LED lights
One of the more recent, proven technologies for skin care is LED—light emitting diode—machines. Since the NASA studies in the 1990s, the therapeutic effect of LEDs has gained mainstream attention. NASA scientists determined that the exposure of human tissue to LEDs could stimulate collagen production and accelerate wound healing. The visible and invisible rays of LEDs have since, after years of investigation, proven to be safe and effective in treatments for acne, anti-aging and hyperpigmentation.
LEDs have been proven to safely and effectively penetrate the skin to stimulate a variety of responses, especially in cases of nose thread lift and surgeries. The wavelength of the light influences the response. Blue light therapy, a wavelength of 430nm, penetrates only to the sebaceous glands, producing singlet oxygen, a deadly bactericide that kills the P. acres bacteria. It is effective in treating acne vulgaris, showing reductions in both comedones and inflammatory acne lesions. Remarkable results are noted for rosacea, also and for telangiectasia (broken capillaries).
Red and near infrared LEDs, with wavelengths of 660nm (red light) and 950 (near infrared), use photostimulation to trigger the fibroblasts to increase collagen and elastin in the dermis and bring rejuvenation to the skin. Light energy is converted into cell energy, using the cell’s own energy to produce this rejuvenation.
Video: Cell Reaches for Light 2
Traditional, histological evaluations of skin biopsy specimens have demonstrated that anti-aging treatments with LEDs increased collagen deposition—the true basis for all of the anti-aging claims. Further, post-treatment results show continued improvements for months. Additional benefits with red and near infrared LEDs include dramatic increases in microcirculation, reduction of erythema (redness) and increased lymphatic drainage.
Excerpts from August 2005 Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Magazine