LED LIGHT THERAPY

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LED LIGHT THERAPY FAQ'S

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WHAT IS LED LIGHT THERAPY?

LED light therapy - otherwise referred to as phototherapy, or photobiomodulation (PBM), photo medicine, low-level light therapy (LLLT), cold and soft laser therapy, and red light therapy - is a treatment in which nonthermal, noninvasive light is used both medically and cosmetically to improve and rejuvenate the skin. Red light therapy is a clinically studied, FDA-approved treatment.

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WHAT DOES LED STAND FOR?

LED stands for light emitting diodes.

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WHAT IS LED LIGHT THERAPY USED FOR?

Phototherapy can be used to treat a wide range of skin conditions, as well as generally improving the overall complexion. It is especially useful for anti-aging, and treatment of acne that is caused by bacteria. Depending on the target chromophore, different wavelengths of light are used, and these are visible as different colours. Some of the conditions in which LED light therapy is very useful includes the following:

- Acne Vulgaris - caused by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). LED light therapy will NOT work on cystic acne, blackheads, or whiteheads.  ​

- Anti-aging

- Boosts hydration

- Dermatitis

- Eczema

- Increases cell turnover

- Inflammatory conditions

- Improves skin elasticity

- Psoriasis

- Rosacea

- Skin rejuvenation

- Stimulates collagen

- Sun damage

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HOW DOES LED LIGHT THERAPY WORK?

It has been shown that many cellular molecules are able to absorb various wavelengths of light. Our skin absorbs light, and uses this to regulate or switch on essential cellular processes. LED therapy uses wavelengths of light that sit on the visible spectrum (in other words, we can see them as different colours).  LED light therapy is clinically proven to reduce inflammation, rejuvenate the skin, regulate cellular function, improve the skin's barrier, produce collagen, elastin, and stimulate blood flow - bringing more oxygen to the skin and encouraging the removal of toxins.

 

The science(y) bit:  the skin-rejuvenating effects of LED light therapy is produced by a mechanism known as photobiomodulation (PBM). This process involves exciting endogenous chromophores to elicit photophysical, and photochemical events. PBM stimulates fibroblast proliferation which stimulates collagen synthesis, growth factors, and extracellular matrix production by activating cellular mitochondrial respiratory pathways. Observed effects include increased ATP, modulation of reactive oxygen species, alteration of collagen synthesis, the induction of transcription factors, stimulation of angiogenesis, and increased blood flow.

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Blue LEDs exerts its effect on acne via its influence on Propionibacterium acnes, and its antiinflammatory properties. P. acnes contains naturally occurring porphyrins, mainly coproporphyrin and protoporphyrin IX. Absorption of blue light by these molecules induces a natural photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect, with destruction of the bacteria via the formation of oxygen free radicals. Blue light’s anti-inflammatory effect appears to be the result of a shift in cytokine production. Blue LED light (400-470nm) has a maximal penetration of up to 1mm, and affects only the uppermost layer of the skin.

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Red LEDs have been shown to activate fibroblast growth factor,  increase matrix metallo-proteinase-9 (MMP-9), decrease MMP-1, and increase type 1 pro-collagen may reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of collagen, a protein responsible for younger-looking skin that diminishes with age. An increase in the number of fibroblasts, and a mild inflammatory infiltrate following exposure has been demonstrated histologically. Red LEDs have the deepest tissue penetration of the visible wavelengths and are therefore used to target dermal structures, such as adnexa and fibroblasts. Red LEDs have been studied for a wide variety of uses, including photodamage, wound healing, the treatment of NMSCs, warts, precancers, and the prevention of oral mucositis in cancer patients. Red light travels deeper into the skin than blue and yellow light. 

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Near infrared light, also known as monochromatic infrared energy (MIRE), stimulates the circulation by inducing the release of guanylate cyclase and nitrous oxide, which promotes vasodilation and growth factor production, as well as angiogenesis. INFRARED LED treatment can penetrate the skin between 5 and 10mm, and has been used to treat wounds, ulcers, recalcitrant lesions, cutaneous scleroderma, and has even been shown to treat cellulite. Near-infrared light penetrates skin the deepest. ​

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WHAT DO ALL THE DIFFERENT COLOURS DO?

