A study to determine the efficacy of combination LED light therapy (633 nm and 830 nm) in facial skin rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND: The use of visible or near infrared spectral light alone for the purpose of skin rejuvenation has been previously reported. A method of light emitting diode (LED) photo rejuvenation incorporating a combination of these wavelengths and thus compounding their distinct stimulation of cellular components is proposed.Objective. To assess the efficacy and local tolerability of combination light therapy in photo rejuvenation of facial skin. METHODS: Thirty-one subjects with facial rhytids received nine light therapy treatments using the Omnilux LED system. The treatments combined wavelengths of 633 nm and 830 nm with fluences of 126 J/cm(2) and 66 J/cm(2) respectively. Improvements to the skin surface were evaluated at weeks 9 and 12 by profilometry performed on periorbital casts. Additional outcome measures included assessments of clinical photography and patient satisfaction scores. RESULTS: Key profilometry results Sq, Sa, Sp and St showed significant differences at week 12 follow-up; 52% of subjects showed a 25%-50% improvement in photoaging scores by week 12; 81% of subjects reported a significant improvement in periorbital wrinkles on completion of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Omnilux combination red and near infrared LED therapy represents an effective and acceptable method of photo rejuvenation. Further study to optimize the parameters of treatment is required.     

A study to determine the effect of combination blue (415 nm) and near-infrared (830 nm) light-emitting diode (LED) therapy for moderate acne vulgaris

Background and objective: Acne vulgaris remains a major problem in dermatological practice. Phototherapy for acne with blue (415 nm) and red (633 nm) light-emitting diode (LED) arrays has recently attracted attention. This pilot study assessed the efficacy of the combination of 415 nm and near-infrared (IR) LED therapy for moderate acne. Methods: Seventeen individuals were recruited: 13 females and four males. Skin types ranged from type II to type VI, and the acne grades at baseline ranged from Burton grade 1 to 5. Patients underwent twice-weekly 20-minute sessions of LED therapy for 4 weeks, alternating between the blue (415 nm) and near-IR (830 nm) heads. No other treatment was allowed. Results were assessed and compared with the baseline values at 1, 4 and 8 weeks post-treatment. Results: Six individuals failed to complete the study. Eleven individuals showed improvement ranging from 0% to 83.3%. A downward shift in the Burton grade was seen overall. Non-inflammatory lesion counts increased in four patients, but improved in the other seven by an average of 48.8%. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: The combination therapy for acne produced results which were less effective in the reduction of inflammatory lesions than those achieved with the previously reported blue/red combination. Further study with a much larger patient population is warranted.     

A retrospective study on the clinical efficacy of the intense pulsed light source for photodamage and skin rejuvenation

Objective: The objective of this retrospective review is to investigate the long-term effect of skin rejuvenation by the intense pulsed light (IPL) source for the treatment of photoaging. Methods: From 5300 clinical cases that our department has treated with the IPL, the first 2534 were chosen for this study. Each patient received a minimum of 3 IPL treatments during this time—many were yearly treatments. Clinical photographs were taken on a yearly basis for up to 12 years and sent to a blinded independent panel to study the effects of continuous IPL treatments. Results: Results showed that the effective rate for the IPL was between 88.24% and 96.45%. Conclusions: IPL therapy is an effective treatment for photoaging and can truly have an effect on reversing the signs of photodamage on skin.     

The use of light-emitting diode therapy in the treatment of photoaged skin

Background Light‐emitting diode (LED) therapy is an increasingly popular methodology for the treatment of sun damage. Combination use of light wavelengths reported to stimulate collagen synthesis and accelerate fibroblast–myofibroblast transformation may display a composite rejuvenative effect. Objective To clinically assess reduction in sun damage signs following a 5‐week course of LED therapy and to assess subject's perception of the treatment. Methods Thirteen subjects with wrinkles or fine lines in the periorbital and nasolabial region and those presenting Glogau scale photodamage grade II–III received nine 20‐min duration light treatments using the Omnilux? LED system. The treatments combined wavelengths of 633 and 830 nm at fluences of 126 and 66 J/cm², respectively. Sun‐damage reduction was assessed at 6, 9, and 12 weeks by clinical photography and patient satisfaction scores. Results The majority of subjects displayed “moderate” (50%) or “slight” (25%) response to treatment at investigator assessment. 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. Larger trials are needed to assess optimum frequency of light treatments and overall treatment time.     

