Does Photo Rejuvenation Infrared LED Light Therapy Work?
Infrared LED light therapy uses concentrated beams of light to help remove skin blemishes, especially on the face. In general, infrared light therapy uses a combination of red light and infrared light to promote skin health because the Light-emitting diode (LED) lights emit light at red and infrared wavelengths.
Infrared LED light therapy uses concentrated beams of light to help remove skin blemishes, especially on the face. In general, infrared light therapy uses a combination of red light and infrared light to promote skin health because the Light-emitting diode (LED) lights emit light at red and infrared wavelengths. The red light helps stimulate healing, which can treat acne scars, rosacea, age spots and blemishes caused by broken capillaries. Infrared therapy tends to be used to treat wrinkles and other problems caused by poor skin support, such as translucent skin or coarse skin.
Infrared LED Light Therapy Uses
Mechanism
The difference in LED light therapy and laser light therapy is in the device that generates the light. The light that is emitted is the same in both cases, but LED lights are able to produce more light over time than a laser, even though they use less energy. Light therapy takes advantage of the sensitivity of some cells to light to achieve its effects. The human body, while not able to perform photosynthesis, is able to use light rays for various purposes (metabolism of vitamin D, for example). The effects of light therapy depend on the wavelength of light used (a light's wavelength determines its color). Infrared therapy uses relatively long waves of light, which are able to penetrate fairly deeply (1 to 1 1/2 inches) into the skin. Infrared light stimulates the activity of fibroblasts, which are responsible for making the proteins collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are responsible for supporting the skin and giving it its elasticity. Replenishing the collagen and elastin helps smooth wrinkles.
Effectiveness
A 2005 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy examined 31 subjects who received eight treatments of infrared LED light therapy. After the treatments were done, 52 percent of the subjects had significant improvement of their facial appearance as measured by a technique called photoaging scoring. In addition, 82 percent of the patients reported that they had a marked reduction in facial wrinkles, especially around the eyes. This study concluded that while infrared LED light therapy does not work for everyone, it does represent a valid and effective way of treating wrinkles and other blemishes for many people.