PHOTOTHERAPY 101
How does a ray of light treat acne blemishes?
Photo light therapy is an emerging science that has continued to captivate scientists, doctors and acne sufferers. While the science has many names - IPL, LED treatment, blue light treatment, photodynamic treatment –each of these disciplines focuses on harnessing the healing power of light. Photo light therapy is poised to become one of the fastest growing segments within the skin care industry. As with any new technology, it is often difficult to find basic information to help separate fact from fiction. This guide is designed to give a basic overview of photo light therapy so you can determine if this acne treatment is right for you.
What is Photo light Therapy? (also know as IPL, Blue Light and Red light, photodynamic)
Photo light therapy is based on the idea of isolating specific wavelengths of light within the light spectrum for a variety of treatments and applications. Studies have been done on photo light therapy’s promising results for various applications including acne, anti-aging, pain relief, mood disorders, hair regeneration and hair removal. Photo light therapy has shown to be a safe and effective acne treatment that has been used in clinical settings for the past decade.
Who Invented LED Light Technology?
NASA scientists first utilized the power of LED (light-emitting diode) photo light technology to spur plant growth on the Space Station. The lack of gravity in space keeps cells from growing naturally, resulting in slow-growing plant life, as well as loss of bone mass, atrophied muscles and wounds that do not heal properly. The near-infrared photo light emitted by LEDs increased energy produced in the mitochondria (energy compartments) of each cell. NASA researchers then discovered that these LED’s exerted similar physiological effects on human cells, just as they did on plant cells.
The promise of LED technology / photo light therapy prompted researchers to begin applying LED photo light technology to skin ulcers, burns, and cancer. Researchers determined that longer wavelengths penetrate tissues more deeply without the potentially damaging heat that high-powered lasers produced.
NASA research spurred scientists, clinicians and doctors looking for effective treatments for acne to try it on their patients. Domestic and international studies regarding phototherapy for healing are bearing out the positive results that NASA scientists initially discovered.
How does photo light therapy impact acne?
Bacteria that causes inflammation associated with acne is known as Propionobacterium Acnes or P.acnes. Numerous studies have shown that blue light waves (410 to 450 nm) are absorbed by the P.acnes bacteria causing them to self-destruct. This removal of P.acnes causes inflammation to disappear and acne to clear up.
Red photo light wavelengths (630 to 660nm) are longer wavelengths that are able to penetrate the skin more deeply. Red photo light stimulates the collagens to create new, healthier cells more rapidly. In addition to new cell growth, the inflammatory process is slowed down thus curbing the acne cycle. As healthier cells crowd out inflamed and infected cells, the skin becomes noticeably clearer.
What studies have been done?
There is a large body of published research on photo light therapy and its impact on acne. Study details include:
The Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York found that “red and blue light therapy reduced lesion count by 81%.”
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore has stated: “clearly, photo modulation is an extremely safe and effective treatment option for patients looking to improve the appearance of aging and sun-damaged skin without any downtime.”
The Imperial College of Science Medicine in London found that “mixed blue and red light photo therapy, combined with acne local action is effective without side effects.”
University of Ulm in Germany found that after nine weeks of daily red light treatment, participants had a noticeable reduction in wrinkles. The LED therapy led to rejuvenated, younger-looking, and more resilient skin, according to the researchers
You can view more information at the ANSR Research Library
What is the difference between clinical and at-home photo therapy devices?
While both clinics and at-home devices are developed around the same core principles, they differ in their application approach. The at-home LED devices are generally designed at a lower frequency to be used on a regularly basis (most are daily) while clinical treatments are at a higher frequency with more time between visits (weekly). Both treatments require ongoing application to be effective acne treatment programs.
How is Photo light therapy different than heating devices?
Heat and light devices are both designed to attack the bacteria that cause pimples. Heat devices work to provide a heat-shock response in the p.acnes bacteria to cause their self destruction. Heating devices work best for mild to moderate outbreaks when the pimple breakouts are just starting to form. The heat is used to diminish the time you have blemishes from several days to only one or two days.
Most thermal devices are designed for treating one blemish at a time and are not preventative in the treatment of new breakouts. Some devices can be slightly uncomfortable during the usage with reports of burning sensations or irritation. Treatment times for an existing zit can range from a few seconds to over two minutes. Clinicals claim a reduction in pimple size in 24 to 48 hours.
What are the side effects/negatives of Photo light therapy?
Requires Time: Photo light therapy is most effective when used on a consistent treatment schedule. Depending on the device, this could range from 10 minutes per session* to 30+ minutes per session. You also need to use the photo light treatment for 2 to 4 weeks to see meaningful results. (*For example: ANSR treatment program consists of 5 minutes of blue light, then 5 minutes of red light treatment done twice a day. Omnilux treatments consists of 20 minutes on one side of the face, then 20 minutes on the other, alternating every other day).
Not the entire solution: Acne skin care devices are designed to be an important part of a healthy skin regiment. In addition to using the device, you should continue to keep your face clean, moisturized and protected through the use of SPF.
Flushing: Some individuals with experience a slight redness or flushing immediately after using the red light. This redness or "erythema" may occur temporarily due to the BEAM increasing circulation or mild blood flow to the affected area. Skin should return to its normal coloration a few minutes after finishing your treatment.
Continual use: Acne cannot be cured. But fortunately the symptoms of acne can be treated and contained. Consistent use of any acne treatment program is essential to see long term results.
Remember that you should not use any acne treatment program or device without consulting your doctor if you are currently pregnant or on prescription medications
This Guide was provided by ANSR.com
