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Originally introduced in
the country some 25 years ago and having been used in Europe for many years,
Light Therapy really came into its own in the United States when NASA began
doing research to improve wound healing and tissue growth in space.
Many scientific studies have been conducted
which have proven that light in the right wavelengths in low power doses is
absorbed by the cell which prompts fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin
proteins. What this means in layman's
language is that the skin is benefitted by treatment with this type of light.
In contrast to high power
lasers which are used for surgery or "peels" this low power light
treatment stimulates the cells and thus creates the benefit referred to
earlier. Typically, light in the red and
near-infrared (invisible light) spectrum are used for treating aging,
photo-damaged or blotchy skin and tissue regeneration.
This new light therapy is
referred to by severall terms, including photomodulation, cold light, photo
rejuvenation, and low power light therapy.
There are many in the aesthetic community who are claiming that light
technology has already proven to be a powerful skincare tool.
Claims include increase in circulation,
reduction in puffiness, smoothing and brightening of the complexion, lessening
of hyperpigmentation, and improvement in the appearance of fine lines and
wrinkles. While low power Light
Therapy is used as a solo treatment, it is often used in conjunction with other
facial treatments including traditional facials, vacuum massage,
microdermabrasion, and chemical peels.
Light Therapy seems to hasten the healing process and enhance the
benefit from the other treatment regimens.
The power of the Light Therapy device being used determines the length
of time required to perform a complete facial. Most units require 40 minutes or
longer to deliver the proper dosage, however, some units are on the market now
which can deliver the same dosage in as little as 10 to 15 minutes.
Light Therapy is safe when
applied properly and has no feeling except a very mild warmth
compared with those devices that have a more
powerful light source. Typically the
light source for low power light therapy is "Light Emitting Diodes"
known as LEDs. This is the same
technology commonly used to light readouts on appliances and car dash
boards. Of course there are varying
powers of LED. Some of the newer and
more sophisticated Light Therapy units are power by "Super Luminous
Diodes" known as SLDs. SLDs are a
more powerful higher quality light source than LEDs.
As is the case with any
treatment that affects the face or skin, extreme caution should be used when
choosing a skin care professional who is well qualified to deliver the
treatment.While there is little chance
of injury, the effectiveness of the treeatment is based on the individual
understanding the mechanism of action for light's affect on the cell and
delivering the treatment in a manner that will provide the most benefit for the
person being treated.
Exerience has shown that
every person responds differently to beauty treatments.
While there may be some immediate effect when
Light Therapy is used in conjunction with microdermabrasion or a chemical peel,
it may require a series of treatments to recognize benefits from some
procedures. There should always be a
realistic expectation and a clear understanding between the professional and
the client as to what is to be achieved.
Just as the public seeking
beauty care should be careful in choosing a well trained and capable person to
perform Light Therapy, skin care professionals considering providing this new
beauty treatment should be very cautious when making a determination as to
which equipment they should use. There
is quite a rush by manufacturers who have little or no experience in the field
to produce a photo rejuvenation device.
Only companies with a history of producing Light Therapy equipment
should be considered. There is a difference
in quality and service with these Light Therapy devices just as there is with
most beauty equipment. In researching
the field, one can quickly determine that there is a variety of manufacturers
making claims and representations that may be difficult to substantiate.
A reputable manufacturer will be willing to
provide safety and regulatory information to protect the spa or doctor and
their clients and patients.
We live in an age when new
technology is a great benefit. Low power
Light Therapy is the latest in beauty treatments.
This technology is based on solid scientific
studies. Those seeking more beautiful
and younger looking skin can look forward with great anticipation to having
Light Therapy as a part of their beauty regimen.
So -- let there be
light and let there be even greater beauty.
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