Used in aesthetic and general medicine, LED photobiomodulation is a revolutionary treatment that regenerates our cells. How? Simply by exposing them to cold, pulsed light.
Derived from soft laser therapy, photobiomodulation can be used to deeply moisturise the skin, oxygenate the blood and accelerate healing, among other things. In this article, we invite you to discover how it works and the various aesthetic and medical benefits of this cousin of light therapy.
What is LED photobiomodulation?
Did you know that all living cells emit and absorb light? They do so constantly. This is also true of skin cells, which resonate with the light energy emitted by an LED lamp when they come into contact with it.
By absorbing the light energy to which they are exposed, the cells undergo both chemical and physical changes. Their activity is stimulated, particularly the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which give our skin its elasticity. This phenomenon is known as photobiomodulation.
Understanding the photobiomodulation process
Before going into the specifics of each light, let us take a look at the process itself.
The main target of photobiomodulation is what is known as 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 stimulates this transport chain and increases 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 photobiomodulation, it is possible to restore the oxidative process and thus return to normal cellular function.
Laser stimulation also produces free nitric oxide (NO) and modulates reactive oxygen species (ROS). NO is known to be a powerful vasodilator and is involved in many physiological processes, including the inflammatory response. By increasing both NO and ROS levels, photobiomodulation proves to be an effective ally in reducing inflammation.
In summary, PBM helps restore normal cellular function. It therefore prevents cell death, reduces inflammation and accelerates tissue regeneration.
How does LED photobiomodulation work?
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 colour of the rays.
There are five colours used in photobiomodulation: red, blue, yellow, green and infrared. Depending on the colour you choose, as well as its intensity, the light will act at different levels and stimulate cell activity, particularly the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibres.
→ Blue light focuses on the epidermis. Its main effect is to act on skin imperfections. It is therefore known for destroying bacteria and for its anti-inflammatory action. It is particularly effective in treating acne; however, its use should be limited as it also contributes to the cellular oxidation process. What’s more, we are inundated with it from all the screens around us.
→ Yellow light penetrates deeper into the dermis. It stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation. It is therefore recommended for anti-ageing treatments, but also for slowing down hair loss;
→ Red light has the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum. It mainly acts on deep tissue and fibroblasts. Its field of action is therefore broader, and red light is used, for example, to firm skin tissue or treat alopecia (hair loss).
→ Green light brightens the complexion and reduces pigmentation spots.
→ Infrared light is invisible to the naked eye. It penetrates even deeper into the skin and helps to boost hydration. Infrared light is also known to inhibit lipogenesis and activate collagen and elastin production. When combined with red light, it is even more powerful and optimises the effects of treatments.
What are the benefits of photobiomodulation treatment?
The effects of LED light are the source of many benefits. As we have seen, the main benefit of photobiomodulation devices is that they boost cell regeneration.
But what does this actually mean for our skin?
Firstly, it will be better oxygenated and hydrated. But it will also restructure itself and look healthier and smoother overall. Session after session, skin exposed to photobiomodulation light will regenerate deeply. If it has minor skin imperfections, these will be reduced thanks to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. If it is beginning to show signs of ageing, the effects of ageing will also be reduced and the process halted.
At the physiological level, the positive effects of LED photobiomodulation are also varied:
→ Activation of fibroblasts, which reactivates collagen and elastin production;
→ Skin detoxification;
→ Strengthening the immune system
Versatile technology
Due to its broad spectrum of action, photobiomodulation treatment is used in a variety of applications in almost all areas of aesthetic medicine . For example, it can target:
The face
This quick and painless treatment restores radiance to the complexion and has an almost immediate anti-ageing effect. This LED technique for the face can also be used in conjunction with other treatments to soothe the skin and promote healing. Combined with peeling or treatments such as Hydrafacial or JetPeel, photobiomodulation optimises results. It also reduces side effects such as redness, swelling and secondary pigmentation reactions.
The body
Photobiomodulation can also be practised on different parts of the body. Each specific protocol will address a specific issue. When practised on the whole body, it regenerates tissue and promotes fluid circulation (blood, lymph). It can also be used as part of a slimming treatment or to provide relaxing effects. It also acts on pain of various origins, such as trauma (e.g. ankle sprain) or pain from osteoarthritis in the inflammatory phase. Its use is expanding in medical indications to improve many symptoms.
Hair
Finally, photomodulation technology has been proven to be effective in promoting hair regrowth. This technique cleanses the scalp and promotes thick, healthy hair. Specifically, when LED light targets the hair follicles, it prolongs the hair growth phase and slows down hair loss. However, it should be noted that the effects on the hair generally take longer to observe than those on the skin. This is simply because the hair’s life cycle is longer. But the results are significant.
Is LED photobiomodulation really effective?
To date, more than 400 randomised, blinded clinical trials comparing photobiomodulation with placebo treatment have been published. All suggest that photobiomodulation is effective not only in aesthetic applications, but also in general medicine. For example, it is used to relieve pain, but also to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, as well as acute respiratory infectious syndrome. It also helps to treat winter depression syndrome.
How do the sessions work?
As we have seen, the effects of photomodulation depend on the colour of the LED rays used. Depending on your needs, we can recommend one approach over another. Most often, treatments are based on the synergistic combination of different colours. A treatment protocol will therefore combine at least two colours. The diffusion power of the LEDs will also be modulated to achieve the desired effects. The duration of a session varies from 10 to 16 minutes depending on the indication.
Photobiomodulation sessions are also completely painless and have no side effects. They can be performed throughout the year, regardless of the season, and on all skin types (i.e. all skin colours). Sun exposure is not prohibited during treatment and the only recommendation is to come with your skin cleansed and free of make-up.
Each session will be spaced at least 3 days apart 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 ageing have faded considerably.
New photobiomodulation devices are now more effective than ever. At Maison Magnifisens, we use Triwings, the world’s most powerful LED illuminator. Its power density reduces treatment time to just a few minutes and, above all, delivers unrivalled results.
To book your LED photobiomodulation session, simply make an appointment here!
