SCIENCE  |  SKINCARE

Low Level Light Therapy

Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation (PBM), is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate cellular processes. It works by penetrating the skin and interacting with mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of cells, to enhance cellular metabolism and promote healing. This therapy is used for a variety of applications, including reducing inflammation, accelerating tissue repair, and alleviating pain.

PUBLICATIONS

  1. Male facial rejuvenation using a combination 633, 830, and 1072 nm LED face mask.
          • Arch Dermatol Res. 2023 Nov;315(9):2605-2611.
          • Design: Study evaluating the safety and efficacy of a red light (RL) and near-infrared (NIR) LED face mask for male facial rejuvenation.
          • Summary: The study showed favorable improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture, and appearance after 6 weeks of treatment. Digital photography analysis confirmed positive results in skin quality, and participants reported high satisfaction with the home-based, non-invasive treatment.
  2. Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation.
          • Skin Res Technol. 2023 Jul;29(7):e13391.
          • Design: Clinical study on the effectiveness of a red light photobiomodulation mask used twice weekly over 3 months for reversing skin aging.
          • Summary: The study demonstrated progressive improvements in skin quality, with reductions in wrinkles, improved skin firmness, and complexion homogeneity. Benefits lasted up to 1 month post-treatment.
  3. Photobiomodulation Reduces Periocular Wrinkle Volume by 30%: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
          • Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2023 Feb;41(2):48-56.
          • Design: Split-face, randomized controlled trial comparing red and amber LED photobiomodulation for wrinkle reduction in women aged 40-65 years.
          • Summary: Both red and amber light reduced periocular wrinkles by 30%, but no significant changes were seen in hydration or skin elasticity. Quality of life improved for all participants.
  4. Transcranial Photobiomodulation Therapy Ameliorates Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorder Through Modulation of Mitochondrial Function in Aged Mice.
          • Neuroscience. 2022 May 10;490:236-249.
          • Design: Study on aged mice evaluating the effects of transcranial near-infrared (tNIR) photobiomodulation therapy on perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) caused by anesthesia and surgery.
          • Summary: The tNIR light treatment improved cognitive function and mitochondrial activity in PND mice. The therapy increased synaptic and neuronal survival and enhanced SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling, providing a potential non-invasive treatment for PND.
  5. Photobiomodulation and Oxidative Stress: 980 nm Diode Laser Light Regulates Mitochondrial Activity and Reactive Oxygen Species Production.
          • Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2021 Mar 3;2021:6626286.
          • Design: In vitro study on bovine liver mitochondria, evaluating the effects of 980 nm laser light on mitochondrial complexes, ATP production, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
          • Summary: Low laser power inhibited mitochondrial function, while higher power increased ATP production by stimulating Complex III and IV activities. The study highlighted the dose-dependent effects of photobiomodulation on mitochondrial efficiency and oxidative stress.
  6. Safety of light emitting diode-red light on human skin: Two randomized controlled trials.
          • J Biophotonics. 2020 Mar;13(3):e201960014.
          • Design: Two phase I, single-blind, randomized controlled trials to evaluate the safety of high fluence LED-red light (LED-RL) on human skin.
          • Summary: LED-RL was found safe up to 320 J/cm² for skin of color and 480 J/cm² for non-Hispanic Caucasians. Adverse effects such as blistering and erythema were mild and transient, supporting the safety of LED-RL for diverse skin types.
  7. Biological Responses of Stem Cells to Photobiomodulation Therapy.
          • Curr Stem Cell Res Ther. 2020;15(5):400-413.
          • Design: Literature review of studies on the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on stem cells.
          • Summary: PBMT was found to enhance stem cell proliferation, increase production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and ATP, and initiate signal cascades important for cell regeneration. This suggests that PBMT could be valuable in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
  8. Effects of photobiomodulation on mitochondria of brain, muscle, and C6 astroglioma cells.
          • Med Eng Phys. 2019 Sep;71:108-113.
          • Design: In vitro and in vivo study investigating the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) on mitochondrial function in brain, muscle, and C6 glioma cells.
          • Summary: PBM enhanced the activity of mitochondrial respiratory complexes, with dose-dependent effects. Complex I and IV activity increased in brain and muscle mitochondria, showing PBM’s potential to support cellular energy production in different tissues.
  9. Photobiomodulation Therapy for Wound Care: A Potent, Noninvasive, Photoceutical Approach.
          • Adv Skin Wound Care. 2019 Apr;32(4):157-167.
          • Design: Review of scientific studies on the application of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for wound healing.
          • Summary: PBMT was shown to be an effective noninvasive tool for wound care. The reviewed studies indicated therapeutic benefits in reducing inflammation and accelerating tissue repair, though more research is needed to standardize treatment protocols.
  10. Review of light parameters and photobiomodulation efficacy: dive into complexity.
          • J Biomed Opt. 2018 Dec;23(12):1-17.
          • Design: Review of studies exploring the range of effective parameters for photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy in different tissues.
          • Summary: The review identified variability in effective PBM parameters based on tissue type and mitochondrial activity. Cells with higher mitochondrial numbers (e.g., muscle, brain) responded to lower doses of PBM, while cells with fewer mitochondria required higher doses for therapeutic effects.
  11. Low Level Light Therapy with Light-Emitting Diodes for the Aging Face.
          • Clin Plast Surg. 2016 Jul;43(3):541-50.
          • Design: Review of low-level light therapy (LLLT) with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for treating the aging face.
          • Summary: LED-LLLT was shown to safely and effectively rejuvenate skin by stimulating cells in the epidermis and dermis and enhancing blood flow, making it a viable non-invasive option for patients seeking facial rejuvenation.
  12. Proposed Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation or Low-Level Light Therapy.
          • IEEE J Sel Top Quantum Electron. 2016 May-Jun;22(3):7000417.
          • Design: Review summarizing the proposed mechanisms of action for photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level light therapy (LLLT).
          • Summary: The review highlights the role of cytochrome c oxidase as a chromophore and explores how PBM enhances mitochondrial function, cellular signaling, and gene expression related to cell survival and proliferation, with a particular focus on stem cells.
  13. Low-level laser therapy activates NF-kB via generation of reactive oxygen species in mouse embryonic fibroblasts.
          • PLoS One. 2011;6(7):e22453.
          • Design: In vitro study using mouse embryonic fibroblasts to evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on NF-kB activation.
          • Summary: LLLT was found to activate NF-kB through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhancing mitochondrial respiration and activating cellular pathways involved in anti-apoptosis and cell survival.
  14. A study to determine the efficacy of combination LED light therapy (633 nm and 830 nm) in facial skin rejuvenation.
          • J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2005 Dec;7(3-4):196-200.
          • Design: Clinical study assessing the efficacy of combination LED light therapy (633 nm and 830 nm) for facial rejuvenation.
          • Summary: The study showed significant improvement in skin texture and reduction in periorbital wrinkles after 9 sessions of LED light therapy. Patient satisfaction was high, and 81% reported improvements in facial appearance.
  15. A single-blinded randomised controlled study to determine the efficacy of Omnilux Revive facial treatment in skin rejuvenation.
          • Lasers Med Sci. 2005;20(1):6-10.
          • Design: Randomized controlled study on the efficacy of Omnilux Revive LED facial treatment in 23 volunteers.
          • Summary: Ninety-one percent of participants reported visible improvements in skin appearance, though objective analysis did not show significant changes in skin hydration or elasticity. The treatment was found to be a safe, non-ablative skin rejuvenation option.
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