LED light therapies have been clinically proven to improve a wide range of skin conditions through the biological stimulation of cells in a treatment known as phototherapy. At BU Aesthetics™ in West Kirby, Merseyside, we offer phototherapy treatment sessions with the Dermalux Flex LED, a market-leading LED device. These are either as individual sessions for a boost, treatment programmes as a stand-alone solution, as a pre- or post-treatment option to enhance the results of other treatments, including Skinpen precision micro-needling, dermal fillers, skin boosters, Platelet Rich Plasma therapy, Profhilo, HArmonyCa, or BeautifEYE & Bio Nutri Neck treatments, or in combination with Dermaplane facials.
Unlike ultraviolet or UV light from the sun, which is known to be damaging to our skin if too much is absorbed over time, causing sun damage and skin cancers, there are proven health benefits from the absorption of certain colours or wavelengths of light which can be found within the extensive light spectrum that spans from ultraviolet to infrared.
The wavelengths or colours of LED light present in the Dermalux Flex LED machine are absorbed into different layers of the skin – epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous – and trigger different biological reactions to energise skin cells, making them work better and faster to regenerate and repair and improve skin health. The three different light wavelengths produced by the Dermalux Flex LED – red (633nm), blue (415nm), and near-infrared (830nm) can be applied as follows.
Red light is absorbed into the middle layer of the skin, the dermis. It is used for anti-ageing treatments to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and texture, including elasticity and hydration, reduce any redness or inflammation caused by rosacea, and address sun damage and pigmentation by stimulating the production of new collagen and skin cell turnover. The red light (633nm) can also be used for muscular or joint pain, so please discuss this option during your consultation with Caroline if you have concerns of this kind.
Blue light is superficially absorbed by the skin in the epidermis and is a goal standard, clinical treatment option for those who suffer from acne. This specific wavelength of light, 415nm has been shown to kill the bacteria in the sebaceous glands of the skin responsible for causing acne – known as Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes), and more recently renamed as cutibactrium acnes (C.acnes). The blue light also helps to reduce oil or sebum production in the skin, which the bacteria feed upon. All together, this reduces the incidence of acne breakouts and improves skin clarity by reducing oiliness. The blue light also soothes the irritated skin and is often combined with the other LED light wavelengths to reduce inflammation.
Near-infrared light, which the human eye cannot see, is absorbed more deeply into the skin at the subcutaneous layer to stimulate cellular activity. It is great for wound healing, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, lymphatic drainage, and skin texture. It is useful as an adjunct to other treatments to calm redness and stimulate healing and renewal within the skin. It is also helpful for targeting deeper pigmentation concerns.
All three wavelengths can be combined simultaneously into a Dermalux Tri-Wave treatment, which delivers multi-wavelength sessions depending on your skin concern. We have 7 different single or multi-wavelength treatment modes to choose from and can tailor them to your needs.
The technology is medically CE-certified as a Class IIa medical device across Europe for treating acne, psoriasis, wound healing, and muscular-skeletal pain relief.