Dr. Sophie Couvet , a regenerative and restorative interventional physician in the Bordeaux region, shares her expertise on the use of photobiomodulation (LED) in aesthetic and regenerative medicine. Discover how this innovative technology can improve the health and appearance of your skin.
When is photobiomodulation used?
Hello everyone, I am Dr. Sophie Couvet and I practice regenerative medicine in the Bordeaux region. Today I am going to discuss the subject of photobiomodulation , commonly called LED . Photobiomodulation has more than 5,000 publications to its credit. It is not for nothing that it is widely used in the field of aesthetic medicine or cosmetic surgery . We use it a lot in photoprevention , before procedures that can create inflammation on the skin in order to prevent possible complications of medical procedures. But we also use it and recommend it after regenerative and aesthetic medicine procedures in order to help the skin repair possible invasive procedures.
More specifically, photobiomodulation is extremely interesting for treating hyperpigmentation and melasma problems . Why? Because in particular red and near infrared lights will go to the heart of the dermis and inhibit thyroxinase and the secretion and production of melamines which will be responsible for hyperpigmentation and melasma. Photobiomodulation is extremely interesting in photoprevention before aggressive acts.
I am thinking in particular of ablative lasers or peels in people who are prone to pigment rebounds . Indeed, studies have shown that by using LED the week before treatments, there was much less risk of pigment rebounds, especially since creams, particularly hydroquinone , which is used to treat melasma, do not go as deep as LED . So it is a very good alternative.
Also, photobiomodulation is extremely interesting to prevent famous keloid scars , especially post-facelift . Studies have demonstrated the interest of a strong irradiance of photobiomodulation up to 160 joules per square centimeter in order to reduce this effect of fibrosis linked to the scar post-facelift .
What is the benefit of combining red and near infrared LED?
Studies have demonstrated the interest of combining red and near infrared in particular. Indeed, pilot studies have demonstrated that by treating only one side, only one hemiphase, the treated side had reduced hyperpigmentation compared to the side that was not treated.
The same goes for wrinkles. Photobiomodulation, in scientific studies , has demonstrated a significant reduction in wrinkles and an improvement in skin quality on the hemiphase treated with red light.
Is the use of LEDs dangerous for health?
No, there have been no studies showing that LEDs are dangerous. It could be that using too many LEDs could have the opposite effect, but again, there are no studies to support this. All we ask is that you follow the user manual of your home device. In order to choose a good LED at home , you need a high irradiance .
It is always better to have a much higher irradiance, because it will deliver more energy. We know that the results are energy quantity dependent . The LED must also stick to the skin. The closer the LED is to the skin, the more effective it will be.
It is necessary to combine red and near infrared lights , in order to have a good anti-wrinkle action, anti-acne also, and to have a beautiful skin action. There is no risk of burning concerning the eyes , because there is no infrared light. We are near infrared , we do not go beyond.
What time of day should you use your LED mask?
The best time of the day is when you are calm and can enjoy it. Doing LED is also a moment of relaxation. It must be done on clean skin . So, ideally, either in the evening after your gentle skin cleansing, or in the morning, if you are more of a morning person, on cleansed skin as well.
LED can be perfectly combined with all other technologies . There is no contraindication to combining LED with your other home devices or different types of cosmetics .
What skin types are LED masks suitable for?
Photobiomodulation is extremely interesting for patients suffering from mild to moderate acne . Indeed, red light , 660 nanometers , has an interest on the anti-inflammatory side.
We know that acne is an interweaving of several things, including the presence of bacteria , but also hyper-seboreity and a very inflammatory side. So photobiomodulation will help regulate this inflammatory side and reduce inflammatory acne .
Very interestingly, the FDA has recognized photobiomodulation as an effective treatment for alopecia . Using red and near infrared lights , the combination is extremely interesting and extremely promising. Indeed, it allows the mobilization of stem cells and the induction of their differentiation.
The use of LEDs is also extremely interesting for patients who suffer from eczema , hives or any inflammatory skin pathology. It is obvious, it is linked to its anti-inflammatory mechanism.
Where can I find information about LEDs?
Finally, if you want to know more about LEDs , do not hesitate to go to PubMed . There are at least 5,000 publications on photobiomodulation. They deal with many skin pathologies, whether acne , vitiligo , scarring , wrinkles .
Don't hesitate to go and get information, it's always very interesting.
