Low-Level Light Therapy for Skin Rejuvenation and Inflammation
We’re happy to introduce low level light therapy at Victoria Community Acupuncture & Spa as an individual service, as a part of a facial service, or as an add-on to acupuncture. The light emitting diode device that we use is professional grade, FDA cleared, and is primarily used for skin-related concerns. Please read on to learn more about the science, history, benefits, and what to expect.
What is LED light therapy?
Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology is a safe and effective type of low level light therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation (PBM). It involves the application of light energy within specific wavelengths of light to obtain therapeutic cellular benefits.
Specific wavelengths of light within the red, blue, and near infrared spectrum promote a natural photobiochemical reaction in cells similar to the process of plant photosynthesis. This serves to improve mitochondrial function, the powerhouse of cells, to increase ATP (cellular energy) production in the body.
Light related wavelengths
Wavelengths of light are measured in nanometers (nm). The longer the wavelength the deeper the penetration into skin and tissue layers. Red and blue light are within a safe range of 640 and 465 nanometers (nm) and are primarily used to treat aging skin, acne or breakouts, and connective tissue.
Red therapy light penetrates about 8-10 millimeters (mm) into the skin and blue light extends just below the skin’s surface. Near infrared is within a save wavelength of 880 nm and penetrates up to 25 mm (+) to treat deeper muscle and joint inflammation. The multi-level LED that we use at VCAspa, called Celluma, can easily affect all skin layers, reaching into blood vessels, lymph pathways, nerves, and hair follicles.
History of low level light therapy
The history of red light therapy in particular started in 1903 when a physician won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his successful treatment of smallpox and lupus with red light. The original research for modern day red light therapy came from NASA. Red light devices were used to limit bone and muscle loss in space and they also discovered that certain spectrums of red light allowed plant growth for food in space. Low level light therapy has been used in clinical settings since the 1980’s in Japan, China, Canada, Northern Ireland, Vietnam, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, and is gaining more momentum in North America recently. Phototherapy has been studied extensively in Europe and the US for over thirty years and to date has been the subject of over 6,200 scientific papers, published worldwide.
Benefits
Photobiomodulation is known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties and has a variety of applications across many medical fields. Here is a partial list of evidence-based uses:
Increases local blood circulation. This brings oxygen, nutrients, and anti-inflammatory substances to the area.
Improves skin tone (color, spots, dark eye circles), texture (firms, lifts, hydrates, fills wrinkles), clarity (pores, blemishes) via stimulation of collagen and elastin. Works to treat, maintain, and prevent.
Decreases skin inflammation: eliminates mild to moderate acne vulgaris and breakouts, helpful for rosacea and eczema.
Reduces acne scars and stretch marks.
Improves superficial, benign, vascular, and pigment lesions.
Helps to repair sun damage.
Increases hair growth.
Helps promote antioxidant production; reduces the oxidative stress associated with inflammation, muscle fatigue, joint pain, stiffness, spasms, and aches.
Accelerates tissue repair and closure of dermal wounds.
Stimulates lymphatic system activity and phagocytosis; improvement of detoxification pathways.
Boosts mood and energy.
May help to balance hormones.
FAQs
How is Celluma light therapy unique?
Celluma is the only single LED panel device FDA cleared to treat with 3 discreet wavelengths simultaneously. Its flexible design and expansive light panel allows for close positioning to skin, leading to effective energy absorption by tissue and molds closely to the body for more optimum outcomes. This follows the “inverse square law” of energy, which states that each time the distance of the light source is doubled from the skin, the ability of the tissue to absorb the light energy is diminished by 4 times.
How many treatments are needed to notice results?
The recommended treatment schedule is 2 treatments per week for 4 – 8 weeks, for a total of 8 – 16 appointments. The number of appointments depends on the practitioner’s advice, assessments, the patient’s unique goals, and the progression of concerns.
How long does a session last?
The light treatment is 30 minutes total. If the treatment involves the addition of acupuncture and facial services, the total time will be 60 – 120 minutes, depending on which type of session is booked. During acupuncture treatment with light therapy, the device will be on while the pins are in and the facial service resumes afterward.
How long do results last?
Clinical literature shows that a low-power, low-level light therapy treatment time between 20 – 30 min provides an efficient dose. There is up to 48 hours of up-regulated cellular activity after a session. After the series of treatments are complete, you may continue to get the benefits for 3 – 6 months if you are doing light therapy only, and up to 2 years if you are combining it with acupuncture. To learn more about facial rejuvenation acupuncture please explore this article, [Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture].
To extend the results it is recommended to come in for a supportive session every 2 - 4 weeks to maintain skin integrity and internal harmony. Keep in mind that results are most effective when combined with acupuncture to strengthen and balance inner root causes while simultaneously using external points to regulate collagen and elastin production.
Can a treatment be shorter or longer?
Some light therapy sources claim they have more power and therefore shorter sessions are adequate. This is not supported in clinical literature; with a shorter treatment time and more power the effects can be potentially toxic. A therapeutic treatment is not about how much power a devise emits but how much energy is available for the body to absorb and the level of penetration into tissue.
How should I prepare for a session?
Skin should be free of clothing, makeup, or anything else that may deflect light away from the skin. Many makeup and skin products contain minerals and oils that may deflect light. Clean, freshly washed skin is recommended for best results. You may put on makeup afterward and resume all normal activities immediately following use.
Is it Safe?
The wavelength and intensity of light delivered by Celluma is considered safe and is approved by the FDA. Only very low levels of light are being applied and it is not considered “high-energy” light. There are no reported negative side effects to the therapy, which is painless, non-toxic and compliments many traditional therapies.
Despite it’s reputable safety profile there are certain precautions due to inconclusive research.
Cautionary guidelines:
Do not use over breast or stomach of a pregnant or breastfeeding person.
Do not use on infants or children under 12 years of age.
Do not use if patient has history of seizures or epilepsy.
Avoid using when patient is taking cortisone injections or any other kind of steroid injection(s).
Avoid use if patient is using photosensitive drugs.
Do not perform LED therapy over known cancer tumor or metastasis.
Is it okay for eyes?
Celluma wavelengths fall within a range that does not include UVA or UVB light, therefore it is not harmful to the eyes. In fact, there is good clinical research showing the use of low level light therapy to accelerate healing of retinal injuries. The devices have been rigorously tested in particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of non-laser light source equipment use. The Celluma falls in the “exempt” classification, meaning that it will not cause eye damage.
While red light is considered safe for the eyes, some people find it too bright. Simple tanning glasses can make the experience more comfortable.
Can the blue light affect my sleep?
Light therapy delivers specific wavelengths of blue light shown to be safe and effective in numerous studies. There hasn’t been any evidence to support disruption of circadian rhythm as a result of blue light emission at levels and/or duration delivered by the Celluma.
Light Therapy Pricing
Express Facial Light Therapy, light only (no needles or techniques), $50, 30 min
Light Therapy Promotion
$60 for 1 or $340 for 8
Low Level Light Therapy Add-on
Add light therapy onto your acupuncture treatment for $25 (save $25)
Practitioners offering light therapy at VCA:
Hayley Stobbs R.Ac, CNC – see her schedule
Related Post:
Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture
References:
https://www.celluma.com/https://wellnessmama.com/269510/red-light-therapy/
https://joovv.com/pages/learnhttps://joovv.com/blogs/joovv-blog/rejuvenated-younger-skin-red-light-therapy