What Is a Collagen Lamp?

A collagen lamp is a type of anti-aging lamp that uses red light to stimulate collagen production within the skin. The use of such a lamp is considered an easy, safe, and effective way to boost collagen levels in the skin, enhancing skin's elasticity and appearance. The typical collagen lamp session lasts between ten and 30 minutes. Daily treatments are generally recommended for the best results. Most collagen lamp users will begin to see significant improvement in skin elasticity after about eight weeks of daily treatment.

Healthy, youthful skin typically contains proteins such as collagen that help the skin to remain supple and plump. Levels of collagen in the skin are usually high early in life, but decrease naturally with age. Experts believe that the natural decrease in collagen production within the skin is responsible for many of the signs of aging, such as wrinkling or bagginess of the skin. Collagen production can be stimulated and supported later in life, however. The collagen lamp is believed to be a valuable tool for supporting skin health and elasticity.

These lamps are also believed to strengthen blood vessels within the skin, leading to enhanced circulation. The wavelength of red light used is typically believed to support cellular regeneration and promote more rapid healing. The same lamps used to stimulate collagen production in the skin are also sometimes used to help patients recover from laser re-surfacing and other types of cosmetic re-surfacing. The collagen lamp isn't generally considered a piece of medical equipment, however, so it's not usually necessary to seek treatments from a doctor or dermatologist. Spas and salons often offer these treatments to their patrons.

This type of photo-therapy is believed to be perfectly safe, with no risk of side effects. Those who have tried collagen lamp treatments usually testify that the treatments cause no pain or discomfort, and leave skin totally undamaged. Since there is no pain, discomfort, or damage to the skin, treatment with these lamps usually requires no recovery time at all, so clients can return to their normal activities the very same day. In contrast, most skin rejuvenation treatments, such as chemical peeling or dermabrasion, cause painful skin damage and can even cause lasting side effects, such as scarring or skin discoloration. Collagen lamp treatments are considered appropriate and effective for people of all ages, whether they wish to delay the onset of aging or reverse its effects.