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photomodulation

Photomodulation : zoom on this light technique with numerous benefits

A method used in aesthetic and general medicine, photomodulation is a revolutionary technique that allows us to regenerate our cells. How does it work? Simply by exposing them to a cold pulsed light.

Derived from the soft laser, photomodulation allows, among other things, to deeply moisturize the skin, to oxygenate the blood, or to accelerate healing. In this article, I invite you to discover how it works and what are the different aesthetic and medical benefits of this cousin of light therapy.

What is LED photomodulation?

Did you know that all living cells emit and capture light? They even do it permanently. This is also the case for our skin cells which, when in contact with the light emitted by an LED lamp, enter into resonance with it.

By absorbing the light energy to which they are exposed, the cells undergo both chemical and physical changes. Their activity is stimulated, in particular the synthesis of collagen and elastin which give our skin its elasticity. This phenomenon is called photomodulation.

Understanding the photomodulation process

Before going into the specifics of each light, let’s look at the process itself.

The main target of photomodulation is called the cytochrome C complex. It is found in the inner membrane of cellular mitochondria and is an essential component of the electron transport chain. As such, it controls our cellular metabolism.

When absorbed by cytochrome C oxidase (COX), LED light will stimulate this transport chain and increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the mitochondria. This is particularly interesting because when our tissue is damaged, this ATP production is impaired and our metabolism slows down. Thanks to photomodulation, it is possible to restore the oxidative process and thus find a normal cellular functioning.

Laser stimulation also produces free nitric oxide (NO) and modulates reactive oxygen species (ROS). NO is known to be a potent vasodilator and is involved in many physiological processes, including the inflammatory response. By increasing both NO and ROS levels, photomodulation is an effective ally in reducing inflammation.

In summary, PBM restores normal cell function. It prevents cell death, reduces inflammation and accelerates tissue regeneration.

How does it work?

Let’s go into a little more detail about photomodulation.

The light rays emitted by the LED lamp will penetrate more or less deeply into the different layers of our skin. This depends on their wavelength, i.e. the color of the rays.

In photomodulation, there are 5: red, blue, yellow, green and infrared. Depending on the color you choose, but also its intensity, the light will act at different levels and stimulate cell activity, in particular the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers.

Blue light focuses on the epidermis. Its main effect is to act on skin imperfections. It is therefore reputed to annihilate bacteria and is particularly effective in treating acne ;

Yellow light penetrates deeper into the dermis. It stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation. It is therefore the one recommended for anti-aging treatments, but also to slow down hair loss;

Red light is the longest wavelength of the visible spectrum. It will mainly act on deep tissues as well as on fibroblasts. Its field of action is all the broader and red light is used, for example, to firm up the skin or treat alopecia (hair loss);

Green light acts on the radiance of the complexion and reduces pigment spots ;

Infrared light is invisible to the naked eye. It penetrates even deeper into the skin and notably boosts its hydration. Infrared light is also known to inhibit lipogenesis and activate the production of collagen and elastin. Combined with red light, it is even more powerful and optimizes the effects of the treatments.

What are the benefits of photomodulation?

The effects of LED light on our skin are the source of many virtues. As we have seen, the main benefit of photomodulation is to boost cell regeneration.

But in concrete terms, what does this mean for our skin?

First of all, it will be better oxygenated and better hydrated. But it will also be restructured and will have an overall healthier and smoother appearance. Session after session, a skin exposed to the light of photomodulation will regenerate in depth. If it has small skin imperfections, these will be reduced. If it begins to be marked by the passage of the years, the effects of aging will also diminish.

At the physiological level, the positive effects of LED photomodulation are also varied:

→ Activation of fibroblasts, which reactivates the production of collagen and elastin;

→ Detoxification of the skin;

→ Reinforcement of its immune defenses

A versatile technology

Due to its broad spectrum of action, photomodulation finds varied applications in almost all areas of aesthetic care. For example, it can target :

The face

This quick and painless treatment restores radiance to the complexion and has an almost immediate anti-aging effect. LED treatments for the face can also be used in conjunction with other treatments to soothe the skin and promote healing. Combined with peeling or hyaluronic acid injections, photomodulation optimizes the results. It also reduces their side effects such as redness, edema or secondary pigmentary reactions.

The body

Photobiomodulation can also be practiced on different parts of the body. Each specific protocol will allow to answer a precise problem. When performed on the entire body, it allows for tissue regeneration, but also promotes fluid circulation (blood, lymph). It can also be part of a slimming treatment or provide relaxing effects.

The hair

Finally, it has been proven that photomodulation is effective in hair growth. This technique allows the scalp to be cleansed and promotes dense and healthy hair. In concrete terms, LED light, when it targets the hair follicles, will prolong the hair growth phase and slow down hair loss. Be careful, however, because the effects on the hair are generally longer to observe than those on the skin. This is simply due to the fact that the life cycle of hair is longer. But the results are significant.

Is photomodulation really effective?

To date, more than 400 randomized, blinded clinical trials against placebo treatment have been published. All of them suggest that photobiomodulation therapy is effective not only in its aesthetic applications, but also in general medicine. It is for example used to relieve pain, but also the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s or acute infectious respiratory syndrome.

How do the sessions take place?

As we have seen, the effects of photomodulation depend on the color of the LED rays used. Depending on your needs, we can recommend one approach rather than another. Most often, the treatments performed are based on the synergy of the different colors. A treatment protocol will therefore combine at least 2 colors. The power of the LEDs will also be modulated to obtain the desired effects.

Photomodulation sessions are also completely painless and without side effects. They can be performed all year round, whatever the season, and on all phototypes (i.e. all skin colors). Sun exposure is not prohibited during the treatment and the only recommendation is that you come with your skin cleansed and make-up removed.

Each session will be spaced at least 3 days from the previous one. In general, the first effects will be visible after 6 to 8 sessions. You will notice for example that your skin has regained its radiance and softness. But also that the first signs of aging have considerably faded.

The new photomodulation devices are now more effective than ever. At Maison Magnifisens, we use the Triwings, the most powerful LED illuminator in the world. Its power density allows us to reduce the treatment time to a few minutes and to obtain incomparable results.

To book your photomodulation session, simply make an appointment here!