Fractional carbon dioxide laser for facial rejuvenation: A prospective study to evaluate the efficacy and the safety

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser for facial rejuvenation. Materials and Methods: Twenty-nine female who have the complaint of facial aging were recruited for the study. Participants received a maximum of three laser treatment sessions with one-month intervals and were scored using a 5-point scale on seven categories for facial aging before and after the treatment by the physicians. Self-assessments by participants were done at the last month of follow-up period and 3 years after the last session. Results: Mean facial aging score before the treatment was 11,24 ± 4,30 and after the treatment was 10,51 ± 3,86 (p = 0.003). The decrease in the score was mild in 18 (62,1%) participants, whereas it was moderate in only 1 (3,4%) participant. None of the participants had significant or perfect improvement. When the seven categories were analyzed seperately, the only statistically significant alteration in the score was found in the skin tone category (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: Results show that rejuvenation with the fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser decreases mildly the symptoms of facial aging in more than half of the patients.     

A prospective study of safety and efficacy of combination therapy with bipolar radiofrequency-based intense pulsed light,infrared light,and diode laser in Chinese subjects with photoaged skin

Objective: To further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of bipolar RF-based optical therapy combining intense pulsed light (IPL), infrared light, and diode laser in the treatment of photoaged skin in Chinese subjects. Methods: Twenty-seven subjects received five treatments at 3-week intervals. Triple therapy was applied in one session to the face. Images and data were obtained 30 and 180 days after the last treatment. Objective measurements (including photometric analysis of skin pigmentation, texture and wrinkles, ultrasonic measurement of dermal thickness and dermal echo intensity, and public and self-assessment of apparent age), clinical assessment, and safety were evaluated. Results: Objective measurements of pigmentation, texture, wrinkles, and dermal echo intensity improved significantly, regardless of age. Self-assessment of apparent age at 30 and 180 days was reduced by an average of 2.7 and 2.2 years, respectively, and public assessment of apparent age was reduced by an average of 3.14 years and 2.95 years, respectively. Global scores for photoaging were improved in all patients. Adverse events were generally transient and mild. Conclusion: Sequential combination treatment reported here could significantly reduce skin pigmentation, texture and wrinkles, improve dermal intensity, and reduce the self and publicly perceived age. This therapy is safe and well tolerated.     

A study to determine the efficacy of a novel handheld light‐emitting diode device in the treatment of photoaged skin

The use of visible or near‐infrared spectral light alone for the purpose of skin rejuvenation has been previously reported in the literature. These devices use large arrays of diodes to deliver light to the skin. In this study, a novel method of light‐emitting diode (LED) photo rejuvenation incorporating a combination of these wavelengths delivered from a small handheld unit is proposed. Twenty‐two subjects with facial rhytides received eight light therapy treatments over a course of 4 weeks, using the Omnilux handheld LED system. Assessment of global skin grading was evaluated at weeks 6, 9, and 12 by a dermatologist. Additional outcome measures included assessments of clinical photography and patient satisfaction scores. Seventy‐four percent of the subjects reported a visible improvement in fine lines and wrinkles at 8 weeks posttreatment. Combination red and near‐infrared LED therapy delivered from a small portable handheld unit represents an effective and acceptable method of photo rejuvenation. Further studies to optimize the parameters of treatment are required.     

Histological evidence for skin rejuvenation using a combination of pneumatic energy,broadband light,and growth factor therapy

Abstract

Background and objective: A variety of laser or light-based devices have been developed for skin rejuvenation. This study evaluates the efficacy (at the microscopic level) of a combination of pneumatic energy, broadband light, and profusion tip-delivered epidermal growth factor (EGF). Methods: Healthy adult Japanese volunteers were recruited for this study. The posterior parts of the left and right arms were treated with a device that combines pneumatic energy and broadband light (Isolaz device). The left arms were also treated with EGF through a tip. Each subject received four treatments at 10-day intervals. Biopsy specimens obtained 3 weeks after the second treatment and 3 weeks after the fourth treatment were examined for histological study. Results: After two treatments, elastin fibers and fibroblasts in the dermal papillary layers of the left arms were increased compared to the right arms. A mean of 173.9 cells positive for proliferating cell nuclear antibody (PCNA) were observed on the left arm compared to 101.0 on the right arm. After the fourth treatment, angiogenesis and increased collagen fibers were observed in the dermal papillary layers of both arms. Conclusion: Four treatments with the addition of the profusion tip appear to hasten new collagen and elastin fiber formation, and the increase of PCNA positive cells so that dermal remodeling begins at an earlier stage than with the Isolaz alone.     

