Near-Infrared and Red Light Therapy For Skin

 Because red light stimulates both collagen and elastin production, dramatically reduces lines and wrinkles, as well as the appearance of scars, surface varicose veins, acne, and cellulite, photobiomodulation is fast becoming recognized as a safe and welcome alternative to injections and surgeries for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation.

Repairing damage from UV rays requires that skin be able to repair cellular and DNA damage, much as it does when healing from wounds. Red light does this extremely well through stimulating collagen synthesis and fibroblast formation, anti-inflammatory action, stimulation of energy production in mitochondria, and even stimulating DNA repair.

A wealth of human studies is proving photobiomodulation can reverse the signs of aging, repair damage from UV rays, and reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and even hard to remove scars. A 2013 issue of Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery featured a review of the research that highlighted dozens of studies proving photobiomodulation can reduce the signs of aging.

• Avci P, et al. (2013) Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2013 Mar;32(1):41-52.

Another review of the research by Harvard professor Michael Hamblin, PhD has found that red and near-infrared light therapy can:

• reduce the signs of damage, DNA damage, and aging from UV rays

  • Lau et al. The effects of low level laser therapy on irradiated cells: a systematic review

  • Jiang, M. et. al. (2017). A prospective study of the safety and efficacy of a combined bipolar radiofrequency, intense pulsed light, and infrared diode laser treatment for global facial photoaging. Lasers in Medicine and Science, 32(5):1051-1061.

    
    

• reduce wrinkles

  • Kim, Hee-Kyong. (2017).  Effects of radiofrequency, electroacupuncture, and low-level laser therapy on the wrinkles and moisture content of the forehead, eyes, and cheek. Journal I Physical Therapy and Science, 29(2): 290–294. 

    
    

• reduce color patches, hyperpigmentation, and skin discoloration

  • Pinar, Avci. Low-level laser (light) therapy (red and near-infrared light) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. SCMS, 32(1): 41-52.

    
    

• enhance collagen synthesis and collagen density (research has shown it can enhance production of collagen by 31%)

  • Barolet, D. (2009). Ba Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism In VitroUsing a Pulsed 660 nm LED Light Source: Clinical Correlation with a Single-Blinded Study, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 129(12): 2751-2759.

    Wunsch, A. (2014). 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 in Lasers and Surgery, 32(2): 93–100. 

    
    

• accelerate repair in the epithelial layer of skin

  • Fabiana do Socorro da Silva Dias Andrade et al. (2014) Effects of low-level laser therapy on wound healing

    
    

• combat other skin conditions like acne, keloids, vitiligo, burns, herpes virus sores, and psoriasis

  • Jiang, M. et. al. (2017). A prospective study of the safety and efficacy of a combined bipolar radiofrequency, intense pulsed light, and infrared diode laser treatment for global facial photoaging. Lasers in Medicine and Science, 32(5):1051-1061.

    
    

• speed wound healing by enhancing skin tissue repair and growth of skin cells

  • Barolet, D. et. al. (2016). Accelerating Ablative Fractional Resurfacing Wound Healing Recovery by Photobiomodulation, Current Dermatology Reports, 5(3): 232-38.

• ECZEMA

• Psoriasis

In short, photobiomodulation is offering a new, extremely safe and non-invasive alternative to various anti-aging skin surgeries, Botox injections, and more abrasive chemical peels. For combating skin aging, red and near-infrared light is an extraordinarily powerful tool.