Light for Self-Love: 3 Ideas to Use Light for More Beautiful Skin

Let there be light. Let there be beauty. Don’t you feel beautiful when the morning light falls on your cheeks and hair, a tinge of nostalgia and promise in the air? It’s hard to be self-deprecating when nature washes us in its splendor.

There’s a deep connection between skincare and light. No wonder photographers are always obsessed with getting the perfect lighting in a composition! As it turns out, you can use light to perform self-care and pamper your skin with the affection it deserves.

Here are three approaches to skincare that use light to work their magic.

#1 Feel The Radiance of Sunlight

Sunshine gets a bad rep when it comes to skincare. Too much time in direct sunlight can cause pigmentation. Worse, ultraviolet radiation increases your risk of skin cancer. However, limited exposure to sunlight is an excellent idea to make your skin radiant.

Midday sunlight is abundant in Vitamin D. The Atlantic discusses how low levels of this Vitamin D expose you to higher risks of stroke, Alzheimer’s, and osteoporosis. 

Did you know that sunlight can help manage the inflammatory skin response triggered by psoriasis? For those dealing with this condition, skin inflammation is a perpetual concern. The body’s immune system attacks skin cells. Sunlight exposure or phototherapy can mitigate the problem.

If you don’t get a chance to enjoy the sunshine in your house, schedule some time to spend outdoors. A walk in the park or a coffee in the square can be a great way to feel the sun on your skin. You should carry protective gear, like an umbrella or a sunhat.

Remember that sunscreen is essential at all times. Some of us mistakenly believe we don’t need sunscreen in the winter because where is the sun anyway? But the rays can still reach you from under the clouds and the fog.

#2 Explore BBL Treatment to Tackle Skin Problems

BBL, or BroadBand Light, is a light-based treatment that has become immensely popular. It can help tackle concerns like acne, pigmentation, and facial hair. Many of us suffer from these issues and are tired of dealing with them. But wouldn’t it be brilliant to leave the house without a foundation?

The good part about BBL is that it is not invasive. So, it doesn’t come with the associated stigma of cosmetic surgery. All that the technician will do is expose your skin to high-intensity pulses of light. This light destroys the melanin pigment and reduces age spots, freckles, scars, etc. Upon exposure, your skin can get clear and look healthier.

If you try this skincare treatment, you should partner with a reliable professional. They can discuss your concerns and tell you about any precautions you need afterward, like limiting sun exposure. 

Ayana Dermatology & Aesthetics notes that you can choose different types of BBL treatment based on your unique needs, like reversing aging or resolving skin problems like acne.

Now that the New Year is upon us, why not commit to skincare from a new perspective? Click here to learn more about BBL treatment and see if it’s the appropriate plan for you.

#3 Try Light Therapy Masks for Skin Repair, With Caution

LED masks are all the rage now, promising numerous benefits from skin repair to acne management. The idea is that light of a particular wavelength can boost collagen production and circulation. This “photobiomodulation” softens wrinkles and fine lines.

You can use masks that offer red or blue light therapy. Essentially, red light can help repair your skin cells. Blue light is effective at killing bacteria, a prime cause of acne.

The working of these masks is uncomplicated. They expose your skin to visible light, penetrating the skin to evoke a response. For example, you can use a mask after an in-office micro-needling session to feel a healing touch.

However, the research is in its nascent stages. As a rule of thumb, you should undertake specialist treatments at the dermatologist or aesthetician’s office.

If you try these masks at home, you should ensure your eyes are safe. Some people worry that prolonged exposure to LED light can harm their vision. To avoid vision risks, Self magazine recommends blackout goggles and never exceeding the recommended duration or frequency of usage.

Are There Side Effects of Light Exposure for Skincare?

Whenever you expose yourself to light, it is best to exercise caution. For example, the US EPA notes that sunlight can be enjoyable, but too much becomes an issue. It advises against tanning beds as they put you at risk of wrinkling and cancer. You can also check the UV Index before venturing out. That way, you can avoid the sunlight when the UV Index is at its highest (8 to 10).

Sensitive skin needs particular care, especially when trying any skin care treatments. You might be likelier to experience inflammation and redness – generally short-term problems that the dermatologist should be able to help you solve. Over-the-counter lotions and serums may not suit you in such cases, no matter how heavily advertised.

It is also best to avoid anything drastic at home. Home facials with kitchen ingredients are one thing; a treatment straight from sci-fi movies is another matter! Book an appointment with a specialist clinic if you wish to go the extra mile to resolve a pesky concern like hyperpigmentation or acne scars.

In the thick of winter, getting light can be a rare delight. Make the most of the golden sunshine when you can – with sunscreen on, of course – and allow yourself to experiment with new things under a professional’s guidance. 

If you have never indulged in proper skincare, spending extra money on yourself may seem unnecessary. But it’s time we stop thinking of “beauty” as an indulgence. Proper skin care helps us feel better from within, giving us confidence and protecting us from age-related problems like dryness later in life. All of us deserve to feel our best.

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