Lightwave Therapy Principles

It is important to understand a few basic principles of light theory so that LIGHTWAVE treatments can be maximized and the provider has a clearer understanding of what to expect for their patients.

Blue light (wavelength 405nm-420nm) provide a very superficial penetration even with a high-intensity narrowband light source. It is primarily absorbed by the epidermis of the skin. Once it is absorbed, blue light targets P. acnes by stimulating porphyrins which then produce intracellular singlet oxygen and thus inducing bacterial death.

Red light (wavelength 630nm-640nm) penetrates human tissue superficially, with approximately 80% of the energy being absorbed in the first 2cm. Red light energy has a significant effect on mitochondrial stimulation, which increases the production of ATP and in turn boosts fibroblast activity. This leads to an increase in cellular turnover, superficial circulation, and an anti-inflammatory emission.

Infrared (IR) light (wavelength 800nm – 900nm) energy penetrates tissue at a greater depth than the Blue and Red light. Approximately 50% penetrates to 8cm and decreases to less than 1% at 20cm (NASA study). Infrared energy is known to heat tissue and its effects are well documented for therapeutic pain management. For cosmetic applications, IR stimulates the NaK+ pump which increases cell membrane permeability; facilitating equilibrium of cellular pH, while increasing nutritional absorption and elimination of waste byproducts.

Biological effects such as an increase in collagen bundles and elastin fibers are increased when Red and Infrared energy is used in conjunction with each other. However, the two wavelengths should never be used simultaneously due to possible wavelength interference.

Tissues are affected differently by pulsing the wavelengths between 10 Hz – 10,000 Hz. Slow pulses reduce nerve sensitivity by decreasing the production of Brinikin lucitrin necessary in the transmission of pain signals. Mid range pulses stimulate endorphin production while intense pulses stimulate mitosis and cellular repair. Each program incorporates multiple pulse frequencies including continuous wave which are designed for optimum tissue response for each pre-set indication.

Many skin care products contain reflective agents and if they are applied to the skin prior to a light therapy treatment, they can actually decrease the effectiveness of the treatment. It is important to apply the various wavelengths of light to clean, dry skin.

What is the history of LED Therapy?

History of LED Therapy In 1903, a Nobel Prize of Medicine was given to a scientist by the name of Niels Finsen for the use of light therapy; once known as photo therapy. Research progressed and by the 1960s photo therapy – now referred to as LED Therapy (or LEDT) was being used primarily in Eastern Europe for treatment of chronic pain, arthritis and associated conditions, joint rehabilitation, and soft-tissue injury along with other medical ailments. During this same time LEDT was being used in a small sector of the United States by equestrian practices for animals with joint and soft tissue injury.

1980’s

During the 1980s though current, the field has expanded and more clinics and medical science industries are putting the effects of Light Therapy to work in vaster capacities. Through numerous studies and years of use of Red light therapy and Infrared light therapy it was found that the tissue was not only healing but superficial cosmetic conditions were improved as well.

1990’s

Additionally, many professional sports teams and athletes have found that LED therapy can be used to aid in sports related injuries, and physical therapists have noted a recovery time of 50 times faster than without the therapy.

2000’s

In 2001, based of the abundance of proven data on Red light therapy, Infrared light therapy and Blue light therapy ,LIGHTWAVE developed the first device to combine the benefits of these wavelengths of light through the use of LEDs in a compact and highly efficient modality. See our equipment page for more information on the LIGHTWAVE systems. In recent years Blue light therapy has been evaluated and studied. It is a derivitive of UV therapy used in the past for Psoriasis, to stimulate the immune system, destroy bacteria, Acne, actinic keratosis (AK), SADs (Seasonal Effect Disorder), treatments for gout, gouty arthritis, bursitis and other inflammatory conditions of muscles and joints. The current data has shown that Blue light therapy is an effective means for treating such conditions and has been further supported by many Dermatologist groups, such as the AAD, BAD and more.

2010’s

Topicals Light Infusion technology has come forward and a viable evolution of LED therapy.

