Simple answer - yes.

I could in fact, end the blog post there with "yes", it really is that simple. However, for those that wish to have a little more information, I will continue to explain how you might be able help your skin be prepared and to heal this summer.

Why what have we been taught about sunshine exposure (it's dangerous and it leads to premature aging of the skin). Needs further exploration and explanation. Understanding the reasons why light might help improve your health and wellbeing if you are sensible and know what you are doing. 

When you go out for the sunrise, what colours are in the sky? Warm tones, reds, oranges, yellows etc. This is becaue these wavelengths of light have longer wavelengths that are able to penetrate the atmosphere better than shorter (blue, UV) wavelengths which are scattered and reflected until the sun gets higher in the sky.


These wavelengths of light play an important role in circadian rhythm alignment through activating specific receptors in the eyes. These photoreceptors in the eyes send signals to the brain which anchor circadian rhythm and instigate various changes in physical and psychological functions (1). Furthermore there is now research that suggests that these specific ratios of light and light wavelengths might have an effect directly on our skin, not just through our eyes. According to some research exposure to these wavelengths of light might prepare our skin for the increase in UV penetration later in the day:

"IR-A might even precondition the skin – a process called photoprevention – from an evolutionary standpoint since exposure to early morning IR-A wavelengths in sunlight may ready the skin for the coming mid-day deleterious UVR" (2)


Another small study showed application of 660nm with LED's similar to the ones found in the "Table top" and "Large body" panels could signficantly reduce burning via something called "photoprevention". The paper demonstrated a photoprotective element of 660nm light in helping reducing erythema (skin redness commonly associated with sun burn) in 85% of the participants. The conclusion of the study was:

"Finally, a sun protection factor SPF-15-like effect and a reduction in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation were observed on the LED pre-treated side."

These papers build upon others that show light therapy used to "pre-condition" tissues to better adapt to the incoming stress (in this case UV light) can be effective. A good summary can be read here (3) 

What device do I recommend? Click on the image for more information

 

 

 

I love the sensation, the coolness of aloe vera on skin, but could red light therapy remove the need for it?

As was discussed earlier, the early morning sun had specific wavelengths of light that help prepare the skin, the other end of the day might have equally interesting effects. Think of the sunset, those same colours exist as they did with sunrise. This time, they might have another effect, not to prepare, but to rejuvenate and repair.

Once UV is removed from the equation, you are left with the rejuvenation and repair properties of the yellows, oranges, red and infrared. These wavelengths of light have been shown to have "anti-aging" effects, skin healing effects, anti-inflammatory effects.

A key example of this repair, rejuvenation was obtained in a study from 2006 that showed signficant improvement in (4) in softness, smoothness, and firmness, and showed improvements in wrinkles as well. 

A further meta analysis from 2013 came to this conclusion:

"In dermatology, LLLT has beneficial effects on wrinkles, acne scars, hypertrophic scars, and healing of burns. LLLT can reduce UV damage both as a treatment and as a prophylactic measure."

I wont throw away my aloe vera as I enjoy the sensation and know that it improves the hydration of my skin. What I will continue to do is use red and infrared light to improve the quality and health of my skin. Now you can too!

In summary. Sensible sun exposure is always the most important factor. Red and infrared light has been shown to prepare the skin and reduce the appearance of sun burn, that doesn't mean be stupid in the sun. If you haven't exposed that part of the skin to the sun this year - don't think it can deal with sun for 5 hours on the first day, be smart! At the end of the day, red light has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve skin quality and reduce signs of aging. So yes, red light therapy can be a helpful tool to get the most out of the summer sun. 

References:
1.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26600101/

2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1011134415300713  

3. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.2203/dose-response.14-032.Agrawal 

4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16989189/