herapeutic Effects and Application Prospects of Full Spectrum LED Light Therapy
Therapeutic Effects of Full Spectrum LED Light Therapy: Mechanisms
Full spectrum LED light therapy is a low-risk, non-invasive, photobiological treatment using visible and near-infrared (NIR) light that provides a safe, effective, and balanced way to replicate the benefits of natural sunlight without the dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays. Unlike traditional single color LED light therapies, which only target specific tissue types, full spectrum LED light devices emit all colors of therapeutic wavelengths, which allows for stimulation of all cells within all tissue types for skin regeneration, rehabilitation of muscles, and improvements in daily life. Full-spectrum LED light therapy is now established as one of the most popular forms of light therapy available today in both clinical and home-use applications, with many uses in the dermatological, rehabilitative, and personal wellness fields.
Mechanism of Action
The therapeutic benefits of full spectrum LED light therapy are based upon the bioreactive properties of the photobiological effect of light. When the full spectrum of balanced light is applied to the various layers of human skin and soft tissue, it has the ability to stimulate the cellular mitochondrial photoreceptor cells. Activation of these cells increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by enhancing cellular metabolic activity and promoting tissues’ regeneration. As a result, the use of full spectrum LED light also provides a means to regulate the microcirculation of blood within the tissues, decrease the build-up of inflammatory factors, and reduce the level of tissue swelling and oxidative damage.
In addition, the various bands of light within the full spectrum have specific simultaneous therapeutic actions: blue band lighting inhibits bacteria and controls the production of sebum; green band lighting relieves sensitive skin and balances skin tone; red band lighting provides collagen production stimulation and minimizes wrinkles; and near-infrared band lighting provide relief from muscle soreness and accelerates healing of wounds. The combined impact of the multiple bands of light within the full spectrum provides a more comprehensive range of applications than those provided by the single-bProfessional Skin Rejuvenation; Full spectrum LED light therapy offers many different types of skin treatment solutions that affect the entire body in some way. With this type of therapy, fibroblast activity increases, collagen and elastin production are stimulated, and the effects, such as: increasing skin laxity, increasing skin dehydration, and fine lines, diminish while balancing the oil/water content of the skin through the use of full spectrum LED light therapy. As a result of this increase in stimulation, the skin begins to produce an excess amount of oil, which leads to a decline in acne and inflammatory skin disorders along with a reduction in pigmentation and dullness of the skin due to the healing of the skin barrier.
- Relief from and Recovery of, Physical Pain; Full Spectrum LED light penetrates deeply into the body and into the muscles of the body, helping to alleviate muscle spasms and chronic inflammation, and to quickly and effectively heal strained muscles and skeletal muscles and joints from musculoskeletal pain and soft tissue injuries. The use of full spectrum LED light therapy is widely used by individuals who have soreness in the cervical and lumbar sections of the spine, as well as from sports fatigue, or have experienced a mild soft tissue injury, and do not suffer any irritation or necessary “downtime” from using the treatment.
- Enhancement of Mood and Circadian Rhythm Stimulation; Full spectrum LED light mimics the effects of sunlight and the effect on melatonin and serotonin production, and helps improve health issues that are unstable due to not receiving enough sunlight, including fatigue, depressed mood and sleep disorders caused by extended periods of time being inside. This will help create a stable and healthy circadian rhythm and improve mood and overall vitality.
Benefits of Full Spectrum LED Light Therapy; Full Spectrum LED Light Therapy provides additional application and treatment benefits vs. traditional means of treatment, including but not limited to, the elimination of potentially damaging UV rays from traditional single-colour LED treatment as well as from the sun; thereby, eliminating the risks of being sunburned, pigmented or experiencing skin aging as a result of sun exposure.Thirdly, this form of production by Multi-Wavelength Synergy provides multi-dimensional treatment to overcome the single-effect limitation of monochromatic light. Additionally, there is significantly less heat produced, as well as greater consistency in output (i.e., irradiance) of light produced, and provides no open wound, downtime or benefit to all skin types, young or old.
As mentioned previously, professional full-spectrum LED devices are designed to provide the same illuminance level and colour temperature (i.e.5000K – 6500K) consistently, resulting in a therapeutic benefit that is met with long-term use of the product. Home use, portable, full-spectrum models are generally low-cost, easy to operate and safe when used consistently for an extended period of time, filling the gap between the professional clinical setting and that of home use for health and wellness benefits.
Applications
In the clinical setting, full-spectrum LED equipment is widely regarded as an adjunctive form of therapy to treat acne, rosacea, post-inflammatory pigmentation and damaged skin barriers, as well as to rehabilitate chronic soft tissue injury and muscle strain. In the beauty industry, the majority of medical aesthetic facilities and beauty salons using full-spectrum LED technology have developed “conventional” pyscho-somatic approaches to skin management and anti-aging.
In civilian use, portable full-spectrum LED masks, full-body light therapy devices and desk lamps will be very popular for providing at-home benefits associated with taking care of one’s skin, managing sleep and relieving daily fatigue.
Safety and Usage Instructions
Full-spectrum LED light therapy has been classified as one of the safest physical therapy methods; therefore, there are virtually no side effects associated with its use. For maximum safety and to attain the full benefits of the equipment, the manufacturer requires that users follow established guidelines for each use. Total time per treatment to be administered by the equipment user is set in the range of 10 – 20 minutes. The use of very high-intensity (i.e., 10-20 watts) in conjunction with a long period of continued use may result in dryness and/or fatigue of the eye. Consequently, it is recommended that everyone wear professional eye protection during their treatment to protect the retina from excessive light stimulation.
Users who have photosensitivity diseases, active skin infection(s), skin malignancies or are pregnant are advised to consult their physician prior to use. Drug-induced photosensitivity medications must not be used in combination with full-spectrum LED equipment to eliminate adverse responses. The ongoing use of full-spectrum LED products in compliance with established guidelines will improve the overall quality of one’s skin and state of physical health that is below the expected level.
In Summary
The comprehensive, safe and effective utilization of full spectrum LED products provides a significant advancement in the treatment of skin-related conditions and as a form of adjunctive treatment to chronic diseases. The success of full spectrum LED light therapy can be attributed to each of its characteristics, the physiological photobiomodulation mechanism and diverse forms of therapy available for the various treatment indications, which are supported by reputable studies. The combined efforts of ongoing advancements in LED technology, the increased use of full-spectrum LED products for skin health and a growing need to positively impact the general population will only elevate the value and role of full-spectrum LED light therapy in therapeutic practice for the treatment of many other health related issues (i.e. physical rehabilitation and restoration of general health in a sub-optimal state).