Luminous masks, combs and red light devices promise miracles for the skin. They are everywhere and within everyone’s reach, but do they work? The dermatologist Alexandra Osório explains why not all light is therapeutic and what distinguishes clinical photobiomodulation from devices sold online.
In all non-scientific and non-medical publications, Low Intensity Laser (LLLT) of the skin is called – red light or blue light laser, but it is not correct. Depending on the color of the light, the depth at which it reaches changes and its effect, which is felt on the structures it reaches, also varies.
But anyone who thinks this is normal light is mistaken. It is called LLLT – low intensity laser, without the thermal effect of lasers, and it performs a treatment called photobiomodulation.
Photobiomodulation, also called photostimulation or phototherapy, is a means of treating the skin using light produced by an LED device. It is a technique discovered in England in the 1950s and its use has become popular in the USA in the last 20 years in dermatological treatments, post-laser dermatology, post-surgical procedures and in the area of rejuvenation.
Photobiostimulation works considering a certain wavelength according to the stipulated color of light, and its mechanism of action is simple – light is energy that comes in the form of photons that penetrate the skin and are absorbed by different cells with energy “sensors” inside them (at the level of mitochondria).
Each type of light (red, blue, yellow and green) is absorbed by a certain type of cell, at a different depth and performing a specific function. This energy makes it possible to reactivate all the main cellular functions depending on the type of light, in order to obtain important and varied biological effects (according to the protocol used).
The powerful effects of LED on the body are achieved through several mechanisms, such as increasing cell mobility, antimicrobial action, increasing cell proliferation, shortening skin recovery time after any aggression or stimulating the natural production of certain molecules secreted by the cells themselves such as growth factors, antibacterial proteins, anti-inflammatory molecules, etc.
The effects can be enhanced when a specific drug or molecule is applied that penetrates the skin and the LLLT, when applied to that drug, makes it active under the skin – where it will produce its therapeutic effect. It can thus modulate a chemical reaction with therapeutic intent.
In the area of rejuvenation, photobiomodulation will increase the number of mitochondria per cell, increasing cellular ATPS – providing energy to the cell for its physiological processes – this is what happens with the Senescent Fibroblast which, stimulated by LLLT, will produce more collagen and elastin fibers in greater quantity and better quality, becoming younger over time. Reducing sagging, wrinkles, blemishes and shortening cellular and skin aging.
In the field of Dermatology, its use is varied – phototherapy is used to treat recurrent acne, all inflammatory processes of the skin – such as: eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis (aka skin allergies), vitiligo and psoriasis, as well as skin lichenifications. Rosacea, being an inflammatory disease, can also be treated with phototherapy associated with the application of certain treatment molecules.
The question I was asked was: “Do the red light devices sold online and in the market accessible to anyone other than those in the medical field do what they promise?”
There are several aspects to consider:
· Certification of photobiomodulation devices (low-power laser therapy or LED) is essential to ensure safety, effectiveness and legal compliance for professional or domestic use. In Brazil, the main regulation is carried out by ANVISA, in the USA it is the FDA, in Europe it is CE and IS0 Certification but the equipment must undergo rigorous technical tests before receiving registration.
· But pay attention! Certification does not mean they are effective!
· Do you think that a comb, a mask, a red light device that has a cheap cost can be compared with the true therapeutic effect of an LLLT whose value varies between 2500 euros and 20000 euros?
· Dermatologists’ photobiostimulation machines are registered as Medical Devices by the Infarmed which assigns you a Medical Device Code (CDM). And they comply with very demanding rules such as a specific number of scientific clinical studies, specific and restricted directive standards. And their assignment often takes years! It is a time-consuming and rigorous process.
· The CDM is a unique identification code assigned by Infarmed (National Authority for Medicines and Health Products) for each medical device sold in Portugal, essential for traceability and compliance, and is mandatory on invoices and transport notes. This code allows clear identification of the product and ensures that healthcare establishments only purchase registered devices, being managed through a searchable database, INFODM. Is it possible to verify your registration and information.
· If the devices are not listed, its efficacy and therapeutic effect for which it is intended cannot be guaranteed. So my answer is no!
Devices approved and registered with Infarmed have reproducible, controlled and effective effects on the following pathologies:
2. Hair growth and strengthening (as a complementary treatment to the Hair Rejuvenation protocol)
4. Acts as a healing agent after ablative lasers and any inflammatory situation that is difficult to treat
5. Pressure and superficial ulcers
6. Contact dermatitis and impetinigization (crust)
7. Prevention of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after any dermatological procedure.
Article authored by dermatologist doctor Alexandra Osório
