Light Therapy: Photobiomodulation (PBM)

LLLT, phototherapy or photobiomodulation (PBM)  refers to the use of photons at  a non-thermal irradiance to alter  biological activity. LLLT uses either  coherent light sources (lasers)  or non-coherent light sources  consisting of filtered lamps or  light-emitting diodes (LED) or, on  occasion, a combination of both. The  main medical applications of LLLT  are reducing pain and inflammation,  augmenting tissue repair and  promoting regeneration of different  tissues and nerves, and preventing  tissue damage in situations where it  is likely to occur.

For further reading please refer to: 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4126803/

630-nm  increases collagen production, restores cell function, and provides  essential energy, nutrition and removal of waste material by stimulating  the mitochondria.

The  light is absorbed by mitochondrial chromophores in the skin,  enhancing  bloodflow, releasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), (the cell’s  primary  form of energy), and activating diverse signaling pathways.  Although  the mechanism of cellular photobiostimulation is not fully  understood,  red light therapy has a wide range of effects at the  molecular,  cellular, and tissue levels. As a result of this  photobiomodulation  energy, stem cells are activated, aiding tissue  repair and healing by  increasing synthesization of proteins such as  collagen and elastin. 3  Red light therapy does not contain harmful UV rays and will not burn or  damage the skin.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3926176/

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2022.928484/full

415nm affects the upper most layer of the skin it may destroy p-acne bacteria. Minimizes redness and irritation.

The blue light activates the photosensitizer, which produces toxic oxygen molecules that kill the targeted cells.

There  are many applications for blue light therapy. It is typically  used to  prevent skin cancer and to treat precancerous and cancerous skin   growths. Actinic keratoses is a type of pre-cancer that develops on the   skin from years of sun exposure. It appears as rough, scaly patches on   the skin that are light, dark tan, red, white, or flesh-toned in  color.  Blue light treatment is an optimal treatment for anyone with  multiple  patches since they can all be treated simultaneously.

In  addition to treating and preventing skin cancer, blue light  treatment  is also used to treat sunspots, sun damage, and rosacea. It  has also  become a popular treatment for those who suffer from acne and  want to  stop using traditional topical medications and treatments.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2923954/

520nm regulates melanin production, reduces pigmentation, reduces redness.

Green light therapy reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation by decreasing the production of melanocytes, the melanin forming cells   found in the lower level of the dermis. These melanocytes are   responsible for creating age spots. As less melanin is produced, the   dark patches fade.

Although  there is not much research out there on green light therapy in  comparison to blue and red light, some benefits are well documented:

• Hyperpigmentation 
• Green  light interacts effectively with melanin, which causes darkening of the  skin: it is absorbed by the dark spots and breaks it down to help  lighten them and give you clearer skin.

• Spider veins
• Because   of its wound-healing properties, green light can help close down small   blood vessels that lie just under the epidermis so they become less   visible.

• Cellulite 
• Clinical   trials have shown green light therapy can be effective in reducing fat   layers under the skin in a non-invasive manner. This is great for body   contouring treatments and to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

• Pain and inflammation
• Green   light therapy has anti-inflammatory properties and therefore can  also   help with pain relief. It has been shown to improve pain control and   decrease opioid consumption after undergoing surgery for example.   Studies have shown such effects are great on fibromyalgia patients with   chronic pain.

580nm Improves decongestion and stimulates lymphocyte production.

Stimulates lymphatic system
• Neutralises, balances and calms skin
• Detoxifying
• Very effective at tackling redness and rosacea

Yellow  light therapy increases red blood cell production, which helps with  skin healing and rejuvenation. It can also help with recent acne  scarring

Skin healing Yellow light therapy increases red blood cell production, which helps  with skin healing and rejuvenation. It can also help with recent acne  scarring. 

• Reducing redness Yellow light therapy can help with skin redness and flushing. It can  also reduce the appearance of tiny blood vessels on your face or nose. 
• Reducing wrinkles and fine lines Yellow light therapy can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. 
• Treating rosacea Yellow light therapy can help treat rosacea and skin irritation. 
• Improving skin tone Yellow light therapy can help even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation. 
• Reducing pore size Yellow light therapy can help reduce the size of pores, giving the skin a smoother texture. 
• Managing acne Yellow light therapy can help manage acne by targeting the bacteria responsible for breakouts. 
• Hydrating Yellow light therapy can increase the skin's ability to hold water and hyaluronic acid, which can help with hydration. 
• Enhancing treatment results Yellow light therapy can enhance the results of other treatments, such as microneedling.

At Skinology+ we use combinations of light therapy specifically tailored to the needs  of each individual. Our light treatment devices are top-of-the-line  instruments that emit  controlled and tested frequencies.

Because of the wonderful effects, weather we apply peels, microneedling, or nanoneedling, at Skinology+ we always combine these with light treatments.

In  combination with microneedling: Once the numbing cream is on your skin,  we apply the light therapy for 20 minutes, followed by the  microneedling. 

Since  microneedling can be done only once a month, light therapy can be  implemented as a weekly stand-alone treatment or in combination with a  weekly nanoneedling and serum procedures.

At Skinology+ we also offer the light treatments as a stand alone treatment.