Beginner’s Guide

Younger Looking Skin with Red Light Therapy

For many years, scientists have studied how the sun’s rays affect the skin. First, they focused their attention on the so-called burning rays of the sun, or ultraviolet B radiation, more commonly referred to as UVB. Then, the focus shifted to ultraviolet A rays, or UVA. Those are the sun’s rays that age the skin, leading to wrinkles and discoloration.

LED lights have been around since the 1960s, but have only recently been used as a skin treatment. Different wavelengths of the visible light spectrum correspond to different colors of LED light and penetrate the skin to different depths. Depending on how deeply they penetrate, LED lights are thought to have different biological effects.

Experts believe that red LED light acts on cells in the skin known as fibroblasts, which play a role in production of collagen, a protein that makes up a large part of connective tissue and helps the skin to recover when it’s harmed. So, in theory, red light could help to reverse some of the signs related to photoaging in the skin, says Dr. Buzney. In addition, some studies show that red light may help to restore hair for those with androgenetic alopecia, or male- and female-pattern hair loss, she says.

Ref: Harvard Health Publishing

Studies on Red Light Therapy

March 2017 study in Dermatologic Surgery of more than 50 women, researchers found that red LED light treatment improved measures of eye-area wrinkles.

When it comes to acne, a March/April 2017 issue of Clinics in Dermatology that reviewed available research noted that red and/or blue light therapy for acne reduced blemishes by 46 to 76 percent after 4 to 12 weeks of treatment. That said, other research on blue light, like a review in the Annals of Family Medicine in November/December 2019, are far less promising when it comes to blue light’s ability to clear skin.

The use of light-emitting diode therapy in the treatment of photoaged skin.
RESULTS:
Treatment of the periorbital region was reported more effective than the nasolabial region. At 12-week follow-up, 91% of subjects reported improved skin tone, and 82% reported enhanced smoothness of skin in the treatment area.
CONCLUSION:
Good response to LED therapy has been shown in this modest sample.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17760698

The penetration of different wavelengths ~ ncbi.nlm.gov

What is Microcurrent Facial?

A microcurrent facial is often referred to as a “natural” facelift. “This safe and painless facial helps erase fine lines and wrinkles, while firming your skin and defining your features. It improves muscle tone, reduces puffiness, increases cellular activity, and tightens pores. The overall result is a healthier and younger-looking skin, no matter your age,” says Joanna Vargas, founder of Joanna Vargas Salon in New York City.

Microcurrent technology has been around since the 1800’s as a treatment for damaged tissues and muscles. But when a physician of a Bell’s palsy patient noticed that the face of his patients appeared much smoother and younger-looking after receiving microcurrent therapy, one of the world’s first high-tech aesthetic treatments was born.

A microcurrent facial emits extremely low-voltage electrical currents (hence ‘micro’ current), which mirror your own body’s electrical currents, on a cellular level to repair damaged skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production. The intensity is so slight that it would take one million microcurrent machines to light a 40-watt light bulb. This treatment is often referred to as “facial toning” because it’s like a workout for your face, whereby skin cells are broken down and then grow back stronger, the same way your muscles do after lifting weights.  “It works simultaneously to repair a product collagen in the dermis, the deepest layer of your skin, while gently erasing signs of aging in the epidermis, the top layer of your skin. According to studies, a microcurrent facial can increase collagen production up to 14%, elastin increases 48% and blood circulation goes up 38%,” explains Vargas.

Who is Microcurrent Facial For?

A microcurrent facial is ideal for anyone who wants to improve the appearance of their skin, whether they are more focused on an anti-aging or preventative treatment because it covers all the bases. It is safe and effective on all skin types and skin colors.

Who is Microcurrent Facial For?

Pregnant women and people with any kind of heart condition should avoid this treatment. As always, discuss any allergies or skin sensitivities with your cosmetic doctor or aesthetician before starting a treatment.

Conclusion: Microcurrents could improve the facial wrinkles and this improvement is more significant at the frontal compared with the nose and mouth areas.

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