People want to look good and they’re willing to spend money on aesthetic treatments to treat conditions like sun damage, wounds, and acne. According to reports, Australians spend around $1 billion on cosmetic treatments per year. This is 40 percent more than what Americans spend, making Australia one of the best markets for aesthetic products and services. (Source) In particular, the non-invasive aesthetic market is expected to be worth $9.9 billion by 2026. (Source) Data shows that people are increasingly opting for non-invasive aesthetic treatments due to their convenience – zero downtime and no trauma to the skin. Given the trend and demand, investing in a professional LED light therapy machine and offering phototherapy services can be a great idea for aesthetic practitioners.
LED light therapy (or phototherapy) involves using an LED light therapy machine to emit particular wavelengths of LED light to the skin.
These targeted wavelengths of light are delivered into the dermis in a specific layer of the skin where the source of inflammation resides.Â
Phototherapy dates back to over 3,500 years ago. However, Niels Ryberg Finsen (1860-1904) is credited for the introduction of modern phototherapy in dermatology. He used artificial light to treat lupus vulgaris, a skin condition. The success of the procedure gave a boost to the industry and phototherapy started to get more popular.
Our bodies experience increased oxidative stress as we age due to environmental stressors such as UV radiation, pollution, and lifestyle factors. The result is that our mitochondria becomes damaged, producing increased amounts of reactive oxygen species which can impair skin structure and function.
Light at specific wavelengths affects the body in different ways.
For example, blue light 415nm is used to target oil glands since it is clinically proven to have an antimicrobial effect. In particular, it is known to kill the bacteria that causes acne breakouts (also known as Propionibacterium acnes or P acnes). It also helps condition the skin and makes it look younger. It is well-tolerated by all Fitzpatrick skin types in varying doses and exposure.
Red light therapy (in particular the clinically proven 633nm wavelength) is used to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis. Known for its anti-inflammatory capabilities, red light is readily absorbed by the chromophores of the cell’s mitochondria. This activates the cell’s metabolic processes, boosting ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, leading to increased cell proliferation.Â
As we age, levels of ATP in our skin decline, creating an energy deficiency.Â
By the time we reach the age of 60, our ATP levels have reduced to 50%. Production of ATP slows down and our cells no longer perform at their full potential. The result is lower levels of collagen and elastin synthesis, and a negative effect on our skin’s appearance. Skin appears lax and loses its ability to remain firm.Â
Red light therapy is useful in promoting the body’s natural healing processes and helping to reduce inflammation. It helps significantly improve cell metabolism, allowing skin cells to repair and regenerate at a much higher rate than normal. Photon energy stimulates the skin’s fibroblasts to increase production of collagen and elastin, helping fill wrinkles and reduce sagging. In addition, it boosts supply of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, enabling natural antioxidants to fight off free radicals and reduce inflammation.
It is also helpful in getting rid of acne scars and has been proven to be beneficial in cases where acne is caused by a chronic skin condition.Â
830nm near infrared light on the other hand offers the deepest penetration into tissue. It reaches deep below the skin into the tissue, bone, joints, and organs, thus allowing for effective treatment of deep injuries and even stimulates brain health. (Source) It also promotes collagen and elastin synthesis and is known for its anti-ageing and wound healing effects. Thus, it is routinely used as a post-procedure adjunct to other therapies.
The process begins when photons of a specific wavelength are emitted from an LED light therapy machine and penetrate into the skin. This gets absorbed by receptors in the cells causing excitation of an electron and initiating a signalling cascade.Â
This process improves cellular performance and encourages the body to produce more collagen, fibroblasts, and elastin.Â
These naturally found structural proteins and cells have an important role in keeping the skin looking young and fresh.Â
The increased production of these compounds reduces the thinning of the skin and slows down the appearance of wrinkles.
LED light therapy is great as both a standalone and combination treatment.
Not only is phototherapy useful for speeding up the healing process post-procedure, but it can also be used pre-treatment to supercharge your client’s skin cells to enhance their results and minimise risk of adverse responses from other procedures.
Offering LED therapy can help clinics reach a wider audience and quickly boost their revenue.
