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Photo Rejuvenation
Contents of article:
How does it really work?
What does it actually do?
Benefits ( Indepth)
Frequently Asked Questions
Expectations
Aging Skin
LED Treatment through deep penetrating light.
How does it Really Work?
As you can readily see, photorejuvenation (light therapy) actually heals the skin and supporting tissues. No other treatment you can provide to your clients can have such a beneficial effect.
Photorejuvenation essentially works at the cellular level. Each cell contains a number of power plants, called mitochondria. The function of these power plants is to produce ATP, the form of energy that can be used by the cell to function properly.
LED light is compressed light from the red and infrared spectrum. It reaches the cellular power plants of low-lying cells as well and is absorbed by their collector surfaces as an additional source of energy. The cellular power plants can thus produce more ATP. The cellular energy is the fuel the skin cells strive after and need.
A sufficiently high supply of cellular energy ATP enables our skin cell to work under optimum conditions and is the essential prerequisite to ensure a successful self-healing process.
No other skin care treatment can stimulate the healing process with the efficiency and effectiveness of photorejuvenation.
What does a Light Therapy Photorejuvenation System actually do?
1. Increases circulation by increasing the formation of new capillaries, which are additional blood vessels that replace damaged ones. New capillaries speed up the healing process by carrying more oxygen as well as more nutrients needed for healing and they can also carry more waste products away.
2. Stimulates the production of collagen. Collagen is a major component of the connective tissue in the skin that creates strength and flexibility. Over time, the collagen levels in our skin decrease, causing wrinkles to form. External factors such as sun damage and smoking can also accelerate this process. Collagen is the essential protein used to repair damaged tissue and to replace old tissue. It is the substance that holds cells together and has a high degree of elasticity. By increasing collagen production less scar tissue is formed in damaged tissue.
3. Increases RNA and DNA synthesis. This helps damaged cells to be replaced more promptly.
4. Stimulates fibroblastic activity, which aids in the tissue repair process. Fibroblasts are present in connective tissue and are capable of forming collagen fibers.
5. Stimulates tissue granulation and connective tissue projections, which are part of the healing process of wounds, ulcers or inflamed tissue.
6. Stimulates the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the major carrier of energy to all cells. Increases in ATP allow cells to accept nutrients faster and get rid of waste products faster by increasing the energy level in the cell. All food turns into ATP before the cells utilize it. ATP provides the chemical energy that drives the chemical reaction of the cell. Intense light therapy acts as a "photon supplement" to the cells. It allows cells to bypass the normal digestive and respiratory process to acquire energy for repair and the production of life enhancing enzymes.
7. Increases lymphatic system activity. A large number of lymphatic channels lie directly beneath the skin, and play a significant role in maintaining health and beauty of the complexion. Edema, which is the swelling or natural splinting process of the body, has two basic components. The first is a liquid, which can be evacuated by the blood system, and the second is comprised of proteins, which have to be evacuated by the lymphatic system. Research has shown that the lymph vessel diameter and the flow of the lymph system can be doubled with the use of intense light therapy. The venous diameter and the arterial diameters are also increased. This means that both parts of edema (liquid and protein) can be evacuated at a much faster rate. Lymphatic drainage helps the lymphatic system function more efficiently by facilitating toxin removal and improving skin circulation. The result: healthier, glowing skin and a more beautiful complexion.
8. Relieves pain. The photons of light energy enter the body as negative ions. This calls upon the body to send positive ions like calcium among others to go to the area being treated. These ions assist in firing the nerves thereby relieving pain. Light therapy is successfully used in pain therapy, dermatology and rheumatology with excellent therapeutic effects in the treatment of shoulder humerus periarthritis, tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. (FDA approval)
9. Stimulates acetylcholine release, which regulates parasympathetic effects such as resting respiration rate, heart beat, digestive processes and vascular tissue dilation.
