Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also called photobiomodulation, is an emerging treatment method that is used to address varying health conditions. Its uses lie in the treatment’s ability to stimulate healing, provide relief from pain and inflammation, and restore normal cellular function. LLLT has found relevance in dermatology as well where beneficial effects are reported in the treatment of wrinkles, acne scars, burns, and stretch marks.
How Does LLLT Work?
Mitochondrial chromophores in skin cells are shown to respond well to light and kickstart a series of reactions including ATP (adenosine triphosphate) release, nitric oxide production, increased blood circulation, and enhanced ROS (reactive oxygen species).[1] The right wavelengths of light have also been shown to activate stem cells, resulting in tissue repair, healing, pain relief, and decreased inflammation.[2]
Since medical treatment with LLLT has been found to stimulate a variety of cellular processes, it is increasingly being used in photorejuvenation, a process where light is used to treat wrinkles, acne, burns, or photoaging of the skin.[3] This is mainly because exposure light can enhance the production of collagen, pro-collagen, and fibroblasts.[4]
Why Laser Therapy?
Traditional treatment of skin conditions such as wrinkles, acne scars, burns, and stretch marks involves oral and/or topical medications. These medicines may have long-term or short-term side effects. Ablative surgery is another option but that also poses several complications, not to mention the discomfort and the following long recovery period. Photobiomodulation through Lasers is a non-invasive, largely successful treatment method, without any reported side effects, pain, or discomfort.[5] LLLT is a non-ablative skin remodeling method that is now getting popular among patients and healthcare providers alike.[6] It is also an FDA-cleared treatment method for skin conditions.
LLLT for Wrinkles
Photobiomodulation has been shown to be effective in improving skin laxity and addressing wrinkles.[7] One study investigated the effects of LLLT on facial wrinkles and moisture and reported positive results. Thirty women between the age of 30 to 55 years participated in the study. The results showed a significant reduction of wrinkles, especially around the under-eye area.[8] Another study showed similar results where participants reported enhanced skin tone, fewer wrinkles, and decreased pigmentation after six weeks of LLLT.[9]
LLLT for Acne Scars
LLLT also finds practical application in skin resurfacing and regenerating treatments.[10] The use of Lasers in treating acne and acne scars is an emerging area and significant research is being done to investigate the effects.[11] Studies have found that LLLT can significantly diminish the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that result in acne and acne-prone skin. Another study found that continuous treatment using red light can significantly decrease acne lesions, resulting in reduced appearance of acne scars.[12]
LLLT for Burns
Laser Therapy is shown to have analgesic effects for the treatment of burns.[13] Moreover, as discussed earlier, LLLT has been found effective in skin rejuvenation and cellular regeneration so it is being used to treat burns that affect the organic tissue. Studies have demonstrated that continuous treatments with LLLT resulted in improved local microcirculation and cellular proliferation in burns, resulting in an accelerated healing process.[14] One study showed that LLLT resulted in an increased wound-closure rate in rats with third-degree burns, leading to accelerated healing and a shorter recovery period.[15]
LLLT for Stretch Marks
Striae distensae, (SD), commonly known as stretch marks or striae, are skin lesions with considerable dermatological concern. Rapid weight gain, pregnancy, or growth spurts during puberty can force the skin to stretch in a short period of time, leading to a torn dermis. Lasers have demonstrated significant success in the treatment of SD, as they can target vascular chromospheres in the affected area and stimulate collagen and elastic production.[16] The treatment results in reduction of the marks’ appearance or making them flatter.
Use of LLLT poses greater ease, safety, and efficacy than traditional approaches to treating wrinkles, acne scars, burns, and stretch marks. Having a handy, light, and portable Laser device means having access to skin treatment in the palm of your hand. We at Berman Partners create products that can be used by health care providers and consumers alike. Our FDA-cleared range of Lasers includes customizable products that allow you to choose your desired settings to fit your needs.
Citations
[1] Chung H, Dai T, Sharma SK, Huang YY, Carroll JD, Hamblin MR. The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy. Ann Biomed Eng. 2012 Feb;40(2):516-33. doi: 10.1007/s10439-011-0454-7. Epub 2011 Nov 2. PMID: 22045511; PMCID: PMC3288797.
