Would infrared light therapy improve the elasticity of my south Asian skin?
Light therapy – in salons and at home – has really gripped the beauty industry in the past few years. In essence, LED light therapy uses infrared light to penetrate the skin at different depths to help repair it.
So what do you need to know? “Red light therapy is generally suitable for all skin tones, as it operates within a safe wavelength range that doesn’t cause skin damage. However, those with extremely sensitive skin or a history of photosensitivity should speak with a consultant dermatologist beforehand,” says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at Self London.
Not all colours of light suit every skin tone. “Ultraviolet (UV) and blue light can cause hyperpigmentation, burns or other adverse reactions for those with more melanin-rich skin,” Mahto explains. “For south Asian skin, it’s crucial to opt for treatments with appropriate wavelengths, starting with lower energy levels and patch testing ahead of time to minimise the risk of pigmentation issues.”
Related: Beauty dilemmas: I’m south Asian and have dark eye circles. What can I do?
Other treatments might work better, “like laser, injectables and peels, as these modalities can target deeper layers of the skin, producing more noticeable tightening effects,” Mahto adds. Using retinol at night can help speed up cell turnover, and making sure your skincare and sun protection is applied all the way down to your chest can help improve the look of the skin.
Got a beauty question for Anita? Email her at beautyQandA@theguardian.com
