Everyone is searching for the next best ingredients in skincare, but did you know one of them might be priceless? Good sleep! Yes, sleep has the power to rejuvenate our skin and give us that glow we all look for. Sleep is key to collagen production, hormone regulation, cellular turnover (proper skin shedding), moisture balance, and repairing damage. 

But, what if you're having problems sleeping? When sleep problems are compounded with skin issues, the feeling of not being at our best can be difficult to manage. But, you are human, and there is no reason to feel ashamed about not being 100%. Plus, we have a tool that may help your skin and sleep together! If you’ve exhausted your self-care and wellness regimens, red LED could be an option for you. 

While yes, this option specifically does require an investment, at least it is one that, according to science, is more likely to give you a return. While there are so many high-cost sleep supplements and programs out there, let’s talk about what has been proven to work. And in contrast to a supplement or program, you would not have to buy a  red LED panel  over and over again or purchase a subscription. 

Have you heard of full-body red light LED therapy?

Cassandra has recently gotten into full-body red LED. Not only because she’s had her fair share of sleep issues, but as an esthetician, she is well aware of the benefits. But, are the full body panels truly worth it, and what are their benefits?

Bestqool Red Light Therapy Device

“Red LED light travels deeper into the skin than blue LED light, which is sometimes used to treat skin surface conditions such as acne. When the light enters your skin, your mitochondria soak it up and make more energy, which helps cells repair themselves” WebMD, 2024.

Red LED may help with waking up.

Did you know that red light has been known to help with sleep quality and even grogginess? Some studies suggest that red light helps the body to release melatonin. “In fact, a 2019 study using red light masks depicted red light reduced sleep inertia among adults.” While this study only involves masks,  RED LED panels may be an even better option since sunlight is truly paramount to circadian rhythm. This way, without an eye mask, you will also be fully exposed to sunlight in the morning.

“Sleep inertia is a circadian process that modulates memory, mood, reaction time, and alertness upon waking,” Sleep inertia often presents as grogginess, and for some people, grogginess can greatly impair performance and task management, and it can even last for hours. If you are feeling anxious about not completing your tasks and expectations, this can also effect your sleep, feeding into a cycle insomnia and compounded workflow impairment. 

However, red light therapy has been shown to reduce grogginess, and likewise, it may help get more things done during the day so 1) you don’t have to take work home and 2) you can get more sleep without nagging thoughts of piled tasks.

Red LED may help with actual sleep.

Red LED is known to help the body release melatonin, and this has been substantiated by a multitude of studies.

What is melatonin? 

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the glandula pinealis, and this part of the brain follows a circadian light-dependent rhythm of secretion.

“Melatonin is a hormone that your brain produces in response to darkness. It helps with the timing of your circadian rhythms (24-hour internal clock) and with sleep.” More simply, melatonin can help your body respond to biological cues, and likewise, it will help you go to sleep.  It might be better to facilitate your body’s natural secretion of melatonin with red light since taking melatonin supplements can potentially exert side effects such as grogginess, GI dysfunction, and headaches.

Red LED can help with skin and inflammation.

Yes, red LED can help with collagen production, skin evenness, and wound healing, and you can read more about that here. This article addresses red LED masks and tools, but the benefits such as reduced swelling and inflammation can be applied to the whole body upon using a full-body red LED panel. 

But in the context of sleep, how does red light specifically help the skin?

Is melatonin related to skin?

“Regarding UV-induced solar damage, melatonin distinctly counteracts massive generation of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial, and DNA damage.”  Furthermore,  melatonin and its metabolites protect skin cells including keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts from UV-induced damage. 

 

Keratinocytes -  Keratinocytes  make up the majority of the skin’s outer layer or the “epidermis.” Composing about 90 percent, keratinocytes have several immune functions such as reducing inflammation. 

Melanocytes - melanocytes produce the skin-protecting pigment, melanin. 

Fibroblasts - A fibroblast is a type of cell that contributes to the formation of connective tissue. Fibroblasts secret collagen, which gives the skin that bouncy and full look. The presence of more collagen also decreases fine lines and wrinkles.

 

Thus, there is considerable evidence that melatonin is an effective anti-skin aging compound.

Furthermore, there are even studies showing how applying topical melatonin “may improve the clinical signs of skin aging, including reduced wrinkles.”

“A 2018 study found that melatonin-based topical creams significantly improved skin tone and hydration and reduced roughness among women with aging skin." 

 

We wouldn’t say that melatonin creams are a hidden beauty secret or anything like that. This is more to demonstrate how supporting the body’s natural systems can elevate your skincare routine. Even if full-body red LED doesn’t resonate with you, integrating a self-care regimen that works for you is an important part of good sleep, and likewise, your skin health. 

 

Cover photo cred: Creator: RichLegg | Credit: Getty Images