diodes to stimulate cellular functions at approximately 2mm into the skin.
Amber light therapy tools and devices are straightforward and easy to use. The devices use light of wavelength 570nm to 650nm to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular functions. There is no downtime when using light energy for skin therapy, no need for prep, and you do not require aftercare with amber light therapy.
According to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology by Daniel R. Opel, MD, yellow light-emitting diodes have about 590nm wavelength and they penetrate the skin on depths between 0.5mm to 2mm to address various skin concerns, including skin aging and pigmentation. When compared to red and near-infrared laser therapy, amber light has a shallow penetration into the skin. This makes amber light therapy a gentle form of skin treatment.
Amber light is easily absorbed into the skin to offer numerous benefits. Yellow light increases blood circulation, eliminates toxins from the skin, keeps skin hydrated and moist, increases skin’s water retention capacity, and maintains a healthy epidermis. Additionally, it may help reverse the effects of sun damage, reduce skin redness, calm skin irritation, and promote skin cell regeneration.
The Journal of Experimental Dermatology by Ji Yeon Hong supports that yellow light-emitting diodes with 590nm have the ability to prevent oxidative stress damage, regulate inflammatory changes, and boost collagen production in the skin. yellow light is safe and effective in the treatment of photoaged skin.
How Does Amber Light Therapy Work?
Yellow light has a shallower penetration into the skin and it triggers mechanisms that help support skin metabolism. Once yellow light is absorbed into the skin, it interacts with the epidermal cells and stimulates cellular functions. Amber light therapy is believed to trigger skin cell renewal, eliminate toxins through the lymphatic system, and rejuvenate skin appearance.
Yellow light also increases the skin’s water-retaining capacity making the skin plumper and more elastic. Additionally, therapy with amber light may eliminate wrinkles and fine lines, improve skin tone and texture, and improve skin conditions like rosacea and acne. Since laser therapy is painless and non-invasive, it has become a more popular skin treatment method for many people.
A publication in the Cells journal by Xiaoxi Dao supports that Photobiomodulation with amber light can inhibit melanogenesis and improve the functioning of endothelial cells. Another study published in the BMJ Open Journal also supports that amber Photobiomodulation induces autophagy, inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, and reduces melanin production.
Key Reasons to Consider Amber Light Therapy?
Yellow light has a shallow penetration into the skin and it primarily works to increase blood circulation, promote skin rejuvenation, speed up skin healing, and combat various skin conditions. Here are some of the reasons why you should try amber light therapy for your skin;
Improves Skin Texture
Photobiomodulation with amber light increases the skin’s ability to retain moisture making the skin well hydrated and plumper. It also helps boost collagen production to eliminate wrinkles and fine lines, improve skin firmness and elasticity, and improve skin smoothness. Yellow light triggers the renewal of skin cells to improve skin texture.
In one of the research done by Lidiane Rocha and published in the BMJ Open Journal>, amber light-emitting diodes interact with the skin cells to trigger cell renewal, and skin hydration, and improve the appearance of wrinkles
Reduces Skin Redness
Amber light therapy is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It works to reduce inflammation and skin redness in people with conditions like acne, psoriasis, and rosacea. It also reduces skin irritation by reducing the blood vessels in the affected skin area. People who suffer from skin redness, irritations, and inflammation should try amber light therapy.
The Journal of Experimental Dermatology supports that 590nm amber light Photobiomodulation is a safe and effective anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative treatment for photo-aged skin.
Improves Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that presents with visible blood vessels, flushing, and redness on the face. Amber light therapy is considered a safe and effective solution for rosacea because it reduces skin redness, inflammation, and number of blood vessels visible on the face.
In his research published in the Dermatology and Therapy journal, Hanlin ZhangM says that rosacea is an inflammatory and chronic skin disease. His research concludes that 570nm amber light is an effective treatment for rosacea and facial erythema.
Speeds Wound Healing
Amber light Photobiomodulation can enhance the body’s wound healing process, including cuts, bruises, and after surgical procedures. It speeds up wound healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area and boosting collagen production.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology by Daniel Opel supports that amber light therapy promotes skin rejuvenation and enhances wound healing.
