There are several light-based treatments available to improve the quality of the aging skin.  There are lasers, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and LED's( light emitting diodes).   The latest form of Phototherapy is called LED Photomodulation.   The primary goal of any of these therapies is to stimulate fibroblasts which produce new collagen.  Lasers typically accomplish this through thermal injury, whether it is heating of the dermis to stimulate fibroblasts or heating blood vessels, referred to as selective photothermolysis.  Intense Pulsed Light(IPL) and Laser treatments are the common modalities used that employ thermal methods.  Although highly effective, there are the thermal issues/discomfort that some individuals are not prepared to take on.  Some lasers, for example,  CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) laser which is a high-power thermal method to resurface facial skin, can require an extended healing time which can last several weeks.  Many individuals do not several weeks to recover and sometimes it may take up to several months to completely heal.  Intense Pulsed Light is broad-spectrum light composed of multiple wavelengths.  A cutoff filter usually is used to restrict the bandwidth to a certain range when IPL is used.  The shorter wavelengths can improve hyperpigmentation and telangiectasias( tiny visible blood vessels).  The longer wavelengths can rejuvenate and stimulate fibroblasts. LED technology uses one or more individual wavelengths of light delivered at a low intensity. Laser and IPL are delivered in short pulses at extremely high power, while LED Photomodulation is delivered in milliwatts, constant and non-thermal. LED Photomodulation has been shown in clinical studies to stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen, improving elasticity, fine lines, epidermal pigmentation, scar tissue, and skin thickness.  The best results are attained with a series of 8-10 treatments and daily use of professional skin care products and daily application of a sunscreen that incorporates titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide. 

Author:  Rita Page, CIDESCO Diplomate, Medical Aesthetician.
www.ProLightAesthetics.com