Dr Maryam Zamani discusses the science behind the LED light.
Red light therapy offers an array of benefits, and it can be utilised as a complementary approach alongside conventional eczema treatments. Ahead of Eczema Awareness Month, Dr Maryam Zamani discusses the science of red light therapy and how the technology may help to reduce inflammation and redness seen in eczema, rosacea and other skin conditions.
What is red light therapy?
“Light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy combines clinically proven wavelengths of light to deliver safe and efficacious results to treat a number of conditions in all skin types with no downtime or discomfort. The purpose is to help accelerate cell renewal, decrease inflammation and help improve a number of skin concerns.”
How does it work?
“LED phototherapy uses light from the visible and infrared spectrum to reduce inflammation and stimulate the cellular response to regenerate faster through a process called photo biomodulation. Shorter wavelengths target superficial skin while longer wavelengths penetrate more deeply. Results depend on the number of consecutive treatments done. Ideally a dose related amount of LED that is administered 4-6 times a week for specific skin conditions.”
What skin conditions does red light therapy target best?
“Red light emitting diodes help skin in a number of ways. LED sources are unique in that they emit a narrow spectrum of light in a noncoherent manner, and the depth of absorption depends on the wavelength of light. Red light has deep penetration and has specifically been shown to activate fibroblast growth factor, increase type 1 pro-collagen, increase matrix metallo-proteinase-9 (MMP-9), and decrease MMP-1 while decreasing inflammation.
Red light therapy stimulates the production of collagen, which is a key protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. Red light therapy can help promote collagen synthesis, which reduces the appearance of deeper wrinkles over time. Light therapy can also improve the texture of the skin by increasing blood circulation and enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to skin cells. This can result in smoother and more radiant skin, making wrinkles appear less pronounced.
LED can be instrumental in wound healing and the reduction of inflammation and redness in the skin that can be seen in skin conditions like Rosacea, Eczema and Psoriasis. Chronic inflammation contributes to skin irritation and ageing and reducing this inflammation may help the overall skin health and therefore appearance.
LED devices are excellent in aiding with wound healing and can be used after in office treatments like micro-needling, laser or energy-based treatments. There is also evidence that light therapy can help the skin retain moisture by promoting the production of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance in the skin that holds water and helps keep it hydrated. Well hydrated skin tends to appear plumper and healthier, which can reduce the prominence of wrinkles. It can also help reduce the visible effects of sun damage, such as age spots and uneven pigmentation.”
What cautions should be taken?
“Those who should exercise caution and seek advice from a professional before use are:
· Individuals who are sensitive to light or have a condition that makes their skin hypersensitive to light, such as porphyria, should avoid red light therapy as it can exacerbate their condition. As well as those that suffer from epilepsy – the light can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy specifically.
· People taking medications that increase photosensitivity should also avoid using LED masks, for instance, certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics can increase skin sensitivity to light. Individuals taking these medications should exercise caution when using red light therapy.”
Red light therapy offers an array of benefits, and it can be utilised as a complementary approach alongside conventional eczema treatments. Ahead of Eczema Awareness Month, Dr Maryam Zamani discusses the science of red light therapy and how the technology may help to reduce inflammation and redness seen in eczema, rosacea and other skin conditions.
What is red light therapy?
“Light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy combines clinically proven wavelengths of light to deliver safe and efficacious results to treat a number of conditions in all skin types with no downtime or discomfort. The purpose is to help accelerate cell renewal, decrease inflammation and help improve a number of skin concerns.”
How does it work?
“LED phototherapy uses light from the visible and infrared spectrum to reduce inflammation and stimulate the cellular response to regenerate faster through a process called photo biomodulation. Shorter wavelengths target superficial skin while longer wavelengths penetrate more deeply. Results depend on the number of consecutive treatments done. Ideally a dose related amount of LED that is administered 4-6 times a week for specific skin conditions.”
What skin conditions does red light therapy target best?
“Red light emitting diodes help skin in a number of ways. LED sources are unique in that they emit a narrow spectrum of light in a noncoherent manner, and the depth of absorption depends on the wavelength of light. Red light has deep penetration and has specifically been shown to activate fibroblast growth factor, increase type 1 pro-collagen, increase matrix metallo-proteinase-9 (MMP-9), and decrease MMP-1 while decreasing inflammation.
Red light therapy stimulates the production of collagen, which is a key protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. Red light therapy can help promote collagen synthesis, which reduces the appearance of deeper wrinkles over time. Light therapy can also improve the texture of the skin by increasing blood circulation and enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to skin cells. This can result in smoother and more radiant skin, making wrinkles appear less pronounced.
LED can be instrumental in wound healing and the reduction of inflammation and redness in the skin that can be seen in skin conditions like Rosacea, Eczema and Psoriasis. Chronic inflammation contributes to skin irritation and ageing and reducing this inflammation may help the overall skin health and therefore appearance.
LED devices are excellent in aiding with wound healing and can be used after in office treatments like micro-needling, laser or energy-based treatments. There is also evidence that light therapy can help the skin retain moisture by promoting the production of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance in the skin that holds water and helps keep it hydrated. Well hydrated skin tends to appear plumper and healthier, which can reduce the prominence of wrinkles. It can also help reduce the visible effects of sun damage, such as age spots and uneven pigmentation.”
What cautions should be taken?
“Those who should exercise caution and seek advice from a professional before use are:
· Individuals who are sensitive to light or have a condition that makes their skin hypersensitive to light, such as porphyria, should avoid red light therapy as it can exacerbate their condition. As well as those that suffer from epilepsy – the light can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy specifically.
· People taking medications that increase photosensitivity should also avoid using LED masks, for instance, certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics can increase skin sensitivity to light. Individuals taking these medications should exercise caution when using red light therapy.”
