LED Light Therapy For Aging Skin

Written by Dr. Naeemah Ruffin

Some of the signs of skin aging are the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, and age spots. This has led to a search for the latest skincare treatments to reduce these premature signs of aging.1 Among the least invasive, non-injectable and non-surgical treatments sought out are cosmeceuticals, chemical peels, microneedles, facial exercise, radiofrequency, and phototherapy such as intense pulsed light and laser.1

While many of these treatment modalities have traditionally been performed by a licensed professional such as a dermatologist or esthetician, a new trend has been emerging. During the recent pandemic, many were unable to partake in their regular in-person skin care routines such as facials or cosmetic procedures.  As a result, this prompted many to seek out safe and effective home-based treatments which have increased in popularity given their low cost and convenience. 2

In fact, in recent years, the field of dermatology has witnessed a major transition to home-based care for certain cosmetic and medical conditions such as acne and skin aging.2 While these conditions were traditionally treated by dermatologists in a clinical setting, they often required frequent visits and expensive therapies.2 As a result of consumer demand, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved numerous dermatologically-based products for home use, many of which are light-based devices.2

The use of light is one of the oldest known methods to treat different health conditions and its benefits have been known throughout ancient Egypt, China, and India.4 In the last decades of twentieth century, there was a rapid expansion in the knowledge and techniques using various light therapies.4  A light therapy treatment that is often not discussed is a device using light-emitting diodes (LED).1 Several clinical studies have successfully proven the effects of home-use LED devices for facial rejuvenation.3  

LED is a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved cosmetic procedure and home-use cosmetic device. It was invented in 1962 and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was the first to develop the beneficial effects of LED for human health. In the past 15 years LED technology has improved and has been observed to increase cell energy (ATP) production, modulate cell oxidative stress, stimulate collagen synthesis, and increase blood flow and has emerged as one of the safest tools for the treatment of many conditions such as skin aging, mild to moderate acne, and inflammatory conditions.4

The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology stated that the combination of red and near-infrared LED therapy delivered from a small portable handheld unit represents an effective and acceptable method of light therapy rejuvenation.5   And the British Medical Journal stated that many in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, repair, skin rejuvenation, and healing effects that are promoted by red light (BMJ 11,12).1

LED therapy works by utilizing different wavelengths of light, typically between 400 -1,200 nm (nanometers). Wavelengths corresponds to colors on the visible light spectrum (i.e. blue, green, amber, and red) and to near-infrared (just below red visible light). Different cells and tissues absorb light at different wavelengths.4 Longer wavelengths are able to penetrate deeper into the tissues.4  For example,

–  Blue light (400–470 nm) has a lower penetration and is useful for skin conditions in the upper or epidermis layer of the skin such as acne.1,4

–  Green light (500-570nm) wavelengths are used to induce collagen production and maturation.1

–  Red light (630–700 nm) is able to reach deeper into the dermis activating fibroblasts, which are cells responsible for making collagen. 4

–  Near-infrared light (700-1,200 nm) reaches a maximum penetration in the skin and in vivo studies demonstrate its effectiveness in healing skin lesions and increasing the extracellular matrix.1,4 

According to the Journal of cosmetic Dermatology, a home-use LED device with a combination wavelength of 637 and 854 nm is safe and can be used as an adjunctive treatment for self-administered facial rejuvenation.5  The Dermatologic Surgery journal states that low-level light therapy using 660 nm LEDs could be an effective and tolerable treatment option for wrinkles and 660 nm LEDs or 411 to 777 nm LEDs significantly improved periocular wrinkles.6

LED light therapy has emerged as the preferred home-based light therapy that is both safe and effective. Compared to lasers, LED power output is significantly lower resulting in being less invasive and less potentially harmful to targeted tissues.4 As many studies reported, LEDs are non-ablative and non-thermal with no damage to skin or tissue and there are no common adverse side effects such as pain, swelling, or peeling.4  An at-home handheld LED device, such as LightStim, can be used up to five times per week and the treatment time can take between 3 and 20 minutes.

Bellantz offers our clients LightStim LED professional strength at-home devices for wrinkles and for acne. LightStim was founded in 2002 and is the first LED company with “full-face” FDA clearance demonstrating both efficacy as well as safety. The device works synergistically with the Bellantz skincare line and face fitness program to further enhance results. Visit our website to learn more.

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References:

1.     Rocha Mota L, Motta LJ, Duarte IDS, Horliana ACRT, Silva DFTD, Pavani C. Efficacy of phototherapy to treat facial ageing when using a red versus an amber LED: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open. 2018 May 31;8(5):e021419. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021419. PMID: 29858421; PMCID: PMC5988166.

2.     Cohen M, Austin E, Masub N, Kurtti A, George C, Jagdeo J. Home-based devices in dermatology: a systematic review of safety and efficacy. Arch Dermatol Res. 2022 Apr;314(3):239-246. doi: 10.1007/s00403-021-02231-0. Epub 2021 May 3. PMID: 33938981; PMCID: PMC8918178.

3.     Lee YI, Lee E, Nam KH, Shin DY, Kim J, Suk J, Kwak JY, Lee JH. The Use of a Light-Emitting Diode Device for Neck Rejuvenation and Its Safety on Thyroid Glands. J Clin Med. 2021 Apr 19;10(8):1774. doi: 10.3390/jcm10081774. PMID: 33921839; PMCID: PMC8073506.

4.     Sorbellini E, Rucco M, Rinaldi F. Photodynamic and photobiological effects of light-emitting diode (LED) therapy in dermatological disease: an update. Lasers Med Sci. 2018 Sep;33(7):1431-1439. doi: 10.1007/s10103-018-2584-8. Epub 2018 Jul 14. PMID: 30006754; PMCID: PMC6133043.

5.     Sadick NS. A study to determine the efficacy of a novel handheld light-emitting diode device in the treatment of photoaged skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2008 Dec;7(4):263-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2008.00404.x. PMID: 19146602.

6.     Nam CH, Park BC, Kim MH, Choi EH, Hong SP. The Efficacy and Safety of 660 nm and 411 to 777 nm Light-Emitting Devices for Treating Wrinkles. Dermatol Surg. 2017 Mar;43(3):371-380. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000981. PMID: 28195844.