Whilst there are over 3000 currently published clicial trials and studies supporting the use of LEF light therapy for skin rejuvenation, only three wavelengths have been demonstrated to deliver significant cosmetic and medical outcomes. These are Blue 415nm, Red 633nm, and Near Infrared 830nm. These wavelengths target the correct chromophores to exert the intended effect.

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The use of other colours such as yellow, green, and lilac is not yet supported by enough credible scientific research or clinical trials to support the delivery of any therapeutic benefit. 

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HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I NEED?

All of our session guidance is based on clinical trials, in order to achieve optimum results.

Acne Vulgaris - twice weekly for 4 weeks  

Anti-aging - three times a week, for three weeks.

Rosacea - we advise weekly red light treatment for nine weeks.

All other indications - Twice weekly for 3-4 weeks unless otherwise advised. Specific requirements for you and your skin will be discussed in clinic, you may need less or more treatments.

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HOW SOON WILL I SEE THE RESULTS?

Your complexion will be boosted from the very first session, but a course of treatments may be offered depending on your current skin and skin goals in order to achieve the best results. LED light therapy offers visible and long-lasting results that, like any other treatment, requires maintenance to maintain results.

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CAN'T I JUST BUY MY OWN LED LIGHT MASK TO USE AT HOME?

While home use LED devices have been available for several years, there are many, many differences between those devices and those specifically designed for use by medical professionals. The at home use devices are significantly less powerful, and typically do not have lan array of light panels large enough to treat the entire face at once (ours even treats the neck at the same time!). Home-use devices are typically cumbersome, time-consuming, and impractical. Delivering low energy doses over a long period of time (At home) does not equate to higher power treatments over a shorter period of time. Furthermore, in contrast with medical LED units and their protocols, home use LED devices have not been validated by controlled clinical studies published in peer-reviewed journals, nor independently tested to verify the claimed energy output.

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IS THE TREATMENT HOT, LIKE A SUN BED? CAN I BURN? CAN IT DAMAGE MY SKIN?

Not at all. LED light therapy does not get 'hot', and it does not cause any damage to the skin. It is an extremely safe treatment, and is even suitable during pregnancy, and for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. It is non-invasive. There is zero downtime, and zero adverse effects.

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The ONLY group of people who cannot have LED light therapy are those with known photosensitivity, such as polymorphic light eruption (PLE).

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IS IT PAINFUL?

No, LED light therapy is not painful.

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HOW LONG DOES THE LED LIGHT THERAPY TREATMENT TAKE?

Typically 20minutes, but may be up to an hour for certain individuals / conditions.

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ARE THERE ANY SIDE-EFFECTS?

Side-effects from LED therapy is rare, but may include:

- Inflammation

- Rash

- Redness

- Pain

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There is evidence that people with darker skin tones may be at increased risk of developing hyperpigmentation when exposed to blue LED light therapy. 

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IS THERE ANYONE NOT SUITABLE FOR LED LIGHT TREATMENT?

You cannot have LED light therapy if:

- You have a known photosensitivity, such as polymorphic light eruption (PLE)

- You are taking certain medications that can increase sensitivity to sunlight, such as doxycycline, isotretinoin, or accutane.

- Have a history of certain conditions, such as skin cancer and inherited eye diseases 

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There is evidence that people with darker skin colours may be at a slightly increased risk of hyperpigmentation with blue LED light therapy. If we believe the risk of this outweighs any benefit, we will not proceed with the treatment and may suggest alternative treatment(s).

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WHERE IS THE TREATMENT PERFORMED?

We provide LED light therapy in Cardiff.

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IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD - OR SHOULDN'T DO - PRIOR TO THE TREATMENT?

Please attend fresh-faced for your appointment, free of any make-up.

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IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD OR SHOULDN'T DO AFTER TREATMENT?

Wear a high factor sunscreen, at least factor 30 (and we strongly advise wearing factor 50 daily anyway!) for at least 48 hours following your treatment. During this time, do not tan or go on sunbeds.

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WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER MY TREATMENT?

You probably won't see or feel anything at all! However, you may be a little pink or red, and may have some marks on your face from the mask. This will all subside within a couple of hours, if not sooner. 

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WHAT'S A FUN FACT?

The first LED light that was able to be used for clinical applications was developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) !

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IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?

IF you're not sure whether LED light therapy is right for you, simply book in for a consultation by clicking here, and we are more than happy to advise!