LIGHT THERAPY & SKIN HEALTH
As one of the safest, most effective, and clinically proven treatments available today, light therapy has become a go-to natural and non-invasive skincare tool that's being used by top professionals around the world for wrinkles, rejuvenation, and acne. Numerous studies have shown incredible improvements in wrinkles, collagen, healing times, eczema, psoriasis, cold sores, and vitiligo.
The benefits go beyond anti ageing and cosmetics. Light therapy can also be used for clinical purposes like recovering from surgery, incisions, burns, wounds, improving the appearance of scars, injury recovery, reducing pain and inflammation, and faster healing from medical procedures.
In 2019 alone, it's natural skin benefits have been covered by Oxygen Magazine, Elle Magazine, Shape, Betches, Town & Country, and others.
The benefits go beyond anti ageing and cosmetics. Light therapy can also be used for clinical purposes like recovering from surgery, incisions, burns, wounds, improving the appearance of scars, injury recovery, reducing pain and inflammation, and faster healing from medical procedures.
In 2019 alone, it's natural skin benefits have been covered by Oxygen Magazine, Elle Magazine, Shape, Betches, Town & Country, and others.
So how does it work?
Light therapy delivers safe, concentrated wavelengths of natural light to your skin and cells, with no chemicals, UV rays, or excess heat. These red and near infrared wavelengths of light stimulate the mitochondria in your cells similar to natural sunlight, reducing oxidative stress and increasing circulation, so your body is able to make more core energy to power itself.Making energy more efficiently throughout your body improves physical function, speeds the healing process, and lowers inflammation & pain, as demonstrated in numerous peer-reviewed studies. [1]
Studies have also identified an increase in circulation following red light therapy, indicating tissues are receiving more oxygen and other nutrients important for healing—while also ridding themselves of toxic byproducts. [2]
Red light therapy alleviates both acute and chronic inflammation by increasing blood flow to the damaged tissues, and it’s been found in numerous clinical trials to increase the body’s antioxidant defenses as well. [3] This natural anti-inflammatory effect of red light therapy is a key to its skin healing and appearance-improving effects.
Red light therapy increases your natural collagen production, resulting in healthier & younger looking skin. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, and it’s critical for skin health (and joint and bone health). Collagen literally holds us together, and the more you can produce naturally, the better for your skin and general appearance. Many people take collagen supplements or use creams, but there’s no substitute for your body making more of the real thing.
[4,5,6,7] Several human trials and laboratory studies on red light therapy have demonstrated a big boost in natural collagen stimulation, for younger looking skin and faster healing. [8,9,10]
Red Light Lessens Wrinkles and Signs of Aging While Rejuvenating Skin:
In 2013 an extensive meta analysis of red light therapy’s effects on skin concluded:
Numerous studies were analyzed in the review and confirmed light therapy counteracts signs of aging in skin by boosting collagen, smoothing wrinkles, and enhancing skin tone, for an overall younger look. [9]
The researchers noted red light was particularly effective for healing and skin regeneration, as well as reducing inflammation. [9]
A 2017 trial assessed 30 women ages 30-55 who used red light therapy. The team concluded that red light therapy “had positive effects on wrinkle and moisture content of adult women's faces.” [11]
Red Light Therapy for Treating Acne: Researchers in 2013 highlighted studies showing red and near infrared light to be effective for the treatment of acne. Of note, they explained that red light impacts sebum production, which contributes to acne, in addition to the control of cytokines, which impacts skin inflammation. [9]
Red Light Therapy for Eczema & Psoriasis: We’re just beginning to learn about the positive effects light therapy can have on psoriasis. Researchers cited a recent study that found “no adverse side effects and a resolution of psoriasis” for patients who weren’t helped by traditional treatments. [8]
Red Light Therapy for Cold Sores: Research on red light and cold sores has shown reductions in breakouts, and less pain associated with cold sores from the herpes virus. [8]
Red Light for Depigmentation Conditions like Vitiligo: Red light has a strong record of improving re-pigmentation for skin with de-pigmentation conditions like vitiligo. [14] Researchers have shown that light therapy “can increase pigmentation by stimulating melanocyte proliferation and reduce depigmentation by inhibiting autoimmunity.” [8]
Healing Wounds, Cuts, and Incisions: Light therapy has a strong clinical record on healing wounds, cuts, and incisions, and for helping patients recover from surgery faster, with less pain and inflammation.
