What is low-level light therapy?
Low-level light therapy is a treatment that uses the benefits of different wavelengths of visible light from LED technology to prevent and treat various skin conditions, including:
- Skin ageing
- Rosacea
- Acne
- Wound healing
- Inflammatory skin conditions
Its effect on the skin is known as photobiomodulation: it regulates cellular functions to promote healthy skin. When the same technology is applied at higher energy doses, it can be used to treat precancerous lesions. In this case, it is known as photodynamic therapy.
Dr Christina Schepers, dermatologist and head of the Integrative Dermatology Unit, explains the benefits of low-level light therapy in this article.
Applications of light therapy to improve skin appearance and quality
Through photobiomodulation, light therapy regulates metabolism, cellular inflammation and the synthesis of various proteins. These properties are useful for stimulating tissue regeneration, treating skin ageing and reducing inflammation and pain.
Wound healing
Low-level light therapy promotes wound healing by:
- Stimulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in the first stage of wound healing.
- Promoting the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts.
- Encouraging the secretion of vascular growth factors responsible for the formation of new blood vessels, as well as growth factors that stimulate collagen production by fibroblasts.
- Inducing the transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, the cells responsible for wound contraction.
Skin rejuvenation
This technology promotes collagen synthesis by dermal fibroblasts. It also helps prevent the breakdown of collagen, as LEDs inhibit the production of metalloproteinases, the enzymes responsible for its degradation.
In addition, it encourages the formation of new collagen, creating an organised network beneath the epidermis. This differs significantly from the small, thin and disorganised collagen fibres characteristic of ageing and sagging skin.
Low-level light therapy is also beneficial when applied after more intensive treatments, such as chemical peels, laser treatments, injections and surgery. Its anti-inflammatory effect helps prevent side effects and promotes skin regeneration, reducing the risk of complications.
Another immediate effect observed after a photobiomodulation session is increased skin radiance, a benefit particularly appreciated by patients.
Rosacea
Alongside appropriate medical treatment, light therapy can be useful in managing this skin condition.
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition characterised by redness and pustular lesions. When combined with the prescribed medical treatment, light therapy has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps regulate blood and lymphatic circulation.
Acne
Two colours of light are used in acne treatment:
- Blue light, which is absorbed by Propionibacterium acnes, the bacterium involved in acne, causing its destruction.
- Red light, which is used to treat inflammation.
Acne treatment should always be accompanied by appropriate dermatological care and monitoring.
Hyperpigmentation and melasma
In cases of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma (facial pigmentation that may have a hormonal origin), low-level light therapy can help regulate melanocyte function and reduce inflammation, alongside the appropriate dermatological treatment for each patient.
Photodynamic therapy: treatment of precancerous skin lesions
Photodynamic therapy uses the same LED devices as low-level light therapy but at higher energy doses. Before treatment, a photosensitising cream is applied, which is preferentially absorbed by atypical cells that are subsequently destroyed.
This treatment is approved for actinic keratoses, which are red, scaly lesions that develop on sun-damaged skin and have the potential to progress to skin cancer, as well as certain types of superficial skin cancer.
Other uses of low-level light therapy
Recent research has demonstrated beneficial effects of low-level light therapy in the treatment and prevention of various conditions, including:
- Androgenetic alopecia
- Strokes
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Optic nerve injuries
- Ethanol poisoning
- Cognitive disorders
- Depression
- Pain management
- Sports medicine and rehabilitation
How does it differ from other laser treatments?
Low-level light therapy works by converting light energy into metabolic energy, subsequently modulating cellular biological functions through photobiomodulation.
In this respect, it is important to distinguish this therapy from high-power laser treatments, in which tissues absorb high levels of energy that result in heating and cellular destruction.
The energy doses used in light therapy are not high enough to cause heating or cellular destruction, but they are sufficient to modulate cellular functions.
Low-level light therapy uses wavelengths within the visible light spectrum, without exposing the skin to the ultraviolet radiation found in sunlight, which is responsible for skin cancer.
RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS
Skin ageing
An accurate diagnosis and the right combination of treatments can help achieve radiant, healthy and rejuvenated skin.
Rosacea treatment
At Clínica Planas, we offer specialised treatments for rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness.
Chemical peel
A chemical peel helps reduce fine lines and promotes rejuvenated, well-hydrated skin, with balanced oil production, improved texture and a radiant appearance.
