How Does LED Light Therapy Work?
During a recent trip to my favorite aesthetic conference, the IECSC in Las Vegas, it was made apparent to me that LED light therapy is now THE in-demand treatment of the skincare industry. The showroom floor had a disco-like atmosphere with brilliant colored lights blinking at every turn. There were large, elaborate displays from well known device makers, including Celluma, LightWave, and LightStim, as well as a multitude of knockoff designs, peppering the convention center as far as the eye could see. Even industry giant Hydrafacial has added a full LED face panel to its newest model. It thrilled my heart to see all of this as I have had LED light therapy on my radar for years. I officially launched my LightWave treatment program at EB Skin in March and have seen gorgeous results in my clients’ skin ever since!
So what is the story behind this new skin therapy, and how does it work to rejuvenate the skin? Actually, LED light therapy has been around for decades and has been utilized safely and effectively for pain management and wound healing since the early 1980s. All of the buzz around the age management benefits of LED therapy stems from a multitude of studies published as early as 2007. (If you are feeling nerdy, I have linked some of the most relevant articles below.) The scientific term for this technology is photobiomodulation (previously referred to as low-level light therapy or LLLT) and is defined as the utilization of non-ionizing electromagnetic energy to trigger photochemical changes within cellular structures that are receptive to photons. While this therapy has been shown to have many positive effects on the skin, the most exciting is the fact that it stimulates the activity of fibroblasts, the cells in the lower level of our skin that are responsible for the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. These are the three main constituents that give our skin firm, bouncy, and youthful qualities. In simple terms, photon energy with the proper power output and wavelength is absorbed by the fibroblast cells and utilized by the cell’s mitochondria to create ATP energy. This is the energy that powers the activity of the cell. More ATP means more collagen, ellastin, and hyaluronic acid production, as well as increased duplication of fibroblast cells. The result is firmer, bouncier, more youthful skin. Can I get an AMEN??????
Because LED lights operate at power levels that are not considered to be medically hazardous by the FDA, this technology has not been subject to device regulation and has been commercially exploited. That is why a multitude of at-home devices are popping up in your social media feeds as well as on the shelves of your local drugstore. But what we have learned from all of the clinical studies is that device power, wavelength, and time duration are critically important when it comes to achieving visible results; so using cheap home devices will get you about as far as holding your face close to the car tail lights while your husband pumps the brakes. To achieve results like those described in clinical studies, it is important to receive your treatments in a reputable office where they are utilizing professional devices in a way that lines up with scientific data. When I decided to launch the LED therapy program at EB Skin, I looked at all of the professional devices out on the market and chose LightWave because of the device’s versatility and the manufacturer’s dedication to seeking out and following the most reliable data that has been gained from scientific research. Lightwave is manufactured in the USA and has received multiple safety clearances from the FDA. (See below.)
Our most popular LightWave therapy is for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles and involves a series of ten treatments performed within a five week time period. Ideally, qualifying clients visit the studio twice a week to receive their LED treatments. These visits are thirty minutes each and involve a combination of red and near-infrared wavelengths. LightWave treatments are quite enjoyable, resulting in deep relaxation and renewed energy for the day. Short-term results are noticeable as soon as the client begins the therapy, including healthier, happier skin, increased hydration, decreased redness and inflammation, refined pores, and a decrease in acne breakouts. Long-term results include increased collagen and elastin production and an improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that will continue to develop for up to six months after the treatment series has ended. Single followup treatments are recommended every eight weeks to maintain results and continue the stimulation of the fibroblast cells.
To further amplify results, LightWave series treatments and followup treatments may now also be enhanced with LightWave Topical Light Infusion Therapy. This therapy is performed during the same visit and immediately following the LightWave session. During this treatment the therapist administers to the skin a custom selected vial containing a serum with high concentrations of ingredients, such as signaling peptides, copper peptides, epidermal growth factor (EGF), resveratrol, niacinamide, and Vitamin C. Then the client receives a session of pulsing light that drives the serum into the skin. This therapy involves no downtime or discomfort and leaves the skin radiant and glowing.
I have also added to my practice Celluma, an FDA cleared, lower energy LED device, that serves as an excellent optional add-on to many of our other popular skin treatments, including the Classic Facial, EB Glow, and Vortex Microdermabrasion. Ten minute Celluma sessions incorporating red, near-infrared, and blue light are now included with every Hydrafacial treatment as well as the Teen Facial. Celluma may also be performed as a quick stand-alone treatment in fifteen or thirty minute sessions. Celluma is great for producing the short-term effects of LED light therapy including, increased circulation, reduced redness, reduced acne breakouts, and a radiant glow that lasts for days.
In conclusion, LED light therapy is a safe, affordable, and effective way to revitalize the skin with no downtime or discomfort. This therapy has been tested and proven to be effective and will be here to stay for the long run. I believe that it should be a part of everyone’s treatment plan for healthy, beautiful skin. The expertly trained staff at EB Skin is pioneering modern, professional LED therapy in Nashville, and we look forward to providing you with this groundbreaking service.
Contact EB Skin at (615) 314-4800 to ensure that you are a proper candidate for LED Light Therapy and set up your first appointment today! LED Therapy is not appropriate for individuals currently taking photosensitizing medications or people with diabetes, cancer, eye disease, retinal abnormalities, light-induced headaches, lupus, acute or cutaneous porphyria, or epilepsy. Women who are pregnant or nursing are not candidates for LightWave therapy but may have Celluma treatments.
This 69 year old female client of EB Skin received a series of 10 LightWave Therapy treatments over the course of 5 weeks. Results show improvement in skin health and increased skin volume. Final image was taken 10 days after her final LightWave session.