A 2018 review examined numerous controlled trials on red light and wound healing. Researchers determined that, across trials and studies, red light therapy significantly increased tensile strength and wound contraction, for faster, more effective healing results across the body. [15]
Light therapy is an effective natural pain and inflammation reliever in all kinds of post-op environments, including plastic surgery. Many of these procedures create a great deal of inflammation that makes recovery longer and more painful. Red light therapy’s natural anti-inflammatory effects reduce pain and swelling and speed the healing process for plastic surgery recovery.
Researchers in 2015 performed a systematic review of 40 studies (28 animal and 12 human trials) on healing from plastic surgery, finding that red light treatments helped heal acute wounds and also improved burn scars. [16]
Less Visible Scarring: A 2004 study of burn scars found that patients treated with red light, on average, showed twice the decrease in visible scarring as those who didn’t use red light therapy. No patients reported a negative effect from the treatments, which is the norm for light therapy trials. [17]
Light therapy has also been shown to be safe and effective for healing and lessening the appearance of raised scars in children. [18]
Burn Healing, Pain, & Inflammation: Light therapy treatments help people and mammals heal from burn wounds faster, and in a natural way with few risks or side effects. Peer-reviewed studies in 2016 found that red light accelerated the repair of burn wounds by reducing inflammation and increasing tissue formation. [19]
A 2018 study also showed red light aided the development of new blood vessels, and stimulated the increase of fibroblasts (cells that aid in tissue repair). [20]
Almost every lab study on red light therapy and burn healing has noted a significant decrease in inflammation levels versus placebo and control groups. [19,20,21,22,23] Less inflammation means less pain and discomfort during the burn recovery process.
Another systematic review evaluated 22 separate studies conducted over the last 17 years, with researchers concluding that red light is “effective in accelerating the healing process.” [4] The results were very positive for both second and third-degree burns. [24,21,22]
Light therapy delivers safe, concentrated wavelengths of natural light to your skin and cells, with no chemicals, UV rays, or excess heat. These red and near infrared wavelengths of light stimulate the mitochondria in your cells similar to natural sunlight, reducing oxidative stress and increasing circulation, so your body is able to make more core energy to power itself.Making energy more efficiently throughout your body improves physical function, speeds the healing process, and lowers inflammation & pain, as demonstrated in numerous peer-reviewed studies. [1]
Studies have also identified an increase in circulation following red light therapy, indicating tissues are receiving more oxygen and other nutrients important for healing—while also ridding themselves of toxic byproducts. [2]
Red light therapy alleviates both acute and chronic inflammation by increasing blood flow to the damaged tissues, and it’s been found in numerous clinical trials to increase the body’s antioxidant defenses as well. [3] This natural anti-inflammatory effect of red light therapy is a key to its skin healing and appearance-improving effects.
Red light therapy increases your natural collagen production, resulting in healthier & younger looking skin. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, and it’s critical for skin health (and joint and bone health). Collagen literally holds us together, and the more you can produce naturally, the better for your skin and general appearance. Many people take collagen supplements or use creams, but there’s no substitute for your body making more of the real thing.
