Skin professionals spend countless hours meticulously designing every detail of their treatment space to offer clients a momentary escape from their hectic lives, and much thought is put into the treatment menu as well. If you have ever considered adding light therapy to your offerings, there are a few key things to consider. After a bit of research, you just might find that adding light therapy to your menu can be a game changer for your business and give your clients the results they have been dreaming of. 

THE SCIENCE OF LIGHT 

Low-level light therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation or LED light therapy, utilizes specific wavelengths of light to penetrate skin and interact with cells. This interaction stimulates cellular function, leading to a variety of therapeutic benefits. Low-level light therapy is noninvasive, nontoxic, painless, and requires no downtime, making it an attractive option for clients seeking effective yet gentle treatments. 

Understanding the science behind the device and how it works is crucial to maximizing the benefits and ensuring client safety. Many manufacturers offer training, so make sure to choose a device with robust customer support behind it. Look for an FDA-cleared device as this guarantees that the device has been reviewed for efficacy and safety.  

The mechanisms by which low-level light therapy works are rooted in cellular biology. When light at specific wavelengths, typically between 600 and 1000 nanometers, is absorbed by skin, it is taken up by mitochondria within cells. This absorption boosts mitochondrial function, enhancing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, which is the energy currency of the cell. Increased adenosine triphosphate production leads to improved cellular repair and regeneration, reduced inflammation, and enhanced overall cellular function. 

In deciding on what device to invest in, it is important to choose a device emitting evidence-based wavelengths of blue, red, and near-infrared. These wavelengths have been widely shown to increase adenosine triphosphate production in cells which are compromised due to aging, illness, disease, or just poor lifestyle choices. Blue addresses acne issues, while red and near-infrared decrease inflammation and increase microcirculation to bring more oxygen and nutrients to the area. In aesthetics, red and near infrared are particularly desirable for their ability to stimulate fibroblast activity and boost collagen and elastin production. No other wavelengths are more broadly supported in credible scientific research. 

LOW-LEVEL LIGHT & SKIN 

The benefits of low-level light therapy for skin health are well-documented. According to a study published in 2013, low-level light therapy can significantly improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance overall skin tone and elasticity.1 Additionally, light therapy can effectively be used to treat a variety of pain conditions and thinning hair as well as reduce the circumference of hips, waist, and thighs.  

Incorporating low-level light therapy into your clinic’s offerings can attract a diverse clientele. Whether they are looking to combat signs of aging, reduce acne, or simply improve their skin’s tone and texture, low-level light therapy provides a versatile treatment option that can be customized to meet individual needs.  

Denise Ryan has more than 30 years’ sales, marketing, and product management experience in dental and medical device manufacturing. Ryan’s secret weapon is her unique ability to uncover what is truly special about a product or service and then passionately enroll others in that belief. She has been with BioPhotas since January 2012 as Celluma product manager, director of sales, global vice president of brand management, and currently serves as the chief clinical affairs officer. Ryan reguarly writes and speaks internationally on the science and benefits of low-level light therapy.