[2] Gupta A, Avci P, Sadasivam M, Chandran R, Parizotto N, Vecchio D, de Melo WC, Dai T, Chiang LY, Hamblin MR. Shining light on nanotechnology to help repair and regeneration. Biotechnol Adv. 2013 Sep-Oct;31(5):607-31. doi: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2012.08.003. Epub 2012 Aug 21. PMID: 22951919; PMCID: PMC3528806.
[3] Seaton ED, Mouser PE, Charakida A, Alam S, Seldon PM, Chu AC. Investigation of the mechanism of action of nonablative pulsed-dye laser therapy in photorejuvenation and inflammatory acne vulgaris. Br J Dermatol. 2006 Oct;155(4):748-55. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2006.07429.x. Erratum in: Br J Dermatol. 2007 Feb;156(2):409. Seldon, P E [corrected to Seldon, P M]. PMID: 16965424.
[4] Abergel RP, Lyons RF, Castel JC, Dwyer RM, Uitto J. Biostimulation of wound healing by lasers: experimental approaches in animal models and in fibroblast cultures. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1987 Feb;13(2):127-33. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.1987.tb00510.x. PMID: 3805475.
[5] Rayegani SM, Raeissadat SA, Heidari S, Moradi-Joo M. Safety and Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Lasers Med Sci. 2017 Summer;8(Suppl 1):S12-S19. doi: 10.15171/jlms.2017.s3. Epub 2017 Aug 29. PMID: 29071029; PMCID: PMC5642172.
[6] Hardaway CA, Ross EV. Nonablative laser skin remodeling. Dermatol Clin. 2002 Jan;20(1):97-111, ix. doi: 10.1016/s0733-8635(03)00049-4. PMID: 11859598.
[7] Sachdev M, Hameed S, Mysore V. Nonablative lasers and nonlaser systems in dermatology: current status. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2011 May-Jun;77(3):380-8. doi: 10.4103/0378-6323.79733. PMID: 21508587.
[8] Kim HK, Choi JH. Effects of radiofrequency, electroacupuncture, and low-level laser therapy on the wrinkles and moisture content of the forehead, eyes, and cheek. J Phys Ther Sci. 2017 Feb;29(2):290-294. doi: 10.1589/jpts.29.290. Epub 2017 Feb 24. PMID: 28265160; PMCID: PMC5332991.
[9] Kim HK, Min KO, Choi JH, Kim SH. Effects of low-level laser therapy, electroacupuncture, and radiofrequency on the pigmentation and skin tone of adult women. J Phys Ther Sci. 2016 May;28(5):1407-11. doi: 10.1589/jpts.28.1407. Epub 2016 May 31. PMID: 27313340; PMCID: PMC4905879.
[10] Avci P, Gupta A, Sadasivam M, Vecchio D, Pam Z, Pam N, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2013 Mar;32(1):41-52. PMID: 24049929; PMCID: PMC4126803.
[11] Rotunda AM, Bhupathy AR, Rohrer TE. The new age of acne therapy: light, lasers, and radiofrequency. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2004 Dec;6(4):191-200. doi: 10.1080/14764170410008124. PMID: 16020203.
[12] Aziz-Jalali MH, Tabaie SM, Djavid GE. Comparison of Red and Infrared Low-level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris. Indian J Dermatol. 2012 Mar;57(2):128-30. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.94283. PMID: 22615511; PMCID: PMC3352636.
[13] Zupin, L, Ottaviani, G, Rupel, K, et al. Analgesic effect of Photobiomodulation Therapy: An in vitro and in vivo study. J. Biophotonics. 2019; 12:e201900043. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.201900043
[14] Brassolatti P, de Andrade ALM, Bossini PS, Otterço AN, Parizotto NA. Evaluation of the low-level laser therapy application parameters for skin burn treatment in experimental model: a systematic review. Lasers Med Sci. 2018 Jul;33(5):1159-1169. doi: 10.1007/s10103-018-2526-5. Epub 2018 May 5. PMID: 29730821.
[15] Ezzati A, Bayat M, Taheri S, Mohsenifar Z. Low-level laser therapy with pulsed infrared laser accelerates third-degree burn healing process in rats. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2009;46(4):543-54. doi: 10.1682/jrrd.2008.09.0121. PMID: 19882488.
[16] Aldahan, Adam & Shah, Vidhi & Mlacker, Stephanie & Samarkandy, Sahal & Alsaidan, Mohammed & Nouri, Keyvan. (2016). Laser and Light Treatments for Striae Distensae: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 17. 10.1007/s40257-016-0182-8.
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