Improves Sleep
Many people have sleep disorders. Amber light Photobiomodulation may regulate melatonin production in the body and this helps regulate and improve sleep patterns. Yellow light promotes a feeling of calmness and increases melatonin production at night. While improving nighttime sleep, amber light increases daytime alertness.
In a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published in the Frontiers in Psychiatry, light therapy helps alleviate sleep problems in cancer patients, improves sleep quality, and reduces Pittsburgh’s sleep quality index.
Enhances Mood and Emotional Well-Being
Amber light has a warm and calming effect on the body. Exposing yourself to amber light may help improve mood and enhance emotional well-being. Because of its mood-enhancing ability, amber light promotes higher self-esteem, boosts energy levels, and makes one happier.
In the Journal of Physical Therapy Science by Seulki Han, 20 young and healthy students in their 20s were exposed to different light colors to study their emotional reactions. The results showed that amber and white lights help improve mood.
May Improve Lymphatic Drainage
The lymphatic system works to fight infections by eliminating waste and toxins from the body. Yellow light therapy works to enhance the functioning of the lymphatic system and improve lymphatic drainage. This helps reduce swelling and puffiness on the face.
The Biomedical Optics Express journal by Oxana supports that photobiomodulation has positive effects in supporting lymphatic functions.
How At-home Amber Light Therapy Can be Convenient?
With advanced technology, you no longer need to visit the dermatologist’s office or spa to enjoy the benefits of light therapy. You can invest in a portable amber light facial device and enjoy its therapeutic benefits in the comfort of your home. Most of these devices are handheld, small, affordable, and easy to use at home. They do come with the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use them, including the duration of each session. Most therapy sessions with amber light may last 20-30 minutes.
Depending on your ultimate goal or the skin condition you want to treat, you may use amber light therapy devices every day or a few times a week. Other devices come with personalized settings allowing you to adjust the intensity of light according to your preference. Light therapy is considered a safe and effective form of treatment. Those using at-home devices should follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Safe to Use At-Home Amber Light Therapy Devices?
A: Yes, it is very safe to use at-home amber light therapy devices if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This includes not overdoing your sessions or putting too much light intensity thinking you will achieve faster results. Ensure you follow the usage instructions or consult a dermatologist to get clear guidelines.
How Much Does Amber Light Therapy Cost?
A: The prices of amber light therapy sessions may vary depending on many factors. This may include the skin condition you are treating, the region you are in, the exclusivity of the salon, and the length of your session. Keeping that in mind, the prices for amber light therapy may range from $20-$250. You should also know that one session would not be enough. You may need more sessions to achieve the desired results and this may cost you more. Buying your own at-home device may be a cheaper option.
Is Amber Light Therapy Safe?
A: Yes, amber light therapy is a safe skin treatment technology. It utilizes light-emitting diodes on 570nm, which is a shallow penetration into the skin. Because of its low wavelength, amber light is a gentler light treatment method and ideal for many skin conditions like inflammation, pigmentation, acne, and rosacea. It is recommended that you follow the instructions on the product label when using the device to avoid any side effects.
How Often Should I Take Amber Light Therapy?
A: The frequency of using amber light therapy devices will depend on the intensity of the condition you are treating. You may use amber light therapy devices every day or several times a week. Some devices also allow you to adjust the intensity of the light for various skin conditions.
Conclusion
Yellow or amber LED light therapy is a painless, non-invasive, safe, and effective skin treatment technique, which utilizes light of low wavelengths.
The light energy has a shallow penetration into the skin and works to soothe inflammation and skin redness, improve skin hydration, increase blood circulation, boost collagen production, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Additionally, amber light may also improve the functioning of the lymphatic system, reverse sun damage, improve sleep, and regulate mood.
You may choose you go to the spa or use at-home amber light devices to enjoy the benefits of light therapy. All you have to do is get the right product and follow the instructions on the product label when using the product.