Phototherapy in anti-aging and its photobiologic basics: a new approach to skin rejuvenation

Intrinsic aging and photoaging of the face are constantly ongoing, and eventually result in the typical "aged" face, with visible lines and wrinkles at rest, a variety of dyschromia and a tired, dull and lax epidermis over poorly organized elastotic dermal architecture characterized by many interfibrillary spaces. Both ablative and nonablative resurfacing have been reported as solutions, the former providing excellent results, but a long patient downtime, and the latter giving little or no downtime, but less-than-ideal results. In ablative resurfacing, the epidermis is removed and replaced with a "new" epidermis, whereas in the nonablative approach the epidermis is spared through some form of cooling. In both approaches, however, the goal is to create controlled amounts of thermal damage in the dermis to stimulate the wound healing process, thus generating a tighter, better organized, "younger" dermal matrix. A better approach might be to apply prevention, rather than the cure, and to treat subjects in their very early 20s, before even fine lines have begun to appear. This "photoanti-aging" approach could be achieved with the use of very low incident levels of photon energy to stimulate the skin cells, both epidermal and dermal, at cell-specific wavelengths based on the photobiological findings of the literature over the past two decades or so, in order to increase their resistance to the effects of chronological and photoaging. Lasers and IPL systems could be used, but are extremely expensive and therapist-intensive. A new generation of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has appeared as the result of a spin-off from the US NASA Space Medicine Program, which are much more powerful than the previous generation with quasimonochromatic outputs. These LEDs can offer target specificity to achieve photobiomodulated enhanced action potentials of the skin cells, in particular mast cells, macrophages, endotheliocytes, and fibroblasts, plus increases in local blood and lymphatic flow, in a noninvasive, athermal manner. New phototherapeutic LED-based systems have appeared to meet the need for a less-expensive but clinically useful light source to enable photoantiaging as a reality in clinical practice. Some studies proving the efficacy of LED therapy have already appeared, and based on their results LED therapy represents a potential new approach to prevention in anti-aging, so that further studies are warranted to prove its efficacy.     

Combination blue (415 nm) and red (633 nm) LED phototherapy in the treatment of mild to severe acne vulgaris.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Acne vulgaris represents both a challenge to the treating dermatologist and a major concern for the patient. Conventional treatments have proved inconsistent with often unacceptable side effects and high rates of recurrence. Non-thermal, non-laser, phototherapy for acne with a combination of blue and red light has recently attracted attention. The present study was designed to assess the efficacy of this combination phototherapy. METHODS: Twenty-four subjects, Fitzpatrick skin types II-V, with mild to severe symmetric facial acne vulgaris were recruited for the study. Subjects were well matched at baseline in terms of both age and duration of acne. Subjects were treated over eight sessions, two per week 3 days apart, alternating between 415 nm blue light (20 minutes/session, 48 J/cm2) and 633 nm red light (20 minutes/session, 96 J/cm2) from a light-emitting diode (LED)-based therapy system. Patients received a mild microdermabrasion before each session. Acne was assessed at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 8 and 12. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients completed the trial. A mean reduction in lesion count was observed at all follow-up points. At the 4-week follow-up, the mean lesion count reduction was significant at 46% (p=0.001). At the 12-week follow-up, the mean lesion count reduction was also significant at 81% (p=0.001). Patient and dermatologist assessments were similar. Severe acne showed a marginally better response than mild acne. Side effects were minimal and transitory. Comedones did not respond as well as inflammatory lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Combination blue and red LED therapy appears to have excellent potential in the treatment of mild to severe acne. Treatment appears to be both pain- and side effect-free.     