10. Increases phagocytosis, which is the process of scavenging for and ingesting dead or degenerated cells by phagocyte cells for the purpose of clean up. This is an important part of the infection fighting process. Destruction of the infection and clean up must occur before the healing process can take place.
11. Induces a thermal like effect in the tissue even though there is little heat produced by the LEDs themselves. The light raises the temperature of the tissue, which can kill or disable temperature sensitive bacteria and viruses.
Benefits
Photorejuvenation has numerous client benefits. Some of these benefits are unattainable through any alternative treatment regimens. The benefits to the skin include:
· Increased radiance (the "Photorejuvenation Glow")
· Firms skin (lifts aged and tired skin)
· More consistent skin coloration and complexion
· Increases moisture retention
· Increases circulation (due to the increased formation of new capillaries)
· Promotes collagen production for plumper, more youthful looking skin
· Increases oxygenation and restoration of skin's natural cellular activity, which keeps skin renewed and fresh
· Increases lymphatic system drainage which detoxifies the skin tissue for the healthy look and feel of young skin
· Reduces inflammation in skin conditions such as acne
· May reduce sebum by normalizing the skin thereby helping control acne breakouts
The healing power of infrared light therapy also decreases skin flaws:
· Acne
· Psoriasis and eczema
· Herpes sores
· Blemishes
· Age spots and photo hyperpigmentation
· Skin redness, including Rosacea
· Fine lines due to sun damage
· Perinocular wrinkles
· Enlarged pores
· Coarse skin
· Mottled complexion
· Skin laxity
In addition to these benefits, there are other benefits from photorejuvenation that are not mentioned above and are important to many clients.
Photorejuvenation effects last for 30 to 90 days. A 30-minute maintenance treatment is all that is needed following the initial series of treatments. The exact amount of time between maintenance treatments depends on the quality of skin.
Photorejuvenation has no reported side effects. This does not mean, however, that it can be used indiscriminately with other products that may themselves cause side effects. This means that you must make certain that products you are using on your clients are safe and non-allergic. Many skin care specialists with experience in Photorejuvenation believe that the application of light actually makes other products more effective. Studies show that photorejuvenation increases the uptake and penetration of products.
Photorejuvenation is pain free. This is an attractive bonus in attracting clients who fear microdermabrasion, collagen injections, Botox, or laser resurfacing due to pain. Some clients may experience brief warmth or "glow" following treatment.
Photorejuvenation has no downtime. You clients can put their make-up on immediately after treatments. They can go in the sun and in water.
Photorejuvenation has the broadest range of application. You can treat Acneic clients on Accutane or Rentin-A, as well as treat other skin conditions not manageable with microdermabrasion or chemical peels.
Combination of treatments. You may combine photorejuvenation with microdermabrasion, peels, products, etc. It will only enhance the benefits of these other treatments.
The cost of treatments. The spa photorejuvenation treatment can equal the benefits of similar treatments using laser IPL but at less than ½ the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Photorejuvenation Therapy?
A Photorejuvenation light therapy facial is a skin treatment method using specific wavelengths of natural red and infrared light energy to restore skin's normal activity.
How does it work?
The red and infrared light stimulates the human skin at the cellular level to increase the cellular level of activity. This, in turn, stimulates the body to build new capillaries and improve the lymphatic system, which are both essential to creating improved skin. The result is a younger, more healthy looking skin.
Are there any adverse effects from this treatment?
No. This treatment has no adverse effects and is completely safe. It is a FDA approved therapy.
Is the Light Therapy process abrasive or painful? How does it feel?
A Light Therapy treatment is a gentle, painless, safe, non-invasive and non-abrasive treatment. You will find it relaxing and easy. It brings forth remarkable results.
How is the treatment administered?
A trained skin care specialist will follow a step-by-step treatment technique with specific lights covering skin areas to be treated. You will experience a feeling of relaxation, light warmth and well being.
What is the length of time for the treatment?
