Infrared Light Therapy for Stretchmarks, Eczema and More
Published on February 8, 2010 by Westchester Center For Dermatology
When we think of infrared light, we often think of night vision goggles or thermal imaging. It’s unlikely that most people would think of improving the appearance of eczema, psoriasis, or even stretchmarks with infrared light. However, many skin conditions can be resolved with the revolutionary technology of infrared.
How infrared light helps dermatologist treat a variety of skin problems
You see, the key to why infrared light helps treat skin problems is that, according to a study that took place in Switzerland, infrared has a positive impact on collagen.
What is collagen?
In case you don’t know, collagen, along with some other proteins, help make your skin more elastic. Its breakdown as we age can contribute to wrinkles and other assorted skin appearance issues. Stretchmarks are where the skin has been stretched until its basic constituents, collagen included, break down and no longer allow it to be youthful looking and supple. In essence, you have “broken” your skin.
During the study, scientists actually took small biopsies of the skin tissue that, when tested, show the infrared treatment had definitely caused positive changes in the collagen located in the different layers of skin.
Treating stretchmarks in NYC with infrared light therapy
By improving the collagen in your skin, infrared light helps improve the appearance of skin issues such as stretchmarks. It can particularly help improve the way older, white stretchmarks appear. Infrared light also helps increase circulation to your skin, which in turn helps it to heal or revitalize itself. The result is smoother skin with a more even skin tone throughout.
Whether your stretchmarks are from pregnancy, obesity, or even sun damage – anything that causes the skin’s elasticity to break down like a rubber band that has lost its stretchiness – infrared light treatment is definitely a possible treatment choice to improve their appearance.
If you are interested in learning more about the various uses of infrared light to treat skin issues such as stretchmarks, eczema, or psoriasis, please contact the board-certified doctors at the Manhattan Dermatology and Laser Center.