两种强脉冲光治疗面部光老化的临床观察

目的 比较两种强脉冲光治疗仪对面部光老化的疗效及安全性.方法 采用自身半脸对照法,对30例面部光老化女性受试者分别以强脉冲光治疗仪Lumenis One或BBL进行治疗,共治疗5次,每次间隔3～5周,并于首次治疗前(访视1)、第3次治疗后第4周(访视2)、第5次治疗后第4周(访视3)、第5次治疗后第8周(访视4)进行随访.每次随访时,采用光老化整体评分(GSP)对受试者治疗前后面部光老化程度进行评价,4分法评价左右半脸皱纹、皮肤质地、色素斑、毛细血管扩张、皮肤紧致度的改善程度,视觉模拟评分(VAS)法用于疼痛评价.末次治疗后进行受试者满意度自评.GSP与左、右面部改善评分比较均采用重复测量资料方差分析.结果 26例受试者完成了全部治疗及随访.对全面部进行评价,3次治疗后4周,受试者GSP评分由治疗前的3.19±0.75下降至2.15±0.83(P＜ 0.01),5次治疗后4周下降至1.85±0.88,5次治疗后8周为1.85±0.97,5次治疗后4周与8周相比差异无统计学意义(P＞0.01).分别评价左右面部,两侧皮肤质地、色素斑、毛细血管扩张和皮肤紧致度的改善评分在访视2、3、4间均有先增加后降低的趋势(F值分别为18.75、10.25、12.83、15.73,均P＜0.05),且访视3改善程度较访视2显著增加(均P＜0.017).皮肤质地、毛细血管扩张和皮肤紧致度的改善程度在访视3与访视4间无明显差异(P＞ 0.017),色素斑改善评分在5次治疗后8周较5次治疗后4周略下降(P＜ 0.017).皱纹在访视2、3、4间改善不明显(F=3.17,P＞0.05),Lumenis One侧与BBL侧5种面部光老化症状的改善也没有明显差异(均P＞0.05).BBL侧VAS疼痛评分(4.62±1.54)显著小于Lumenis One侧(5.80±1.74),差异有统计学意义(t=2.87,P＜0.05).受试者自我满意率为88.46％(23/26).结论 强脉冲光治疗仪Lumenis One和BBL均可安全、有效地治疗面部皮肤光老化,改善色素斑、皮肤质地等光老化表现,但BBL治疗舒适度优于Lumenis One.     

Protoporphyrin IX formation and photobleaching in different layers of normal human skin: Methyl‐ and hexylaminolevulinate and different light sources

Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used for various skin disorders, and selective targeting of specific skin structures is desirable. The objective was to assess accumulation of PpIX fluorescence and photobleaching within skin layers using different photosensitizers and light sources. Normal human skin was tape‐stripped and incubated with 20% methylaminolevulinate (MAL) or 20% hexylaminolevulinate (HAL) for 3 h. Fluorescence microscopy quantified PpIX accumulation in epidermis, superficial, mid and deep dermis, down to 2 mm. PpIX photobleaching by light‐emitting diode (LED, 632 nm, 18 and 37 J/cm²), intense pulsed light (IPL, 500–650 nm, 36 and 72 J/cm²) and long‐pulsed dye laser (LPDL, 595 nm, 7.5 and 15 J/cm²) was measured using fluorescence photography and microscopy. We found higher PpIX fluorescence intensities in epidermis and superficial dermis in HAL‐incubated skin than MAL‐incubated skin (P < 0.001). In mid and deep dermis, fluorescence intensities were higher (37%) in HAL‐treated skin than MAL‐treated skin, although not significant (P = ns). At skin surface, photobleaching was significantly higher (90–98%) after LED illumination (18 and 37 J/cm²) than IPL (29–53%, 36 and 72 J/cm²) and LPDL (43–62%, 7 and 15 J/cm²) (P < 0.001). Within the skin, photobleaching was steady from epidermis to deep dermis by LED illumination (37 J/cm², P = ns), but declined from epidermis to mid and deep dermis for IPL‐treated skin and LPDL‐treated skin (IPL 72 J/cm²: 26–15%; LPDL 15 J/cm²: 37–23%) (P < 0.04). Clinically, erythema correlated linearly with MAL and HAL‐induced photobleaching (r² = 0.175, P < 0.001). In conclusion, selective PpIX accumulation indicates HAL as an alternative to MAL for epidermal‐targeted PDT. In clinically relevant doses, PpIX photobleaching throughout the skin was more profound following LED than LPDL and IPL exposure.