Knowing how our body performs each function to protect, repair, and rejuvenate constantly is fascinating. The body's antioxidant defense system helps fight free radicals, keeping the body healthy. It also has a significant function in taking care of free radicals that impact the skin.
However, with age, these mechanisms may slow down, causing aging signs to be visible in the form of fine lines and wrinkles. Fortunately, we have science and technology on our side to support these functions and prolong youthfulness. One such technology involves the process of photobiomodulation using Red light therapy. It has a unique skin penetration power that supports collagen production and releasing antioxidants in the skin.
Keep reading to learn more about achieving younger-looking skin with advanced non-invasive treatments.
What is Photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation (PBM) refers to using low-intensity light, such as red light or near-infrared, to treat the skin. These lights have different wavelengths with specific skin penetration power. As they go deep into the dermis layer, they can activate the cell signaling process for skin healing and rejuvenation.
Moreover, photobiomodulation treatment aids mitochondrial membrane health, oxygen intake, and electron transport. With the help of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, light therapy triggers cell repair in damaged cells, protecting them from further damage. ATP is known to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the skin.
PBM is ideal for quicker wound healing for chronic wounds, ulcers, and radiodermatitis patients. The same healing principle may be applied to aesthetical dermatology treatments. A few PBM treatments include depigmentation, chemical peels, skin resurfacing, and removing pigmented lesions or chemical peels.
Red light therapy works as a great anti-aging solution to get rid of fine lines by promoting collagen production. Furthermore, PBM reduces acne scars, new breakouts, cellulite, and alopecia.
Role of the Body's Antioxidant Defense System
You may have heard the term antioxidants and how they protect your body from outside damage. These are the molecules present in the body that help in removing free radicals. As we know, free radicals are one of the causes of aging signs.
Therefore by removing free radicals, antioxidants are able to prevent this damage. In the skin, free radicals lead to the development of pigmentation, age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Due to aging, the body may have more oxidative stress, which is responsible for reducing the optimal working capacity of the antioxidant defense system. To counteract this condition, photobiomodulation or phototherapy may come in handy as it releases antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules in the skin.
In a study, there was the evaluation of HaCaT human keratinocyte cells to know the effect of light therapy. It concluded light wavelength of 625 nm leads to an anti-inflammatory effect and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
One surprising result was the identification of a gene called sphingosine kinase-1 (SPHK1), which is known for the sphingolipid metabolism process. In other words, it reduces inflammatory proteins and oxidative stress.
Therefore, we can conclude from this study how 625 nm LEDs may be used to treat skin inflammation while also triggering antioxidant activity.
Red Light Therapy for Skin Healing and Protection
Red light therapy (RLT) is known for enhancing the skin's appearance, reducing visible fine lines, scars, redness, and wrinkles. It has a wavelength of 620 to 750 nm with a penetrating power of 4–5 mm under the skin. It reaches the mitochondria of the skin cells. As a result, mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cells, performs in an optimal state leading to the repair of the cells, new growth, and protection from potential damage.
Some significant benefits of consistent RLT include
- Reduction in fine lines and age spots
- Decrease in facial texture
- Reduced appearance of scars and stretch marks
- Repairing sun-damaged skin
- Fewer acne breakouts
- Skin healing in eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis
Who can use RLT for better skin?
Those with skin concerns such as aging, sun spots, active acne, psoriasis and facial texture may benefit from red light therapy. Over time, these skin conditions may improve and give you healthier-looking skin. Since RLT is safe for the skin, you may use it regularly with an at-home device.
Science Behind Red Light Therapy
In a recent study, the safety and efficacy of non-thermal photobiomodulation (PBM) for improving skin feeling and appearance were done.
113 participants were divided into a group of four for different treatments in this controlled PBM study. They were treated twice weekly with 611–650 or 570–850 nm polychromatic light. The test was done with variations in irradiances and durations to learn about the efficacy.
After 30 sessions, the data was compared with the one taken before beginning the experiment. Different methods like digital profilometry, patient satisfaction, ultrasonographic collagen density, and clinical photography were used to assess the results of the treatment.
The experiment concluded a considerable improvement in skin complexion and elasticity. Besides, the skin texture was smoother, with more collagen density. Two different light sources for photobiomodulation were effective in rejuvenating the skin without any side effects. Even with the narrow spectral bandwidths, red light therapy works on the skin.
Using Red Light Therapy on Skin
You may be tempted to use red light therapy to revive your skin after reading multiple claims of it being effective. Before choosing the RLT device, consider a premium build device with the best features.
As the treatment can be done from the comfort of your home, investing in a good-quality device will be worth it. You'll be saving both time and money while getting younger-looking skin. EvenSkyn® Mirage Pro LED Phototherapy Face Mask is an unbeatable choice for rejuvenating skin. It's professionally made with 204 LEDs with the power to penetrate deep into the skin.
The Mirage mask works on the principle of photobiomodulation to improve photoaged skin. You'll rest assured of its safety as it comes with certifications from FDA, Health Canada, CE, RoHS, and BSCI.
The premium build of this mask releases 500 Joules energy per minute, improving skin conditions such as sun spots, wrinkles, fine lines, and scars. Its recommended use is three 25-minute sessions per week to achieve the results. You may take pictures to compare your skin after four weeks.
There are three different color modes to choose from. The red light will promote collagen production. Meanwhile, you may use blue to reduce acne breakouts and yellow for skin rejuvenation. Using the mask with different light wavelengths will trigger skin revival and result in lesser fine lines and wrinkles. The result will be flawless skin with a smooth texture.
Simple steps for using the mask:
- To use the mask for glowing skin, plug in the USB connectors.
- Place the mask on a clean face free from skincare products or makeup.
- Make sure you complete a 25-minute treatment.
- You may control the mask with the LCD remote or use the automatic cycle feature.
- This feature cycles through all the light wavelengths to treat your skin.
Wearing the mask throughout the treatment is hassle-free, as it comes with eye protection and adjustable straps. All you need to do is put on the mask and relax. After the treatment, take off the mask and apply your usual skincare. Clean the mask to prevent any bacteria buildup until the subsequent use.
Wrapping Up
The quest for younger-looking skin is over with scientifically evident photobiomodulation therapy. We believe skincare should be approached proactively; hence, we recommend you add this treatment to your beauty regime.
With benefits such as decreased inflammation, diminished wrinkles, and fine lines, your skin may feel rejuvenated in 4 weeks. You may benefit from collagen production with this non-invasive treatment and enjoy radiant, even skin with a youthful bounce.
References:
- AROLET, Daniel. "Photobiomodulation in Dermatology: Harnessing Light from Visible to Near Infrared." January 2018
- Aton M Holzer, Richard D Granstein. "Role of extracellular adenosine triphosphate in human skin." May 2004
- Francisco José Gómez García, Alessandro Del Vecchio. "Study of the Effect of Photobiomodulation on a Skin Repair Model in SKH-1 Mice." May 2022
- Gabriele Pizzino, Natasha Irrera. " Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health." July 2017
- Qiaochu Sun, Hye-Eun Kim. "Red light-emitting diode irradiation regulates oxidative stress and inflammation through SPHK1/NF-κB activation in human keratinocytes." September 2018
- Caerwyn Ash Michael Dubec. "Effect of wavelength and beam width on penetration in light-tissue interaction using computational methods," November 2017
- Alexander Wunschcorresponding 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." February 2014
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