How Effective Is Red LED Light Therapy in Reducing Crow’s Feet?

IN THIS ARTICLE:

• 01 What is Red Light Therapy?
• 02 What are Crow's Feet?
• 03 What Causes Crow's Feet?
• 04 Does Red Light Therapy Reduce Wrinkles Around the Eyes?
• 05 How Can I Treat Crow’s Feet With Red Light Therapy?
• 06 How Long Does Red LED Light Take to Work?
• 07 The Takeaway, Does LED Light Get Rid of Wrinkles, in Particular Crow’s Feet?

9-minute read

The potential signs of premature aging are plentiful, smile lines, forehead wrinkles, marionette lines, expression lines… we could go on. But one ‘problem’ area stands out beyond the rest and is often the first visible sign of aging to rear its ugly head - crow’s feet. Crow’s feet, or lateral canthal lines, form at the eye's outer corners. Often unwelcome, we soon begin our quest to eliminate crow’s feet, or at least reduce their appearance, but is it possible to eliminate the appearance of crow's feet?

When scouring the internet for anti-aging solutions, we have one golden rule: proceed with caution. Fads, or sweeping and unverified claims that a ‘new’ product or technique can provide miracle results should always be treated with some skepticism. The key to anti-aging solutions lie in protecting skin health. This holistic approach allows us to boost the health of each skin cell thereby slowing down the aging process as a whole.

What is Red Light Therapy? 

Red light therapy is a science-backed therapeutic technique that uses light emitting diodes to penetrate the skin’s surface up to 700 nanometres. This energy penetrates 2 to 3 millimeters beneath the skin’s surface and is absorbed by the mitochondria, triggering a cascade of biological reactions. Supercharged mitochondria operate more effectively, increasing their energy and activity levels.  

Enhanced mitochondrial performance boosts collagen production, offering a variety of anti-aging benefits. In addition to collagen boosting, red light therapy is a non-invasive skincare treatment that reduces inflammation and enhances the skin's rejuvenation process. This therapy can improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and promote an overall more youthful appearance.

What are Crow's Feet? 

Crow’s feet are wrinkles that appear on the outer corner of the eye, reminiscent of a crow’s footprint, hence the name. Why do they occur? The skin around the eyes is particularly delicate—about 40% thinner than the rest of the face—making it more susceptible to signs of premature aging.

What Causes Crow's Feet?

• Facial expressions - repeated movements like squinting, smiling and blinking

• Aging - natural decline in skin elasticity and collagen production

• Genetics - genetic predisposition can determine how early or prominently crow's feet develop

• Lifestyle - smoking, dietary factors, excessive coffee or alcohol consumption, not wearing SPF

Does Red Light Therapy Reduce Wrinkles Around the Eyes?

Red light therapy is fast making a name for itself in the world of anti-aging skincare, and YES it can be safely used around the eyes to treat the appearance of crow’s feet. Even science says so. A recent 2023 study published in the National Library of Medicine looks specifically at reversing the signs of aging by red light photobiomodulation (red light therapy) and even addressed crow’s feet specifically. The data found a decrease in the depth of crow’s feet wrinkles:

• 15.6% after 28 days
• 34.7% after 56 days and 
• 38.3% after 84 days

This is just one of thousands of other scientific studies attesting to the effectiveness of red light therapy in preventing the appearance of fine lines and reversing visible signs of aging.

How Can I Treat Crow’s Feet With Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy can be delivered in a clinical setting, but as repeated sessions are required to achieve and maintain results, at home red light face masks or handheld devices are establishing themselves as cost-effective alternatives. Results can be seen with red light masks and devices with quick 10-minute at-home treatments delivered 3-4 times per week. 

How Long Does Red LED Light Take to Work?

The results of red light therapy treatments depend on the concern addressed. Reduced redness, inflammation, skin barrier repair and minor improvements in the appearance of fine lines can be seen within about 4 weeks of starting treatments. For sustained results, consistent treatments over several months are needed. This is particularly true for deeper, static fine lines and wrinkles. Red light therapy is designed to provide a gradual and sustained improvement in skin health and appearance and to replenish collagen stores as we age.

LED Mask

Lumamask 7 | LED Light Therapy Face Mask

7-color LED light therapy with lightweight design and smooth functionality for effortless skin brightening

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The Takeaway, Does LED Light Get Rid of Wrinkles, in Particular Crow’s Feet?

So, the science says so, the best eye cream for wrinkles is red light therapy. RLT is clinically proven to treat the delicate eye area, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and boosting elasticity for a smoother, brighter, and firmer complexion.

The skin around the eye requires a more sensitive approach to stay looking revitalized and youthful. A red light therapy mask offers the convenience of being able to carry out treatments from home, and there is no upper limit to the number of treatments (provided you are doing so safely). LED light therapy for wrinkles is a long game however, and while some improvements will be noticeable after 4-5 weeks, sustained results may take months to achieve. This is the case however for any skincare technique worth investing in. ‘Quick fix promises’ will inevitably lead to temporary results.

If you have any questions about how to purchase light therapy devices from Project E Beauty, please contact Customer support directly at hello@projectebeauty.com for assistance.

  written by Sophie Flair