The treatment itself takes about 30 minutes. It requires make-up removal and your skin care specialist may add specialized products. This could add to the actual service time.
Will all treatments take 30 minutes?
No. After the original series, localized treatments of 20 to 30 minutes can be administered as part of any professional skin care treatment. Your skin care specialist will explain the appropriate use of Light Therapy for your individual needs.
Do I need maintenance treatments?
Yes. Maintenance treatments are important in order to maintain your visible results. Usually, a once a month treatment is recommended, unless otherwise determined by your skin care specialist.
How soon can I expect to see noticeable results?
The skin looks different after the first treatment: smoother and more hydrated with a natural radiant glow.
Does the skin feel different?
Because the results commence from within the skin, the skin feels active, more alive, plump, smoother, and tighter.
Is the Photorejuvenation system (light therapy facial) a good complement to other skin care treatments?
Yes. As other skin care treatments beautify the skin's surface, the Light Therapy treatment strengthens and rejuvenates tissue from within. Together, these treatments can deliver remarkable inner and outer results.
Is the Photorejuvenation treatment for everyone?
While almost everyone can benefit from the use of light therapy, these treatments will have the greatest impact on skin with sluggish metabolism and slow cellular activity showing visible aging signs. Individuals taking steroid or cortisone injections, who are pregnant, or have epilepsy should not use Light Therapy.
How long can I expect my results to last?
To enjoy lasting and cumulative results, maintenance treatments and an effective home skin care regimen are very important determining factors.
Can I put my makeup back on immediately?
Yes, there is no downtime with Light Therapy.
Can I go out in the sun and will this treatment remove my tan?
Yes, you can go in the sun immediately and no, it will not affect your tan. Again, there is no downtime.
Can I undergo Acne treatment with Retin-A or Accutane while using Light Therapy?
Yes, Light Therapy has a calming effect on the skin and will not react with Acne treatments.
Can I undergo microdermabrasion while treating with Light Therapy?
Yes, Light Therapy will actually calm the after effects of abrasion or chemical peels.
Expectations
Photorejuvenation, as you know by now, is simply a method of stimulating the human body's own healing response. It is a holistic, completely natural treatment. Other than single wave lengths of natural light, it adds nothing to the skin nor does it ablate or exfoliate. By stimulating the cells in and beneath the skin, photorejuvenation corrects many of the skin conditions we would rather do without. But it is not a magic wand. The body takes time to heal and so it is with this process.
Photorejuvenation is a gentle and natural treatment that is effective but takes approximately 4 to 6 treatments and 12 to 16 weeks to achieve maximum benefit. On the benefit side, however, the treatments cost significantly less than those obtained in the physician's office. It's important to note that physician IPL (light therapy) treatments take just as long to obtain results as do the spa treatments.
Unlike some skin treatment, the results of a treatment session may not be plainly visible for hours or days. You must also explain that with continued stimulation, the body will achieve a maximum benefit that can be readily maintained with occasional treatments. A typical pattern of result would look something like this:
1st Treatment: Within minutes, hours, or days the skin should look and feel smoother. There may be a reduced pore size and skin color should smooth out. In cases with rosacea, the redness should begin to fade quickly, sometimes actually during the treatment itself. These effects should continue up to the next treatment. The actual results you and your clients see will depend on the quality of skin with which you are working.
2nd Treatment: You should note a continuation of improved skin tone as in treatment one. You may begin to see fine lines filling in and perhaps areas of hyperpigmentation will begin to break up. All clients should be showing results by now.
3rd Treatment: You should see improvement in all the areas mentioned above and further break up of hyperpigmentation.
4th Treatment: All of above plus a smoothing of larger lines and wrinkles.
5th Treatment: All as above.
6th Treatment: This should be the final treatment in the initial series. This probably represents the best you can get with photorejuvenation. Some additional improvement may be seen in older clients or in areas of hyperpigmentation and in filling lines and wrinkles. It takes time for the tissues to produce collagen and these results may not be fully seen for 12 to 16 weeks.