Also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy, phototherapy is painless, non-invasive, suitable for all skin types, and requires no rest or recovery time.
One LED light facial treatment can take a mere 15 minutes to complete when using a high quality medical LED light therapy machine. And it is backed by a litany of studies to prove clinical efficacy. For example, a 2018 study found that LED treatment can improve the healing of severe skin burns. (Source)
Given its versatility as a treatment modality, it offers incredible return-on-investment (ROI) for practice owners when used and marketed correctly.Â
Not all LED therapy machines are created equal.Â
For example, there can be vast differences in light output due to the differences in quality of the individual components of the machine.Â
The following parameters should be key considerations when choosing the right LED therapy machine for your practice:Â
- Wavelength
- Energy output (irradiance)
- Treatment coverage area
- Uniformity of distribution
- Cooling
- Depth of experience of the manufacturer
As mentioned earlier, the emitted LED wavelengths (measured in nm) will dictate what indications you’ll be able to treat.Â
The power output (or more accurately the irradiance or light intensity) of the device on the other hand determines how quickly you’ll be able to treat those indications.Â
It is important to note that LED wattage is not an indicator of the actual light output. An LED panel may consume twice the power of another panel yet emit only a fraction of the light output.Â
Then too, it is crucial to consider how well the LED is applied in practice. You’ll want an LED machine that provides even energy distribution to ensure optimal energy delivery for enhanced clinical outcomes.Â
The Aesthetic Bureau can help you pick the right machine to promote your services.
Our flagship Xen LED is one of the best options for clinics and aesthetic practice owners. It uses third generation chip-on-board LED technology to deliver optimal energy distribution and output to ensure desired therapeutic outcomes.
Whereas other systems on the market today are based on 20 year old technology, causing limitations and inefficiencies in the intensities produced, the Xen LED eliminates problems of excessive heat generation and is the most powerful system on the market (based on independent measurements).
Its 10,500 COB LEDs deliver 3 clinically proven wavelengths in one head at concentrated and therapeutic doses. In addition, its construction allows it to treat large surface areas anywhere on the body.
Those wanting to offer full body coverage treatments may opt for the Total Xen red light therapy machine. Besides boosting collagen in the skin and reducing the signs of ageing, it can offer the following benefits:
- Increase blood circulation
- Strengthen the immune system
- Speed the healing processÂ
- Pain reduction
- Correct the circadian rhythm
- Reduce inflammation
- Enhance performance and recovery
- Improve mental acuity
Studies have shown full body PBM benefits inflammatory conditions, neuropathic pain, neuromuscular pain and ischemic conditions, and even challenging conditions typically associated with poor outcomes such as chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.
And photobiomodulation has been making waves not just in the wellness sector but also in the dental realm, with growing evidence highlighting its efficacy on a plethora of oral pathologies, and its benefits for orthodontic procedures and orofacial pain syndromes. From enhancing tooth movement and osseointegration of implants to alleviating TMJ Dysfunction and Trigeminal Neuralgia, the scope of PBM is truly groundbreaking.
There are over 4,000 published laboratory studies, 400 successful randomised double blind controlled clinical trials, and 13 systematic reviews providing evidence of the benefits.
Science is in favour of the technique. All of these claims are backed up by thousands of clinical trials.
While the Total Xen LED machine may resemble the medically denounced tanning bed, its wavelengths do not contain any harmful UV rays. It has an excellent safety profile and is suitable for regular use with no long-term side effects.Â
If however you prefer having more LED light facial treatment options, the Pearl Xen LED mask offers 4 different wavelengths (with an additional green 520nm) and 6 pre-programmed skin care treatment applications. It is an affordable means to get started with LED light therapy. Furthermore, it is portable and easy to use, and helps to overcome space constraint issues in smaller clinics.
The Aesthetic Bureau is an ISO 13485:2016 accredited medical device manufacturer in Australia. Our medical IPL and LED machines are included in the Australian Therapeautic Goods Administration. These certifications essentially govern all of The Aesthetic Bureau’s processes and ensure that we are compliant with medical regulations, and demonstrates the quality and safety of our devices.
To find out more about LED light therapy machines for sale in Australia, call us on 1300 858 711 or click on the button below.