[4,5,6,7] Several human trials and laboratory studies on red light therapy have demonstrated a big boost in natural collagen stimulation, for younger looking skin and faster healing. [8,9,10]
Red Light Lessens Wrinkles and Signs of Aging While Rejuvenating Skin:
In 2013 an extensive meta analysis of red light therapy’s effects on skin concluded:
Numerous studies were analyzed in the review and confirmed light therapy counteracts signs of aging in skin by boosting collagen, smoothing wrinkles, and enhancing skin tone, for an overall younger look. [9]
The researchers noted red light was particularly effective for healing and skin regeneration, as well as reducing inflammation. [9]
A 2017 trial assessed 30 women ages 30-55 who used red light therapy. The team concluded that red light therapy “had positive effects on wrinkle and moisture content of adult women's faces.” [11]
Red Light Therapy for Treating Acne: Researchers in 2013 highlighted studies showing red and near infrared light to be effective for the treatment of acne. Of note, they explained that red light impacts sebum production, which contributes to acne, in addition to the control of cytokines, which impacts skin inflammation. [9]
Red Light Therapy for Eczema & Psoriasis: We’re just beginning to learn about the positive effects light therapy can have on psoriasis. Researchers cited a recent study that found “no adverse side effects and a resolution of psoriasis” for patients who weren’t helped by traditional treatments. [8]
Red Light Therapy for Cold Sores: Research on red light and cold sores has shown reductions in breakouts, and less pain associated with cold sores from the herpes virus. [8]
Red Light for Depigmentation Conditions like Vitiligo: Red light has a strong record of improving re-pigmentation for skin with de-pigmentation conditions like vitiligo. [14] Researchers have shown that light therapy “can increase pigmentation by stimulating melanocyte proliferation and reduce depigmentation by inhibiting autoimmunity.” [8]
Healing Wounds, Cuts, and Incisions: Light therapy has a strong clinical record on healing wounds, cuts, and incisions, and for helping patients recover from surgery faster, with less pain and inflammation.
A 2018 review examined numerous controlled trials on red light and wound healing. Researchers determined that, across trials and studies, red light therapy significantly increased tensile strength and wound contraction, for faster, more effective healing results across the body. [15]
Light therapy is an effective natural pain and inflammation reliever in all kinds of post-op environments, including plastic surgery. Many of these procedures create a great deal of inflammation that makes recovery longer and more painful. Red light therapy’s natural anti-inflammatory effects reduce pain and swelling and speed the healing process for plastic surgery recovery.
Researchers in 2015 performed a systematic review of 40 studies (28 animal and 12 human trials) on healing from plastic surgery, finding that red light treatments helped heal acute wounds and also improved burn scars. [16]
Less Visible Scarring: A 2004 study of burn scars found that patients treated with red light, on average, showed twice the decrease in visible scarring as those who didn’t use red light therapy. No patients reported a negative effect from the treatments, which is the norm for light therapy trials. [17]
Light therapy has also been shown to be safe and effective for healing and lessening the appearance of raised scars in children. [18]
Burn Healing, Pain, & Inflammation: Light therapy treatments help people and mammals heal from burn wounds faster, and in a natural way with few risks or side effects. Peer-reviewed studies in 2016 found that red light accelerated the repair of burn wounds by reducing inflammation and increasing tissue formation. [19]
A 2018 study also showed red light aided the development of new blood vessels, and stimulated the increase of fibroblasts (cells that aid in tissue repair). [20]
Almost every lab study on red light therapy and burn healing has noted a significant decrease in inflammation levels versus placebo and control groups. [19,20,21,22,23] Less inflammation means less pain and discomfort during the burn recovery process.
Another systematic review evaluated 22 separate studies conducted over the last 17 years, with researchers concluding that red light is “effective in accelerating the healing process.” [4] The results were very positive for both second and third-degree burns. [24,21,22]
Scientific Sources:
[1] Hamblin M. “Mechanisms and Mitochondrial Redox Signaling in Photobiomodulation” Photochemistry and Photobiology. 2018, 94:199-212. 2017 October 31. doi: 10.1111/php.12864
[2] Emília de Abreu Chaves M, Rodrigues de Araújo A, Piancastelli ACC, and Pinotti M. “Effects of low-power light therapy on wound healing: LASER x LED.” An Bras Dermatol. 2014 Jul-Aug; 89(4): 616–623.
[3] Hamblin M. “Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation”. AIMS Biophys. 2017; 4(3): 337–361. doi: 10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337
[4] Brassolatti P, de Andrade ALM, et al. Photobiomodulation on critical bone defects of rat calvaria: a systematic review. Lasers in Medical Science. 2018 Dec;33(9):1841-1848.
