Skin Rejuvenation

There are two main causes of ageing.   Chronological ageing is the effect of time on our body and photo-ageing is a result of the sun’s harmful rays.
As we age the amount of collagen below our skin diminishes and the skin becomes less flexible.   The result is drier, thinner skin as our body’s natural regeneration process declines and the skin loses its ability to retain moisture.  UV in sunlight compounds this issue further.

Acne

Acne is a very common condition affecting 85% of young people aged under 25 years and 50% of adults aged over 25.  It develops when the sebaceous glands in a persons skin produces too much sebum (oil).   The sebum clogs the skin pores and the bacteria which is found in the skin gets clogged in the pores.  The acne is the result of the  bodies response to this bacteria blocked in the pores.

Therapeutic Wavelengths of Light

a) Photorejuvenation

LED photons, which are units of electromagnetic radiation, must be absorbed by the cells to produce a reaction. Since each biological system has an optimal spectrum of absorption, both visible red and infrared wavelengths of light deliver the most therapeutic benefits to the skin. Visible red light, transmitted in wavelengths ranging from 620 to 690 nanometres ( the greatest absorption is at 620nm and 680nm), can penetrate the skin's surface to a depth of eight to ten millimetres. With their high content of blood and water, the skin's layers can easily absorb red light, which stimulates collagen below, as well as healing on the surface.

Red and infrared wavelengths aimed at the skin bring a number of rewards. Blood flow increases, delivering nutrients and other cellular growth materials to the treatment site. Collagen production is stimulated to strengthen any areas where skin is sagging or wrinkled. Lastly, the lymphatic system opens for improved drainage of toxins. All of these processes result in healthier, more attractive skin.

Laboratory studies have found that skin cells grow 150-200% faster when exposed to the correct wavelength of LED light and independent research has shown that infra-red light combined with red light delivers powerful therapeutic effects to living tissue.  It is thought that light photons which have been absorbed by the skin and its underlying tissue trigger biological changes within the body in a process known as photo-biomodulation.  Research is ongoing but we do know that monochromatic light increases oxygen and blood flow which in turn facilitates wound healing.

b) Acne

P. acnes are one of the main bacteria’s responsible for acne.   These P.acnes produce poryphyrins which are sensitive to different wavelengths of light and if stimulated these chemicals neutralise the bacteria which is clogged in the pores.   If there is no bacteria present then the acne will subside very quickly.
There are LED light therapy machines on the market which have different blue lights but the only wavelength of light which will successfully treat acne is 415 – 425 nm.

A combination of blue and red light therapy can have additional beneficial effects than simply using only blue light, as red light has been clinically proven to reduce inflammatory lesions which are often part of the acne.  Typically four blue followed by one red treatment gives optimal results.
A typical treatment program is 12 weeks (one treatment per week)

You cannot use blue and red light simultaneously.

The advantages of light therapy over other types of acne treatments are clear:
•    No harmful chemicals are applied to the skin
•    There is no heat and no pain
•    It eradicates the bacteria that causes the acne
•    It is your body’s natural healing that is stimulated.
•    Long terms results
•    Quick and easy treatment

c) Wound healing

The healing properties of light have been known for a very long time.   In fact red light therapy was first developed for wound healing and the use of red and blue light for photorejuvenation and acne came later.   Red light therapy has been used by hospitals for many years for the treatment of, for example, burn victims.    Red light at the correct wavelength has been clinically proven to enhance DNA synthesis and to increase cellular tissue regeneration and collagen repair.    Infra-red light at 830nm is known to stimulate tissue and collagen.

Testing the Effects of LED Treatment

Most users report visible improvements after about four treatments. Spectrum LED machines for cosmetic use recommend the light therapy be applied for a minimum of 10 weeks in order to reap the maximum benefits. Treatments usually consist of 20 minute sessions per area and optimally should be repeated once a week for ten weeks. The LED treatments can be safely combined with users' normal skin care regimens.