LED Technology

History of the LED

In 1903, a Nobel Prize of Medicine was given to a scientist by the name of Niels Finsen for the use of light therapy; once known as photo therapy. Research progressed and by the 1960s photo therapy – now referred to as LED Therapy (or LEDT) was being used primarily in Eastern Europe for treatment of chronic pain, arthritis and associated conditions, joint rehabilitation, and soft-tissue injury along with other medical ailments. During this same time LEDT was being used in a small sector of the United States by equestrian practices for animals with joint and soft tissue injury.

In recent years Blue light therapy has been evaluated and studied. It is a derivitive of UV therapy used in the past for Psoriasis, to stimulate the immune system, destroy bacteria, Acne, actinic keratosis (AK), SADs (Seasonal Effect Disorder), treatments for gout, gouty arthritis, bursitis and other inflammatory conditions of muscles and joints. The current data has shown that Blue light therapy is an effective means for treating such conditions and has been further supported by many Dermatologist groups, such as the AAD, BAD and more.

More Information

It is important to understand a few basic principles of light theory so that the LIGHTWAVE treatments can be maximized and there is a clear understanding of what to expect.

Published Clinical Studies and Articles List– Full List of studies for download.
Beauty and hair growth– “Hair Regrowth Device Now Has FDA Clearance”
Blue & Red Info – “Blue Light gets at the core of what causes acne eruptions: P. acnes, the bacterial responsible…”
British journal of dermatology on acne – “evaluated the use of blue light (peak at 415 nm) and a mixed blue and red light”
Clinical Study Mechanism laser therapy paper– “The use of low levels of visible or near infrared light for…”
Hair Loss Study – “evaluating the application of an LLLT device for the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia.”
HighBeam Research Low-level laser therapy for diabetic foot wound healing.(Wound care)
Healing-Light-in-Space-with-Nasa– “NASA space technology shines new light on healing”
Effect of NASA Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation_study_2001– “Light emitting diodes bring relief to young cancer patients”
Severe Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris – “Treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory acne vulgaris: photodynamic therapy…”
The Effect of LED on hair growth of mice– “The low-powered laser therapy is a therapeutic method to stimulate voluntary healing
Laser/Light in the Treatment of Male/Female Pattern Hair Loss– great interest in the potential role of laser/light-based treatments for male and female pattern hair loss

Acne studies

Shnitkind Elaine, Yaping E., Green Susan, Shalita Alan R., Lee Wei-Li; Anti-inflammatory properties of narrow-band blue light. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2006.
Rutledge, Barbara J; Acne relief.- PDT combination effective for recalcitrant acne vulgaris. Dermatology Times. 2003.
Ceilley, Roger I; Advances in the topical treatment of acne and rosacea. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2004.Nestor, Mark Steven; Combination therapy in clinical and cosmetic dermatology: the marriage of device and drug. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2004.
Lee SY, You CE, Park MY; Blue and red light combination LED phototherapy for acne vulgaris in patients with skin phototype IV. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2007.

Acne articles

Allyn, Jennifer; Acne And Rosacea Getting You Down? Laser, Light And Cosmetic Treatments Give Patients A Much Needed Boost. American Academy of Dermatology. 2008.
Author unknown; High-Tech Acne Treatments Light the Way for Future Long-Term Solution to Common Skin Condition. American Academy of Dermatology. 2007.
Author unknown; Light therapy ‘best for acne’. British Journal of Dermatology. 2000.

ALA – PDT Rejuvenation Studies

Gold, Michael H; Photodynamic therapy. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2007.
Gold Michael H., Biron, Julie A., Boring Molly, Bridges Tancy M., Bradshaw Virginia L.; Treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory acne vulgaris: photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid and a novel Advanced Fluorescence Technology pulsed light source.(Clinical report) Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2007
Hongcharu W et al; “Topical ALA-photodynamic therapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2000; 115(2):183-92.
Boring, Molly; Bradshaw, Virginia Lee; Bridges, Tancy M.; Gold, Michael H.; ALA-PDT and blue light therapy for hidradenitis suppurativa. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2004.
Guttman, Cheryl; ALA-PDT most effective with blue light, study shows. Dermatology Times. 2006.