[5] Pinheiro AL, Gerbi ME. Photoengineering of bone repair processes. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 2006 April.
[6] Heo JH, Choi JH, Kim IR, et al. Combined Treatment with Low-Level Laser and rhBMP-2 Promotes Differentiation and Mineralization of Osteoblastic Cells under Hypoxic Stress. Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. 2018 Nov 17;15(6):793-801.
[7] Tschon M, Incerti-Parenti S, Cepollaro S, et al. Photobiomodulation with low-level diode laser promotes osteoblast migration in an in vitro micro wound model. Journal of Biomedical Optics. 2015 Jul;20(7):78002.
[8] Avci P, Gupta A, et al. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. Mar 2013; 32(1): 41-52.
[9] Wunsch A and Matuschka K. 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; 32(2): 93-100.
[10] Barolet D, Roberge CJ, et al. Regulation of skin collagen metabolism in vitro using a pulsed 660 nm LED light source: clinical correlation with a single-blinded study. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2009 December.
[11] Kim HK, Choi JH. Effects of radiofrequency, electroacupuncture, and low-level laser therapy on the wrinkles and moisture content of the forehead, eyes, and cheek. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 2017 February.
[12] Kim HS, Park WS, Baek, et al. Continuous irradiation with a 633-nm light-emitting diode exerts an anti-aging effect on human skin cells. International Journal of Molecular Biology. 2015 February.
[13] Liao X, Li SH, Xie GH, et al. Preconditioning With Low-Level Laser Irradiation Enhances the Therapeutic Potential of Human Adipose-derived Stem Cells in a Mouse Model of Photoaged Skin. Photochemistry and Photobiomodulation. 2018 July.
[14] Yu S., Lan CE, et al. Mechanisms of repigmentation induced by photobiomodulation therapy in vitiligo. Experimental Dermatology. 2019 February.
[15] Gál P, Stausholm MB, et al. Should open excisions and sutured incisions be treated differently? A review and meta-analysis of animal wound models following low-level laser therapy. Lasers in Medical Science. 2018 Aug.
[16] Güngörmüş M, Akyol U. The effect of gallium-aluminum-arsenide 808-nm low-level laser therapy on healing of skin incisions made using a diode laser. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 2009 Dec.
[17] Gaida K, Koller R, et al. Low Level Laser Therapy--a conservative approach to the burn scar?
[18] Alsharnoubi J, Shoukry K, et al. Evaluation of scars in children after treatment with low-level laser. Lasers in Medical Science.
[19] Silveira PC, Ferreira KB, et al. Effect of Low-Power Laser (LPL) and Light-Emitting Diode (LED) on Inflammatory Response in Burn Wound Healing. Inflammation. 2016 Aug.
[20] da Silva Melo, Alves LP, et al. LED phototherapy in full-thickness burns induced by CO2 laser in rats skin. Lasers in Medical Science. 2018 Sep.
[21] Fiório FB, Albertini R, et al. Effect of low-level laser therapy on types I and III collagen and inflammatory cells in rats with induced third-degree burns. Lasers in Medical Science. 2014 Jan.
[22] Fiório FB, Silveira L Jr. Effect of incoherent LED radiation on third-degree burning wounds in rats. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 2011 Dec.
[23] Rezaei Kanavi M, Tabeie F, et al. Short-term effects of extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field and pulsed low-level laser therapy on rabbit model of corneal alkali burn. Experimental Eye Research. 2016 Apr.
[24] Trajano ET, da Trajano LA, et al. Low-level red laser improves healing of second-degree burn when applied during proliferative phase. Lasers in Medical Science. 2015 May.
[1] Hamblin M. “Mechanisms and Mitochondrial Redox Signaling in Photobiomodulation” Photochemistry and Photobiology. 2018, 94:199-212. 2017 October 31. doi: 10.1111/php.12864
[2] Emília de Abreu Chaves M, Rodrigues de Araújo A, Piancastelli ACC, and Pinotti M. “Effects of low-power light therapy on wound healing: LASER x LED.” An Bras Dermatol. 2014 Jul-Aug; 89(4): 616–623.
