How Does Omnilux Light Therapy Work?

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The combination of light emitted at different wavelengths is absorbed by chromophores. There are molecules within the body which are capable of accepting/absorbing or scattering light for example Melanin, Haemoglobin and Cytochrome-c are chromophores. The reaction with light and chromophores can result with;

• Collagen synthesis and the formation of cells (myoblast) that can form small fibers of muscle. Hence tightens/strengthens the skin
• Increased survival of fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen) during nutritional stress/damage
• Reduction in collagenases and metalloproteinases that break down collagen
• Stimulation of mitochondria which are the power or energy generators within cells, via cytochrome c activation, this may result with increased energy production and/or prevention of cell death (apoptosis).
• Reduction of oxidative stress (reduction in the numbers of free radicles and oxidants that damage cells)
• Reduction of the water component of a substance covering the elastin (skin protein, providing elasticity). This restores the elastic properties of elastin and hence tightens the slackened wrinkled areas of the skin 
• Stimulation of DNA/RNA synthesis, therefore increases cell numbers
• Vasodilation and may therefore increase blood flow through vessels close to the skins surface. A study in 2012 found LED devices useful in promoting vessel dilation during heart by-pass procedures
• Increased serotonin levels (low serotonin is linked to mood disorders and depression) and suppression of  melatonin (regulates hormones and sleep-wake cycles)
• Targeting of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) that accumulates often in skin cells within lesions of psoriasis, actinic keratosis (AK) and some other cancerous cell types. Light therapy targeting of PpIX accumulation destroys the cells containing the accumulated PpIX

What Are the Advantages of Omnilux Light Therapy Compared to Other Light Therapy or Rejuvenating Treatments?

Coloured light therapy can be used in several ways to treat a wide range of problems. Coloured light therapy such as those using LED lamps to emit the coloured light are used in conjunction with the application of a medicine (a topical cream) applied to the skin. This is called photodynamic therapy or PDT. PDT is used to treat:

erythroplasia (red lesion on mucosal surfaces)

lichen sclerosis (itchy sore genital skin)

warts

alopecia areata (patches of hair loss)

extramammary Paget disease (cancerous areas of skin around glands)

epidermodysplasia verruciformis (rare disease results with areas of rough raised skin, appearing like warts)

lichen planus (itchy rash, that may be reddened scaly or lumpy)

PDT therapy has advantages over laser therapy treatment because it is cheaper, the lamps are portable, it is less painful and recovery time much quicker. In fact laser ablation, IPL, UV and PDT treatments are all reportedly painful.

Skin resurfacing (or ablation) using laser therapies involve removing the outer layers of the skin’s surface (the epidermis) using medical lasers. These lasers emit a narrow spectrum of light only at a single range such as red or infra-red light ranges. This improves acne scarring, photo rejuvenation (by removing deep wrinkles), skin colour and tightness of your skin. However this isn’t reported to be painless and may also remove some of dermis (deeper layers of skin), cause thermal damage (burns) from the heat of the laser all of which can cause scarring, infection and changes in pigmentation. Laser treatment can also have a long recovery time, for example superficial healing takes at least 5-6 days and can take up to 14 days.

IPL is basically the same as a laser except a broad spectrum light (not narrow spectrum of specific colour) is focused so that it is of higher energy or intensity and also gives off heat. This intense focused supply of light is fired quickly in short blasts at the skin to be treated. IPL treatment for telangiectasias (small blood vessels at skin surface) and dyschromias (skin discolouration) may be equally effective as laser therapy. IPL is also used to remove tattoos and hair. However the result is dependent on skin type and unwanted pigmentation (hypo or hyperpigmentation), scarring, burning, swelling along with pain, can occur as side effects.

Dermabrasion is clinically proven to improve the appearance of skin blemished by acne, acne scarring and photoaging. The technique physically removes the epithelial layer of skin similarly to laser ablation except a small hand held rotary device is used to physical scape away the skin. Healing can take up to 12 weeks. When the epithelial skin layer regrows it contains increased levels of collagen which promotes skin elasticity and tightness, reducing the appearance for wrinkles and sagging.  Again this procedure is reported to be painful, having a relatively long recovery time and may have side effects such as scarring, hyper-pigmentation (darker areas) and infection. Chemical peels are very similar to dermabrasion except an acidic solution is applied to the skin to remove the outer layer of the skin. It can have all the benefits and side effects associated with dermabrasion.

UV light therapy also has dangerous side effects such as it can increase your risk of developing skin cancer, developing cataracts and photoaging. None of the above side effects occur when using LED light therapy to treat you if you are otherwise healthy. LED therapy may also have other advantages like simultaneously improving mood and sleeping patterns.

Does Omnilux Light Therapy Hurt?

It is completely painless and treatment consists of placing the lamp over the skin. The lamp doesn’t come into direct contract with the skin and there is no significant heat output.

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