Skin Health Benefits
Light Energy & Skin
Red and near-infrared light has emerged as an important therapeutic treatment for damaged skin and skin conditions. Clinical studies conclusively establish red and near-infrared light increase collagen production, reduce skin inflammation, accelerate scar healing, enhance skin tone, reduce wrinkles, and treat acne, psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions. [1-3].
INCREASED COLLAGEN
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin, making up 75-80% of skin. Collagen and elastin are responsible for warding off wrinkles and fine lines. Red and near-infrared light increase the production of collagen, which serves the skin's overall health.
INCREASED CELLULAR ENERGY & TISSUE OXYGENATION
Mitochondria are the "power plants" of human cells, capable of using both chemical energy (glucose) and light energy to produce the energy currency known as "ATP". Specifically, scientists have discovered that during the Electron Transport Chain (the chemical chain of events that creates ATP), the 4th and last step of the chain generates additional ATP when exposed to light energy (especially in the form of red an near-infrared light). Additional cellular energy within skin cells enables healthier skin.
Separately, red and near-infrared light break the bond between nitric oxide and cytochrome c oxidase (COX), which increases tissue oxygenation and microcirculation - another known factor for healthy skin.
REFERENCES
The first reference is a general overview of the health benefits of red and near-infrared light. The remaining references detail specific health benefits to skin.