[3] Hamblin M. “Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation”. AIMS Biophys. 2017; 4(3): 337–361. doi: 10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337
[4] Brassolatti P, de Andrade ALM, et al. Photobiomodulation on critical bone defects of rat calvaria: a systematic review. Lasers in Medical Science. 2018 Dec;33(9):1841-1848.
[5] Pinheiro AL, Gerbi ME. Photoengineering of bone repair processes. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 2006 April.
[6] Heo JH, Choi JH, Kim IR, et al. Combined Treatment with Low-Level Laser and rhBMP-2 Promotes Differentiation and Mineralization of Osteoblastic Cells under Hypoxic Stress. Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. 2018 Nov 17;15(6):793-801.
[7] Tschon M, Incerti-Parenti S, Cepollaro S, et al. Photobiomodulation with low-level diode laser promotes osteoblast migration in an in vitro micro wound model. Journal of Biomedical Optics. 2015 Jul;20(7):78002.
[8] Avci P, Gupta A, et al. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. Mar 2013; 32(1): 41-52.
[9] Wunsch A and Matuschka K. 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; 32(2): 93-100.
[10] Barolet D, Roberge CJ, et al. Regulation of skin collagen metabolism in vitro using a pulsed 660 nm LED light source: clinical correlation with a single-blinded study. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2009 December.
[11] Kim HK, Choi JH. Effects of radiofrequency, electroacupuncture, and low-level laser therapy on the wrinkles and moisture content of the forehead, eyes, and cheek. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 2017 February.
[12] Kim HS, Park WS, Baek, et al. Continuous irradiation with a 633-nm light-emitting diode exerts an anti-aging effect on human skin cells. International Journal of Molecular Biology. 2015 February.
[13] Liao X, Li SH, Xie GH, et al. Preconditioning With Low-Level Laser Irradiation Enhances the Therapeutic Potential of Human Adipose-derived Stem Cells in a Mouse Model of Photoaged Skin. Photochemistry and Photobiomodulation. 2018 July.
[14] Yu S., Lan CE, et al. Mechanisms of repigmentation induced by photobiomodulation therapy in vitiligo. Experimental Dermatology. 2019 February.
[15] Gál P, Stausholm MB, et al. Should open excisions and sutured incisions be treated differently? A review and meta-analysis of animal wound models following low-level laser therapy. Lasers in Medical Science. 2018 Aug.
[16] Güngörmüş M, Akyol U. The effect of gallium-aluminum-arsenide 808-nm low-level laser therapy on healing of skin incisions made using a diode laser. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 2009 Dec.
[17] Gaida K, Koller R, et al. Low Level Laser Therapy--a conservative approach to the burn scar?
[18] Alsharnoubi J, Shoukry K, et al. Evaluation of scars in children after treatment with low-level laser. Lasers in Medical Science.
[19] Silveira PC, Ferreira KB, et al. Effect of Low-Power Laser (LPL) and Light-Emitting Diode (LED) on Inflammatory Response in Burn Wound Healing. Inflammation. 2016 Aug.
[20] da Silva Melo, Alves LP, et al. LED phototherapy in full-thickness burns induced by CO2 laser in rats skin. Lasers in Medical Science. 2018 Sep.
[21] Fiório FB, Albertini R, et al. Effect of low-level laser therapy on types I and III collagen and inflammatory cells in rats with induced third-degree burns. Lasers in Medical Science. 2014 Jan.
[22] Fiório FB, Silveira L Jr. Effect of incoherent LED radiation on third-degree burning wounds in rats. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 2011 Dec.
[23] Rezaei Kanavi M, Tabeie F, et al. Short-term effects of extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field and pulsed low-level laser therapy on rabbit model of corneal alkali burn. Experimental Eye Research. 2016 Apr.
[24] Trajano ET, da Trajano LA, et al. Low-level red laser improves healing of second-degree burn when applied during proliferative phase. Lasers in Medical Science. 2015 May.
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