Led Lights Therapy

Facelume Knowledge Blog Series 2022 -US©

"It all began with NASA using light emitting diode (LED) chips to grow plants in space missions."

After NASA's successful LED experiments, numerous research studies were undertaken to find out if light therapy could be applied in field of cosmetology. The first discovery made involved Red LED light and its ability to enhance cell growth. This type of therapy has since been used to treat an array of skin ailments, and for promoting collagen production and cellular rejuvenation.

With the promising skin repair results experienced through red LED light therapy, scientists went further and explored the cosmetic applications of the remaining wavelengths of the visible light spectrum. 

Each color delivers its specific energy into skin

Each light color has its own distinct wavelength and specific properties that interact differently to benefit skin.

Blue LED light is most often used to treat acne. Scientists argue this is done through moderating the activity of sebaceous glands, so excessive oil production gets checked back to optimal levels, thereby reducing inflammation. Blue light may also kill acne-causing bacteria known as Cutibacterium acnes.1 

Red Light plays a role in skin firming by acting on cells which regulate the production of collagen, leading to tissue repair and recovery.

Green Light helps in reducing the appearance of cellulite by improving the melaocyte funtions thereby lightening dark spots and overall brightening the appearance of skin 2. Yellow light soothes and calms redness and inflammation. Purple light combines cleansing action of blue light with cellular skin rejuvenation action of red light. Cyan also known as blue-violet amplifies the action of blue light properties. 

LED Light facts

LED lights can emit a range of colors without heating up.

They are made from epoxy lense not glass and hence resitant to breakage

They emit light in one single direction3 and do not need reflectors to prevent light scattering, so light will actually penetrate skin as intended.

 

SOURCES

1. spinoffnasa.gov (2005), Lighting the way, for quicker safer healing.
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/led-lights-are-they-a-cure-for-your-skin-woes
3.https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/led-lighting#:~:text=LEDs%20consume%20far%20less%20electricity,tree%20lights%20are%20no%20different.     https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/php.13454

REFERENCE

Opel DR, Hagstrom E, Pace AK, Sisto K, Hirano-Ali SA, Desai S, Swan J. Light-emitting Diodes: A Brief Review and Clinical Experience. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015 Jun;8(6):36-44. PMID: 26155326; PMCID: PMC4479368.
Alexander Wunsch and Karsten Matuschka. A Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment in Patient Satisfaction, Reduction of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Roughness, and Intradermal
Collagen Density Increase. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. Feb 2014.93-100.http://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2013.3616 Published in Volume: 32 Issue 2: February 10, 2014 Online Ahead of Print: November 28, 2013
Minatel D.G., Frade M.A., Franca S.C., and Enwemeka C.S. (2009). Phototherapy promotes healing of chronic diabetic leg ulcers that failed to respond to other therapies. Lasers Surg. Med. 41, 433–441.
Russell B.A., Kellett N., and Reilly L.R. (2005). A study to determine the efficacy of combination LED light therapy (633 nm and 830 nm) in facial skin rejuvenation. J. Cosmet. Laser Ther. 7, 196–200.