This is important. Photorejuvenation will stimulate the production of collagen. How quickly this occurs depends on age and the quality of skin. Some skin conditions that you and your client seek to alleviate may require collagen. These would include lines, wrinkles, scarring, etc. This is where your skill in coaching your client will prove helpful.
Photorejuvenation treatment tends to work best on clients within the age range of 30 to 55. This does not mean that it cannot be used successfully on younger or older clients, but only that the expectations might be different. Skin in different people of differing ages responds in different ways. Some will respond relatively quickly and some more slowly. Unfortunately, there are a few who will not respond at all. In other words, their body and cells will not respond to the light energy imparted by photorejuvenation treatment.
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE TREATMENT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE ITS WORKING
Aging Skin
Premature Aging has a negative impact on careers, social life and your self image. Understanding the structure and function of the skin helped LED Technologies, LLC in the development of products that reduce the appearance of visible signs of facial aging.
 As we get older components of our skin - collagen and elastin - degenerate setting the stage for the appearance of wrinkles, creases, folds, and furrows. The breakdown of these components, accelerated by sun exposure and gravity, result in sagging skin. Skin is easily damaged, by external factors such as sunlight, pollution, harsh soaps and chemicals and by internal causes such as cigarette smoke and diet. Source: The National Institute on Aging.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), with aging all skin cells begin to produce excess amounts of free radicals - unstable oxygen molecules - that, under ideal circumstances, are removed by naturally occurring antioxidants within the skin's cells. In aging skin cells, antioxidants are in short supply. The free radicals generated are left unchecked and cause damage to cell membranes, proteins, and DNA. These free radicals eventually break down a protein substance in connective tissue (COLLAGEN) and release chemicals that cause inflammation in the skin. It is a combination of these cellular and molecular events that leads to skin aging and the formation of wrinkles.
Considerable research has been done to understand the aging process and studies now show that products containing or producing bioactive effects (those that interact with living tissues or systems) can benefit sun-damaged, discolored, and aging skin. The effects of the red and infrared light from are giving people new choices for restoring their overall appearance.
LED Treatments - Through Deep Penetrating Light
Laboratory studies have shown that skin cells grow 150-200 percent faster when exposed to certain LED light wavelengths. Independent research for over 40 years has shown LED red and infrared light delivers powerful therapeutic benefits to living tissue. Both visible red and infrared light has been shown to affect at least 24 different positive changes at a deep level. Visible red light, at wavelengths from 630-660 nanometers, penetrates tissue to a depth of 8-10 mm. LED light is very beneficial in treating problems close to the skins surface such as wounds, cuts, and scars. Skin layers, because of their high blood and water content, absorb red light very readily and deliver enough energy to stimulate a response from the body to heal itself.
LED Photons must be absorbed to produce a biological response. All biological systems have a unique absorption spectrum, this uniqueness determines which wavelengths of light will be absorbed to produce a given therapeutic effect. The visible red and infrared portions of the spectrum have been shown to be highly absorbent and produce unique restorative effects in living tissues. It is thought that light photons are absorbed by the skin and underlying tissue and triggers biological changes within the body in a process know as photobiomodulation. Although the exact mechanism of action is still undergoing study, what is know is that monochromatic light increases oxygen and blood flow, facilitating wound healing.
 LED therapy is a non-invasive procedure that activates skin cells with pulses of low-level, non-thermal light energy. LED therapy converts light energy within the skin cells, like photosynthesis, which takes sunlight and converts it into food energy in plants.
LED therapy is one of the few non-invasive tools available that can reverse the appearance of aging skin, such as wrinkles and mottled skin tone.
The LED skin light provides a proprietary lightwave design that penetrates deep into the skin to erase the appearance of aging - fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and crow's feet.
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