NASA has funded the most research on the medical applications of LED light therapy through its Marshall Space Flight Centre in Huntsville, Alabama. In 2008 Allure magazine reported on a controlled study of the cosmetic applications of LED red wavelengths to the skin, according to the Beauty Brains blog. Some of the study's subjects were treated with an LED machine, while the others were given a placebo treatment. After 12 weeks of treatments, only the subjects receiving LED showed a reduction in wrinkles (26% to 36%), as well as an increase in elasticity (14% to 19%), indicating a corresponding increase in collagen production. Seung Yoon Lee, a dermatologist from the National Medical Centre in South Korea who was involved in the study, said that although "lasers and peels have faster, more substantial results," they have more side effects. As an additional benefit, all skin tones, whatever the user's race, show an equal response.

What is the difference between LED light therapy and IPL and laser ?

Light of any wavelength penetrates the same depth into the skin regardless of the source of light.  The intensity of the light does not affect the depth that the light penetrates into the skin.   IPL and laser are effective treatments for skin rejuvenation but they are generally operated at higher energy levels and there is therefore more risk if trauma to the skin.   It is therefore essential that any operator of IPL or laser is properly trained.     LED light therapy on the other hand does not operate at these high energy levels and there is no trauma to the skin.   It is therefore not essential that trained staff operate the Spectrum light therapy equipment.   However knowledge of the skin and the correct products to use with the LED will achieve better clinical outcomes for your patient.

There have been no in depth studies of the amount of energy that is required in order to achieve effective clinical outcomes.   Logically though, the higher the energy level of the red or blue light the more effective the treatment. Low level power machines such those designed for home use and cheap Chinese LED machines are unlikely to have a significant beneficial effect.   

LED can be used after laser or IPL treatments and this has been shown to have an immediate beneficial effect on reducing redness and swelling after these treatments as well as longer term benefits in collagen repair.

The use of photosensitisers

LED light therapy has been shown to be more effective with the use of mild PDT (photo dynamic therapy) products.   The use of photosensitisers stimulates phototoxic activity which in turn leads to an increase in cellular activity and specific growth factors.  These growth factors lead to the stimulation of dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes that synthesise collagen and elastin.   There are various products available on the market for use by beauty salons.   


Q&A

What results can you expect ?

Light therapy has been referred to as Botox without the injections.   Unlike Botox though, the results you see will last for two years plus and look far more natural.  Results will vary and the number of treatments that you will need will depend on your skin.  Typically 10 x 20 minute treatments will reduce wrinkles and improve the quality of your skin by up to 60%.   The vast majority of people will see significant improvement during treatments but the full effect of a treatment program will be seen 2-4 months after the treatment program has ended.

Are there any side effects ?

You may experience some reddening of the face (particularly if a photosensitiser has been used) but this will disappear after one to two days.   You should wear sun block for two days after treatment.

What can you expect during a treatment?

Different salons have different treatment protocols but typically you will receive a facial or microdermabrasion treatment prior to treatment to prepare your skin.   A photosensitiser will then be applied for typically 20 minutes.  This will be washed off and you will then lie under the Spectrum LED for 20 minutes.    Your skin will feel soft and fresh immediately after the treatment and this will be repeated weekly for a period of ten weeks.   Different salons have different protocols depending on your skin condition.

Is it safe?

The light source does not have any harmful UVA and UVB.  The light produced is pure red, infra-red or blue light at scientifically proven wavelengths for effective treatments.  The treatment is not painful and does not cause trauma to the skin, nor is there any downtime for the patient after treatment.

How soon before I see results ?

Depending on the treatment protocol and products used by the salon you may see immediate results in skin texture, tone and complexion.  Nature takes time though and you will not see the full effects of the treatment for up to four months after the final treatment.   Unlike most other treatments where the results are short lived, LED treatments produce long lasting results that only require the occasional “top up” treatment to maintain long lasting results.

How long will the results last?

The results from this treatment are long lasting and you can expect the improvements in your skin to last for at least two years.  However it is advisable to get regular “top up” treatments every couple of months or so.

What is the recovery time ?

There is no downtime after treatment.

For more information on LED light therapy simply go to your search engine and type "led light therapy"  There are literally thousands of websites that confirm  that red and blue light therapy are extremely effective.

Here are some interestng websites for you to look at

http://heelspurs.com/led.html#opti

http://thebeautybrains.com/2008/04/11/are-led-photofacials-good-for-your-skin/

Laser focus world

Wikipedia

LED light for the treatment of skin cancer