Light is essential to plants and animals. Photo receptor cells in our retinas interact with incoming light to produce vision. Ultraviolet B light from the sun strikes our skin and causes 7-dehydrocholesterol to be converted to Vitamin D3. Plants use light energy from the sun for photosynthesis. So in this blog, I will break down how we use light energy and therapy in a dermatology setting.
What is light therapy and how does it work?
Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) (formerly known as Low-Level Light Therapy) is a form of light therapy that uses wavelengths in the visible and near-infrared spectrum to treat a variety of medical conditions such as musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, and injuries. PBMT promotes wound healing and tissue repair and helps with inflammation. No negative side effects have been reported from the use of PBMT. The red and near-infrared wavelengths of light are absorbed by the skin and trigger a cascade of events in the body which ultimately increases tissue repair and healing.
How is light therapy used in dermatology?
In dermatology, PBMT has beneficial effects on wrinkles, acne scars, hypertrophic (caused by an abnormal response to trauma or injury to the skin, not a keloid) scars, and the healing of burns. Clinical trials have shown benefits in psoriasis, acne, rosacea, and vitiligo. It has also been used as a hair growth treatment for male and female pattern hair loss. PBMT can be used to prevent as well as treat skin damage from UV radiation and to speed up the healing of the skin after laser resurfacing and surgery. Various light sources can be used to produce red and near-infrared wavelengths. In dermatology, the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is very common since it is a convenient way to treat large areas of tissue.
How does light therapy work for skin rejuvenation?
The LED light devices used for skin rejuvenation work by stimulating fibroblasts to produce more collagen, increase the microcirculation in the skin, and decrease apoptosis (cell death). This boost in collagen production results in younger skin and faster healing. The anti-inflammatory actions of PBMT help to improve acne and acne scars.
What at-home light therapy do you recommend?
At SBA Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, our favorite home device for PBMT is the Omnilux Contour FACE mask. It is a hands-free, full-face coverage mask that has 13 red (633nm) and 100 infrared (830nm) LEDs. You can use it for 10 minutes three to five times a week. After a few weeks of treatment, you will notice that fine lines, pores, and texture are improved, and your skin will feel softer. With continued long-term use, you will see even more benefits. To enhance your results, use a skincare regimen incorporating active ingredients like retinol, antioxidants, peptides, growth factors, and hyaluronic acid. Our aesthetic consultants can tailor an ideal regimen to go along with your Omnilux Contour FACE mask.
We also carry the Omnilux Contour Neck & Decollete, Glove for hands, Clear for Acne, and Men for male skin.
What at-home light therapy is good for hair growth?
Just as PBMT can stimulate skin cells and result in rejuvenating effects, it can also be used to stimulate hair follicle cells to increase hair growth and treat male and female pattern hair loss. We sell the FDA-cleared LaserCap® which uses true laser diodes to illuminate the hair follicles with monochromatic red laser light at a finely-tuned wavelength and intensity to re-energize inactive hair follicles. The LaserCap has perfected the delivery of prescription-strength laser therapy for hair regrowth and comes in 3 different intensities depending on the severity of your hair loss.
The LaserCap is used for 30 minutes every other day. You can wear it while you read, watch TV, or work on the computer since no goggles are required. The device can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or even better, used in combination with Nutrafol supplements, oral finasteride, topical minoxidil (Rogaine®), and in-office platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in the scalp and/or Keravive. With any of these hair growth treatments, maintenance treatments are required to keep the regrowth you have achieved.
In conclusion
Light can make right for your skin and your hair. You can conveniently purchase any of the Omnilux Masks on our online store or in-office along with the LaserCap. Thank you so much for reading! We hope you found this blog of value. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office directly at 713.850.0240 or you can always book a consultation here.
Suzanne Bruce, MD
board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Bruce has been practicing dermatology since 1985. A graduate of Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine, she completed her dermatology residency training at Baylor. She is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She is also certified by the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. She is a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the Texas Dermatological Society, the Houston Dermatological Society, the College of Lifestyle Medicine, and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Dr. Bruce is a former Vice President of the Texas Dermatological Society and a former President of the Houston Dermatological Society.